Display device for controlling plurality of devices with one controller and operating method therefor

The display device optimizes infrared signal transmission by determining optimal output devices based on distance and network performance, addressing unstable communication in wireless home networks to enhance control of multiple devices.

WO2026084210A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-04-23SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-08-07
Publication Date
2026-04-23

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing display devices struggle to efficiently control multiple peripheral devices using a single controller, particularly in wireless home network environments where infrared signal transmission is limited by range and interference, leading to unstable communication.

Method used

A display device equipped with a wireless communication circuit, infrared signal transceiver, and processing circuit determines the optimal infrared signal output device by calculating distances and signal overlap, allowing it to control peripheral devices through either direct or mediated infrared transmission based on network performance and signal reach.

Benefits of technology

Enhances stable control of multiple devices by optimizing infrared signal transmission, ensuring reliable communication and reducing interference, thereby improving the functionality of wireless home networks.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present disclosure provides a display device. The display device may: detect a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) connection device by using a wireless communication circuit, wherein the HDMI connection device is connected to an external source device; based on receiving a first infrared (IR) signal from the HDMI connection device through an IR signal transceiver within a predetermined waiting time, determine a first distance to the HDMI connection device on the basis of a time difference between a first time point corresponding to a wireless connection to the external source device and a second time point corresponding to the reception of the first IR signal; and based on the first distance being included within a predetermined IR signal arrival range, configure the IR signal transceiver as an IR signal output device for the external source device.
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Description

Display device for controlling multiple devices with a single controller and method of operation thereof

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a display device that controls a plurality of devices with a single controller and a method of operating the same.

[0002] With the advancement of wireless communication technology, the connection methods of various home appliances are gradually shifting from wired to wireless. First, Wi-Fi technology is primarily utilized in home network environments. While early Wi-Fi had limitations in speed and signal strength, the latest standards, Wi-Fi 6 and 6E, support faster speeds, wider ranges, and the simultaneous connection of many devices. This has enabled appliances such as TVs, refrigerators, air conditioners, and washing machines to operate in a stable wireless network environment, allowing for seamless communication between devices throughout the house without the need for complex wired connections. Furthermore, the development of short-range wireless communication technologies like Bluetooth is accelerating wireless connectivity. Although Bluetooth was initially used primarily for connecting audio devices or peripherals such as keyboards and mice, Bluetooth 5.0 and later versions have enabled wider ranges and more stable data transmission. As a result, IoT devices can easily connect with each other, and it has become commonplace for users to control multiple appliances via mobile devices or voice commands.

[0003] A display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a display; a wireless communication circuit; an infrared (IR) signal transmitting and receiving unit; one or more processors including a processing circuit; and a memory for storing at least one program. And the above at least one program, when the above one or more processors are executed individually or collectively, causes the display device to: detect an HDMI (high-definition multimedia interface, HDMI) connection device using the wireless communication circuit—the HDMI connection device is connected to an external source device—and, based on receiving a first infrared (IR) signal from the HDMI connection device through the IR signal transceiver within a predetermined waiting time, determine a first distance to the HDMI connection device based on the time difference between a first time point corresponding to the wireless connection to the external source device and a second time point corresponding to the reception of the first IR signal, and, based on the first distance being included within a predetermined IR signal reach range, set the IR signal transceiver as an IR signal output device for the external source device; determine whether at least a portion of the second IR signal output by the IR signal transceiver and the third IR signal transmitted through the HDMI connection device overlap, based on the first distance and the performance of the wireless communication network; and, based on the determination that the second IR signal and the third IR signal do not overlap, set the HDMI connection device to the external source device. It can cause it to be set as an IR signal output device.

[0004] A display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a display; a wireless communication circuit; an infrared (IR) signal transceiver; one or more processors including a processing circuit; a memory for storing at least one program; and, when the one or more processors are executed individually or collectively, the display device may be configured to: receive content of an external source device connected to the HDMI connection device from an HDMI connection device via the wireless communication circuit, and while outputting the content through the display, receive a control command from the first controller via at least one of the wireless communication circuit or the IR signal transceiver, identify an infrared (IR) signal output device for the external source device, and identify that the IR signal output device for the external source device is the IR signal transceiver, change the control command into an IR signal for the external source device, and transmit the IR signal including the control command via the IR signal transceiver.

[0005] A method of a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: an operation of detecting a connection of an HDMI connection device using a wireless communication circuit of the display device—the HDMI connection device being connected to an external source device—; an operation of determining whether a first infrared (IR) signal is received from the external source device within a predetermined waiting time through an infrared signal transceiver of the display device; an operation of determining a first distance to the HDMI connection device based on the time difference between a first time point according to the wireless connection to the HDMI connection device and a second time point when the first IR signal is received, based on the determination that the first infrared (IR) signal is received within the predetermined waiting time; an operation of setting the IR signal transceiver as an IR signal output device for the external source device based on the fact that the first distance is included within a predetermined IR signal reach range; and an operation of determining whether a second IR signal output by the IR signal transceiver and a third IR signal transmitted through the HDMI connection device overlap at least partially based on the first distance and the performance of the network of the wireless communication circuit. And based on the determination that the second IR signal and the third IR signal do not overlap, the operation of setting the HDMI connection device as an IR signal output device for the external source device may be included.

[0006] In relation to the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components.

[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a display device and peripheral devices according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a display device determining an output device of a control signal (IR signal) of a source device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 3 is an example in which at least one of a display device or an HDMI connection device outputs an IR signal according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a display device controlling a source device using a TV controller according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an HDMI connection device controlling a source device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 6 is an example of various communication environments between a display device and a peripheral device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 7 is an example of a graph of a control signal received by a source device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a display device changing the output device of a control signal (IR signal) of a source device according to a real-time wireless network delay, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 9 illustrates a plurality of source devices connected to a display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily practice them. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In relation to the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components. Furthermore, in the drawings and related descriptions, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and brevity.

[0018] An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a home network environment including a display device and peripheral devices according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] According to one embodiment, a home network environment (100) may include a display device (101) and a plurality of peripheral devices (102, 103, 104). The display device (101) may be an electronic device that provides video content. For example, the display device (101) may be a TV, a monitor, a tablet, or a smart display. The plurality of peripheral devices are devices that interact with the display device (101) and may transmit data to or receive commands to the display device (101). The display device (101) may be connected to each of the plurality of peripheral devices via wired or wireless connection. The plurality of peripheral devices include, for example, a TV controller (104), an HDMI connection device (102), a source device (103), and a soundbar. The source device (103) is a device that provides video content to the display device (101), and may be, for example, a set-top box, DVD player, Blu-ray disc player, game console, PC, laptop, streaming device, or media player.

[0021] According to one embodiment, a display device (101) can control multiple source devices using a single controller. Referring to FIG. 1, the display device (101) can receive a command from a TV controller (104) to control a source device (103) connected to the display device (101). In one embodiment, the display device (101) can change the control command received from the TV controller (104) into a control signal for the corresponding source device (103) and transmit it.

[0022] The TV controller (104) can receive user input to control the functions of the display device (e.g., volume adjustment, channel adjustment) and transmit it to the display device (101). The display device (101) can be connected to the TV controller (104) based on short-range wireless communication. For example, the display device (101) can receive control commands from the TV controller (104) via infrared radiation (IR) or Bluetooth signals.

[0023] A display device (101) can be connected to a plurality of source devices (103). The display device (101) can be indirectly connected to the source devices (103) via an HDMI connection device (102) or directly connected wirelessly. The HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) connection device (102) can serve as a mediator for the connection between the display device (101) and the source devices (103). The HDMI connection device (102) can connect a single display device (101) with a plurality of source devices (103). The HDMI connection device (101) can communicate via wired or wireless means. The HDMI connection device (101) can be connected to the display device (101) based on wireless communication. For example, the HDMI connection device (101) can transmit data to the display device (101) and receive control signals based on WiFi wireless communication. The HDMI connection device (102) can be connected to the source devices (103) based on wired and wireless communication. For example, an HDMI connection device (101) can receive a high-definition data source from a source device (103) using a wired HDMI cable. Since the HDMI connection device (102) and the source device (103) are connected using a wired cable, the physical distance between the two devices may be close. When the physical distance between the HDMI connection device (102) and the source device (103) is close (e.g., compared to a predetermined threshold), the display device (101) can predict or determine the distance to the source device (103) based on the distance from the HDMI connection device (102). The HDMI connection device (102) can transmit an IR signal to the source device (103) using an IR blaster (IRB).The display device (101) can receive high-quality video / audio data, which is high-capacity data from the source device (103), through the HDMI connection device (102), and can transmit simple control signals directly to the source device (103) using an IR blaster.

[0024] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the display device (101) can receive control commands from the TV controller (104) via Bluetooth or IR signals. The display device (101) can be connected to the HDMI connection device (102) using Wi-Fi communication. The display device (101) can transmit IR signals to the source device (103). The HDMI connection device (102) can receive high-capacity data from the source device (103) via a wired cable and transmit IR signals to the source device (103).

[0025] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a display device determining an output device of a control signal (IR signal) of a source device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] According to FIG. 2, a display device (e.g., the display device (101) of FIG. 1, TV) can determine which device (e.g., the display device (101) or the HDMI connection device (e.g., the HDMI connection device (102) of FIG. 1) will transmit the command received from the TV controller (e.g., the TV controller (104) of FIG. 1) as an IR signal. In the following embodiments, each operation may be performed sequentially, but is not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of each operation may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0027] In operation 210, a display device (101) according to one embodiment can detect a connection with an HDMI connection device (102). The display device (101) can receive a connection request from the HDMI connection device (102) based on wireless communication (e.g., Wi-Fi) and perform a connection operation.

[0028] In operation 220, a display device (101) according to one embodiment may detect a connection with a source device (103). When the source device (103) is initially connected via a wire to an HDMI connection device (102), the HDMI connection device (102) may be configured to transmit a predetermined test signal (e.g., an IR signal) to the display device (101). The HDMI connection device (102) mediates the connection between the display device (101) and the source device (103), and the display device (101) may perform an initial setup operation through the connection with the source device (103). For example, the display device (101) may register the source device (103) and store connection information. The display device (101) may receive a control command table from the source device (103) via the HDMI connection device (102). The control command table may include infrared signal pattern information set for each command to control the source device (103). For example, for a source device (e.g., set-top box), an IR signal pattern per command can be set to an IR signal pattern (e.g., '10101') for a command (e.g., 'change channel'). The control command table can be defined differently depending on the manufacturer and product model of the source device (103).

[0029] In operation 230, a display device (101) according to one embodiment can receive an IRB signal transmitted by an HDMI connection device (102). In one embodiment, the source device (103) may not include an IRB transmitter. The display device (101) can detect an IRB signal transmitted by an HDMI connection device (102) located at a physically close position (e.g., within a predetermined threshold) due to a wired cable connection and estimate the distance to the source device (103). For example, the display device (101) may consider the distance to the HDMI connection device (102) as the distance to the source device (103).

[0030] Due to the nature of the signal, the IR signal has a limited range and cannot pass through obstacles due to its straight-line propagation. The display device (101) may not receive the IRB signal if the distance from the HDMI connection device (102) is relatively far or if there is an obstacle in a straight line. The display device (101) can check whether the IRB signal is received from the HDMI connection device (102) within the expected arrival time from the time the source device (103) is connected through the HDMI connection device (102).

[0031] In operation 240, if the display device (101) according to one embodiment does not receive the IRB signal transmitted by the HDMI connection device (102) within the expected arrival time, it may be configured to output an IR signal to the source device (103) only by the HDMI connection device (102). If the display device (101) does not receive the IRB signal, it may determine that the infrared signal transmission and reception between the display device (101) and the HDMI connection device (102) is not smooth and may not function as an output device that directly transmits an IR signal to the source device (103).

[0032] In operation 250, the display device (101) according to one embodiment can determine whether the IR signal is included within the reach range when it receives an IRB signal from the HDMI connection device (102). The display device (101) can calculate the distance from the HDMI connection device (102) from the time when the source device (103) is connected until the time when the IRB signal is received. Even if the display device (101) receives an IRB signal from the source device (103), if the distance is too far and it is not suitable for directly transmitting a control command (No in operation 250), it can be configured to output an IR signal to only the HDMI connection device (102) for the source device (103) (operation 240). The reach range for the IR signal can be determined within a range where no control command processing delay occurs. Since the location and IRB performance may differ for each source device (103), the reach range for the IR signal can be set differently for each source device (103).

[0033] In operation 260, a display device (101) according to one embodiment can determine whether an IR signal overlaps from a source device (103). When the display device (101) transmits an IR signal to the source device (103) using a direct IRB, it considers the distance between the electronic device (101) and the HDMI connection device (102) as the distance between the electronic device (101) and the source device (103), and can calculate the time (T1) at which the IR signal is received at the source device (103) based on the distance to the HDMI connection device (102) and the IR signal strength. Additionally, when the display device (101) transmits a command through the HDMI connection device (102), it can calculate the time (T2) at which the IR signal is received at the source device (103) based on the time required for wireless communication with the HDMI connection device (102) and the IR signal strength of the HDMI connection device (102). The display device (101) can determine signal superposition based on the difference between T1 and T2.

[0034] In operation 270, the display device (101) according to one embodiment may be configured to output an IR signal from both the display device (101) and the HDMI connection device (102) in response to determining that no IR signal overlap occurs at the source device (103).

[0035] In operation 280, the display device (101) according to one embodiment may be set as an output device that outputs only the IR signal in response to determining that IR signal overlap occurs in the source device (103).

[0036] A display device (101) according to one embodiment can determine an IRB output device through operations 210 to 280 when the HDMI connection device (102) and a specific source device (103) are first connected. The display device (101) can store and manage information on the IRB output device determined for the specific source device (103). When the display device (101) reconnects the previously connected source device (103), it can identify the IRB output device by referring to the stored IRB output device information.

[0037] FIG. 3 is an example in which at least one of a display device or an HDMI connection device outputs an IR signal according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] A display device according to one embodiment (e.g., the display device (101) of FIG. 1) can receive and process control commands from a source device (e.g., the source device (103) of FIG. 1) using a TV controller (e.g., the TV controller (104) of FIG. 1) according to various methods.

[0039] In the first method (310), as illustrated in FIG. 3, the display device (TV) (101) can transmit an IR signal directly and via an HDMI connection device (e.g., the HDMI connection device (102) of FIG. 1). The display device (101) can generate an IR signal by referring to (or accessing) the control command table of the source device in response to receiving a control command from the TV controller (104). The display device (101) can transmit an IR signal containing a control command using an IRB. The display device (101) can transmit an HDMI command for the control command to the HDMI connection device (102). The HDMI command is not an IR signal pattern and may include information about the control command received from the TV controller, information about the source device currently connected, and instructions to change it into an IR signal and transmit it. The display device (101) can process the operation of transmitting the IR signal and the operation of transmitting the HDMI command in parallel so that the signals are transmitted simultaneously or at substantially similar times. The display device (101) can transmit an HDMI command to an HDMI connection device (102) based on Wi-Fi communication and can transmit an IR signal to a source device (103) using an IBR.

[0040] For example, if the wireless network connection between the display device (101) and the HDMI connection device (102) is smooth (e.g., reliable, satisfactory) and the infrared signal transmission and reception between the display device (101) and the source device (103) is smooth, it may be desirable to transmit IR signals from both the display device (101) and the HDMI connection device (102) according to the first method (310). Since the IR signal has directional properties, reception at the source device (103) may vary depending on the IRB position, strength, signal reach distance, and the presence of variable obstacles of the display device (101). Similarly, reception at the source device (103) may vary depending on the IRB position, strength, signal reach distance, and the presence of variable obstacles of the HDMI connection device (101). Accordingly, when both the display device (101) and the HDMI connection device (102) transmit an IR signal, the reception range of the IR signal at the source device (103) can be widened, thereby increasing the probability that the IR signal will stably reach the source device (103).

[0041] In one embodiment, the display device (101) can control the time (T1) for transmitting an IR signal to the source device (103) and the time (T2) for transmitting an HDMI command to the HDMI connection device (102). For example, since a time difference may occur when the display device (101) passes through the HDMI connection device (102), it may first transmit an HDMI command to the HDMI connection device (102), generate an IR signal, and then transmit the IR signal to the source device (103) through the IRB.

[0042] In the second method (320), as illustrated in FIG. 3, the display device (101) can directly transmit an IR signal to the source device (103). In response to receiving a control command from the TV controller (104), the display device (101) can generate an IR signal by referring to the control command table of the source device and transmit the IR signal using an IRB. In this case, the display device (101) does not need to generate an HDMI command and may not perform any action on the HDMI connection device (102).

[0043] For example, if both the display device (101) and the HDMI connection device (102) transmit IR signals, and there is a possibility of IR signal overlap occurring at the source device (103), if the infrared signal transmission and reception between the display device (101) and the source device (103) is smooth, it may be preferable to transmit IR signals only from the display device (101) according to the second method.

[0044] In the third method (330), as illustrated in FIG. 3, the display device (101) can transmit an IR signal only through the HDMI connection device (102). In response to receiving a control command from the TV controller (104), the display device (101) can generate an HDMI command for the control command and transmit it to the HDMI connection device (102). In response to receiving an HDMI command through the display device (101), the HDMI connection device (102) can generate an IR signal corresponding to the HDMI command by referring to the control command table of the source device and transmit the IR signal to the source device (103) using the IRB of the HDMI connection device (102).

[0045] For example, if the transmission and reception of infrared signals between the display device (101) and the source device (103) is not smooth, it may be desirable to transmit the IR signal only from the HDMI connection device (102) according to the third method (330). Since the display device (101) and the HDMI connection device (102) are connected based on wireless communication, HDMI commands can be safely transmitted even if some delay occurs, and since the HDMI connection device (102) and the source device (103) are also connected by a wired cable, it can be expected that the transmission and reception of IR signals affected by distance will be smooth.

[0046] A display device (101) according to one embodiment checks the IRB output device for each source device and can transmit a control command received from a TV controller (104) to the source device according to any one of the first method (310), the second method (320), or the third method (330).

[0047] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a display device controlling a source device using a TV controller according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] According to one embodiment, a display device (e.g., the display device (101) of FIG. 1, TV) (hereinafter referred to as TV) can convert a command received from a TV controller (e.g., the TV controller (104) of FIG. 1) into a control signal of a source device (e.g., the source device (103) of FIG. 1) and transmit it through an output device (IRB). In the following embodiments, each operation may be performed sequentially, but is not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of each operation may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0049] In operation 410, a display device (101) according to one embodiment may receive a first control signal from a TV controller (104). The first control signal may be a command to the display device (101) or a source device (103). When the display device (101) is playing video or media data through the first source device (103), the display device (101) may determine that the first control signal is a command to the first source device (103).

[0050] In operation 420, a display device (101) according to one embodiment can identify whether a TV is an IR signal output device. The display device (101) can identify at least one of a TV or an HDMI connection device (e.g., an HDMI connection device (102) of FIG. 1) as an output device by referring to IRB output device information set in a previous connection with a first source device (103).

[0051] In operation 421, the display device (101) according to one embodiment may generate an HDMI command corresponding to a first control signal in response to identifying that the TV is not an IRB output device, so that the HDMI connection device (101) can output an IRB signal. The HDMI command may include information about the first control signal and instructions to change and transmit an IR signal to the first source device (103).

[0052] 422 In operation, a display device (101) according to one embodiment can transmit an HDMI command to an HDMI connection device (102) via wireless communication (e.g., Wi-Fi). By transmitting the HDMI command to the HDMI connection device (102), the display device (101) can complete the processing of the first control signal.

[0053] In operation 430, the display device (101) according to one embodiment can determine whether the HDMI connection device (102) is an IRB output device for the first source device (103).

[0054] In operation 431, the display device (101) according to one embodiment may determine that only the TV is an IRB output device in response to identifying that the HDMI connection device (102) is not an IRB output device for the first source device (103). The display device (101) may change the first control signal into a second control signal for the first source device. The second control signal may be an IR signal pattern.

[0055] Commands received from the TV controller can be defined as shown in Table 1.

[0056] Command IR Signal Pattern (Hex Code) Device Code Description Power On 0xA900x00A1 TV Power On Command Power Off 0xA910x00A1 TV Power Off Command Increase Channel 0xA920x00A1 Change to Next Channel Decrease Channel 0xA930x00A1 Change to Previous Channel Increase Volume 0xA940x00A1 Command to Increase Volume Decrease Volume 0xA950x00A1 Command to Decrease Volume Mute 0xA960x00A1 Mute Toggle Open Menu 0xA970x00A1 Open TV Menu Change Input Source 0xA980x00A1 Change Input Source Command Play 0xA990x00A1 Media Playback Command Stop 0xA9A0x00A1 Media Stop Command

[0057] The IR signal pattern represents an IR signal sent by the TV controller (104), and the device code may represent device identification information of the TV controller (104). For example, the display device (101) may receive a 0xA99 signal (first control signal) for a playback command and generate an IR signal for the first source device (103) corresponding thereto. Each source device (103) defines a control command table, and the display device (101) may receive control command table information when first connected to the source device (103). A control command table containing IR signal pattern information for each command for the first source device (103) may be defined as shown in Table 2.

[0058] Command IR Signal Pattern (Hex Code) Device Code Description Power On 0x20DF10EF 0x00C1 Set-top box power on command Power Off 0x20DF10EE 0x00C1 Set-top box power off command Increase Channel 0x20DF10F 00x00C1 Change to next channel Decrease Channel 0x20DF10F 10x00C1 Change to previous channel Increase Volume 0x20DF10F 20x00C1 Command to increase volume Decrease Volume 0x20DF10F 30x00C1 Command to decrease volume Play 0x20DF10F 40x00C1 Media playback command Stop 0x20DF10F 50x00C1 Media stop command Open Menu 0x20DF10F 60x00C1 Open set-top box menu

[0059] The IR signal pattern represents an IR signal received by the first source device (103), and the device code may represent device identification information of the first source device (103). For example, referring to Tables 1 and 2, the display device (101) may receive a 0xA9A signal (first control signal) for a playback command and generate an IR signal pattern for the first source device (103) corresponding thereto as 0x20DF10F4 (second control signal).

[0060] 432 In operation, a display device (101) according to one embodiment may transmit a second control signal through an IRB included in the display device (101). By transmitting the second control signal, the display device (101) may complete the processing of the first control signal.

[0061] In operation 440, the display device (101) according to one embodiment can determine that both the TV and the HDMI connection device (102) are IRB output devices in response to the HDMI connection device (102) identifying that the HDMI connection device (102) is an IRB output device for the first source device (103). The display device (101) can execute operations for transmitting an IR signal and an HDMI command to each of the two devices in parallel. Operations 440, 450, and 460 are written in a distinct order for convenience of explanation, but this does not imply an order of execution and may be performed simultaneously in parallel.

[0062] The display device (101) can generate an HDMI command corresponding to the first control signal. The operation may be substantially the same as the 421 operation.

[0063] In operation 450, the display device (101) according to one embodiment may change the first control signal to a second control signal for the first source device (103). The operation may be substantially the same as operation 431.

[0064] In operation 460, a display device (101) according to one embodiment can transmit an HDMI command to an HDMI connection device (102) and simultaneously transmit a second control signal through the IRB of the display device (101).

[0065] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an HDMI connection device controlling a source device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] According to one embodiment, an HDMI connection device (e.g., the HDMI connection device (102) of FIG. 1) may receive a control command from a TV controller (e.g., the TV controller (104) of FIG. 1) from a display device (e.g., the display device (101) or TV of FIG. 1), convert it into a control signal for a source device (e.g., the source device (103) of FIG. 1), and transmit it through an output device (IRB). In the following embodiments, each operation may be performed sequentially, but is not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of each operation may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0067] In operation 510, according to one embodiment, an HDMI connection device (102) may receive an HDMI command from a display device (101). The HDMI command may include information about a control command received from a TV controller, information about a source device currently connected, and instructions to change and transmit it as an IR signal. The HDMI connection device (102) may be connected to a plurality of source devices. The HDMI connection device (102) may identify a control command and a source device currently connected from the HDMI command. The HDMI connection device (102) may identify a source device currently connected as a first source device.

[0068] 520 In operation, according to one embodiment, the HDMI connection device (102) can generate a control signal for a first source device corresponding to an HDMI command. The HDMI connection device (102) can generate an IR signal pattern as a control signal by referring to a control command table (e.g., FIG. 2) defined in the first source device.

[0069] In operation 530, according to one embodiment, the HDMI connection device (102) can transmit a control signal through the IRB of the HDMI connection device (102).

[0070] FIG. 6 is an example of various communication environments between a display device and a peripheral device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0071] According to one embodiment, a home network environment (e.g., the home network environment (100) of FIG. 1) may include a display device (e.g., the display device (101) of FIG. 1) and peripheral devices (102, 103). Peripheral devices may be an HDMI connection device (e.g., the HDMI connection device (102) of FIG. 1) and a source device (e.g., the source device (103) of FIG. 1). The communication environment within the home network environment may vary depending on the type and performance of wireless communication.

[0072] In the first home network environment (610), as illustrated in FIG. 6, the distance between the display device (101), the HDMI connection device (102), and the source device (103) is a first distance (d1) between the display device (101) and the HDMI connection device (102), a second distance (d2) between the display device (101) and the source device (103), and a third distance (d3) between the HDMI connection device (102) and the source device (103). In the case of infrared signal transmission and reception, the reach of the IR signal can be determined according to the strength of the IRB of the transmitting device and the distance between the transmitting device and the receiving device. In the first home network environment (610), the signal reach range (611) of the IRB of the display device (101) does not reach the source device (103). The display device (101) can predict whether wireless communication by infrared signal is possible by determining whether the second distance (d2) is included within the signal reach range of the IRB. However, since the source device (103) may not include an IRB transmitter, the display device (101) can calculate the distance (d1) to the HDMI connection device (102) using an IR test signal transmitted by an HDMI connection device (102) located at a physically close distance (d3) to the source device (103), and consider the distance (d1) to the HDMI connection device (102) as the distance (d2) to the source device (103).

[0073] The second home network environment (620) may include obstacles (621) as illustrated in FIG. 6. The obstacles (621) may be, for example, walls, furniture, or people. Depending on the type of obstacle (621), wireless communication may be impossible. For example, infrared signals cannot pass through physical obstacles (621). Wi-Fi signals can communicate regardless of physical obstacles (621). Even if the IRB of the display device (101) transmits an IR signal, it cannot transmit the IR signal to the source device (103) due to the obstacles (621). Alternatively, there are no physical obstacles between the HDMI connection device (102) and the source device (103). Therefore, when the IRB of the HDMI connection device (102) transmits an IR signal, it can be transmitted to the source device (103).

[0074] The third home network environment (630) can represent the range in which an IR signal can be received at a source device (103) according to the IR signal reach range of the display device (101) and the HDMI connection device (102), as illustrated in FIG. 6. When the display device (101) transmits an IR signal through an IRB, the first reach range (631) of the IR signal includes the source device (103). When the HDMI connection device (102) transmits an IR signal through an IRB, the second reach range (632) of the IR signal also includes the source device (103). When the source device (103) receives IR signals from both the display device (101) and the HDMI connection device (102), the IR signal reception range is widened, allowing for relatively stable reception of the IR signal. For example, the probability that the source device (103) cannot receive the IR signal due to a moving obstacle (e.g., a person) in the entire range including both the first reach range (631) and the second reach range (632) may be lower.

[0075] FIG. 7 is an example of a graph of a control signal received by a source device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] A source device (103) according to one embodiment can receive two IR signals received from a display device (e.g., the display device (101) of FIG. 1) and an HDMI connection device (e.g., the HDMI connection device (102) of FIG. 1).

[0077] In graphs (a) and (b) of FIG. 7, IR1 represents the time when the display device (101) transmits an IR signal, and IR2 represents the time when the HDMI connection device (102) transmits an IR signal. The first time (T1) represents the time when the IR signal output by the display device (101) first reaches the source device (103). The second time (T2) represents the time when the HDMI command output by the display device (101) reaches the HDMI connection device (102). The third time (T3) represents the time when the IR signal output by the HDMI connection device (102) first reaches the source device (103). The thick line represents the IR signal transmitted by the display device (101), and the thin line represents the IR signal transmitted by the HDMI connection device (102).

[0078] As illustrated in FIG. 7(a), the IR signal represented by the thick line indicating the IR signal transmitted by the display device (101) and the IR signal represented by the thin line indicating the IR signal output by the HDMI connection device (102) are nearly identical. In this case, the IR value recognized by the source device (103) may be “0 1 0 1”. When two IR signals are received by the source device (103) and are nearly identical, the IR signal receiving sensor of the source device (103) can recognize them as one signal because the two IR signals have the same value. The source device (103) can accurately recognize the two IR signals transmitted by the display device (101) and the HDMI connection device (102), respectively, as a single IR signal value.

[0079] As illustrated in FIG. 7(b), the IR signal represented by the thick line indicating the IR signal transmitted by the display device (101) and the IR signal represented by the thin line indicating the IR signal output by the HDMI connection device (102) overlap each other, so it can be seen that an overlap between the signals has occurred. In this case, the IR value recognized by the source device (103) may be “1 1 1”. When two IR signals are received with some overlap at the source device (103), the source device (103) may recognize the second value (0) of the IR signal (thick line) that arrived first and the first value (1) of the IR signal (thin line) that arrived later at the same timing (e.g., the second IR value among the recognized IR values) according to the high / low timing recognition cycle of the IR signal receiving sensor. The source device (103) may incorrectly recognize the two IR signals transmitted by the display device (101) and the HDMI connection device (102), respectively, as values ​​different from the original IR signal values ​​due to the overlap.

[0080] In the scenario described in (a), the IR signal is correctly recognized, but in the scenario described in (b), the IR signal is incorrectly recognized. Referring to FIG. 7, the case in which two signals can be correctly recognized as signal values ​​output by the display device (101) or the HDMI connection device (102) is when the second time (T2) + third time (T3) - first time (T1) is within the threshold value T. The threshold value T can be determined by the switching time of the output IR signal and the high / low timing recognition period of the source device (103). For example, when the switching time of the IR signal is TS and the high / low timing recognition period of the source device (103) is within 10% of TS, the threshold value T can be TS / 10.

[0081] A display device (101) according to one embodiment can calculate a first time (T1) and a third time (T3) based on the distance from a source device (103). The display device (101) can monitor in real time whether a second time (T2) increases or decreases depending on the wireless communication performance with an HDMI connection device (102). If the wireless communication performance with the HDMI connection device (102) changes while communicating with the source device (103), the display device (101) can redetermine the output device to output the IR signal through real-time monitoring.

[0082] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a display device changing the output device of a control signal (IR signal) of a source device according to a real-time wireless network delay, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0083] According to one embodiment, a display device (e.g., the display device (101) of FIG. 1, TV) may redetermine which device (e.g., the display device (101) or the HDMI connection device (e.g., the HDMI connection device (102) of FIG. 1) will transmit the command received from the TV controller (e.g., the TV controller (104) of FIG. 1) as an IR signal when wireless network delay occurs. In the following embodiments, each operation may be performed sequentially, but is not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of each operation may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0084] In operation 810, the display device (101) according to one embodiment can determine whether the HDMI connection device (102) is an IRB output device. If the HDMI connection device (102) is not an IRB output device, there is no need to consider wireless network delay, so the operation of monitoring real-time wireless network delay can be terminated.

[0085] In operation 820, a display device (101) according to one embodiment may detect wireless network performance in response to determining that an HDMI connection device (102) is an IRB output device. The wireless network refers to wireless communication between the display device (101) and the HDMI connection device (102), and may be, for example, Wi-Fi. The display device (101) may detect wireless network performance using an indicator (e.g., Wi-Fi speed) that monitors wireless communication performance.

[0086] In operation 830, the display device (101) according to one embodiment can determine whether the wireless network delay value is greater than a predetermined threshold value.

[0087] In operation 840, the display device (101) according to one embodiment can determine whether two IR signals sent by the display device (101) and the HDMI connection device (102) overlap according to the wireless network delay value in response to determining that the wireless network delay value is greater than a predetermined threshold value. For example, the overlap of IR signals can be determined by predicting the control signal graph of FIG. 7.

[0088] In operation 850, the display device (101) according to one embodiment can determine whether the TV (101) is an IRB output device in response to determining that two IR signals sent by the display device (101) and the HDMI connection device (102) overlap.

[0089] In operation 860, the display device (101) according to one embodiment may set the IRB output from the HDMI connection device in response to the two IR signals sent by the display device (101) and the HDMI connection device (102) overlapping and identifying that the TV (101) is an IRB output device. That is, the display device (101) may set itself as the IR signal output device and exclude the HDMI connection device (102) from the output device. The display device (101) does not transmit an HDMI command to the HDMI connection device (102). In this case, the situation is such that the IR signal is output only from the HDMI connection device (102). Since there is a high possibility that the signal from the TV controller will be delayed when passing through the HDMI connection device (102) due to wireless network delay, the TV (101) may be reset to output the IR signal instead of the HDMI connection device (102).

[0090] In operation 870, in response to the display device (101) according to one embodiment identifying that the two IR signals sent by the display device (101) and the HDMI connection device (102) overlap and that the TV (101) is not an IRB output device, the HDMI connection device (102) may be excluded from the IR signal output device and the TV (101) may be included as an IR signal output device. The display device (101) may be configured to output an IR signal from the TV's IRB without transmitting an HDMI command to the HDMI connection device (102). In this case, the situation in which IR signals are transmitted from both the TV (101) and the HDMI connection device (102) may be reset so that only the TV (101) outputs an IR signal to prevent the overlap of IR signals.

[0091] FIG. 9 illustrates a plurality of source devices connected to a display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0092] According to one embodiment, a home network environment (900) may be connected to a display device (101) and a plurality of source devices (103a, 103b, 103c). The display device (101) within the home network environment (900) may receive a control signal (e.g., IR signal or Bluetooth signal) generated by user input from a TV controller (104). The display device (101) may be connected to a first source device (103a), a second source device (103b), and a third source device (103c) via an HDMI connection device (102). The display device (101) may change the control signal received from the TV controller (104) into an IR signal for the first source device currently connected (e.g., a set-top box (103a)) and transmit it.

[0093] The display device (101) can transmit and receive data from one source device at a time (e.g., a first source device (103a)). For example, the display device (101) is connected to a set-top box (103a), a Blu-ray disc player (103b), and a game console (103c), and while transmitting and receiving data with the set-top box (103a), the connection with other devices (Blu-ray disc player, game console) may be in a standby state. The display device (101) can identify the source device (e.g., a set-top box) currently transmitting and receiving data among the connected multiple source devices (103).

[0094] The display device (101) can generate and transmit an HDMI command to the HDMI connection device (102), including a control signal received from the TV controller (104) and information about the first source device (103a). The HDMI connection device (102) can generate and transmit an IR signal for the first source device (103a) based on the received HDMI command. The IRB transmitter of the HDMI connection device (102) outputs an IR signal without specifying a receiving target, so that it can be detected by an IRB receiver within the IR signal range. The first source device (103a), the second source device (103b), and the third source device (103c) can receive the IR signal transmitted by the display device (101) and the HDMI connection device (102). The first source device (103a) can receive the IR signal based on the IR signal containing information about the target device.

[0095] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the display device (101) may include a processor (1001), a memory (1002), a display (1003), a speaker (1004), a microphone (1005), a communication module (1006), an IRB transceiver (1007), and a BT transceiver (1008).

[0097] The processor (1001) can, for example, execute software (e.g., program (140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of the display device (101) connected to the processor (1001) and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or operations, the processor (1001) can store commands or data received from another component (e.g., communication module (1006)) in volatile memory, process the commands or data stored in volatile memory, and store the resulting data in non-volatile memory. According to one embodiment, the processor (1001) may include a main processor (e.g., central processing unit or application processor) or an auxiliary processor (e.g., graphics processing unit, neural processing unit (NPU), image signal processor, sensor hub processor, or communication processor) that can operate independently or together with it.

[0098] The memory (1002) can store various data used by at least one component of the display device (101) (e.g., processor (1001) or communication module (1006)). The data may include, for example, software (e.g., a program) and input data or output data for related commands. The memory (1002) may include volatile memory or non-volatile memory.

[0099] The program may be stored as software in memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system, middleware, or application.

[0100] The display (1003) can visually provide information to an external source (e.g., a user). The display (1003) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of the force generated by the touch.

[0101] The speaker (1004) is a device that outputs sound and can output an audio signal received from a source device.

[0102] The communication module (1006) can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between a display device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., an HDMI connection device (e.g., the HDMI connection device (102) of FIG. 1), a TV controller (e.g., the TV controller (104) of FIG. 1), a source device (e.g., the source device (103) of FIG. 1), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (1006) may include one or more communication processors that operate independently of the processor (1001) (e.g., an application processor) and support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (1006) may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a LAN (local area network) communication module, or a power line communication module). The corresponding communication module among these communication modules is a first network (e.g., Bluetooth, It can communicate with an external electronic device (102) via a local area communication network such as WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct or IrDA (infrared data association) or a second network (e.g., legacy cellular network, 5G network, next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0103] The communication module (1006) includes one or more wireless communication circuits, and may include, for example, a control circuit for Wi-Fi wireless communication and a control circuit for Bluetooth wireless communication.

[0104] The IRB transceiver (1007) may be a separate control circuit for transmitting and receiving infrared signals among the communication modules (1006). The IRB transmission range and reception range may be determined according to the position of the IRB transceiver (1007) within the display device (101).

[0105] A display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a display; a wireless communication circuit; an infrared (IR) signal transmitting and receiving unit; one or more processors including a processing circuit; and a memory for storing at least one program. And the above at least one program, when the above one or more processors are executed individually or collectively, causes the display device to: detect an HDMI (high-definition multimedia interface, HDMI) connection device using the wireless communication circuit—the HDMI connection device is connected to an external source device—and, based on receiving a first infrared (IR) signal from the HDMI connection device through the IR signal transceiver within a predetermined waiting time, determine a first distance to the HDMI connection device based on the time difference between a first time point corresponding to the wireless connection to the external source device and a second time point corresponding to the reception of the first IR signal, and, based on the first distance being included within a predetermined IR signal reach range, set the IR signal transceiver as an IR signal output device for the external source device; determine whether at least a portion of the second IR signal output by the IR signal transceiver and the third IR signal transmitted through the HDMI connection device overlap, based on the first distance and the performance of the wireless communication network; and, based on the determination that the second IR signal and the third IR signal do not overlap, set the HDMI connection device to the external source device. It can cause it to be set as an IR signal output device.

[0106] According to one embodiment, when the one or more processors are executed individually or collectively, the display device may be caused to: not set the infrared signal transceiver as an IR signal output device for the external source device and set the HDMI connection device as an IR signal output device for the external source device based on not receiving a first infrared (IR) signal from the HDMI connection device through the infrared signal transceiver within a set waiting time.

[0107] According to one embodiment, when the one or more processors are executed individually or collectively, the at least one program may cause the display device to: detect a connection with the external source device based on receiving a connection request for the external source device from the HDMI connection device, and the connection request may be sent by the HDMI connection device in response to the external source device being connected to the HDMI connection device via an HDMI wired cable.

[0108] According to one embodiment, when the at least one program is executed individually or collectively by the one or more processors, the display device may be caused to: monitor the performance of the wireless communication network, determine a wireless communication delay value based on the performance of the wireless communication network, and reset the IR signal output device for the external source device based on determining that the wireless communication network delay value exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the at least one program may cause the display device, when the one or more processors are executed individually or collectively, to: re-determine whether the second IR signal and the third IR signal overlap at least partially based on the wireless communication network delay value, based on determining whether the second IR signal and the third IR signal overlap at least partially; and to set the HDMI connection device to be excluded from the IR signal output device for the external source device based on determining that the second IR signal and the third IR signal overlap at least partially.

[0110] According to one embodiment, when the one or more processors are executed individually or collectively, the at least one program may cause the display device to set the IR signal transceiver as an IR signal output device for the external source device based on the determination that the second IR signal and the third IR signal overlap at least partially.

[0111] A display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a display; a wireless communication circuit; an infrared (IR) signal transceiver; one or more processors including a processing circuit; a memory for storing at least one program; and, when the one or more processors are executed individually or collectively, the display device may be configured to: receive content of an external source device connected to the HDMI connection device from an HDMI connection device via the wireless communication circuit, and while outputting the content through the display, receive a control command from the first controller via at least one of the wireless communication circuit or the IR signal transceiver, identify an infrared (IR) signal output device for the external source device, and identify that the IR signal output device for the external source device is the IR signal transceiver, change the control command into an IR signal for the external source device, and transmit the IR signal including the control command via the IR signal transceiver.

[0112] According to one embodiment, when the at least one program is executed individually or collectively by the one or more processors, the display device is caused to: access a control command table for the external source device and change the control command into an IR signal for the external source device, and the control command table may include IR signal pattern information according to one or more control commands for the external source device.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the at least one program may cause the display device, when the one or more processors are executed individually or collectively: to generate an HDMI command corresponding to the control command based on identifying that the IR signal output device for the external source device is the HDMI connection device, and to transmit the HDMI command to the HDMI connection device through the wireless communication circuit.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the at least one program causes the display device, when the one or more processors are executed individually or collectively: to access a first table for the first controller and generate the HDMI command based on receiving a control command from the first controller through the wireless communication circuit, and the first table may include wireless communication signal value information according to one or more control commands for the first controller.

[0115] According to one embodiment, when the one or more processors are executed individually or collectively, the at least one program causes the display device to: access a second table for the first controller and generate the HDMI command based on receiving a control command from the first controller through the IR signal transceiver, and the second table may include IR signal pattern information according to one or more control commands for the first controller.

[0116] A method of a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: an operation of detecting a connection of an HDMI connection device using a wireless communication circuit of the display device—the HDMI connection device being connected to an external source device—; an operation of determining whether a first infrared (IR) signal is received from the external source device within a predetermined waiting time through an infrared signal transceiver of the display device; an operation of determining a first distance to the HDMI connection device based on the time difference between a first time point according to the wireless connection to the HDMI connection device and a second time point when the first IR signal is received, based on the determination that the first infrared (IR) signal is received within the predetermined waiting time; an operation of setting the IR signal transceiver as an IR signal output device for the external source device based on the fact that the first distance is included within a predetermined IR signal reach range; and an operation of determining whether a second IR signal output by the IR signal transceiver and a third IR signal transmitted through the HDMI connection device overlap at least partially based on the first distance and the performance of the network of the wireless communication circuit. And based on the determination that the second IR signal and the third IR signal do not overlap, the operation of setting the HDMI connection device as an IR signal output device for the external source device may be included.

[0117] According to one embodiment, based on the fact that the first infrared (IR) signal is not received within the predetermined waiting time, the operation of not setting the IR signal transceiver as an IR signal output device for the external source device and setting the HDMI connection device as an IR signal output device for the external source device may be further included.

[0118] According to one embodiment, the method may further include an operation of monitoring the performance of the wireless communication network; determining a wireless communication network delay value based on the performance of the wireless communication network; and resetting an IR signal output device for the external source device based on determining that the wireless communication network delay value exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the operation of resetting the IR signal output device for the external source device may further include: an operation of re-determining whether the second IR signal and the third IR signal overlap at least partially according to the wireless communication network delay value; and an operation of setting the HDMI connection device to be excluded from the IR signal output device for the external source device based on the determination that the second IR signal and the third IR signal overlap at least partially.

[0120] The embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said 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 said items unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, phrases such as "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" may each include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish said components from other said components and do not limit said components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order). Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as “coupled” or “connected” to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicationly,” it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0121] The term “module” as used in the embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit, for example. A module may be a component formed integrally, or a minimum unit of said component or a part thereof 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).

[0122] One embodiment of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., program (140)) comprising one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory (136) or external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., electronic device (101)) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to be operated 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 that can be executed by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the machine may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-temporary' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily.

[0123] According to one embodiment, the method according to the embodiments disclosed herein may be provided by being included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer 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 distributed online (e.g., download or upload) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0124] According to one embodiment, each component (e.g., module or program) of the components described above may include a singular or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to one embodiment, one or more of the components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Generally or additionally, multiple components (e.g., module or program) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as those performed by the corresponding component among the multiple components prior to integration. According to one embodiment, operations performed by the module, program, or other components 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.

Claims

1. In a display device, display; Wireless communication circuit; Infrared (IR) signal transceiver; One or more processors including processing circuits; Memory for storing at least one program; and When the above at least one program is executed individually or collectively by the above one or more processors, the display device: Using the above wireless communication circuit, an HDMI (high-definition multimedia interface, HDMI) connection device is detected—the HDMI connection device is connected to an external source device—, Based on receiving a first infrared (IR) signal from the HDMI connection device through the IR signal transceiver within a set waiting time, a first distance to the HDMI connection device is determined based on the time difference between a first time point corresponding to a wireless connection to the external source device and a second time point corresponding to the reception of the first IR signal. Based on the fact that the above first distance is included within the defined IR signal reach range, the IR signal transceiver is set as an IR signal output device for the external source device, and Based on the performance of the first distance and wireless communication network, it is determined whether the second IR signal output by the IR signal transceiver and the third IR signal transmitted through the HDMI connection device overlap at least partially, and A display device that causes the HDMI connection device to be set as an IR signal output device for the external source device based on the determination that the second IR signal and the third IR signal do not overlap.

2. In Paragraph 1, When the above at least one program is executed individually or collectively by the above one or more processors, the display device: A display device that causes the infrared signal transceiver not to be set as an IR signal output device for the external source device and the HDMI connection device to be set as an IR signal output device for the external source device based on the fact that the first infrared (IR) signal is not received from the HDMI connection device through the infrared signal transceiver within a set waiting time.

3. In Paragraph 1, When the above at least one program is executed individually or collectively by the above one or more processors, the display device: Based on receiving a connection request for the external source device from the HDMI connection device, a connection with the external source device is detected, and A display device that causes the above connection request to be sent by the HDMI connection device in response to the external source device being connected to the HDMI connection device via an HDMI wired cable.

4. In Paragraph 1, When the above at least one program is executed individually or collectively by the above one or more processors, the display device: Monitoring the performance of the above wireless communication network, and Determining a wireless communication delay value based on the performance of the above wireless communication network, and A display device that causes an IR signal output device for an external source device to be reset based on determining that the above wireless communication network delay value exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

5. In Paragraph 4, When the above at least one program is executed individually or collectively by the above one or more processors, the display device: Based on the decision to reset the IR signal output device for the above external source device, re-determine whether the second IR signal and the third IR signal overlap at least partially according to the wireless communication network delay value, and A display device that causes the HDMI connection device to be excluded from the IR signal output device for the external source device based on the determination that the second IR signal and the third IR signal overlap at least partially.

6. In Paragraph 5, When the above at least one program is executed individually or collectively by the above one or more processors, the display device: A display device that causes the IR signal transceiver to be set as an IR signal output device for the external source device based on the determination that the second IR signal and the third IR signal overlap at least partially.

7. In a display device, display; Wireless communication circuit; Infrared (IR) signal transceiver; One or more processors including processing circuits; Memory for storing at least one program; and When the above at least one program is executed individually or collectively by the above one or more processors, the display device: Through the above wireless communication circuit, content of an external source device connected to the HDMI connection device is received from the HDMI connection device, and While outputting the above content through the display, receiving a control command from the first controller through at least one of the wireless communication circuit or the IR signal transceiver, and Identify an infrared (IR) signal output device for the above external source device, and A display device that, based on identifying that the IR signal output device for the external source device is the IR signal transceiver, changes the control command into an IR signal for the external source device and causes the IR signal including the control command to be transmitted through the IR signal transceiver.

8. In Paragraph 7, When the above at least one program is executed individually or collectively by the above one or more processors, the display device: Accessing a control command table for the external source device, causing the control command to be changed into an IR signal for the external source device, and The above control command table is a display device comprising IR signal pattern information according to one or more control commands for the external source device.

9. In Paragraph 7, When the above at least one program is executed individually or collectively by the above one or more processors, the display device: Based on identifying that the IR signal output device for the above external source device is the HDMI connection device, an HDMI command corresponding to the control command is generated, and A display device that causes the HDMI command to be transmitted to the HDMI connection device through the above wireless communication circuit.

10. In Paragraph 9, When the above at least one program is executed individually or collectively by the above one or more processors, the display device: Based on receiving a control command from the first controller through the wireless communication circuit, accessing a first table for the first controller causes the generation of the HDMI command, and A display device comprising wireless communication signal value information according to one or more control commands for the first controller, wherein the first table above includes the above first table.

11. In Paragraph 9, When the above at least one program is executed individually or collectively by the above one or more processors, the display device: Based on receiving a control command from the first controller through the IR signal transceiver, access a second table for the first controller to cause the generation of the HDMI command, and A display device wherein the second table above includes IR signal pattern information according to one or more control commands for the first controller.

12. In a method of a display device, An operation to detect the connection of an HDMI connection device using a wireless communication circuit of the above-described display device—the above-described HDMI connection device is connected to an external source device—; An operation of determining whether a first infrared (IR) signal is received from the external source device within a predetermined waiting time through the infrared signal transmitting and receiving unit of the display device; An operation to determine a first distance to the HDMI connection device based on the time difference between a first point in time when the wireless connection to the HDMI connection device is established and a second point in time when the first IR signal is received, based on determining that the first infrared (IR) signal is received within the above-determined waiting time; An operation of setting the IR signal transceiver as an IR signal output device for the external source device based on the fact that the above first distance is included within the defined IR signal reach range; An operation to determine whether the second IR signal output by the IR signal transceiver and the third IR signal transmitted through the HDMI connection device overlap at least partially, based on the performance of the first distance and the network of the wireless communication circuit; and A method comprising the operation of setting the HDMI connection device as an IR signal output device for the external source device based on the determination that the second IR signal and the third IR signal do not overlap.

13. In Paragraph 12, A method further comprising, based on not receiving the first infrared (IR) signal within the above-determined waiting time, not setting the IR signal transceiver as an IR signal output device for the external source device and setting the HDMI connection device as an IR signal output device for the external source device.

14. In Paragraph 12, Operation of monitoring the performance of the above wireless communication network; Based on the performance of the above wireless communication network, determine the wireless communication network delay value, and A method further comprising the operation of resetting an IR signal output device for an external source device based on determining that the wireless communication network delay value exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

15. In Paragraph 14, The operation of resetting the IR signal output device for the above external source device is, An operation to re-determine whether the second IR signal and the third IR signal overlap at least partially according to the wireless communication network delay value; and A method further comprising the operation of excluding the HDMI connection device from the IR signal output device for the external source device based on the determination that the second IR signal and the third IR signal overlap at least partially.

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