Electronic device for forming communication channel with other electronic device without timeout and control method therefor

Abstract

Disclosed is a first electronic device comprising a memory for storing instructions, a first communication interface, a second communication interface, and at least one processor, wherein the instructions, when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, cause the first electronic device to: when the first electronic device is connected to a network via the first communication interface, control the first communication interface to request, from a server, configuration information about a first data transmission method of a second electronic device; receive the configuration information from the server via the first communication interface; and control the second communication interface to communicate with the second electronic device on the basis of the configuration information.

Description

Electronic device for establishing a communication channel with another electronic device without timeout and a control method thereof

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device and a method for controlling the same, and more particularly, to an electronic device that forms a communication channel with another electronic device and a method for controlling the same.

[0002] Advances in electronic technology have led to the development of various types of electronic devices. In particular, with the recent advancement in communication methods, communication channels can be established using a variety of methods, requiring time to establish communication methods.

[0003] Figures 1a and 1b are drawings illustrating a connection method according to a related technology.

[0004] For example, recently, the HDMI standard operation is applied to set the audio transmission path based on the sink device. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1A, when a first electronic device, such as a soundbar, is connected to a second electronic device, such as a TV, via a cable, the first electronic device may attempt an enhanced audio return channel (eARC) connection by transmitting a COMMA signal to the second electronic device. The first electronic device may operate in audio return channel (ARC) mode or eARC mode based on whether or not a heartbeat signal is received from the second electronic device. Here, since the first electronic device does not know the configuration information of the second electronic device, the path can be set to eARC or ARC after the operation status of the second electronic device is confirmed after the connection attempt with eARC. That is, the first electronic device requires a waiting time to confirm the operation status of the second electronic device. For example, the waiting time may be 500 ms, as illustrated in FIG. 1B.

[0005] This connection method makes it difficult to distinguish between path settings due to signal abnormalities and normal path settings based on the sink device's configuration information, and has the problem of generating latency due to waiting until the timeout defined in the standard.

[0006] Additionally, the sink device and the source device can identify the audio decoding capability of the connected audio output device (repeater), the audio output delay time (Lip-sync) information, and the characteristics of the audio output device through consumer electronics control (CEC), eARC, and extended display identification data (EDID). However, there is a problem in that the sink device and the source device cannot simultaneously identify information that matches the characteristics of the audio output device, such as the output delay time according to each audio codec.

[0007] The information disclosed in this Background section is technical information already known or derived by the inventors prior to or during the process of achieving the embodiments of the present disclosure, or acquired during the process of achieving the embodiments. Accordingly, it may include information not already known to the public in prior art.

[0008] Additional aspects will be presented in part in the following description, in part will become apparent from the description, or may be learned by practicing the embodiments presented.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure to achieve the above object, a first electronic device includes a memory for storing commands, a first communication interface, a second communication interface, and at least one processor, wherein the commands, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, control the first communication interface to request setting information on a first data transmission method of a second electronic device to a server when the first electronic device is connected to a network through the first communication interface, receive the setting information from the server through the first communication interface, and control the second communication interface to perform communication with the second electronic device based on the setting information.

[0010] In addition, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the first electronic device to control the first communication interface to request the configuration information to the server when the first electronic device is connected to the network through the first communication interface, receive the configuration information from the server through the first communication interface, and control the second communication interface to perform communication with the second electronic device based on a second data transmission method corresponding to the configuration information when the configuration information is received, while the first electronic device is connected to the second electronic device through the second communication interface.

[0011] Here, when the commands are individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, the first electronic device can control the second communication interface to change the content based on the second data transmission method corresponding to the setting information and transmit the changed content to the second electronic device.

[0012] And, when the instructions are individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, the first electronic device may control the first communication interface to re-request the configuration information to the server when the first electronic device is connected to the second electronic device through the second communication interface while the first electronic device is connected to the network, re-receive the configuration information from the server through the first communication interface, and control the second communication interface to perform communication with the second electronic device based on a third data transmission method corresponding to the re-received configuration information when the configuration information is re-received.

[0013] In addition, when the instructions are individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, the first electronic device may store the setting information in the memory when the setting information is received, and when the setting information is updated in the second electronic device and the updated setting information is received from the server through the first communication interface, the second communication interface may be controlled to perform communication with the second electronic device based on the updated setting information.

[0014] In addition, the first data transmission method may include at least one of an ARC (Audio Return Channel) communication method or an eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) communication method.

[0015] Additionally, the setting information may include at least one of compatibility information of the second electronic device for the eARC communication method or setting information of the second electronic device for the eARC communication method.

[0016] And, when the commands are individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, the first electronic device can control the second communication interface to perform communication with the second electronic device based on the eARC communication method if the setting information is not received, and can control the second communication interface to perform communication with the second electronic device based on the ARC communication method if communication with the second electronic device is not performed for a preset period of time.

[0017] Additionally, the second communication interface may include an interface for performing communication using an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) communication method.

[0018] And, when the commands are individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, the first electronic device can control the first communication interface to request specification information of the first electronic device to the server, receive the specification information from the server through the first communication interface, and control the second communication interface to transmit the specification information to the second electronic device.

[0019] Additionally, the specification information may include at least one of an audio format, an audio sample rate, or delay information supported by the first electronic device.

[0020] Meanwhile, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for controlling a first electronic device may include, when the first electronic device is connected to a network through a first communication interface of the first electronic device, a step of controlling the first communication interface to request setting information on a first data transmission method of a second electronic device from a server, a step of receiving the setting information from the server through the first communication interface, and a step of controlling the second communication interface of the first electronic device to perform communication with the second electronic device based on the setting information.

[0021] In addition, the step of controlling the first communication interface may include: while the first electronic device is connected to the second electronic device via the second communication interface, when the first electronic device is connected to the network via the first communication interface, controlling the first communication interface to request the setting information to the server; and the step of controlling the second communication interface may include: when the setting information is received, controlling the second communication interface to perform communication with the second electronic device based on a second data transmission method corresponding to the setting information.

[0022] Here, the step of controlling the second communication interface may control the second communication interface to change content based on a second data transmission method corresponding to the setting information and transmit the changed content to the second electronic device.

[0023] And, while the first electronic device is connected to the network through the first communication interface, if the first electronic device is connected to the second electronic device through the second communication interface, the method may further include: controlling the first communication interface to re-request the setting information to the server; re-receiving the setting information from the server through the first communication interface; and, if the setting information is re-received, controlling the second communication interface to perform communication with the second electronic device based on a third data transmission method corresponding to the re-received setting information.

[0024] In addition, when the setting information is received, the method may further include a step of storing the setting information, and a step of controlling the second communication interface to perform communication with the second electronic device based on the updated setting information when the setting information is updated in the second electronic device and the updated setting information is received from the server through the first communication interface.

[0025] In addition, the data transmission method may include at least one of an ARC (Audio Return Channel) communication method or an eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) communication method.

[0026] Additionally, the setting information may include at least one of compatibility information of the second electronic device for the eARC communication method or setting information of the second electronic device for the eARC communication method.

[0027] And, if the setting information is not received, the method may further include a step of controlling the second communication interface to perform communication with the second electronic device based on the eARC communication method, and a step of controlling the second communication interface to perform communication with the second electronic device based on the ARC communication method if communication with the second electronic device is not performed for a preset period of time.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may store instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the first electronic device to control the first communication interface to request setting information on a first data transmission method of a second electronic device from a server based on the first electronic device being connected to a network through the first communication interface of the first electronic device, receive the setting information from the server through the first communication interface, and control the second communication interface of the first electronic device to perform communication with the second electronic device based on the setting information.

[0029] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of specific embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0030] Figures 1a and 1b are drawings for explaining a connection method according to a related technology.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of an electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an electronic device and another electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for forming a communication channel by receiving setup information in advance according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining setting information according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method of transmitting specification information according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIGS. 9 to 12 are drawings for explaining specification information according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a communication method control according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0041] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings, identical components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. The embodiments described in this disclosure are exemplary embodiments, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto and may be implemented in various other forms. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form should be understood to include the plural form. Terms, including technical or scientific terms, used in this disclosure may have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art.

[0042] The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide an electronic device and a control method thereof that receives setting information on a data transmission method of another electronic device from a server and forms a communication channel with another electronic device without a timeout.

[0043] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0044] The terms used in the embodiments of this disclosure are generally and widely used terms, taking into account the functions of this disclosure. However, these terms may vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Furthermore, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the description of the relevant disclosure. Therefore, the terms used in this disclosure should not be defined simply as names of terms, but rather based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of this disclosure.

[0045] In this specification, expressions such as “has,” “can have,” “includes,” or “may include” indicate the presence of a feature (e.g., a number, function, operation, or component such as a part), and do not exclude the presence of additional features.

[0046] As used herein, phrases such as "at least one of" modify the entire list of elements when preceded by the list of elements, and do not modify individual elements within the list. For example, the phrase "at least one of a, b, and c" should be understood to include a alone, b alone, c alone, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, or all of a, b, and c.

[0047] As used herein, the expressions “first,” “second,” “first,” or “second,” etc., may describe various components, regardless of order and / or importance, and are only used to distinguish one component from another, but do not limit the components.

[0048] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprise" or "consist of" are intended to indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but should be understood not to preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0049] In this specification, the term user may refer to a person using an electronic device or a device using an electronic device (e.g., an artificial intelligence electronic device).

[0050] Various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings below.

[0051] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic system (1000) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the electronic system (1000) includes a first electronic device (100) and a second electronic device (200). The first electronic device (100) may be referred to as an electronic device (100), and the second electronic device (200) may be referred to as an “other” electronic device (200).

[0052] The first electronic device (100) is a device that outputs sound and may be implemented as a sound bar, etc. However, it is not limited thereto, and any device equipped with a speaker and capable of outputting audio sound may be the first electronic device (100).

[0053] A first electronic device (100) can form or establish a communication channel with a second electronic device (200) and receive sound from the second electronic device (200). For example, the first electronic device (100) can be connected to the second electronic device (200) using a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) communication method and can receive sound using one of an Audio Return Channel (ARC) communication method and an Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC).

[0054] The first electronic device (100) receives setting information on a data transmission method of the second electronic device (200) from the server, and based on the setting information, can transmit and receive data with the second electronic device (200) using one of the ARC (Audio Return Channel) communication method and the eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel).

[0055] The second electronic device (200) is a device that provides multimedia information to the first electronic device (100), and may be implemented as a TV, projector, desktop PC, laptop, tablet PC, etc. However, it is not limited thereto, and any device that can provide multimedia information to the first electronic device (100) may be the second electronic device (200).

[0056] The second electronic device (200) can form a communication channel with the first electronic device (100) and transmit sound. For example, the second electronic device (200) can be connected to the first electronic device (100) using an HDMI communication method and transmit sound using one of the ARC communication methods and eARC.

[0057] The second electronic device (200) may transmit configuration information regarding a data transmission method of the second electronic device (200) to the server. For example, when the second electronic device (200) is turned on, connected to a network, or when configuration information is changed, the second electronic device (200) may transmit configuration information regarding a data transmission method of the second electronic device (200) to the server.

[0058] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a first electronic device (100) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0059] According to FIG. 3, the first electronic device (100) includes a memory (110), a first communication interface (120), a second communication interface (130), and a processor (140). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first electronic device (100) may be implemented in a form in which some components are omitted.

[0060] Memory (110) may refer to hardware that stores information such as data in an electrical or magnetic form so that a processor (140) or the like can access it. To this end, memory (110) may be implemented as at least one piece of hardware from among non-volatile memory, volatile memory, flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), solid state drive (SSD), RAM, ROM, etc.

[0061] The memory (110) may store at least one instruction for the operation of the first electronic device (100) and / or the processor (140). Here, the instruction is a unit of code that instructs the operation of the first electronic device (100) or the processor (140), and the instruction may be written in machine language, which is a language that a computer can understand. Alternatively, the memory (110) may store a plurality of instructions for performing a specific function of the first electronic device (100) or the processor (140) as an instruction set.

[0062] The memory (110) may store data in bit or byte units that can represent characters, numbers, images, etc. For example, the memory (110) may store one or more commands for controlling the first electronic device (100), setting information for a data transmission method of the second electronic device (200), etc.

[0063] The memory (110) is accessed by the processor (140), and reading / writing / modifying / deleting / updating instructions, instruction sets, or data can be performed by the processor (140).

[0064] The first communication interface (120) is configured to communicate with various types of external devices according to various types of communication methods. For example, the first electronic device (100) can communicate with a server via the first communication interface (120).

[0065] The first communication interface (120) may include a Wi-Fi module, a Bluetooth module, an infrared communication module, and a wireless communication module. Here, each communication module may be implemented in the form of at least one hardware chip.

[0066] Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules communicate via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, respectively. When using a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth module, connection information, such as the SSID and session key, is first transmitted and received. This information is then used to establish a communication connection before various other information can be transmitted and received. Infrared communication modules use infrared data association (IrDA) technology, which wirelessly transmits data over short distances using infrared light, which lies between visible light and millimeter waves.

[0067] In addition to the above-described communication method, the wireless communication module may include at least one communication chip that performs communication according to various wireless communication standards such as zigbee, 3G (3rd Generation), 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project), LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (LTE Advanced), 4G (4th Generation), 5G (5th Generation), etc.

[0068] Alternatively, the first communication interface (120) may include at least one of a Local Area Network (LAN) module, an Ethernet module, or a wired communication module that performs communication using a pair cable, a coaxial cable, or an optical fiber cable.

[0069] The second communication interface (130) may be a configuration that performs communication with the second electronic device (200). For example, the second communication interface (130) may be an interface for performing communication using the HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) communication method. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the second communication interface (130) may further include interfaces such as DP, Thunderbolt, USB, RGB, D-SUB, DVI, etc.

[0070] The processor (140) controls the overall operation of the first electronic device (100). Specifically, the processor (140) is connected to each component of the first electronic device (100) and can control the overall operation of the electronic device (100). For example, the processor (140) is connected to components such as the memory (110), the first communication interface (120), and the like and can control the operation of the first electronic device (100).

[0071] The one or more processors (140) may include one or more of a CPU, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an APU (Accelerated Processing Unit), a MIC (Many Integrated Core), an NPU (Neural Processing Unit), a hardware accelerator, or a machine learning accelerator. The one or more processors (140) may control one or any combination of other components of the first electronic device (100) and perform operations or data processing related to communication. The one or more processors (140) may execute one or more programs or instructions stored in the memory (110). For example, the one or more processors (140) may perform a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure by executing one or more instructions stored in the memory (110).

[0072] When a method according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure includes multiple operations, the multiple operations may be performed by a single processor or by multiple processors. For example, when a first operation, a second operation, and a third operation are performed by a method according to one or more embodiments, the first operation, the second operation, and the third operation may all be performed by a first processor, or the first operation and the second operation may be performed by a first processor (e.g., a general-purpose processor) and the third operation may be performed by a second processor (e.g., an artificial intelligence-specific processor). As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art from the teachings of the present disclosure, various variations and combinations of processors and operations may be implemented according to instructions or instruction sets.

[0073] One or more processors (140) may be implemented as a single core processor including one core, or may be implemented as one or more multicore processors including multiple cores (e.g., homogeneous multicores or heterogeneous multicores). When one or more processors (140) are implemented as a multicore processor, each of the multiple cores included in the multicore processor may include an internal processor memory, such as a cache memory or an on-chip memory, and a common cache shared by the multiple cores may be included in the multicore processor. In addition, each of the multiple cores (or some of the multiple cores) included in the multicore processor may independently read and execute a program instruction for implementing a method according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, or all (or some) of the multiple cores may be linked to read and execute a program instruction for implementing a method according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0074] When a method according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure includes a plurality of operations, the plurality of operations may be performed by one core among the plurality of cores included in a multi-core processor, or may be performed by the plurality of cores. For example, when a first operation, a second operation, and a third operation are performed by a method according to one embodiment, the first operation, the second operation, and the third operation may all be performed by a first core included in the multi-core processor, or the first operation and the second operation may be performed by a first core included in the multi-core processor, and the third operation may be performed by a second core included in the multi-core processor.

[0075] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more processors (140) may include a system on a chip (SoC) in which one or more processors and other electronic components are integrated, a single-core processor, a multi-core processor, or a core included in a single-core processor or a multi-core processor, and the core may be implemented as a CPU, a GPU, an APU, a MIC, an NPU, a hardware accelerator, or a machine learning accelerator, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. However, for convenience of explanation, the operation of the electronic device (100) is described below using the expression processor (140).

[0076] When the first electronic device (100) is connected to a network via the first communication interface (120), the processor (140) may control the first communication interface (120) to request the server for setting information on a data transmission method of the second electronic device (200). For example, when the first electronic device (100) is turned on and connected to a network, the processor (140) may control the first communication interface (120) to request the server for setting information on a data transmission method of the second electronic device (200). As described in the present disclosure, the processor (140) may request the server for setting information and / or other information, which may be performed by generating and transmitting a request to retrieve the information from the server.

[0077] However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the processor (140) may control the first communication interface (120) to request the server for setting information on the data transmission method of the second electronic device (200) at a preset time interval or preset time. Alternatively, the processor (140) may control the first communication interface (120) to request the server for setting information on the data transmission method of the second electronic device (200) when connected to the second electronic device (200).

[0078] The processor (140) may receive setting information from a server via the first communication interface (120) and control the second communication interface (130) to perform communication with the second electronic device (200) based on the setting information. For example, the processor (140) may control the second communication interface (130) to change content based on a data transmission method corresponding to the setting information and transmit the changed content to the second electronic device (200).

[0079] If the setting information is not received, the processor (140) controls the second communication interface (130) to perform communication with the second electronic device (200) based on the first communication method, and if the communication with the second electronic device (200) is not performed for a preset time, the processor (140) can control the second communication interface (130) to perform communication with the second electronic device (200) based on the second communication method.

[0080] That is, if the setting information is not received, the processor (140) may attempt to communicate with the second electronic device (200) using the first communication method and determine whether communication with the second electronic device (200) using the first communication method is possible for a preset period of time. If the preset period of time has elapsed, the processor (140) may determine that communication with the second electronic device (200) using the first communication method is impossible and attempt to communicate with the second electronic device (200) using the second communication method. Accordingly, if the second electronic device (200) does not support the first communication method or is set not to use the first communication method, a latency of at least the preset period of time may be required until the first electronic device (100) and the second electronic device (200) communicate.

[0081] However, if the processor (140) receives the setting information, it may attempt to communicate with the second electronic device (200) using the first communication method or the second communication method based on the setting information, so that a latency exceeding a preset time does not occur, and the time until the communication channel is formed can be shortened.

[0082] When the first electronic device (100) is connected to a network through the first communication interface (120) while the first electronic device (100) is connected to the second electronic device (200) through the second communication interface (130), the processor (140) controls the first communication interface (120) to request setting information from a server, receives setting information from the server through the first communication interface (120), and, when the setting information is received, controls the second communication interface (130) to perform communication with the second electronic device (200) based on a data transmission method corresponding to the setting information.

[0083] Alternatively, the processor (140) may control the first communication interface (120) to re-request setting information to the server when the first electronic device (100) is connected to the second electronic device (200) through the second communication interface (130) while the first electronic device (100) is connected to the network through the first communication interface (120), re-receive the setting information from the server through the first communication interface (120), and, when the setting information is re-received, control the second communication interface (130) to perform communication with the second electronic device (200) based on a data transmission method corresponding to the re-received setting information.

[0084] When the setting information is received, the processor (140) stores the setting information in the memory (110) (or another memory that does not include executable instructions), and when the setting information is updated in the second electronic device (200), and the updated setting information is received from the server through the first communication interface (120), the processor (140) may control the second communication interface (130) to perform communication with the second electronic device (200) based on the updated setting information.

[0085] The data transmission method may include at least one of an ARC (Audio Return Channel) communication method or an eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) communication method.

[0086] However, it is not limited to this, and the data transmission method may include various standard methods.

[0087] The configuration information may include at least one of compatibility information of the second electronic device (200) for the eARC communication method or configuration information of the second electronic device (200) for the eARC communication method.

[0088] For example, the setting information includes compatibility information of the second electronic device (200) for the eARC communication method, and if the processor (140) determines that the second electronic device (200) does not support the eARC communication method based on the setting information, the processor (140) may control the second communication interface (130) to perform communication with the second electronic device (200) based on the ARC communication method. Alternatively, the setting information includes setting information of the second electronic device (200) for the eARC communication method, and if the processor (140) determines that the second electronic device (200) supports the eARC communication method but is set to use the ARC communication method based on the setting information, the processor may control the second communication interface (130) to perform communication with the second electronic device (200) based on the ARC communication method.

[0089] If the setting information is not received, the processor (140) controls the second communication interface (130) to perform communication with the second electronic device (200) based on the eARC communication method, and if communication with the second electronic device (200) is not performed for a preset time, the processor (140) can control the second communication interface (130) to perform communication with the second electronic device (200) using the ARC communication method.

[0090] Therefore, if the configuration information is received, the occurrence of latency that requires waiting for a preset time can be prevented.

[0091] The processor (140) can control the first communication interface (120) to request specification information of the first electronic device (100) from the server, receive the specification information from the server through the first communication interface (120), and control the second communication interface to transmit the specification information to the second electronic device (200). Here, the specification information can include at least one of an audio format, an audio sample rate, or delay information supported by the first electronic device (100).

[0092] However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the processor (140) may control the second communication interface to transmit the specification information stored in the memory (110) to the second electronic device (200) without requesting the specification information from the server. Alternatively, the processor (140) may not perform any operation related to the specification information, and the second electronic device (200) may receive the specification information of the first electronic device (100) from the server.

[0093] The second electronic device (200) can change the output time of the video based on the specification information of the first electronic device (100). For example, the second electronic device (200) can identify how much the output time of the sound provided by the second electronic device (200) to the first electronic device (100) is delayed based on the specification information of the first electronic device (100), and can delay the output time of the video through the display of the second electronic device (200) based on the delay. Through this operation, the sync of the video output from the second electronic device (200) and the sound output from the first electronic device (100) can be matched.

[0094] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a first electronic device (100) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The first electronic device (100) may include a memory (110), a first communication interface (120), a second communication interface (130), and a processor (140). In addition, according to FIG. 4, the first electronic device (100) may further include a speaker (150), a display (160), a user interface (170), a camera (180), and a microphone (190). Descriptions of aspects identical or similar to those described above may be omitted.

[0095] The speaker (150) is a component that outputs various audio data processed by the processor (140) as well as various notification sounds and voice messages. For example, the processor (140) can output signals of some channels included in the sound through the speaker (150).

[0096] The speaker (150) may be implemented in multiple configurations. For example, the speaker (150) may include a front left speaker, a front right speaker, and a center speaker. However, this is not limited to this, and the implementation of the speaker (150) may vary.

[0097] The display (160) is a configuration that displays an image and can be implemented as a display of various forms such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diodes) display, a PDP (Plasma Display Panel), etc. The display (160) may also include a driving circuit, a backlight unit, etc. that can be implemented as a form such as an a-si TFT, an LTPS (low temperature poly silicon) TFT, an OTFT (organic TFT), etc. The display (160) may be implemented as a touch screen combined with a touch sensor, a flexible display, a 3D display, etc.

[0098] The user interface (170) may be implemented with buttons, a touch pad, a mouse, a keyboard, etc., or may be implemented with a touch screen capable of performing both display and operation input functions. The buttons may be various types of buttons, such as mechanical buttons, touch pads, wheels, etc., formed on any area of ​​the front, side, or back of the main body of the first electronic device (100).

[0099] The camera (180) is configured to capture still images or moving images. The camera (180) can capture still images at a specific point in time, but can also capture still images continuously.

[0100] The camera (180) can capture the front of the first electronic device (100) to capture the actual environment in front of the first electronic device (100). The processor (140) can also identify the user from the image captured by the camera (180).

[0101] The camera (180) includes a lens, a shutter, an aperture, a solid-state image sensor, an AFE (Analog Front End), and a TG (Timing Generator). The shutter controls the time at which light reflected from a subject enters the camera (180), and the aperture mechanically increases or decreases the size of the opening through which light enters to control the amount of light incident on the lens. When the solid-state image sensor accumulates light reflected from a subject as a photocharge, the image generated by the photocharge is output as an electrical signal. The TG outputs a timing signal for reading out pixel data of the solid-state image sensor, and the AFE samples and digitizes the electrical signal output from the solid-state image sensor.

[0102] The microphone (190) is configured to receive sound and convert it into an audio signal. The microphone (190) is electrically connected to the processor (140) and can receive sound under the control of the processor (140).

[0103] For example, the microphone (190) may be formed as an integrated unit integrated into the upper side, front side, side direction, etc. of the first electronic device (100). Alternatively, the microphone (190) may be provided in a remote control, etc., separate from the first electronic device (100). In this case, the remote control may receive sound through the microphone (190) and provide the received sound to the first electronic device (100).

[0104] The microphone (190) may include various configurations such as a microphone that collects analog sound, an amplifier circuit that amplifies the collected sound, an A / D conversion circuit that samples the amplified sound and converts it into a digital signal, and a filter circuit that removes noise components from the converted digital signal.

[0105] The microphone (190) may be implemented in the form of a sound sensor, and any configuration capable of collecting sound may be used.

[0106] As described above, the first electronic device (100) can receive setting information on the data transmission method of the second electronic device (200) from the server and form a communication channel with the second electronic device (200) without a timeout.

[0107] Hereinafter, the operation of the first electronic device (100) will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 5 to 13. For convenience of explanation, individual embodiments are described in FIGS. 5 to 13. However, the individual embodiments of FIGS. 5 to 13 may be implemented in any combination.

[0108] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a first electronic device (100) and a second electronic device (200) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0109] The electronic system (1000) may include a first electronic device (Repeater, 100), a second electronic device (Sink, 200), and a plurality of source devices (Source, 300, 400), as illustrated in FIG. 5. The source device may be a data sender, and the repeater may be a network device that receives and retransmits a signal to extend the data transmission range. The sink device may be a target or endpoint that ultimately receives and processes the data. In the HDMI communication method, a TV is a Sink, and although Sink and Source are indicated in FIG. 5 according to the HDMI communication method, sound may be transmitted from the second electronic device (200) or a plurality of source devices (300, 400) to the first electronic device (100). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the electronic system (1000) may be implemented with some components excluded or in an integrated state.

[0110] A first electronic device (100) may be connected to a second electronic device (200) via an interface for performing communication using an HDMI communication method. The data communication method for transmitting sound may include at least one of an ARC communication method or an eARC communication method.

[0111] However, the first electronic device (100) does not store information on whether the second electronic device (200) supports the eARC communication method and whether the second electronic device (200) is set to use the eARC communication method even if it supports the method. In this case, latency may occur.

[0112] To prevent latency, the first electronic device (100) can receive setting information on a data transmission method of the second electronic device (200) from a server and perform communication with the second electronic device (200) without latency based on the setting information.

[0113] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for forming a communication channel by receiving setup information in advance according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0114] First, when the first electronic device (100) is connected to a network (S610), the processor (140) can request setting information on a data transmission method of the second electronic device (200) from the server and receive setting information from the server (S620).

[0115] The processor (140) identifies setting information for the ARC communication method and the eARC communication method of the second electronic device (200) based on the setting information (S630), and performs communication with the second electronic device (200) in eARC mode (S640), or performs communication with the second electronic device (200) in ARC mode without eARC TimeOut (S650).

[0116] For example, if the processor (140) identifies that the second electronic device (200) does not support the eARC communication method or is set not to use the eARC communication method based on the setting information, the processor (140) may perform communication with the second electronic device (200) in ARC mode without eARC TimeOut (S650).

[0117] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining setting information according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0118] The configuration information may include configuration information of the second electronic device (200) for the eARC communication method, as illustrated in FIG. 7. The configuration information may include configuration parameters of the second electronic device (200) operating as a sync device. For example, the configuration information may include information on whether the eARC communication method is On or Off. When On information of the eARC communication method is received, the processor (140) may perform communication with the second electronic device (200) in eARC mode, and when Off information of the eARC communication method is received, the processor (140) may perform communication with the second electronic device (200) in ARC mode.

[0119] Alternatively, the configuration information may include compatibility information of the second electronic device (200) for the eARC communication method. The configuration information may include information that the supported communication method of the second electronic device (200) is the ARC communication method. When information that the supported communication method of the second electronic device (200) is the ARC communication method is received, the processor (140) may perform communication with the second electronic device (200) in ARC mode, and when information that the supported communication methods of the second electronic device (200) are the ARC communication method and the eARC communication method is received, the processor (140) may perform communication with the second electronic device (200) in eARC mode.

[0120] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for transmitting specification information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0121] When the first electronic device (100) is connected to a network (S810), the processor (140) can request setting information on a data transmission method of the second electronic device (200) from the server, receive setting information of the second electronic device (200) from the server (S820), request specification information of the first electronic device (100) from the server, and receive specification information of the first electronic device (100) from the server (S830).

[0122] However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the processor (140) may receive specification information of the first electronic device (100) from the server regardless of the setting information of the second electronic device (200). Alternatively, the first electronic device (100) may store specification information during the manufacturing process.

[0123] The processor (140) can transmit specification information to the second electronic device (200) (S840).

[0124] The second electronic device (200) can change the output time of the video based on the specification information of the first electronic device (100). For example, the second electronic device (200) can identify how much the output time of the sound provided by the second electronic device (200) to the first electronic device (100) is delayed based on the specification information of the first electronic device (100), and can delay the output time of the video through the display of the second electronic device (200) based on the delay. Through this operation, the sync of the video output from the second electronic device (200) and the sound output from the first electronic device (100) can be matched.

[0125] FIGS. 9 to 12 are drawings for explaining specification information according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0126] The specification information may include device specifications of the first electronic device (100) operating as a repeater. The specification information may include at least one of an audio format, an audio sample rate, or delay information supported by the first electronic device (100), as illustrated in FIG. 9.

[0127] The audio format may include at least one of an audio coding type, an audio stream encoding standard, or an audio stream transmission standard, as illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0128] The audio sample rate may include frequency information, as illustrated in FIG. 11.

[0129] Delay information may include information about delay time, as illustrated in FIG. 12.

[0130] FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a communication method control according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0131] As illustrated in FIG. 13, the processor (SOC, 140) can receive setting information on a data transmission method of the second electronic device (200) from the server through the first communication interface (network interface, 120) (S1310).

[0132] The processor (140) can control a communication method based on the configuration information (S1320). For example, the processor (140) can control an interface for performing communication using the HDMI communication method to operate in ARC mode or eARC mode based on the configuration information.

[0133] According to one or more embodiments, the processor (140) may receive images and sounds from a source device, and in this case, may adjust the synchronization of the images and sounds based on the setup information and transmit them to the second electronic device (200).

[0134] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0135] When the first electronic device is connected to a network via the first communication interface of the first electronic device, the first communication interface is controlled to request setting information regarding the data transmission method of the second electronic device from the server (S1410). Then, the setting information is received from the server via the first communication interface (S1420). Then, the second communication interface of the first electronic device is controlled to perform communication with the second electronic device based on the setting information (S1430).

[0136] In addition, the step of controlling the first communication interface (S1410) may control the first communication interface to request setting information from a server when the first electronic device is connected to a network through the first communication interface while the first electronic device is connected to a second electronic device through the second communication interface, and the step of controlling the second communication interface (S1430) may control the second communication interface to perform communication with the second electronic device based on a data transmission method corresponding to the setting information when the setting information is received.

[0137] The step of controlling the second communication interface (S1430) can control the second communication interface to change the content based on a data transmission method corresponding to the setting information and transmit the changed content to the second electronic device.

[0138] And, when the first electronic device is connected to the network through the first communication interface and the first electronic device is connected to the second electronic device through the second communication interface, the method may further include a step of controlling the first communication interface to re-request setting information to the server, a step of re-receiving setting information from the server through the first communication interface, and a step of controlling the second communication interface to perform communication with the second electronic device based on a data transmission method corresponding to the re-received setting information when the setting information is re-received.

[0139] In addition, when the setting information is received, the step of storing the setting information and when the setting information is updated in the second electronic device and the updated setting information is received from the server through the first communication interface, the step of controlling the second communication interface to perform communication with the second electronic device based on the updated setting information may be further included.

[0140] And, the data transmission method may include at least one of an ARC (Audio Return Channel) communication method or an eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) communication method.

[0141] Additionally, the configuration information may include at least one of compatibility information of the second electronic device for the eARC communication method or configuration information of the second electronic device for the eARC communication method.

[0142] And, if the setting information is not received, the step of controlling the second communication interface to perform communication with the second electronic device based on the eARC communication method may be further included, and if the communication with the second electronic device is not performed for a preset time, the step of controlling the second communication interface to perform communication with the second electronic device based on the ARC communication method may be further included.

[0143] Additionally, the second communication interface may include an interface for performing communication using a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) communication method.

[0144] And, the method may further include a step of controlling a first communication interface to request specification information of a first electronic device to a server, a step of receiving specification information from the server through the first communication interface, and a step of controlling a second communication interface to transmit the specification information to a second electronic device.

[0145] Additionally, the specification information may include at least one of an audio format, an audio sample rate, or delay information supported by the first electronic device.

[0146] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure as described above, an electronic device can receive setting information on a data transmission method of another electronic device from a server and form a communication channel with a second electronic device without a timeout.

[0147] The various embodiments described above can be implemented as software including instructions stored in a machine-readable storage medium that can be read by a machine (e.g., a computer). The device is a device that can execute / receive instructions stored in the storage medium and operate according to the executed / received instructions, and may include a first electronic device (e.g., electronic device (A)) according to the disclosed embodiments. When an instruction is executed by a processor, the processor can perform a function corresponding to the instruction directly or under the control of the processor by using other components. The instruction may include code generated or executed by a compiler or interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. 'Non-transitory' only indicates that the storage medium does not contain signals and is tangible, and does not distinguish between data being stored semi-permanently or temporarily in the storage medium.

[0148] Furthermore, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the methods according to the various embodiments described above may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a commodity between sellers and buyers. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)) or online through an application store (e.g., Play Store™). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0149] The various embodiments described above may be implemented in a computer-readable recording medium using software, hardware, or a combination thereof, or in a computer- or similar device. In some cases, the embodiments described herein may be implemented by the processor itself. In a software implementation, embodiments, such as the procedures and functions described herein, may be implemented as separate software modules. Each of the software modules may perform one or more functions and operations described herein.

[0150] Computer instructions for performing processing operations of a device according to the various embodiments described above may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The computer instructions stored in such a non-transitory computer-readable medium, when executed by a processor of a specific device, cause the specific device to perform processing operations of the device according to the various embodiments described above. A non-transitory computer-readable medium refers to a medium that permanently stores data and can be read by a device, rather than a medium that stores data for a short period of time, such as a register, cache, or memory. Specific examples of non-transitory computer-readable media may include a CD, DVD, hard disk, Blu-ray disk, USB, memory card, or ROM.

[0151] In addition, each of the components (e.g., modules or programs) according to the various embodiments described above may be composed of a single or multiple entities, and some of the corresponding sub-components described above may be omitted, or other sub-components may be further included in various embodiments. Alternatively or additionally, some components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single entity, which may perform the same or similar functions as those performed by each of the corresponding components prior to integration. Operations performed by modules, programs or other components according to various embodiments may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively or heuristically, or at least some operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or other operations may be added.

[0152] In the above embodiments, at least one of the devices, units, components, modules, units, etc. represented by blocks or equivalent notations may be physically implemented by analog and / or digital circuits including one or more of logic gates, integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory circuits, passive electronic components, active electronic components, optical components, etc., and may also be implemented or driven by software and / or firmware (configured to perform the functions or operations described herein).

[0153] Each embodiment provided in the above description does not exclude one or more features of other examples or other embodiments that are provided in the present disclosure or are not provided in the present disclosure but are consistent with the present disclosure.

[0154] The embodiments of the present disclosure disclosed in this disclosure and the drawings are merely intended to easily explain the technical contents according to the embodiments of the present disclosure and provide specific examples to aid in understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure should be interpreted to include all modifications or variations derived based on the technical ideas of the various embodiments of the present disclosure in addition to the embodiments disclosed in this specification.

Claims

1. In the first electronic device, Memory that stores instructions; First communication interface; a second communication interface; and comprising at least one processor; When the above instructions are individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, the first electronic device: When the first electronic device is connected to a network through the first communication interface, the first communication interface is controlled to request setting information for the first data transmission method of the second electronic device to the server, Receive the setting information from the server through the first communication interface, A first electronic device that controls the second communication interface to communicate with the second electronic device based on the above setting information.

2. In paragraph 1, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, cause the first electronic device to: While the first electronic device is connected to the second electronic device via the second communication interface: When the first electronic device is connected to the network through the first communication interface, the first communication interface is controlled to request the setting information to the server, Receive the setting information from the server through the first communication interface, A first electronic device that controls the second communication interface to perform communication with the second electronic device based on a second data transmission method corresponding to the setting information when the setting information is received.

3. In paragraph 2, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, cause the first electronic device to: Change the content based on the second data transmission method corresponding to the above setting information, A first electronic device that controls the second communication interface to transmit the changed content to the second electronic device.

4. In paragraph 1, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, cause the first electronic device to: While the first electronic device is connected to the network via the first communication interface: When the first electronic device is connected to the second electronic device through the second communication interface, the first communication interface is controlled to re-request the setting information to the server, Re-receiving the setting information from the server through the first communication interface; A first electronic device that controls the second communication interface to perform communication with the second electronic device based on a third data transmission method corresponding to the re-received setting information when the above setting information is re-received.

5. In paragraph 1, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, cause the first electronic device to: When the above setting information is received, the above setting information is stored in the memory, A first electronic device, which controls the second communication interface to perform communication with the second electronic device based on the updated setting information when the setting information is updated in the second electronic device and the updated setting information is received from the server through the first communication interface.

6. In paragraph 1, The above first data transmission method is, A first electronic device comprising at least one of an ARC (Audio Return Channel) communication method or an eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) communication method.

7. In paragraph 6, The above setting information is, A first electronic device comprising at least one of compatibility information of the second electronic device for the eARC communication method or setting information of the second electronic device for the eARC communication method.

8. In paragraph 6, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, cause the first electronic device to: If the above setting information is not received, the second communication interface is controlled to perform communication with the second electronic device based on the eARC communication method, A first electronic device that controls the second communication interface to perform communication with the second electronic device based on the ARC communication method if communication with the second electronic device is not performed for a preset period of time.

9. In paragraph 1, The above second communication interface, A first electronic device comprising an interface for performing communication using an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) communication method.

10. In paragraph 1, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, cause the first electronic device to: Controlling the first communication interface to request specification information of the first electronic device to the server, Receive the specification information from the server through the first communication interface, A first electronic device that controls the second communication interface to transmit the above specification information to the second electronic device.

11. In paragraph 10, The above specification information is, A first electronic device comprising at least one of an audio format, an audio sample rate, or delay information supported by the first electronic device.

12. In the control method of the first electronic device, A step of controlling the first communication interface to request setting information on a first data transmission method of a second electronic device to a server when the first electronic device is connected to a network through the first communication interface of the first electronic device; A step of receiving the setting information from the server through the first communication interface; and A control method comprising: a step of controlling a second communication interface of the first electronic device to perform communication with the second electronic device based on the setting information; 13. In paragraph 12, The step of controlling the first communication interface is: While the first electronic device is connected to the second electronic device via the second communication interface: When the first electronic device is connected to the network through the first communication interface, the first communication interface is controlled to request the setting information to the server, The step of controlling the second communication interface is: A control method for controlling the second communication interface to perform communication with the second electronic device based on a second data transmission method corresponding to the setting information when the setting information is received.

14. In paragraph 13, The step of controlling the second communication interface is: Change the content based on the second data transmission method corresponding to the above setting information, A control method for controlling the second communication interface to transmit the changed content to the second electronic device.

15. In paragraph 12, While the first electronic device is connected to the network via the first communication interface: When the first electronic device is connected to the second electronic device through the second communication interface, a step of controlling the first communication interface to re-request the setting information to the server; A step of re-receiving the setting information from the server through the first communication interface; and A control method further comprising: a step of controlling the second communication interface to perform communication with the second electronic device based on a third data transmission method corresponding to the re-received setting information when the setting information is re-received;

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