Wearable electronic device and method for operating same

Abstract

A wearable electronic device according to one embodiment may comprise: a display; a microphone; a speaker; at least one processor including a processing circuit; and a memory storing instructions. The instructions, when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, may cause the wearable electronic device to acquire sound through the microphone while the wearable electronic device is being worn by a user. The instructions, when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, may further cause the wearable electronic device to determine whether the sound acquired through the microphone satisfies a condition for at least partially blocking sound acquired by the wearable electronic device from a real space surrounding the wearable electronic device. The instructions, when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, may cause the wearable electronic device to set, on the basis of the acquired sound satisfying the condition, an area in the real space corresponding to a direction from which the sound is acquired as a blocking area. The instructions, when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, may cause the wearable electronic device to display, through the display, an indicator representing the blocking area on the basis of a location of the wearable electronic device. The instructions, when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, may further cause the wearable electronic device to at least partially block sound acquired from a direction corresponding to the blocking area.

Description

Wearable electronic device and method of operation thereof

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wearable electronic device and a method of operating the same.

[0002] The variety of services and additional features offered through wearable electronic devices, such as augmented reality glasses (AR glasses), virtual reality glasses (VR glasses), and head-mounted displays (HMDs), is steadily increasing. To enhance the utility of these wearable electronic devices and satisfy the needs of diverse users, telecommunications service providers and wearable electronic device manufacturers are competitively developing wearable electronic devices to offer a variety of features and differentiate themselves from competitors. Consequently, the various functions offered through wearable electronic devices are also becoming increasingly sophisticated.

[0003] 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.

[0004] Wearable electronic devices can enable a user wearing the wearable electronic device (hereinafter referred to as a "user") to perform various tasks. For example, a user can perform document-related tasks using the wearable electronic device.

[0005] A user may desire to immerse himself in a task while performing a task using a wearable electronic device. However, the user may be in a situation where he or she must perform the task using the wearable electronic device in an environment where it is difficult to immerse himself or herself in the task (e.g., a place with a high noise level or an environment with a distracting user environment). In such cases, the user may desire to block out areas of visual and auditory noise to immerse himself or herself in the task using the wearable electronic device. For example, the user may desire to block out noise from the surrounding environment and obscure areas of noise to immerse himself or herself in the task using the wearable electronic device.

[0006] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a wearable electronic device and a method of operating the same, which can provide an environment in which a user can concentrate on a task using the wearable electronic device by blocking the direction in which noise is generated and / or the area in which noise is generated.

[0007] A wearable electronic device according to one embodiment may include a display, a microphone, a speaker, at least one processor including a processing circuit, and a memory storing instructions. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the wearable electronic device to acquire sound through the microphone while the wearable electronic device is worn by a user. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the wearable electronic device to determine whether a sound acquired through the microphone satisfies a condition for at least partially blocking a sound acquired by the wearable electronic device in a real space around the wearable electronic device. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the wearable electronic device to set an area in the real space corresponding to a direction from which the sound is acquired as a blocking area based on whether the acquired sound satisfies the condition. The above commands, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the wearable electronic device to display an indicator indicating the blocking area based on a location of the wearable electronic device through the display. The above commands, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the wearable electronic device to block at least some of a sound acquired in a direction corresponding to the blocking area.

[0008] According to one embodiment, a method may include an operation of acquiring sound through a microphone of a wearable electronic device while the wearable electronic device is worn by a user. The method may include an operation of determining whether the acquired sound satisfies a condition for at least partially blocking a sound acquired from the wearable electronic device in a real space around the wearable electronic device. The method may include an operation of setting an area in the real space corresponding to a direction in which the sound is acquired as a blocking area based on whether the sound acquired through the microphone satisfies the condition. The method may include an operation of displaying an indicator indicating the blocking area based on a position of the wearable electronic device through a display of the wearable electronic device. The method may include an operation of at least partially blocking a sound acquired in a direction corresponding to the blocking area.

[0009] In one embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having recorded thereon computer-executable instructions, wherein the computer-executable instructions, when individually or collectively executed by at least one processor, cause a wearable electronic device to acquire sound through a microphone of the wearable electronic device while the wearable electronic device is worn by a user. The computer-executable instructions, when individually or collectively executed by at least one processor, cause the wearable electronic device to determine whether a sound acquired through the microphone satisfies a condition for at least partially blocking a sound acquired by the wearable electronic device in a real space around the wearable electronic device. The computer-executable instructions, when individually or collectively executed by at least one processor, cause the wearable electronic device to set an area in the real space corresponding to a direction from which the sound is acquired as a blocking area, based on whether the acquired sound satisfies the condition. The computer-executable instructions, when executed individually or collectively by at least one processor, may cause the wearable electronic device to display an indicator indicating the blocking area based on a location of the wearable electronic device through a display of the wearable electronic device. The computer-executable instructions, when executed individually or collectively by at least one processor, may cause the wearable electronic device to block at least some of a sound acquired in a direction corresponding to the blocking area.

[0010] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments;

[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary electronic device according to various embodiments;

[0013] FIG. 3A is a perspective view illustrating a front view of an exemplary wearable electronic device according to various embodiments;

[0014] FIG. 3B is a perspective view illustrating a rear view of an exemplary wearable electronic device according to various embodiments;

[0015] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a wearable electronic device according to various embodiments;

[0016] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary operations of a wearable electronic device according to various embodiments;

[0017] FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating sound blocking conditions according to various embodiments;

[0018] FIG. 6b is a diagram illustrating sound blocking conditions according to various embodiments;

[0019] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary method for setting a blocking area according to various embodiments;

[0020] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary method for setting a blocking area according to various embodiments;

[0021] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary method for setting a blocking area according to various embodiments;

[0022] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary method for setting a blocking area according to various embodiments;

[0023] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary method for setting a blocking area according to various embodiments;

[0024] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary method of setting a blocking area according to various embodiments;

[0025] FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating an exemplary method of displaying an indicator indicating a blocking area according to various embodiments;

[0026] FIG. 14 is a drawing illustrating an exemplary method of displaying an indicator indicating a blocking area according to various embodiments;

[0027] FIG. 15 is a drawing illustrating an exemplary method of displaying an indicator indicating a blocking area according to various embodiments;

[0028] FIG. 16 is a drawing illustrating an exemplary method of blocking at least some sound coming from a direction corresponding to a blocking area using an external acoustic device according to various embodiments;

[0029] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary method for setting the transparency of an indicator representing a blocking area based on a sound level and / or a sound blocking level, according to various embodiments;

[0030] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary method for blocking at least some of a sound obtained in a direction corresponding to a blocking area, according to various embodiments;

[0031] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary operation of outputting spatial sound according to various embodiments; and

[0032] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary operation of amplifying and outputting a sound obtained from a space designated by a user according to various embodiments.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary electronic device (101) within a network environment (100), according to various embodiments.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment (100), an electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of an electronic device (104) or a server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

[0035] The processor (120) may include various processing circuits and / or multiple processors. For example, as used herein, including in the claims, the term "processor" may include various processing circuits including at least one processor, wherein one or more of the at least one processor may be configured to individually and / or collectively perform the various functions described herein in a distributed manner. When "processor," "at least one processor," and "one or more processors" are described herein as being configured to perform a number of functions, these terms include, for example, without limitation, situations where one processor performs some of the described functions and other processor(s) perform other parts of the described functions, and situations where one processor may perform all of the described functions. Furthermore, the at least one processor may include a combination of processors that perform the various described / disclosed functions, for example, in a distributed manner. The at least one processor may execute program instructions to achieve or perform the various functions. The processor (120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store result data in a non-volatile memory (134).According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together with the main processor (121). For example, when the electronic device (101) includes the main processor (121) and the auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0036] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (160), a sensor module (176), or a communication module (190)) of the electronic device (101), for example, on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.

[0037] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0038] The program (140) may be stored as software in the memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0039] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The input module (150) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0040] The audio output module (155) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output module (155) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. In one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0041] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. In one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

[0042] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150), output sound through the sound output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

[0043] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0044] The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). In one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0045] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0046] A haptic module (179) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. In one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0047] The camera module (180) can capture still images and videos. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0048] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented, for example, as at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0049] A battery (189) may power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0050] The communication module (190) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can verify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0051] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) can support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

[0052] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. In some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

[0053] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high frequency band.

[0054] At least some of the above components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)).

[0055] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102 or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included in the second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0056] Electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, home appliances, and the like. Electronic devices according to the embodiments of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0057] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0058] The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented with hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0059] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (136) or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)) 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.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between sellers and buyers as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or may be provided through an application store (e.g., Play Store). TM ) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones), online distribution (e.g., downloading or uploading). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily created in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0061] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. 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.

[0062] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating an exemplary electronic device (201) according to various embodiments.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, an electronic device (201) (e.g., electronic device (101)) may include one or more first cameras (211-1, 211-2), one or more second cameras (212-1, 212-2), and one or more third cameras (213). In one embodiment, images acquired through the one or more first cameras (211-1, 211-2) may be used for detecting hand gestures by a user, tracking the user's head, and / or recognizing space. In one embodiment, the one or more first cameras (211-1, 211-2) may be GS (Global shutter) cameras.

[0064] In one embodiment, one or more first cameras (211-1, 211-2) can perform simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) operations using depth imaging. In one embodiment, one or more first cameras (211-1, 211-2) can perform spatial recognition for six degrees of freedom (6DoF).

[0065] In one embodiment, images acquired through one or more second cameras (212-1, 212-2) may be used to detect and track the user's pupils. In one embodiment, one or more second cameras (212-1, 212-2) may be GS cameras. In one embodiment, one or more second cameras (212-1, 212-2) may correspond to the left and right eyes, respectively, and the performance of one or more second cameras (212-1, 212-2) may be identical.

[0066] In one embodiment, one or more of the third cameras (213) may be high-resolution cameras. In one embodiment, one or more of the third cameras (213) may perform auto-focusing (AF) and shake correction functions. In one embodiment, one or more of the third cameras (213) may be GS cameras or RS (rolling shutter) cameras.

[0067] In one embodiment, the electronic device (201) may include one or more light-emitting elements (214-1, 214-2). In one embodiment, the light-emitting elements (214-1, 214-2) may be different from a light source, which will be described later, that radiates light to a screen output area of ​​a display. In one embodiment, the light-emitting elements (214-1, 214-2) may radiate light to facilitate pupil detection when detecting and tracking a user's pupil through one or more second cameras (212-1, 212-2).

[0068] In one embodiment, the light emitting elements (214-1, 214-2) may each include a light emitting diode (LED). In one embodiment, the light emitting elements (214-1, 214-2) may emit light in the infrared region. In one embodiment, the light emitting elements (214-1, 214-2) may be attached to the periphery of the frame of the electronic device (201). In one embodiment, the light emitting elements (214-1, 214-2) are positioned around one or more first cameras (211-1, 211-2) and may assist gesture detection, head tracking, and spatial recognition by one or more first cameras (211-1, 211-2) when the electronic device (201) is used in a dark environment. In one embodiment, the light emitting elements (214-1, 214-2) are positioned around one or more third cameras (213) and can assist in image acquisition by the one or more third cameras (213) when the electronic device (201) is used in a dark environment.

[0069] In one embodiment, the electronic device (201) may include batteries (235-1, 235-2). The batteries (235-1, 235-2) may store power to operate the remaining components of the electronic device (201).

[0070] In one embodiment, the electronic device (201) may include a first display (251), a second display (252), one or more input optical members (253-1, 253-2), one or more transparent members (290-1, 290-2), and one or more screen display portions (254-1, 254-2).

[0071] In one embodiment, the first display (251) and the second display (252) may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a digital mirror device (DMD), a liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), or a micro light emitting diode (micro LED).

[0072] In one embodiment, when the first display (251) and the second display (252) are formed of one of a liquid crystal display (LCD), a digital mirror display, or a silicon liquid crystal display, the electronic device (201) may include a light source that irradiates light onto the screen output area of ​​the display. In one embodiment, when the first display (251) and the second display (252) are capable of generating light on their own (e.g., formed of one of an organic light emitting diode or a micro LED), the electronic device (201) may provide a relatively good quality virtual image to the user even without including a separate light source.

[0073] In one embodiment, one or more transparent members (290-1, 290-2) may be positioned to face the user's eyes when the user wears the electronic device (201). In one embodiment, the one or more transparent members (290-1, 290-2) may include at least one of a glass plate, a plastic plate, or a polymer. In one embodiment, the user may view the outside world through the one or more transparent members (290-1, 290-2) when the user wears the electronic device (201). In one embodiment, one or more input optical members (253-1, 253-2) may guide light generated by the first display (251) and the second display (252) to the user's eyes. In one embodiment, an image based on light generated by a first display (251) and a second display (252) is formed on one or more screen display portions (254-1, 254-2) on one or more transparent members (290-1, 290-2), and a user can view the image formed on one or more screen display portions (254-1, 254-2).

[0074] In one embodiment, the electronic device (201) may include one or more optical waveguides (not shown). The optical waveguides may transmit light generated by the first display (251) and the second display (252) to the user's eyes. The electronic device (201) may include one optical waveguide corresponding to each of the left and right eyes. In one embodiment, the optical waveguide may include at least one of glass, plastic, or polymer. In one embodiment, the optical waveguide may include a nano-pattern formed on one surface of the inner or outer surface, for example, a grating structure having a polygonal or curved shape. In one embodiment, the optical waveguide may include a free-form prism, in which case the optical waveguide may provide the incident light to the user through a reflective mirror. In one embodiment, the optical waveguide includes at least one diffractive element (e.g., a diffractive optical element (DOE) or a holographic optical element (HOE)) or at least one reflective element (e.g., a reflective mirror), and the at least one diffractive element or reflective element included in the optical waveguide can be used to guide display light emitted from a light source toward a user's eye. In one embodiment, the diffractive element can include an input / output optical element. In one embodiment, the reflective element can include an element that causes total internal reflection.

[0075] In one embodiment, the electronic device (201) may include one or more voice input devices (262-1, 262-2, 262-3) and one or more voice output devices (263-1, 263-2).

[0076] In one embodiment, the electronic device (201) may include a first PCB (270-1) and a second PCB (270-2). The first PCB (270-1) and the second PCB (270-2) may be configured to transmit electrical signals to components included in the electronic device (201), such as one or more first cameras (211-1, 211-2), one or more second cameras (212-1, 212-2), one or more third cameras (213), displays, audio modules, and sensors. In one embodiment, the first PCB (270-1) and the second PCB (270-2) may include a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). In one embodiment, the first PCB (270-1) and the second PCB (270-2) may each include a first substrate, a second substrate, and an interposer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0077] FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing the front of an exemplary wearable electronic device (300) according to various embodiments.

[0078] FIG. 3b is a perspective view showing the rear side of an exemplary wearable electronic device (300) according to various embodiments.

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, in one embodiment, camera modules (311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316) and / or depth sensors (317) for obtaining information related to the surrounding environment of the wearable electronic device (300) may be arranged on the first surface (310) of the housing.

[0080] In one embodiment, the camera modules (311, 312) can acquire images related to the environment surrounding the wearable electronic device.

[0081] In one embodiment, the camera modules (313, 314, 315, 316) can acquire images while the wearable electronic device is worn by a user. The camera modules (313, 314, 315, 316) can be used for hand detection and tracking, and user gesture (e.g., hand movement) recognition. The camera modules (313, 314, 315, 316) can be used for 3DoF, 6DoF head tracking, position (spatial, environmental) recognition, and / or movement recognition. In one embodiment, the camera modules (311, 312) can also be used for hand detection and tracking, and user gesture.

[0082] In one embodiment, the depth sensor (317) may be configured to transmit a signal and receive a signal reflected from a subject, and may be used for purposes such as time of flight (TOF) to determine the distance to an object. For example, instead of or in addition to the depth sensor (317), the camera modules (313, 314, 315, 316) may determine the distance to an object.

[0083] According to one embodiment, a camera module (325, 326) for facial recognition and / or a display (321) (and / or a lens) may be disposed on the second side (320) of the housing.

[0084] In one embodiment, a face recognition camera module (325, 326) adjacent to the display may be used to recognize a user's face, or may recognize and / or track both eyes of the user.

[0085] In one embodiment, the display (321) (and / or lens) may be disposed on the second side (320) of the wearable electronic device (300). In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (300) may not include camera modules (315, 316) among the plurality of camera modules (313, 314, 315, 316). Although not illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B , the wearable electronic device (300) may further include at least one of the configurations illustrated in FIG. 2 .

[0086] As described above, according to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (300) may have a form factor for being worn on a user's head. The wearable electronic device (300) may further include a strap and / or a wearing member for being secured to a body part of the user. The wearable electronic device (300) may provide a user experience based on augmented reality, virtual reality, and / or mixed reality while being worn on the user's head.

[0087] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a wearable electronic device (401) according to various embodiments.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 4, in one embodiment, the wearable electronic device may be the electronic device (201) of FIG. 2 or the wearable electronic device (300) of FIGS. 3A and 3B.

[0089] In one embodiment, a wearable electronic device (401) may include communication circuitry (410), a display (420), a camera (430), a sensor (440), a microphone (450), a speaker (460), memory (470), and / or a processor (480) (e.g., including processing circuitry).

[0090] In one embodiment, the communication circuit (410) may be included in the communication module (190) of FIG. 1.

[0091] In one embodiment, the communication circuit (410) may connect the wearable electronic device (401) to an audio device wirelessly or by wire. For example, the communication circuit (410) may establish a connection with earphones (also referred to as “ear buds”) capable of performing a noise cancelling function (e.g., active noise cancellation (ANC) earphones) using short-range communication (e.g., Bluetooth).

[0092] In one embodiment, the display (420) may be included in the display module (160) of FIG. 1.

[0093] In one embodiment, the display (420) may include the first display (251) and the second display (252) of FIG. 2, or may include the display (321) (and / or lens) of FIGS. 3A and 3B.

[0094] In one embodiment, the camera (430) may be included in the camera module (180) of FIG. 1.

[0095] In one embodiment, the camera (430) may include one or more first cameras (211-1, 211-2), one or more second cameras (212-1, 212-2), and / or one or more third cameras (213) of FIG. 2. For example, the camera (430) (e.g., one or more first cameras (211-1, 211-2) of FIG. 2) may include an infrared camera capable of detecting hand gestures by a user, tracking a user's head, and / or performing spatial recognition.

[0096] In one embodiment, the camera (430) may include at least one of the camera modules (313, 314, 315, 316) of FIGS. 3A and 3B. For example, the camera (430) (e.g., the camera modules (313, 314, 315, 316)) may recognize a user's gesture (e.g., a hand gesture). The camera (430) (e.g., the camera modules (313, 314, 315, 316)) may be used for 3DoF, 6DoF head tracking, position (spatial, environmental) recognition, and / or movement recognition.

[0097] In one embodiment, the sensor (440) may be included in the sensor module (176) of FIG. 1.

[0098] In one embodiment, the sensor (440) may include a depth sensor configured to acquire depth information. For example, the sensor (440) (e.g., a depth sensor) may be configured to transmit a signal and receive a signal reflected from a subject, and may be used to determine the distance to an object, such as time of flight (TOF).

[0099] In one embodiment, the sensor (440) may include an inertial sensor (an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensor). For example, the sensor (440) may include an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, and / or a geomagnetic sensor.

[0100] In one embodiment, a microphone (450) may be included in the input module (150) of FIG. 1.

[0101] In one embodiment, the microphone (450) may include at least one of the voice input devices (262-1, 262-2, 262-3) of FIG. 2.

[0102] In one embodiment, the microphone (450) can acquire sounds coming from the surroundings of the wearable electronic device (401) (e.g., sounds surrounding the electronic device). In one embodiment, the microphone (450) can include multiple microphones.

[0103] In one embodiment, when the microphone (450) includes multiple microphones, the wearable electronic device (401) can obtain (e.g., calculate) the direction from which sound is introduced (hereinafter also referred to as “direction from which sound is acquired”) based on the sound introduced through the multiple microphones.

[0104] In one embodiment, when the microphone (450) includes multiple microphones, the wearable electronic device (401) can obtain (e.g., calculate) the location of a sound source generating sound (hereinafter, an object generating sound is referred to as a “sound source”) based on sound coming in through the multiple microphones.

[0105] In one embodiment, a speaker (460) may be included in the audio output module (155) of FIG. 1.

[0106] In one embodiment, the speaker (460) may include at least one of the audio output devices (263-1, 263-2) of FIG. 2.

[0107] In one embodiment, the speaker (460) may be a speaker capable of outputting spatial sound. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the speaker (460) may be a speaker configured to output mono sound or a speaker configured to output stereo sound.

[0108] In one embodiment, the memory (470) may be included in the memory (130) of FIG. 1.

[0109] In one embodiment, the memory (470) may include instructions. In one embodiment, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by one or more processors included in the wearable electronic device (401), may cause the wearable electronic device (401) to perform the operations described in FIGS. 5 through 20.

[0110] In one embodiment, the processor (480) may be included in the processor (120) of FIG. 1.

[0111] In one embodiment, the processor (480) may include various processing circuits including one or more processors that can individually or collectively perform the operations described in FIGS. 5-20. The processor (480) may include various processing circuits and / or multiple processors. For example, as used herein, including in the claims, the term "processor" may include various processing circuits including at least one processor, wherein one or more of the at least one processors may be individually and / or collectively configured to perform the various functions described herein in a distributed manner. When "processor," "at least one processor," and "one or more processors" are described herein as being configured to perform a number of functions, these terms include, for example and without limitation, situations where one processor performs some of the described functions and other processor(s) perform other parts of the described functions, and situations where one processor can perform all of the described functions. Furthermore, the at least one processor may include a combination of processors that perform the various described / disclosed functions, for example, in a distributed manner. At least one processor is capable of executing program instructions to accomplish or perform various functions.

[0112] In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (401) is illustrated in FIG. 4 as including, but not limited to, communication circuitry (410), a display (420), a camera (430), a sensor (440), a microphone (450), a speaker (460), a memory (470), and a processor (480). For example, the wearable electronic device (401) may further include at least one component included in the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (201) of FIG. 2, or the wearable electronic device (300) of FIGS. 3A and 3B.

[0113] FIG. 5 is a flowchart (500) illustrating exemplary operations of a wearable electronic device (401) according to various embodiments.

[0114] For the convenience of the following description, it will be assumed that the wearable electronic device (401) is AR glasses. However, the operations to be described below can be applied identically or similarly even when the wearable electronic device (401) is VR glasses (e.g., VST device).

[0115] Referring to FIG. 5, in operation 501, in one embodiment, the processor (480) may acquire sound through a microphone (450) (e.g., multiple microphones) while the wearable electronic device (401) is worn by the user.

[0116] In one embodiment, the processor (480) may acquire sound through the microphone (450) based on the execution of an application (hereinafter referred to as an “immersive environment application”) that may perform operations (e.g., operations 501 to 509) including an operation of setting a blocking area and an operation of blocking at least a portion of the sound based on sound acquired through the microphone (450) described below while the wearable electronic device (401) is worn on a user (e.g., on the user’s head).

[0117] In one embodiment, the processor (480) may acquire sound through the microphone (450) based on the execution of a specified application on the wearable electronic device (401). For example, the processor (480) may acquire sound through the microphone (450) based on the execution of a document application on the wearable electronic device (401). For example, the processor (480) may execute an immersive environment application based on the execution of a document application on the wearable electronic device (401). The processor (480) may acquire sound through the microphone (450) based on the execution of the immersive environment application.

[0118] However, applications designated to acquire sound through the microphone (450) are not limited to document applications. For example, the processor (480) may set an application to acquire sound through the microphone (450) when the application is executed based on user input.

[0119] In one embodiment, the processor (480) may acquire sound through the microphone (450) based on user input. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the processor (480) may acquire sound through the microphone (450) based on the wearable electronic device (401) being worn by the user.

[0120] In operation 503, the processor (480) can determine whether the sound acquired through the microphone (450) satisfies a condition (hereinafter, for example, referred to as a “sound blocking condition”) for at least partially blocking the sound acquired from the wearable electronic device (401) in the real space (also referred to as “real world space”) around the wearable electronic device (401). Operation 503 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B .

[0121] FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating sound blocking conditions according to various embodiments.

[0122] FIG. 6b is a diagram illustrating sound blocking conditions according to various embodiments.

[0123] Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B , in one embodiment, FIGS. 6A and 6B may represent a real space (610) surrounding a user wearing a wearable electronic device (401). For example, in the real space (610), in addition to the user of the wearable electronic device (401), a personal computer (PC) (614) (e.g., a PC in the real world) and people (631, 632, 633) may be located.

[0124] In one embodiment, the processor (480) may display one or more virtual panels (611, 612, 613) in the real space (610) through the display (420). For example, the processor (480) may display one or more virtual panels (611, 612, 613) including execution screens of applications related to a task being performed by a user on a transparent member (e.g., one or more transparent members (290-1, 290-2)). In one embodiment, when the wearable electronic device (401) is a VST device, the processor (480) may display one or more virtual panels in the virtual space, replacing the real space (610), through the display (420).

[0125] In one embodiment, the processor (480) can acquire sound through the microphone (450). For example, in FIG. 6A, the processor (480) can acquire sound (hereinafter also referred to as “sound acquired through the microphone”) entering the microphone (450) from an area (620) indicated by a dotted line (630).

[0126] In one embodiment, the processor (480) may determine whether a sound acquired through the microphone (450) satisfies a sound blocking condition for blocking at least some of the sound. For example, the processor (480) may determine whether a sound acquired through the microphone (450) satisfies a sound blocking condition based on at least one of the loudness of the sound acquired through the microphone (450), the pattern exhibited by the sound, the number of times the sound occurs within a specified time period, or the timbre of the sound.

[0127] In one embodiment, the sound blocking condition may include a noise condition (hereinafter referred to as “noise condition”) for determining whether a sound acquired through the microphone (450) corresponds to noise.

[0128] In one embodiment, the noise conditions may be stored in the memory (470) of the wearable electronic device (401) or on a server managing the immersive environment application.

[0129] In one embodiment, the noise conditions may include noise conditions set by default (e.g., noise conditions set by the developer of the immersive environment application) (hereinafter referred to as “default noise conditions”) or noise conditions set by the user (hereinafter referred to as “user-set noise conditions”).

[0130] In one embodiment, the noise condition set as default may be a condition that is satisfied when a sound having a loudness greater than a threshold loudness (e.g., a sound measured at a decibel greater than a threshold decibel (dB)), a sound having a constant pattern (e.g., a pattern of constant speed), a sound occurring more than a specified number of times within a specified period of time (e.g., about 5 minutes) (e.g., an unspecified collision sound occurring more than a specified number of times), a sound defined as local environmental noise, a sound defined as traffic noise, a sound defined as aircraft noise, and / or a sound defined as interior noise is acquired. For example, the processor (480) may determine that the noise condition set as default is satisfied based on the loudness of the sound acquired through the microphone (450) being greater than a threshold loudness.

[0131] In one embodiment, the noise condition set as default may be a condition for determining whether to classify a sound as noise according to a noise evaluation scale.

[0132] In one embodiment, the noise condition set by the user may be a noise condition set based on user input (e.g., a noise condition based on the user's personal preferences). For example, the noise condition set by the user may be a condition that is satisfied when a sound having a loudness greater than a loudness set by the user input, a sound identical or similar to a sound having a specific pattern stored by the user input (e.g., a regular pattern of a constant speed of sound), and / or a sound identical or similar to a repeated sound having a specific timbre (or tone) stored by the user input is obtained.

[0133] In one embodiment, the processor (480) may set noise conditions set by the user based on user input. For example, the processor (480) may acquire sound input into the microphone (450) from a designated area or an area pointed by a controller (hereinafter referred to as “the controller of the wearable electronic device (401)”) configured to control the wearable electronic device (401) by recognizing a user gesture in a real space while the wearable electronic device (401) is worn by the user. The processor (480) may store (e.g., record) sound input through the microphone (450) from the designated area or the pointed area based on the user’s voice or an input for an object (e.g., a button) displayed through the display (420). The processor (480) may, after outputting the stored sound through the speaker (460), display information through the display (420) or output information through the speaker (460) asking the user whether to set the stored sound as noise satisfying the noise condition set by the user. After the information is displayed through the display (420) or output through the speaker (460), the processor (480) may, based on a user input, set the stored sound as noise satisfying the noise condition set by the user. After the noise condition set by the user is set, the processor (480) may determine that the acquired sound satisfies the noise condition set by the user if a sound identical to or similar to the set noise is acquired through the microphone (450). In the examples described above, the wearable electronic device (401) is exemplified as setting the noise condition set by the user while the user is wearing the device, but is not limited thereto. For example, an external electronic device (e.g., a smartphone) may store sounds that are input into the external electronic device (e.g., a microphone of the external electronic device) based on user input.An external electronic device may, based on user input, set the stored sound as a noise satisfying a noise condition set by the user. The external electronic device may transmit the sound set as a noise satisfying the noise condition set by the user to a wearable electronic device (401) (or server). The processor (480) may receive the set sound (or a noise condition including the set sound) from the external electronic device (or server) via a communication circuit (410).

[0134] In one embodiment, the processor (480) may display, through the display (420), information indicating an area in real space (hereinafter, also referred to as a “noise detection area”) in which a sound source that generated the sound satisfying the noise condition is located, based on whether the sound acquired through the microphone (450) satisfies the noise condition. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6B, the processor (480) may display, through the display (420), an indicator (640) indicating a noise detection area (620) in which a sound source (e.g., a person (631)) that generated the sound satisfying the noise condition is located. In one embodiment, the processor (480) may display, through the display (420), information (641) indicating the size (e.g., 61 decibels) of the sound acquired through the microphone (450) within the noise detection area (620).

[0135] In one embodiment, the processor (480) may determine that the sound blocking condition is satisfied based on whether the sound acquired through the microphone (450) satisfies the noise condition. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the sound blocking condition for at least partially blocking the sound acquired from the wearable electronic device (401) may be a condition requiring a higher level than the sound level set in the noise condition. For example, the processor (480) may set the sound level so that the louder the sound, the higher the sound level. If the noise condition is set to be satisfied when a sound having a loudness greater than a first threshold loudness is acquired, the processor (480) may determine that the sound acquired through the microphone (450) satisfies the sound blocking condition if the loudness of the sound acquired through the microphone (450) is greater than a second threshold loudness greater than the first threshold loudness. For example, the processor (480) may set the level of a sound so that the more times a sound (e.g., an unspecified collision sound) is repeated within a specified time, the higher the level of the sound. If the noise condition is set to be satisfied when a sound is acquired that is repeated a first or more times within a specified time, the processor (480) may determine that the sound acquired through the microphone (450) satisfies the sound blocking condition if the sound is acquired a second or more times greater than the first number of times within a specified time.

[0136] In operation 505, in one embodiment, the processor (480) may set an area in real space corresponding to the direction in which the sound is acquired as a blocking area (hereinafter referred to as a “blocking area”) based on whether the sound acquired through the microphone (450) satisfies the above condition (sound blocking condition).

[0137] In one embodiment, the blocking area may be an area configured to block at least some of the sound obtained in directions from locations within the blocking area toward the location of the wearable electronic device (401). For example, the blocking area may be an area configured to block sound generated from a location of a sound source that satisfies a sound blocking condition (e.g., a noise detection area that generates a sound that satisfies the sound blocking condition) and then passes through the blocking area and enters the microphone (450) of the wearable electronic device (401).

[0138] Hereinafter, operation 505 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 (hereinafter, may be referred to as FIGS. 7 to 12).

[0139] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary method for setting a blocking area according to various embodiments.

[0140] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary method for setting a blocking area according to various embodiments.

[0141] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, in one embodiment, the processor (480) may display an object through the display (420) to select whether to set a blocking area based on whether the sound acquired through the microphone (450) satisfies the sound blocking condition in operation 503. For example, in reference numeral 701 of FIG. 7, as described above, the processor (480) may display an indicator (640) indicating a noise detection area (620) and information (640) indicating the size of the sound through the display (420) based on whether the sound acquired through the microphone (450) satisfies the noise condition. The processor (480) may display an object (710) (e.g., a button for activating a blocking area, or a button for activating a virtual blind mode that performs operations including an operation of displaying an indicator indicating a blocking area and an operation of partially blocking sound) on the noise detection area (620) to select whether to set a blocking area based on whether a sound acquired through the microphone (450) satisfies a sound blocking condition, based on the display (420). The processor (480) may perform an operation of setting a blocking area based on a user input for the object (710). However, the operation for setting a blocking area is not limited to the above-described example. For example, the processor (480) may perform an operation of setting a blocking area based on a hand gesture (e.g., a pinch gesture input while hovering over the noise detection area (620)) for the noise detection area (620) without displaying the object (710) on the display (420).

[0142] In one embodiment, at reference numeral 702 of FIG. 7, the processor (480) may set a blocking area (720) to block at least some of a sound (e.g., a sound that is generated from the noise detection area (620) and satisfies a sound blocking condition) generated from the noise detection area (620) based on a user input (e.g., a user input for an object (710) or a hand gesture for the noise detection area (620).

[0143] In one embodiment, as illustrated at reference numeral 702 of FIG. 7, the processor (480) may display an indicator indicating the blocking area (720) through the display (420) so that a portion (721) corresponding to the noise detection area (620) within the blocking area (720) is distinguished from other portions.

[0144] In one embodiment, the size (or distribution) of the portion (721) corresponding to the noise detection area (620) within the blocking area (720) may vary depending on the distribution of sound (e.g., the loudness of the sound and the area of ​​the noise detection area (620)) acquired from the noise detection area (620) through the microphone (450). For example, the size of the portion (721) corresponding to the noise detection area (620) within the blocking area (720) may increase as the loudness of the sound acquired from the noise detection area (620) through the microphone (450) increases or as the area of ​​the noise detection area (620) increases.

[0145] In one embodiment, after the blocking area is set, the processor (480) may adjust the position and / or size of the blocking area, or rotate the blocking area, based on user input. For example, in reference numerals 702 and 703 of FIG. 7, after the blocking area (720) is set, the processor (480) may display an object (e.g., object (741)) for adjusting the blocking area (720) through the display (420) based on user input (e.g., hand gesture or gaze input) for the edge of the blocking area (720). The processor (480) may increase the size of the blocking area (720) in the direction indicated by the arrow (731) based on user input (e.g., pinch and drag gesture) for the object.

[0146] Referring to FIG. 8, according to one embodiment, the processor (480) may set a blocking area based on a user gesture, such as an action of drawing an actual curtain. For example, reference numerals 801 and 802 of FIG. 8 may represent a real space (810) including a PC (814). The processor (480) may display virtual panels (811, 812, 813) through the display (420). In reference numeral 801 of FIG. 8, the processor (480) may display an object (820) (e.g., a curtain UI (user interface) affordance) in the form of an actual curtain at a location adjacent to the noise detection area (831) at a location that overlaps at least a portion of the noise detection area (831) based on the sound acquired through the microphone (450) in operation 503 satisfying the sound blocking condition. In reference numeral 802 of FIG. 8, the processor (480) may increase the size of the object (820) (or move the position of the object (820)) based on a user gesture, such as an actual curtain-drawing action, in the direction indicated by the arrow (821) with respect to the object (820). The processor (480) may set an area corresponding to the object (820) whose size has increased as a blocking area.

[0147] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary method for setting a blocking area according to various embodiments.

[0148] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary method for setting a blocking area according to various embodiments.

[0149] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10 , in one embodiment, the processor (480) may set a space (hereinafter referred to as a “first space”) formed by one or more surfaces within a real space based on the location of the wearable electronic device (401). Based on whether the sound acquired through the microphone (450) satisfies a sound blocking condition, the processor (480) may set an area corresponding to a direction in which the sound is acquired on one or more surfaces of the first space as a blocking area.

[0150] In one embodiment, at reference numeral 901 of FIG. 9, a first space (920) (also referred to as a “guardian space” or “safe space”) may be defined (e.g., formed) by one or more surfaces, such as a top surface (921), a side surface (923), and a bottom surface (922), in a shape designated as a cylinder based on a position (911) of a wearable electronic device (401) within a real space (910). However, the shape in which the first space is defined is not limited to a cylindrical shape. For example, the first space may be defined in various shapes.

[0151] In one embodiment, the processor (480) may set a blocking area on at least a portion of one or more sides of the first space based on a user input. For example, at reference numeral 901, the processor (480) may set a portion of a side surface (923) of the first space (920) as a blocking area (930) based on the user input. For example, at reference numeral 902, the processor (480) may set a portion of a side surface (923) and a portion of a top surface (921) of the first space (920) as a blocking area (940) based on the user input. At reference numeral 903, the processor (480) may set the entire sides surrounding the location (911) of the wearable electronic device (401) in the first space (920) as a blocking area (950) based on the user input. In one embodiment, when the blocking area (950) is set to surround the location (911) of the wearable electronic device (401), the user can be made more immersed in the task being performed by outputting spatial sound, which will be described later.

[0152] In one embodiment, the first space may be set to a default shape or a shape determined based on user input.

[0153] Referring to FIG. 10, according to one embodiment, the processor (480) may set a first space (1020) in a hemispherical shape including a curved surface (1021) and a bottom surface (1022) based on a position (1011) of the wearable electronic device (401) within a real space (1010). For example, the processor (480) may set the entire surfaces (e.g., the curved surface (1021) and the bottom surface (1022)) surrounding the position (1011) of the wearable electronic device (401) in the first space (1020) as a blocking area.

[0154] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary method for setting a blocking area according to various embodiments.

[0155] Referring to FIG. 11, in one embodiment, at reference numeral 1101 of FIG. 11, the processor (480) may set a plurality of blocking areas. For example, the processor (480) may set a plurality of blocking areas (1121, 1122) within the real space (1110) based on the identification of a plurality of noise detection areas around the location (1111) of the wearable electronic device (401). For example, the processor (480) may set a plurality of blocking areas (1121, 1122) within the real space (1110) based on a user input.

[0156] In one embodiment, the processor (480) may adjust the position and / or size of the blocking area, or rotate the blocking area, based on user input after the blocking area is set or when the blocking area is set. For example, in reference numeral 1102 of FIG. 11, the processor (480) may expand (or reduce) the blocking area (1130) in the direction indicated by arrow (1131) or arrow (1132) based on user input. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the processor (480) may move the position of the blocking area or rotate the blocking area based on user input. For example, the processor (480) may transform the blocking area based on user input.

[0157] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary method for setting a blocking area according to various embodiments.

[0158] Referring to FIG. 12, in one embodiment, the processor (480) may set a blocking area for an area in real space where sound is not detected through the microphone (450) or an area that does not satisfy a noise condition. For example, a user may feel uncomfortable even with sounds that do not satisfy a noise condition. In such a case, the processor (480) may set a blocking area based on a user input (e.g., a user's hand gesture).

[0159] In one embodiment, at reference numerals 1201 and 1202 of FIG. 12, the processor (480) may set a blocking area for a noise detection area (1220) in which a sound satisfying a noise condition is generated based on a location (1211) of the wearable electronic device (401) within a real space (1210). At reference numeral 1201, the processor (480) may designate an area (1231) that the user desires to set as a blocking area based on a user input. At reference numeral 1202, the processor (480) may set the designated area (1231) as a blocking area based on the user input.

[0160] In one embodiment, the processor (480) may, when multiple noise detection areas are identified at the same time within a real space, display at least some of the multiple noise detection areas differently based on a priority among the multiple noise detection areas.

[0161] In one embodiment, the processor (480) may assign priorities to multiple noise detection areas when multiple noise detection areas are identified at the same time within the real space.

[0162] In one embodiment, the processor (480) may give a higher priority to a noise detection area that generates a sound that satisfies a noise condition set by a user among noise conditions set by a default and noise conditions set by a user, compared to a noise detection area that generates a sound that satisfies a noise condition set by a default. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the processor (480) may give a higher priority to a noise detection area that generates a sound that satisfies a noise condition set by a user among noise conditions set by a default and noise conditions set by a user, compared to a noise detection area that generates a sound that satisfies a noise condition set by a user.

[0163] In one embodiment, the processor (480) may give a higher priority to the noise detection area in which the acquired sound occurred if the sound acquired from the noise detection area corresponds to a greater number of items among the items included in the noise conditions set by default and the items included in the noise conditions set by the user. For example, if the sound acquired by the first noise detection area corresponds to a sound having a loudness greater than a threshold loudness, and the sound acquired by the second noise detection area corresponds to a sound having a loudness greater than a threshold loudness and occurs a specified number of times within a specified time, the processor (480) may give a higher priority to the second noise detection area than to the first noise detection area.

[0164] In one embodiment, the processor (480) can highlight a noise detection area with a high priority among a plurality of noise detection areas and blur a noise detection area with a low priority through the display (420).

[0165] In one embodiment, the processor (480) may set a blocking area for a designated noise detection area among a plurality of noise detection areas based on user input. For example, the processor (480) may set a blocking area for each of the plurality of noise detection areas or may set a blocking area for some of the plurality of noise detection areas based on user input.

[0166] In one embodiment, the processor (480) may not set some of the plurality of noise detection areas as blocking areas. For example, in reference numerals 1202 and 1203 of FIG. 12, the processor (480) may, based on a user input, set blocking areas for other parts (1221, 1222) of the noise detection area (1220) without setting a blocking area for a part (1223) of the noise detection area (1220) among the plurality of noise detection areas (1220, 1232). For example, after setting the noise detection area (1220) as a blocking area, the processor (480) may, based on a user input, release the blocking area setting for a part (1223) of the noise detection area (1220).

[0167] Referring again to FIG. 5, in operation 507, in one embodiment, the processor (480) may display an indicator indicating a blocking area based on the location of the wearable electronic device (401) through the display (420).

[0168] In one embodiment, the processor (480) may display an indicator corresponding to a blocking area through the display (420) so that the blocking area can be distinguished from other areas in the real space. For example, the processor (480) may display an indicator corresponding to a blocking area through the display (420) for an area where a blocking area is set so that the blocking area can be distinguished from other areas in the real space. For example, the processor (480) may display an indicator indicating a blocking area through the display (420) so that the noise detection area is not visible from the user's field of vision by the indicator indicating the blocking area in the real space. In the examples described above, the indicator indicating the blocking area is displayed, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the processor (480) may display an indicator indicating that a blocking area is set through the display (420) instead of the indicator indicating the blocking area.

[0169] In one embodiment, the processor (480) may display an indicator indicating a blocking area and having an adjustable transparency through the display (420) so that the blocking area is distinguished from other areas within the real space. Hereinafter, a method of displaying an indicator indicating a blocking area will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 13, 14, and 15 (hereinafter, may be referred to as FIGS. 13 to 15).

[0170] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary method of displaying an indicator indicating a blocking area according to various embodiments.

[0171] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary method of displaying an indicator indicating a blocking area according to various embodiments.

[0172] FIG. 15 is a drawing illustrating an exemplary method of displaying an indicator indicating a blocking area according to various embodiments.

[0173] Referring to FIGS. 13 to 15, in one embodiment, at reference numeral 1301 of FIG. 13, the processor (480) may display an indicator (1312) corresponding to a blocking area set based on a location (1311) of the wearable electronic device (401) within a real space (1310) through the display (420). The processor (480) may partially set (e.g., adjust) transparency within the indicator (1312) based on the distribution of sound. For example, in reference numeral 1301, the sound level obtained through the microphone (450) from the noise detection area corresponding to the first area (hereinafter also referred to as the “first area”) indicated by the arrow (1312-1) within the indicator (1312) may be greater than the sound level obtained through the microphone (450) from the noise detection area corresponding to the second area (hereinafter also referred to as the “second area”) indicated by the arrow (1312-2) within the indicator (1312). In this case, the processor (480) may display the indicator (1312) through the display (420) so that the transparency of the first area is lower than that of the second area (e.g., the first area is made more opaque than the second area).

[0174] In one embodiment, when the size of a sound acquired through the microphone (450) from a noise detection area corresponding to the first area is greater than the size of a sound acquired through the microphone (450) from a noise detection area corresponding to the second area, the processor (480) may display an indicator (1312) through the display (420) so that the size of the first area is greater than the size of the second area.

[0175] In one embodiment, the processor (480) may display an indicator (1312) through the display (420) so that the transparency of the first region is lower than the transparency of the second region (e.g., making the first region opaque compared to the second region), when the area of ​​the noise detection region corresponding to the first region is larger than the area of ​​the noise detection region corresponding to the second region.

[0176] In one embodiment, the processor (480) may display an indicator (1312) through the display (420) so that the size of the first area is larger than the size of the second area when the area of ​​the noise detection area corresponding to the first area is larger than the area of ​​the noise detection area corresponding to the second area.

[0177] In one embodiment, the processor (480) may apply a gradation effect to the first region and / or the second region based on a point corresponding to the center of the noise detection area (e.g., the point generating the loudest sound within the noise detection area) within the indicator (1312). For example, in reference numeral 1302 of FIG. 13, a portion (1321-1) within the region (1321) of the indicator may be a portion closer to the point corresponding to the center of the noise detection area than a portion (1321-2). The processor (480) may apply a gradation effect to the region (1321) so that it becomes darker from the portion (1321-2) to the portion (1321-1). In reference numeral 1302 of FIG. 13, a portion (1322-1) within the region (1322) of the indicator may be a portion corresponding to the center of the noise detection area. The processor (480) can apply a gradient effect to the area (1322) so that it becomes brighter from the portion (1322-1) to the surrounding portion.

[0178] In one embodiment, the processor (480) may, while displaying an indicator corresponding to a blocking area through the display (420), release the sound blocking setting for a portion corresponding to the noise detection area within the blocking area based on a user input for a portion corresponding to the noise detection area within the indicator. For example, in FIG. 14, the processor (480) may display an indicator (1420) indicating a blocking area based on a location (1411) of the wearable electronic device (401) within a real space (1410) through the display (420). The portion (1421) corresponding to the noise detection area within the indicator (1420) may be displayed to be distinguished from other portions. The processor (480) may release the sound blocking setting for the portion corresponding to the portion (1421) based on a user input (e.g., a double tap input or a long press input indicated by a circle (1430)) for the portion (1421) corresponding to the noise detection area. For example, the processor (480) may not perform an operation of blocking at least a portion of a sound to be input to the microphone (450) through an area corresponding to a noise detection area (1421) within the blocking area.

[0179] In one embodiment, after the processor (480) releases the sound blocking setting for the portion (1421) corresponding to the noise detection area, when a user input for the portion (1421) is obtained (e.g., double tap input or long press input), the processor (480) may set the area corresponding to the portion (1421) as a blocking area again.

[0180] In one embodiment, the processor (480) may select an indicator representing a blocking area based on user input.

[0181] Referring to reference numeral 1501 of FIG. 15, according to one embodiment, the processor (480) may set a blocking area (1520) within a first space (1522) set based on a location (1511) of the wearable electronic device (401) within a real space (1510). The processor (480) may display an image (1541) selected from a gallery application (or an image searched through an Internet search) on a panel (1521) via the display (420). In reference numeral 1501, a portion (1530) may be an enlarged portion of a portion (1523). The processor (480) may display the image (1541) as an indicator in the blocking area (1520) through the display (420) based on a user input (e.g., based on a gesture input (1531) of pinching and then dragging the image (1541) displayed on the panel (1521) to the blocking area (1520). For example, as illustrated in reference numeral 1502 of FIG. 15, the processor (480) may display the image (1541) as an indicator corresponding to the blocking area (1520) through the display (420).

[0182] In one embodiment, the above-described example has described displaying an image (1541) selected from a gallery application (or an image searched through an Internet search) as an indicator corresponding to the blocking area (1520), but is not limited thereto. For example, the processor (480) may, using generative artificial intelligence (AI), generate an image corresponding to the context and / or space indicated by the user's voice input through the microphone (450). The processor (480) may recommend the generated image as an indicator corresponding to the blocking area (1520). The processor (480) may, based on the user input, display the generated image as an indicator corresponding to the blocking area (1520) through the display (420).

[0183] Referring again to FIG. 5, at operation 509, in one embodiment, the processor (480) may control the wearable electronic device (401) to at least partially block sound acquired in a direction corresponding to the blocking area.

[0184] In one embodiment, the processor (480) can block at least some of the sound passing through the blocking area and entering the microphone (450).

[0185] In one embodiment, when the wearable electronic device (401) is capable of performing noise cancelling, the processor (480) may block at least a portion of a sound acquired as noise from a direction corresponding to the blocking area through the microphone (450) and the speaker (460). For example, the processor (480) may block at least a portion of a sound acquired from a direction corresponding to the blocking area by outputting, through the speaker (460), a sound having an opposite waveform to a sound input from a direction corresponding to the blocking area through the microphone (450).

[0186] In one embodiment, when the wearable electronic device (401) is unable to perform noise cancellation, the processor (480) may control an external acoustic device (e.g., an active noise cancellation (ANC) earphone) (hereinafter referred to as an “external acoustic device”) that is connected to the wearable electronic device (401) and capable of performing noise cancellation, such that the external acoustic device blocks at least some of the sound coming in from a direction corresponding to the blocking area. Hereinafter, a method for blocking at least some of the sound coming in from a direction corresponding to the blocking area using an external acoustic device will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 16.

[0187] FIG. 16 is a drawing illustrating an exemplary method of blocking at least some of a sound coming from a direction corresponding to a blocking area using an external acoustic device according to various embodiments.

[0188] Referring to FIG. 16, in one embodiment, the processor (480) may determine whether an external audio device (e.g., ANC earphones) that has been connected to the wearable electronic device (401) exists around the wearable electronic device (401). For example, if the wearable electronic device (401) and the external audio device have a history of being connected using Bluetooth, the processor (480) may store the Bluetooth address and identifier (ID) of the external audio device in the memory (470). Based on the fact that the external audio device is in a state where it can be connected to the wearable electronic device (401), the processor (480) may display information indicating that noise can be blocked through the external audio device through the display (420). For example, in reference numeral 1601 of FIG. 16, a blocking area (1620) may be set within the real space (1610). The processor (480) can display information (1631) indicating that noise can be blocked through an external sound device connectable to the wearable electronic device (401) (e.g., information indicating that noise blocking is ready) and an image (1621) indicating the external sound device through the display (420). After the information (1631) and the image (1621) are displayed through the display (420), the processor (480) can connect the wearable electronic device (401) and the external sound device through the communication circuit (410) based on a user input.

[0189] In one embodiment, the processor (480) can block at least some of the sound obtained from a direction corresponding to the blocking area after connecting the wearable electronic device (401) and the external acoustic device through the communication circuit (410).

[0190] In one embodiment, the processor (480) may perform an operation of mapping a reference direction of the wearable electronic device (401) and a reference direction of the external acoustic device after connecting the wearable electronic device (401) and the external acoustic device through the communication circuit (410).

[0191] In one embodiment, when the wearable electronic device (401) (and the external acoustic device) is worn by the user, the processor (480) may, at a first time, acquire sound through the microphone (450) and then acquire (e.g., calculate) the direction of the acquired sound (hereinafter referred to as the “first direction”). When the external acoustic device (and the wearable electronic device (401)) is worn by the user, the processor (480) may, at substantially the same time as the first time, receive information about the direction of the sound acquired by the external acoustic device through the microphone of the external acoustic device (hereinafter referred to as the “second direction”) from the external acoustic device through the communication circuit (410).

[0192] In one embodiment, the processor (480) may perform an operation of mapping a reference direction of the wearable electronic device (401) and a reference direction of an external acoustic device based on a first direction and a second direction. For example, the processor (480) may compare the first direction and the second direction to calculate a correlation between the reference direction of the wearable electronic device (401) and the reference direction of the external acoustic device (e.g., a difference between a vector representing the reference direction of the wearable electronic device (401) and a vector representing the reference direction of the external acoustic device).

[0193] In one embodiment, the processor (480) may calculate the direction of the acquired sound based on the sound being acquired in a direction corresponding to the blocking area after performing the mapping operation. The processor (480) may calculate the direction in which the external acoustic device is to perform noise canceling based on the calculated direction of the sound and the calculated correlation (e.g., the correlation between the reference direction of the wearable electronic device (401) and the reference direction of the external acoustic device). The processor (480) may transmit the calculated direction in which noise canceling is to be performed to the external acoustic device through the communication circuit (410). The external acoustic device may perform noise canceling based on the direction in which noise canceling is to be performed received from the wearable electronic device (401). For example, when a sound is acquired in a direction in which noise canceling is to be performed received from the wearable electronic device (401) through a microphone of the external acoustic device, the external acoustic device may output a sound for canceling the sound through a speaker of the external acoustic device.

[0194] In one embodiment, the processor (480) may transmit to an external sound device via the communication circuit (410) the direction in which the calculated noise canceling is to be performed and the degree to which the external sound device performs noise canceling (e.g., the degree of sound blocking or the level at which noise canceling is to be performed).

[0195] In one embodiment, the processor (480) may perform an operation of mapping spatial coordinates of the wearable electronic device (401) and spatial coordinates of the external acoustic device after connecting the wearable electronic device (401) and the external acoustic device through the communication circuit (410).

[0196] In one embodiment, when the wearable electronic device (401) (and the external acoustic device) is worn by the user, the processor (480) may obtain, at a first time, depth information (hereinafter referred to as “first depth information”) about the direction of sound (e.g., a noise detection area) obtained through the microphone (450) through the depth sensor (and / or the infrared camera). For example, in reference numeral 1602 of FIG. 16, the processor (480) may obtain, at a first time, first depth information about a noise detection area located within the field of view range of the depth sensor (e.g., the field of view range (1641) formed by lines (1641-1, 1641-2)). When an external acoustic device (and a wearable electronic device (401)) is worn by a user, the external acoustic device can obtain depth information about the direction of sound (hereinafter referred to as “second depth information”) obtained through a microphone of the external acoustic device at substantially the same time as the first time, through a depth sensor (and / or an infrared camera) of the external acoustic device. The external acoustic device can transmit the second depth information to the wearable electronic device (401). The processor (480) can perform an operation of mapping the spatial coordinates of the wearable electronic device (401) and the spatial coordinates of the external acoustic device by comparing the first depth information and the second depth information. For example, the processor (480) can calculate a correlation between the spatial coordinates of the wearable electronic device (401) and the spatial coordinates of the external acoustic device (e.g., a relative difference between the spatial coordinates of the wearable electronic device (401) and the spatial coordinates of the external acoustic device) by comparing the first depth information and the second depth information.

[0197] In one embodiment, the processor (480) may calculate the direction of the acquired sound based on the sound being acquired in a direction corresponding to the blocking area after performing the mapping operation. The processor (480) may calculate the direction in which the external acoustic device is to perform noise canceling based on the calculated direction of the sound and the calculated correlation (e.g., the correlation between the spatial coordinates of the wearable electronic device (401) and the spatial coordinates of the external acoustic device). The processor (480) may transmit the calculated direction in which noise canceling is to be performed to the external acoustic device through the communication circuit (410). The external acoustic device may perform noise canceling based on the direction in which noise canceling is to be performed received from the wearable electronic device (401).

[0198] In one embodiment, the processor (480) may set (e.g., adjust) the transparency of an indicator indicating a blocking area based on the size of sound obtained through the microphone (450) (hereinafter also referred to as “sound level”) and / or the degree to which sound is blocked (hereinafter also referred to as “sound blocking level”).

[0199] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary method for setting the transparency of an indicator representing a blocking area based on a sound level and / or a sound blocking level, according to various embodiments.

[0200] Referring to reference numerals 1701, 1702, and 1703 of FIG. 17, reference numeral 1701 may indicate a case where a sound obtained in a direction corresponding to a blocking area set in a real space (1710) is not blocked (e.g., when the sound blocking level is about 0 at a sound blocking level set from 0 to 100), reference numeral 1702 may indicate a case where a sound obtained in a direction corresponding to the blocking area is partially blocked (e.g., when the sound blocking level is about 50 at a sound blocking level set from 0 to 100), and reference numeral 1703 may indicate a case where a sound obtained in a direction corresponding to the blocking area (1720) is substantially completely blocked (e.g., when the sound blocking level is about 100 at a sound blocking level set from 0 to 100).

[0201] In one embodiment, as illustrated by reference numerals 1701, 1702, and 1703, the processor (480) may set the transparency of the indicators indicating the blocking area so that the indicators indicating the blocking area have high transparency in the order of reference numerals 1701, 1702, and 1703, depending on the blocking level of the sound.

[0202] In one embodiment, the processor (480) may set the transparency of the indicator so that the higher the level of sound obtained in the direction corresponding to the blocking area, the lower the transparency of the indicator indicating the blocking area.

[0203] In one embodiment, the processor (480) may set the transparency of the indicator so that a portion corresponding to the noise detection area within the indicator of the blocking area is displayed transparently based on the sound from the sound source located in the noise detection area moving to another location, thereby making the sound from the sound source no longer detected.

[0204] In one embodiment, the processor (480) may output information to guide the user to move away from the noise detection area. For example, the processor (480) may display, through the display (420), information that guides the user to a location or direction in which the sound can be acquired at a lower volume than the sound that satisfies the sound blocking condition described above. For example, the processor (480) may display, through the display (420), information that guides the user to at least one of a location or direction in which the sound can be acquired at a lower volume than the current volume of the sound when acquiring a sound that satisfies the noise blocking condition.

[0205] In one embodiment, when a blocking area is set, the processor (480) may not block sounds acquired through the microphone (450) that do not pass through the blocking area in a direction corresponding to the blocking area. This will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 18.

[0206] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary method for blocking at least some of a sound obtained in a direction corresponding to a blocking area, according to various embodiments.

[0207] Referring to FIG. 18, in one embodiment, the processor (480) may, when a blocking area is set, block at least some of the sound obtained through the microphone (450) through the blocking area.

[0208] In one embodiment, when a blocking area is set, the processor (480) may not block a sound obtained through the microphone (450) without passing through the blocking area in a direction corresponding to the blocking area. For example, in FIG. 18, after a blocking area (1820) is set within a real space (1810), the processor (480) may block at least a portion of a sound generated from a sound source (1832) located outside the blocking area (1820) based on the location (1811) of the wearable electronic device (401). The processor (480) may not block a sound obtained from a sound source (1831) located within the blocking area (1820) based on the location (1811) of the wearable electronic device (401). The sound generated from the sound source (1831) may be obtained through the microphone (450) without passing through the blocking area (1820). The processor (480) can obtain the direction of sound generated from the sound source (1831) through the microphone (450) and obtain depth information about the sound source (1831) through the depth sensor (and / or infrared camera), thereby confirming that the sound source (1831) is located within the blocking area (1820).

[0209] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary operation of outputting spatial sound according to various embodiments.

[0210] Referring to FIG. 19, in one embodiment, the processor (480) may output spatial sound in addition to or in place of an operation of at least partially blocking sound acquired in a direction corresponding to a blocking area.

[0211] In one embodiment, the processor (480) may set the first space (1920) (e.g., a cylindrical first space) based on the position (1911) of the wearable electronic device (401) within the real space (1910). For example, the processor (480) may set the entire surfaces surrounding the position (1911) of the wearable electronic device (401) in the first space (1920) as a blocking area.

[0212] In one embodiment, the processor (480) can output spatial sound through the speaker (460) while the blocking area is set.

[0213] In one embodiment, in FIG. 19, the processor (480) may output spatial sound through the speaker (460) so that the user perceives that sound is being output from a virtual sound source (1931, 1932) located within the first space while the blocking area is set.

[0214] In one embodiment, the processor (480) may output spatial sound through the speaker (460) so that the user perceives that sound is being output from a virtual sound source located in a direction corresponding to the blocked area within the first space while the blocked area is set.

[0215] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary operation of amplifying and outputting a sound obtained from a space designated by a user according to various embodiments.

[0216] Referring to FIG. 20, in one embodiment, the processor (480) may designate a space within a real space based on user input (e.g., a gesture input) while a blocking area is set. For example, in FIG. 20, the processor (480) may designate a space (2020) within a real space (2010) based on the user input. The processor (480) may amplify and output a sound generated in the designated space (2020).

[0217] In one embodiment, the real space (2010) may be a space where a concert is taking place. The user may designate a space (2020) within the real space (2010) where a desired sound to be amplified and output is generated (e.g., a space where a singer is located or a space where a speaker is located). The wearable electronic device (401) amplifies and outputs the sound generated from the space (2020) designated by the user through the speaker (460), thereby allowing the user to immerse themselves in the concert without being disturbed by surrounding noise.

[0218] In one embodiment, the processor may output audio of the selected image through the speaker (460) while the blocking area is set, when the image selected by the user input (e.g., image (1541) of FIG. 15) is displayed as an indicator corresponding to the blocking area.

[0219] Although the wearable electronic device (401) is described as an AR glass through FIGS. 5 to 20, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, even if the wearable electronic device (401) is a VR glass (e.g., a VST device), at least some of the aforementioned operations may be applied identically or similarly.

[0220] A wearable electronic device according to one embodiment may include a display, a microphone, a speaker, at least one processor including a processing circuit, and a memory storing instructions. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the wearable electronic device to acquire sound through the microphone while the wearable electronic device is worn by a user. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the wearable electronic device to determine whether a sound acquired through the microphone satisfies a condition for at least partially blocking a sound acquired by the wearable electronic device in a real space around the wearable electronic device. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the wearable electronic device to set an area in the real space corresponding to a direction from which the sound is acquired as a blocking area based on whether the acquired sound satisfies the condition. The above commands, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the wearable electronic device to display an indicator indicating the blocking area based on a location of the wearable electronic device through the display. The above commands, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the wearable electronic device to block at least some of a sound acquired in a direction corresponding to the blocking area.

[0221] In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device may further include a communication circuit. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the wearable electronic device to control an external acoustic device capable of performing noise cancelling, based on the wearable electronic device being connected to the external acoustic device via the communication circuit, such that the external acoustic device performs noise cancelling on at least a portion of sound acquired from a direction corresponding to the blocking area.

[0222] In one embodiment, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the wearable electronic device to establish a first space formed by one or more surfaces within the real space based on the position of the wearable electronic device. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the wearable electronic device to establish, as the blocking area, an area corresponding to a direction in which a sound is acquired on one or more surfaces of the first space, based on whether a sound acquired through the microphone satisfies the condition.

[0223] In one embodiment, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the wearable electronic device to output spatial sound through the speaker such that the user perceives that sound is being output from a virtual sound source located within the first space. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the wearable electronic device to amplify sound acquired through the microphone from a space designated by the user's input within the real space, and to output the amplified sound through the speaker.

[0224] In one embodiment, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the wearable electronic device to set the transparency of the indicator based on the loudness of the acquired sound. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the wearable electronic device to adjust the transparency of the indicator based on the degree to which sound acquired in the direction corresponding to the blocking area is blocked.

[0225] In one embodiment, the instructions, when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, may further cause the wearable electronic device to set a designated area in the real space as the blocking area based on an input from the user.

[0226] In one embodiment, the instructions, when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, may further cause the wearable electronic device to adjust at least one of the size of the blocking area or the position of the blocking area based on the user input.

[0227] In one embodiment, the instructions, when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, may cause the wearable electronic device to determine whether a sound acquired through the microphone satisfies the condition based on at least one of a loudness of the sound acquired through the microphone, a pattern exhibited by the sound, a number of times the sound occurred within a specified time period, or a timbre of the sound.

[0228] In one embodiment, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the wearable electronic device to display, through the display, information guiding the user to at least one of a location or direction in which the sound can be acquired at a lower volume than the current volume of the sound when acquiring a sound satisfying the condition.

[0229] In one embodiment, the instructions, when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, may further cause the wearable electronic device to release at least a portion of the blocked area after the blocked area has been set, based on an input from the user. After releasing at least a portion of the blocked area, the instructions may further cause the wearable electronic device to restore at least a portion of the released blocked area, based on an input from the user.

[0230] According to one embodiment, a method may include an operation of acquiring sound through a microphone of a wearable electronic device while the wearable electronic device is worn by a user. The method may include an operation of determining whether the sound acquired through the microphone satisfies a condition for at least partially blocking a sound acquired from the wearable electronic device in a real space around the wearable electronic device. The method may include an operation of setting an area in the real space corresponding to a direction in which the sound is acquired as a blocking area based on whether the acquired sound satisfies the condition. The method may include an operation of displaying an indicator indicating the blocking area based on a position of the wearable electronic device through a display of the wearable electronic device. The method may include an operation of at least partially blocking a sound acquired in a direction corresponding to the blocking area.

[0231] In one embodiment, the operation of blocking at least a portion of a sound acquired in a direction corresponding to the blocking area may include an operation of controlling an external sound device capable of performing noise canceling, based on the wearable electronic device being connected to the external sound device through a communication circuit of the wearable electronic device, such that the external sound device performs noise canceling for at least a portion of a sound acquired in a direction corresponding to the blocking area.

[0232] In one embodiment, the operation of setting the area within the real space as the blocking area may include an operation of setting a first space formed by one or more surfaces within the real space based on the position of the wearable electronic device. The operation of setting the area within the real space as the blocking area may include an operation of setting an area corresponding to a direction in which the sound is acquired on one or more surfaces of the first space as the blocking area, based on whether the sound acquired through the microphone satisfies the condition.

[0233] In one embodiment, the method may further include an operation of outputting spatial sound through the speaker so that the user perceives that sound is being output from a virtual sound source located within the first space. The method may further include an operation of amplifying a sound acquired through the microphone from a space designated by the user's input within the real space, and outputting the amplified sound through the speaker.

[0234] In one embodiment, the method may further include an operation of setting the transparency of the indicator based on the magnitude of the acquired sound. The method may further include an operation of adjusting the transparency of the indicator based on the degree to which the sound acquired in the direction corresponding to the blocking area is blocked.

[0235] In one embodiment, the method may further include an operation of setting a designated area in the real space as the blocking area based on an input of the user.

[0236] In one embodiment, the method may further include adjusting at least one of a size of the blocking area or a position of the blocking area based on an input from the user.

[0237] In one embodiment, the operation of determining whether the acquired sound satisfies the condition may include an operation of determining whether the sound acquired through the microphone satisfies the condition based on at least one of the loudness of the sound acquired through the microphone, the pattern represented by the sound, the number of times the sound occurred within a specified time, or the timbre of the sound.

[0238] In one embodiment, the method may further include an operation of displaying, through the display, information guiding the user to at least one of a location or direction in which the sound can be acquired at a smaller size than the current size of the sound when the sound satisfying the condition is acquired.

[0239] In one embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having recorded thereon computer-executable instructions, wherein the computer-executable instructions, when individually or collectively executed by at least one processor of a wearable electronic device, cause the wearable electronic device to acquire a sound through a microphone of the wearable electronic device while the wearable electronic device is worn by a user. The computer-executable instructions, when individually or collectively executed by at least one processor, cause the wearable electronic device to determine whether a sound acquired through the microphone satisfies a condition for at least partially blocking a sound acquired by the wearable electronic device in a real space around the wearable electronic device. The computer-executable instructions, when individually or collectively executed by at least one processor, cause the wearable electronic device to set an area in the real space corresponding to a direction from which the sound is acquired as a blocking area, based on whether the acquired sound satisfies the condition. The computer-executable instructions, when executed individually or collectively by at least one processor, may cause the wearable electronic device to display an indicator indicating the blocking area based on a location of the wearable electronic device through a display of the wearable electronic device. The computer-executable instructions, when executed individually or collectively by at least one processor, may cause the wearable electronic device to block at least some of a sound acquired in a direction corresponding to the blocking area.

[0240] Additionally, the structure of the data used in the embodiments of the present disclosure described above can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium through various means. The computer-readable recording medium includes storage media such as magnetic storage media (e.g., ROM, floppy disk, hard disk, etc.) and optical reading media (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD, etc.).

Claims

1. In a wearable electronic device (401), display (420); Mike (450); Speaker (460); At least one processor (480) comprising processing circuitry; and Includes a memory (470) for storing instructions, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, cause the wearable electronic device to: The wearable electronic device acquires sound through the microphone while being worn by the user, Checking whether the acquired sound satisfies a condition for at least partially blocking the sound acquired from the wearable electronic device in the real space around the wearable electronic device, Based on whether the sound acquired through the microphone satisfies the above conditions, an area within the real space corresponding to the direction in which the sound is acquired is set as a blocking area, An indicator indicating the blocking area based on the location of the wearable electronic device is displayed through the display, and A wearable electronic device that causes at least some of the sound obtained in a direction corresponding to the above-mentioned blocking area to be blocked.

2. In paragraph 1, Further including communication circuits, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, cause the wearable electronic device to: A wearable electronic device that causes the wearable electronic device to control an external acoustic device capable of performing noise cancelling, based on the wearable electronic device being connected to an external acoustic device capable of performing noise cancelling through the communication circuit, so as to perform noise cancelling on at least a portion of sound acquired from a direction corresponding to the blocking area.

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, cause the wearable electronic device to: Based on the position of the wearable electronic device, a first space formed by one or more surfaces within the real space is set, and A wearable electronic device that causes an area corresponding to a direction in which the sound is acquired on one or more surfaces of the first space to be set as the blocking area based on whether the sound acquired through the microphone satisfies the condition.

4. In paragraph 3, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, cause the wearable electronic device to: Outputting spatial sound through the speaker so that the user perceives that sound is being output from a virtual sound source located within the first space, or A wearable electronic device that amplifies a sound obtained through the microphone from a space designated by the user's input within the real space, and further causes the amplified sound to be output through the speaker.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, cause the wearable electronic device to: Set the transparency of the indicator based on the size of the acquired sound, and A wearable electronic device further causing the transparency of the indicator to be adjusted based on the degree to which sound obtained from the direction corresponding to the blocking area is blocked.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, cause the wearable electronic device to: A wearable electronic device further causing a designated area in the real space to be set as the blocking area based on the user's input.

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, cause the wearable electronic device to: A wearable electronic device further causing at least one of the size of the blocking area or the position of the blocking area to be adjusted based on the user's input.

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, cause the wearable electronic device to: A wearable electronic device that causes a user to determine whether a sound obtained through the microphone satisfies the condition based on at least one of the loudness of the sound obtained through the microphone, the pattern exhibited by the sound, the number of times the sound occurred within a specified time period, or the timbre of the sound.

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, cause the wearable electronic device to: A wearable electronic device that further causes the display to display information guiding the user to at least one of a location or direction in which the sound can be acquired at a smaller volume than the current volume of the sound when a sound satisfying the above conditions is acquired.

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, cause the wearable electronic device to: After the above blocking area is set, at least a portion of the blocking area is released based on the user's input, and A wearable electronic device further causing at least a portion of the released blocking area to be restored based on an input from the user after at least a portion of the blocked area has been released.

11. In the method, An action of acquiring sound through a microphone of a wearable electronic device while the wearable electronic device is worn by a user; An operation of determining whether the acquired sound satisfies a condition for at least partially blocking a sound acquired from the wearable electronic device in a real space around the wearable electronic device; An operation of setting an area within the real space corresponding to the direction in which the sound is acquired as a blocking area based on whether the sound acquired through the microphone satisfies the above condition; An action of displaying an indicator indicating the blocking area based on the location of the wearable electronic device through the display of the wearable electronic device; and A method comprising an action of blocking at least some of the sound obtained in a direction corresponding to the above blocking area.

12. In paragraph 11, An action that blocks at least some of the sound obtained in a direction corresponding to the above blocking area: A method comprising an action of controlling an external acoustic device so that the external acoustic device performs noise canceling on at least a portion of sound acquired from a direction corresponding to the blocking area, based on the wearable electronic device being connected to an external acoustic device capable of performing noise canceling through a communication circuit of the wearable electronic device.

13. In paragraph 11 or 12, The action of setting the area within the above real space as the above blocking area is: An operation of setting a first space formed by one or more surfaces within the real space based on the position of the wearable electronic device; and A method comprising an operation of setting an area corresponding to a direction in which the sound is acquired on one or more surfaces of the first space as the blocking area based on whether the sound acquired through the microphone satisfies the condition.

14. In paragraph 13, An action of outputting spatial sound through a speaker so that the user perceives that sound is output from a virtual sound source located within the first space; or A method further comprising an action of amplifying a sound obtained through the microphone from a space designated by the user's input within the real space, and outputting the amplified sound through the speaker.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable instructions recorded thereon, wherein the computer-executable instructions, when individually or collectively executed by at least one processor of a wearable electronic device, cause the wearable electronic device to: Acquire sound through the microphone of the wearable electronic device while the wearable electronic device is worn by the user, Checking whether the acquired sound satisfies a condition for at least partially blocking the sound acquired from the wearable electronic device in the real space around the wearable electronic device, Based on whether the sound acquired through the microphone satisfies the above conditions, an area within the real space corresponding to the direction in which the sound is acquired is set as a blocking area, Displaying an indicator indicating the blocking area based on the location of the wearable electronic device through the display of the wearable electronic device, and A computer-readable storage medium that causes at least some of the sound obtained in a direction corresponding to the above-mentioned blocking area to be blocked.

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