Electronic device, operation method thereof and storage medium

Abstract

An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device comprises: a display; at least one processor including a processing circuit; and a memory, which stores instructions and includes one or more storage media, wherein, when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the instructions instruct the electronic device to: acquire, from a first user terminal for performing a remote control operation for a first external device, communication connection information including a unique key for performing the remote control operation; establish a short-range wireless communication connection with the first external device on the basis of the acquired communication connection information when it is identified that the distance between the electronic device and the first external device is less than a first distance; and provide, on the display, a user interface (UI) for performing the remote control operation for the first external device in which the communication connection is established.

Description

Electronic device and its method of operation and storage medium

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device, a method of operation thereof, and a storage medium, and more specifically, to an electronic device for remotely controlling an external device, a method of operation thereof, and a storage medium.

[0002] With the advancement of electronic technology, various types of electronic devices are being developed and distributed. Users can remotely control smart devices located in their homes (e.g., TVs or speakers) using a user terminal (e.g., a smartphone).

[0003] The information described above may be provided as related art for the purpose of aiding understanding of the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the foregoing may be applied as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0004] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises at least one processor including a display and a processing circuit, and a memory including one or more storage media for storing instructions, wherein when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device may obtain communication connection information including a unique key for performing a remote control operation from a first user terminal performing a remote control operation for a first external device.

[0005] According to one embodiment, the instructions may enable the electronic device to establish a short-range wireless communication connection with the first external device based on the acquired communication connection information when it is identified that the distance between the electronic device and the first external device is less than a first distance.

[0006] According to one embodiment, the instructions may enable the electronic device to provide a User Interface (UI) for performing a remote control operation for a first external device with which the communication connection has been established, through the display.

[0007] A method of operating an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation of obtaining communication connection information including a unique key for performing a remote control operation from a first user terminal that performs a remote control operation for a first external device.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the operation method may include establishing a short-range wireless communication connection with the first external device based on the acquired communication connection information when it is identified that the distance between the electronic device and the first external device is less than a first distance.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the operation method may include an operation of providing a User Interface (UI) for performing a remote control operation for a first external device to which the communication connection has been established.

[0010] In a non-transient storage medium for storing computer-readable instructions according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the instructions may cause the electronic device, when executed by at least one processor of the electronic device, to obtain communication connection information including a unique key for performing a remote control operation from a first user terminal performing a remote control operation for a first external device.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the instructions may cause the electronic device to establish a short-range wireless communication connection with the first external device based on the acquired communication connection information when it is identified that the distance between the electronic device and the first external device is less than a first distance.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the instructions may cause the electronic device to provide a User Interface (UI) for performing a remote control operation for a first external device to which the communication connection has been established.

[0013] The above and other aspect features and advantages of specific embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description, which is referenced together with the accompanying drawings.

[0014] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the operation method of an electronic device according to a comparative example.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for transmitting communication connection information according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 5a is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing a UI for requesting account sharing according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIGS. 5B, FIGS. 5C, and FIGS. 5D are drawings for explaining a method of providing a UI for requesting account sharing according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 6a is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing an icon for performing a remote control operation according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 6b is a diagram illustrating a method for providing an icon for performing a remote control operation according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a method for sharing communication connection information according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a method for sharing communication connection information according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a method for obtaining communication connection information from a first user terminal according to one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating a method for obtaining communication connection information from a first user terminal according to an embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining a UI that provides a remote control operation according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining a method of providing communication connection information according to one embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining a method of providing communication connection information according to one embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 14 is a drawing for explaining a method of providing communication connection information according to one embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0031] It should be noted that the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to denote identical or similar elements, features, and structures.

[0032] The present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0033] The terms used in this specification will be briefly explained, and the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[0034] The terms used in the embodiments of this disclosure have been selected to be as widely used as possible, taking into account their functions within this disclosure; however, these terms may vary depending on the intent of those skilled in the art, case law, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Additionally, in specific cases, terms have been arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the relevant explanatory section of this disclosure. Therefore, terms used in this disclosure should be defined not merely by their names, but based on their meanings and the overall content of this disclosure.

[0035] In this specification, expressions such as “have,” “may have,” “include,” or “may include” indicate the presence of such features (e.g., numerical values, functions, operations, or components such as parts) and do not exclude the presence of additional features.

[0036] The expression "at least one of A or / and B" should be understood as representing either "A" or "B" or "A and B".

[0037] Expressions such as "first," "second," "first," or "second" used in this specification may modify various components regardless of order and / or importance, and are used only to distinguish one component from another and do not limit said components.

[0038] Where it is stated that a component (e.g., Component 1) is "(operatively or communicatively) coupled with / to" or "connected to" another component (e.g., Component 2), it should be understood that the component may be directly connected to the other component or connected through the other component (e.g., Component 3).

[0039] The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "consisting of" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0040] In the present disclosure, a "module" or "part" performs at least one function or operation and may be implemented in hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software. Additionally, a plurality of "modules" or a plurality of "parts" may be integrated into at least one module and implemented by at least one processor (not shown), except for a "module" or "part" that needs to be implemented in specific hardware.

[0041] Furthermore, in this specification, the term "signal" includes not only electrical signals but also signals in the form of sound waves, and in the case of electrical signals, it may be a digital signal as well as an analog signal. For example, the expression "audio signal" (or "noise signal") refers to a sound wave (or radio wave) signal if the signal is outside the electronic device, and an electrical signal if it is inside the electronic device, depending on the location of the signal. Additionally, the signal processing, etc. within the electronic device described below may be a digital signal processing method, an analog signal processing method, or a signal processing method that uses a combination of analog and digital methods.

[0042] And in this specification, the term "filter" refers to removing a specific component (e.g., a specific frequency range or a specific pattern), and said filter may be a digital filter or an analog filter.

[0043]

[0044] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the operation method of an electronic device according to a comparative example.

[0045] According to FIG. 1, the first electronic device (3) according to the comparative example may receive information necessary for performing a remote control operation from the server (1) in order to perform a remote control operation for an external device (2). When the first electronic device (3) according to the comparative example receives user input for performing a remote control operation for an external device (2), it may request information necessary for performing a remote control operation from the server (1). When the server (1) receives a request signal from the first electronic device (3), it may obtain information necessary for performing a remote control operation from the external device (2) and transmit it to the first electronic device (3), or transmit it directly to the first electronic device (3). Based on the information received from the server (1), the first electronic device (3) according to the comparative example may establish a communication connection with the external device (2) and perform a remote control operation for the external device (2).

[0046] The first electronic device (3) according to the comparative example must be connected to the server via network communication because it needs to receive information from the server (1) in order to perform remote control operations on the external device (2), and the user of the first electronic device (3) according to the comparative example must perform a login procedure for an account in order to communicate with the server.

[0047] In addition, the first electronic device (3) according to the comparative example has the inconvenience of requiring permission to perform a remote control operation from a user who has control authority over the external device (2) (e.g., a user corresponding to the account where the external device (2) is registered) (e.g., when authority is shared from the user who has control authority).

[0048] Hereinafter, various embodiments for performing remote control operations on an external device without communicating separately with a server will be described. Furthermore, hereinafter, various embodiments for performing remote control operations on an external device based on information obtained through another external device capable of performing remote control operations on an external device without performing a separate account login procedure will be described.

[0049] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0050] According to FIG. 2, according to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may include a display (110), at least one processor (120) and a memory (130).

[0051] According to one example, the electronic device (100) may be implemented as a user terminal (e.g., a smartphone). However, it is not limited thereto, and the electronic device (100) may be implemented as a different type of device capable of communicating with an external device. Alternatively, according to one example, the electronic device (100) may be implemented as a different type of device capable of performing calculations, processing, or storing data. However, for the convenience of explanation, the following description is limited to the case where the electronic device (100) is implemented as a user terminal. According to one example, the electronic device (100) may be a device that has no history of establishing a short-range communication connection with the first external device described below. This will be described below.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the display (110) may be implemented as a display including a self-emissive element or as a display including a non-emissive element and a backlight. For example, it may be implemented as various types of displays such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diodes) display, an LED (Light Emitting Diodes), a micro LED, a Mini LED, a PDP (Plasma Display Panel), a QD (Quantum dot) display, or a QLED (Quantum dot light-emitting diodes). The display (110) may also include a driving circuit, a backlight unit, etc., which can be implemented in the form of an a-si TFT, an LTPS (low temperature poly silicon) TFT, an OTFT (organic TFT), etc. Meanwhile, the display (110) may be implemented as a touch screen combined with a touch sensor, a flexible display, a rollable display, a 3D display, a display in which a plurality of display modules are physically connected, etc. At least one processor (120) can control the display (110) to output an output image obtained according to the various embodiments described above. Here, the output image may be a high-resolution image of 4K or 8K or higher. According to one embodiment, the output image may be a game image.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the display (110) may include a plurality of haptic elements. The haptic elements may be implemented as motors to provide haptic feedback (e.g., vibration feedback) to a user, but are not limited thereto. According to one example, the display (110) may include a predetermined number of haptic elements. For example, the display (110) may include a predetermined number of haptic elements corresponding to a predetermined number of sub-regions of the display, but is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that the display may include a number of haptic elements different from the number of sub-regions corresponding to the display.

[0054] According to one embodiment, at least one processor (120) (hereinafter, processor) is electrically connected to a display (110) and a memory (130) to control the overall operation of an electronic device (100). The processor (120) may be composed of one or more processors. Specifically, the processor (120) may perform the operation of an electronic device (100) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure by executing at least one instruction stored in the memory (130).

[0055] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may be implemented as a digital signal processor (DSP) that processes digital video signals, a microprocessor, a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), an Artificial Intelligence (AI) processor, a Neural Processing Unit (NPU), or a Time Controller (TCON). However, it is not limited thereto, and may include or be defined by one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), a Micro Controller Unit (MCU), a micro processing unit (MPU), a controller, an application processor (AP), a communication processor (CP), or an ARM processor. Additionally, the processor (120) may be implemented as a System on Chip (SoC) or Large Scale Integration (LSI) with a built-in processing algorithm, or may be implemented in the form of an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) or Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA).

[0056] The memory (130) can store data necessary for various embodiments. Depending on the purpose of data storage, the memory (130) may be implemented in the form of a memory embedded in the electronic device (100) or in the form of a memory that can be attached to and detached from the electronic device (100). For example, data for operating the electronic device (100) may be stored in a memory embedded in the electronic device (100), and data for the expansion function of the electronic device (100) may be stored in a memory that can be attached to and detached from the electronic device (100).

[0057] Meanwhile, the memory embedded in the electronic device (100) may be implemented as at least one of volatile memory (e.g., DRAM (dynamic RAM), SRAM (static RAM), or SDRAM (synchronous dynamic RAM), etc.), non-volatile memory (e.g., OTPROM (one-time programmable ROM), PROM (programmable ROM), EPROM (erasable and programmable ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable and programmable ROM), mask ROM, flash ROM, flash memory (e.g., NAND flash or NOR flash, etc.), hard drive, or solid state drive (SSD). Additionally, the memory that is detachable from the electronic device (100) may be implemented in the form of a memory card (e.g., CF (compact flash), SD (secure digital), Micro-SD (micro secure digital), Mini-SD (mini secure digital), xD (extreme digital), MMC (multi-media card), etc.), external memory connectable to a USB port (e.g., USB memory), etc. there is.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may obtain communication connection information from the first user terminal. According to one example, the first user terminal may be implemented as a portable terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet PC. According to one example, the first user terminal may perform a remote control operation for the first external device. According to one example, the first user terminal may be a terminal that has a history of communication connection (or a history of establishing a communication connection) with the first external device, and according to one example, the first user terminal may have communication connection information including a unique key for performing a remote control operation for the first external device. According to one example, the first user terminal may perform a remote control operation for the first external device. According to one example, the electronic device (100) may be a device that does not have a history of communication connection with the first external device, unlike the first user terminal. In other words, the electronic device (100) may be a device that establishes a communication connection with the first external device for the first time.

[0059] According to one example, the first external device may be implemented as a different type of home appliance located in a home. For example, the first external device may be implemented as a different type of home appliance including a TV, air conditioner, speaker, and refrigerator, and according to one example, the first external device may be a device that can be controlled via a control signal received remotely.

[0060] According to one example, the communication connection information may be information necessary for establishing a communication connection with a first external device. According to one example, the communication connection information may include identification information corresponding to the first external device and a unique key corresponding to the first external device. According to one example, the communication connection information may be information necessary for establishing a short-range wireless communication connection with the first external device. According to one example, the short-range wireless communication may be Bluetooth communication, but is not limited thereto.

[0061] According to one example, a unique key corresponding to the first external device may be required to establish a communication connection with the first external device. According to one example, the unique key may be numeric type information required to establish a communication connection between the first external device and the user terminal. For example, the unique key may be a 256-bit AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) key, but is not limited thereto and may be a key of a different size type including 128 bits. According to one example, the unique key corresponding to the first external device may be stored in the memory (130) of the first external device, and the unique key may be transmitted to the user terminal to which a communication connection with the first external device has been established. According to one example, the unique key may be information whose value has not changed since it was first generated.

[0062] According to one example, the remote control operation may be an operation of controlling the first external device by transmitting a control signal remotely without direct input to the first external device. For example, if the first external device is implemented as a TV, the remote control operation may include different types of control operations, such as turning the TV on / off, increasing or decreasing the volume of the TV, or changing channels. According to one example, the remote control operation for the first external device may be performed after a communication connection is established between the first external device and the electronic device.

[0063] According to one example, the processor (120) may obtain communication connection information including a unique key for performing a remote control operation from a first user terminal. According to one example, the processor (120) may obtain communication connection information through a QR code displayed on the first user terminal. Alternatively, according to one example, the processor (120) may receive communication connection information from the first user terminal through a communication interface. For example, the processor (120) may obtain link information for connecting to a server that stores communication connection information from the first user terminal. This will be explained in detail through FIGS. 9 and FIGS. 10.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) can establish a short-range wireless communication connection with a first external device. According to one example, the short-range wireless communication can be implemented as Bluetooth communication.

[0065] According to one example, the processor (120) can identify whether the distance between the electronic device (100) and the first external device is less than a first distance. For example, the processor (120) can identify the distance between the electronic device (100) and the first external device by transmitting a request signal to establish a Bluetooth communication connection to the first external device (e.g., broadcasting the request signal) and measuring the strength of the signal received from the first external device based thereon (e.g., RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator)). However, it is not limited thereto, and it is of course possible to identify the distance between the electronic device (100) and the first external device in a different way.

[0066] According to one example, the first distance may be a distance at which short-range wireless communication with a first external device is possible. According to one example, information about the first distance (e.g., an RSSI value corresponding to the first distance) may be stored in memory (130).

[0067] According to one example, if the processor (120) identifies that the distance between the electronic device (100) and the first external device is less than a first distance, it may establish a short-range wireless communication connection with the first external device based on acquired communication connection information. According to one example, the processor (120) may establish a short-range wireless communication connection with the first external device based on a unique key.

[0068] According to one example, the processor (120) may provide a User Interface (UI) for performing a remote control operation for a first external device with which a communication connection has been established, through a display (110). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 11, if the processor (120) identifies that a remote control operation for the first external device is possible, it may provide a UI for performing a remote control operation for the first external device through the display (110).

[0069] According to one example, the processor (120) can control the first external device based on user input received through the UI for controlling the first external device. For example, when the processor (120) receives user input corresponding to a first operation (e.g., a power turn-off operation) during the operation of the first external device through the UI, it can transmit a control signal corresponding thereto via short-range wireless communication.

[0070] In the case of a device that establishes a communication connection with a first external device for the first time, it generally needs to obtain a unique key from the first external device, and a pre-configured user input procedure is required to obtain the unique key from the first external device. For example, to obtain the unique key, the electronic device (100) must perform an authentication procedure using a QR (Quick Response) code or a PIN code displayed on the first external device. Alternatively, the electronic device (100) may obtain the unique key through a server managing the first external device, but in this case, there is a problem that the electronic device (100) must have a network communication connection including the server established.

[0071] In contrast, the electronic device (100) of the present invention can establish a communication connection with the first external device without separately receiving a unique key from the first external device, even when establishing a communication connection with the first external device for the first time, and can perform a remote control operation on the first external device based thereon, thereby improving user convenience and satisfaction. In addition, the electronic device (100) of the present invention can perform a remote control operation on the first external device without a separate interaction operation between the first external device and the user, thereby improving user convenience.

[0072] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0073] According to FIG. 3, according to one embodiment, the operation method may include an operation (S310) of obtaining communication connection information including a unique key (Key, e.g., the unique key of FIG. 2) for performing a remote control operation from a first user terminal that performs a remote control operation for a first external device.

[0074] According to one example, the electronic device may obtain communication connection information including a unique key from a first user terminal capable of performing a remote control operation for a first external device. According to one example, the electronic device may obtain communication connection information through a QR code displayed on the first user terminal. Alternatively, according to one example, the electronic device may receive communication connection information from the first user terminal through a communication interface.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the operation method may include an operation (S320) of establishing a short-range wireless communication (e.g., short-range wireless communication of FIG. 2) connection with the first external device based on acquired communication connection information when it is identified that the distance between the electronic device and the first external device is less than a first distance.

[0076] According to one example, the electronic device can identify the distance between the electronic device and a first external device. According to one example, the electronic device can identify whether the distance between the electronic device and the first external device is less than a first distance. According to one example, if the electronic device identifies that the distance between the electronic device and the first external device is less than the first distance, it can establish a short-range wireless communication connection with the first external device based on acquired communication connection information.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the operation method may include an operation (S330) of providing a UI (User Interface) for performing a remote control operation for a first external device with a communication connection established through a display.

[0078] According to one example, when a communication connection with a first external device is established, the electronic device may provide a UI for performing a remote control operation for the first external device with which the communication connection has been established. For example, the electronic device may provide the UI through a display.

[0079] Returning to FIG. 2, according to one embodiment, the processor (120) may provide communication connection information to the second user terminal when user input for performing a remote control operation is received from a second user terminal different from the first user terminal after a communication connection with the first external device has been established.

[0080] According to one example, a case may be assumed in which a short-range wireless communication connection is established between an electronic device (100) and a first external device. When the processor (120) receives user input to share communication connection information with a second user terminal through a user interface, it may provide a QR (Quick Response) code or link information corresponding to the acquired communication connection information. For example, the processor (120) may display a QR code corresponding to the communication connection information through a display (110). Alternatively, for example, the processor (120) may transmit link information for connecting to a server storing communication connection information to the second user terminal through a communication interface. A specific method for sharing communication connection information will be explained in detail through FIGS. 7 to 10.

[0081] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for transmitting communication connection information according to one embodiment.

[0082] According to FIG. 4, according to one embodiment, the operation method may include an operation (S410) of obtaining history information related to a short-range wireless communication connection between the second user terminal and the first external device when a user input for performing a remote control operation is received at the second user terminal.

[0083] According to one example, the second user terminal may be a terminal device different from the first user terminal. According to one example, the electronic device may receive user input for performing a remote control operation at the second user terminal. According to one example, the user input for performing a remote control operation at the second user terminal may be a user input for sharing communication connection information with an external device. For example, the user input for sharing communication connection information with an external device may be a user input for displaying a QR code for obtaining communication connection information on a display or a user input for transmitting communication connection information to an external device, but is not limited thereto.

[0084] According to one example, the history information may be information regarding whether there is a history of a short-range wireless communication connection between the second user terminal and the first external device. According to one example, when the electronic device receives user input for sharing communication connection information with the second user terminal, it may obtain history information related to the short-range wireless communication connection between the second user terminal and the first external device from the second user terminal. Alternatively, the electronic device may obtain the history information from an external server.

[0085] In this case, according to one example, the electronic device may obtain identification information capable of identifying a second user terminal (e.g., account information corresponding to the second user terminal) through user input. For example, when the electronic device receives user input for displaying a QR code to obtain communication connection information on a display, it may provide a UI to the user for receiving information about the second user terminal performing a remote control operation, and obtain identification information capable of identifying the second user terminal based thereon.

[0086] Alternatively, for example, when an electronic device receives user input for transmitting communication connection information to an external device, it may provide a UI to the user for selecting one of a plurality of external devices that receives the communication connection information, and based thereon, obtain identification information capable of identifying a second user terminal.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the operation method may include an operation (S420) of transmitting information about a UI that guides the establishment of a near-field wireless communication connection to the second user terminal when it is identified, based on history information, that there is a history of establishing a near-field wireless communication connection between the second user terminal and the first external device.

[0088] According to one example, if there is a history of establishing a short-range wireless communication connection between a second user terminal and a first external device based on acquired history information, the electronic device may transmit information about a UI that guides the establishment of a short-range wireless communication connection to the second user terminal through a communication interface.

[0089] According to one example, a UI that guides the establishment of a short-range wireless communication connection may be a UI that guides the performance of a remote control operation for a first external device using an application stored on a second user terminal. Alternatively, a UI that guides the establishment of a short-range wireless communication connection may be a UI that proposes the establishment of a wireless communication connection with a first external device.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the operation method may include an operation (S430) of transmitting communication connection information to the second user terminal when it is identified that there is no history of establishing a short-range wireless communication connection between the second user terminal and the first external device.

[0091] According to one example, if the electronic device identifies, based on acquired history information, that there is no history of a short-range wireless communication connection being established between the second user terminal and the first external device, it may provide a Quick Response (QR) code or Link information corresponding to the acquired communication connection information. For example, the electronic device may display a QR code corresponding to the communication connection information through a display. Alternatively, for example, the electronic device may transmit Link information for accessing a server storing the communication connection information to the second user terminal through a communication interface.

[0092] FIG. 5a is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing a UI for requesting account sharing according to one embodiment. FIG. 5b to 5d are drawings illustrating a method for providing a UI for requesting account sharing according to one embodiment.

[0093] According to FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D, according to one embodiment, the operation method may include an operation (S510) of providing a UI through a display to guide the first external device to be registered with the server when the first external device is identified as being an unregistered device with the server.

[0094] According to one example, the electronic device can identify whether the first external device is a device registered to the server. According to one example, the server can store information about at least one device registered to each of at least one user account. According to one example, the at least one registered device may be a different type of electronic device including, but not limited to, a TV, an air conditioner, a smartphone, a tablet PC, and a refrigerator. According to one example, the device registered to the server may mean a device registered to at least one of the at least one user accounts.

[0095] According to one example, when a communication connection with a first external device is established, the electronic device may identify whether the first external device is a device registered on a server by using identification information corresponding to the first external device. According to one example, the identification information corresponding to the first external device may be information included in the communication connection information.

[0096] According to one example, if the electronic device identifies that the first external device is not a device registered to any of at least one user account, the first external device may identify that the first external device is a device not registered to the server. According to one example, if the electronic device identifies that the first external device is a device not registered to the server, the electronic device may provide a UI that guides the first external device to be registered to the server.

[0097] According to one example, a case may be assumed in which a short-range wireless communication connection is established between a first external device and an electronic device. As illustrated in the left drawing of FIG. 5b, the electronic device may provide a UI (520) corresponding to a remote control function for the first external device through a display (510). According to one example, the remote control function may be at least one function related to a remote control operation. According to one example, the UI (520) may include a UI (521) that includes information indicating that the first external device is currently an unregistered device. According to one example, the UI (521) may include information indicating that the first external device is an unregistered device on the server and guiding the first external device to be registered on the server.

[0098] According to one example, when user input for registering the first external device to the server (e.g., clicking a button corresponding to 'Register') is received through the UI (521), the electronic device may transmit information for registering the first external device to the server. Alternatively, the electronic device may transmit a signal to the first external device requesting that the first external device be registered to the server. In this case, the electronic device may transmit the signal to the first external device via a short-range wireless communication signal (e.g., a BLE (Blutooth Low Energy) signal).

[0099] Alternatively, according to one example, as illustrated in the right drawing of FIG. 5b, the electronic device may provide a UI (530) through a display (510) comprising a UI (531) associated with a first external device and a UI (532) that guides remote control operations for the first external device. According to one example, the UI (530) may include a UI (521) that includes information indicating that the first external device is currently an unregistered device. According to one example, the UI (531) associated with the first external device may be a UI for obtaining a QR code associated with the registration of the first external device.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the operation method may include an operation (S520) of providing a UI through a display (510) to request the sharing of an account corresponding to the first external device when the first external device is identified as a device that is unregistered to the server.

[0101] According to one example, the electronic device can identify whether the first external device is a device registered on the server. According to one example, if the first external device is identified as a device registered on the server, the electronic device can provide a UI through the display (510) to request sharing of the account to which the first external device is registered.

[0102] According to one example, a case may be assumed in which a short-range wireless communication connection is established between a first external device and an electronic device. As illustrated in FIG. 5c, the electronic device may provide a UI (540) corresponding to a remote control function for the first external device through a display (510). According to one example, the UI (540) may include a UI (541) which guides the first external device to request sharing of the user account registered with the first external device to another user, where the first external device is the currently registered device.

[0103] Alternatively, according to one example, the electronic device may provide a UI (550) through a display (510) comprising a UI (552) associated with a first external device and a UI (553) for guiding remote control operations for the first external device. According to one example, the UI (550) may include a UI (541) that includes information indicating that the first external device is a currently registered device. According to one example, the UI (552) associated with the first external device may be a UI for obtaining a QR code associated with the registration of the first external device.

[0104] According to one example, when the electronic device receives user input to request the sharing of an account corresponding to a first external device based on the UI (541), it may provide a UI (560) for scanning a QR code to receive account information corresponding to the first external device, as illustrated in FIG. 5d. According to one example, the account information corresponding to the first external device may be information for logging into an account registered to the first external device or for obtaining control rights over at least one device registered to the account. According to one example, when user input to scan a QR code is received, the electronic device may perform an operation to receive the QR code through a camera sensor. The operation to receive the QR code will be explained in detail through FIG. 9. According to one example, the electronic device may receive user input to request the sharing of an account corresponding to the first external device in a manner other than the UI (541).

[0105] FIG. 6a is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing an icon for performing a remote control operation according to one embodiment. FIG. 6b is a diagram illustrating a method for providing an icon for performing a remote control operation according to one embodiment.

[0106] According to FIGS. 6a and 6b, according to one embodiment, the operation method may include the operation (S610) of adding the first external device to the list of devices managed by the user when a short-range wireless communication connection with the first external device is established.

[0107] According to one example, when a short-range wireless communication connection with a first external device is established, the electronic device may add the first external device to the list of devices managed by the user. According to one example, information regarding the list of devices managed by the user may be stored in memory. According to one example, the devices managed by the user may include devices registered to the user's account and devices for which a communication connection has been established with the user.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the operation method may include an operation (S620) of providing an icon for performing a remote control operation for a first external device.

[0109] According to one example, the electronic device may provide a UI (620) containing simple information for each of at least one device managed by the user through a display (610, e.g., the display (110) of FIG. 2). According to one example, the UI (620) may include an icon corresponding to the device managed by the user. According to one example, when a short-range wireless communication connection with a first external device is established, the electronic device may provide a UI (620) including an icon (630) corresponding to the first external device. According to one example, when user input corresponding to the icon (630) is received, the electronic device may provide at least one function for performing a remote control operation for the first external device. For example, the electronic device may provide a UI (1120) related to a remote control operation for the first external device, as illustrated in FIG. 11.

[0110] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a method for sharing communication connection information according to one embodiment.

[0111] According to FIG. 7, according to one embodiment, the electronic device may receive user input for performing a remote control operation at a second user terminal different from the first user terminal after a communication connection with a first external device is established. According to one example, the user input for performing a remote control operation at the second user terminal may be a user input for sharing communication connection information with a second user terminal different from the electronic device.

[0112] According to one example, the electronic device may provide a UI (720) for sharing communication connection information necessary for performing a remote control operation for a first external device with a second user terminal via a display (710). According to one example, the electronic device may receive user input for performing a remote control operation from the second user terminal via an icon (721) included in the UI (720).

[0113] According to one example, when user input is received via an icon (721), the electronic device may provide a UI (730) for selecting one of a plurality of methods for sharing communication connection information. According to one example, the UI (730) may include an icon (731) corresponding to a first method of providing communication connection information to a second user terminal by displaying a QR code, and an icon (732) corresponding to a second method of providing link information for connecting to a server that stores communication connection information. According to one example, the electronic device may provide communication connection information to the second user terminal in either the first method or the second method based on user input.

[0114] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a method for sharing communication connection information according to one embodiment.

[0115] According to FIG. 8, an electronic device according to one embodiment may receive user input for performing a remote control operation at a second user terminal different from the first user terminal after a communication connection with a first external device is established. According to one example, the user input for performing a remote control operation at the second user terminal may be a user input for sharing communication connection information with a second user terminal different from the electronic device.

[0116] According to one example, the electronic device may provide a UI (820) for performing a remote control operation for a first external device through a display (810). According to one example, the UI (820) may additionally provide a UI corresponding to a plurality of additional functions related to the control operation based on user input. According to one example, the UI corresponding to the additional functions may include a UI (821) for sharing communication connection information. According to one example, the electronic device may receive user input for performing a remote control operation from a second user terminal through the UI (821).

[0117] According to one example, when user input is received through the UI (821), the electronic device may provide a UI (830) for selecting one of a plurality of methods for sharing communication connection information. According to one example, the UI (830) may include a UI (831) corresponding to a first method of providing communication connection information to a second user terminal by displaying a QR code, and a UI (832) corresponding to a second method of providing link information for connecting to a server that stores communication connection information. According to one example, the electronic device may provide communication connection information to the second user terminal in either the first method or the second method based on user input.

[0118] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a method for obtaining communication connection information from a first user terminal according to one embodiment.

[0119] According to FIG. 9, according to one embodiment, the electronic device can obtain a QR code corresponding to communication connection information from a first user terminal. According to one example, the electronic device may further include a camera sensor that obtains image-type sensing data.

[0120] According to one example, the first user terminal may include a display (901). According to one example, the first user terminal may provide a UI (920) including a QR code (921) corresponding to communication connection information through the display (901).

[0121] According to one example, the electronic device may provide a UI (930) that guides the capture of a QR code (921) through a display (910). According to one example, when the UI (930) is displayed, the electronic device may obtain communication connection information based on the image corresponding to the QR code (921) obtained through a camera sensor.

[0122] According to the example described above, the electronic device can obtain communication connection information from a first user terminal that stores communication connection information corresponding to the first external device. Accordingly, the electronic device can perform a remote control operation for the first external device even without a user interaction operation with the first external device (e.g., a direct input operation with respect to the first external device or a security unlock operation with respect to the first external device).

[0123] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating a method for obtaining communication connection information from a first user terminal according to an embodiment.

[0124] According to FIG. 10, according to one embodiment, the electronic device may further include a communication interface. According to one example, the electronic device may obtain link information (1031) for obtaining communication connection information from a first user terminal through the communication interface. According to one example, the link information (1031) may be link information for connecting to a server that stores communication connection information.

[0125] According to one example, the first user terminal may include a display (1001). According to one example, the first user terminal may provide a UI (1020) for sharing communication connection information with at least one external device (e.g., an electronic device) through the display (1001).

[0126] According to one example, when user input for sharing communication connection information with an electronic device is received through the UI (1020), the electronic device can obtain link information (1031) for obtaining communication connection information from a first user terminal through a communication interface.

[0127] According to the example described above, the electronic device can obtain communication connection information from a first user terminal that stores communication connection information corresponding to the first external device. Accordingly, the electronic device can perform a remote control operation for the first external device even without a user interaction operation with the first external device (e.g., a direct input operation for the first external device or a security unlock operation for the first external device).

[0128] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining a UI that provides a remote control operation according to one embodiment.

[0129] According to FIG. 11, according to one embodiment, the electronic device may provide a UI (1120) for performing a remote control operation for a first external device through a display (1110).

[0130] According to one example, the electronic device may provide a UI (1120) for performing a remote control operation for a first external device when a short-range wireless communication connection with a first external device is established based on communication connection information received through a first user terminal.

[0131] According to one example, the UI (1120) may include a UI associated with different types of remote control operations for the first external device. For example, the remote control operations may include different types of control operations, such as turning the TV on / off, increasing or decreasing the volume of the TV, or changing channels, and the UI (1120) may include a UI corresponding to each control operation.

[0132] According to one example, when a user input is received through the UI (1120), the electronic device may identify a remote control operation corresponding to the received user input and transmit a control signal to a first external device to perform the identified control operation.

[0133] According to one embodiment, when a user's drag input is received while the UI (1120) is provided, the electronic device may provide the UI (520) illustrated in the left drawing of FIG. 5b or the UI (540) illustrated in the left drawing of FIG. 5c. According to one example, it may be assumed that the first external device is registered to at least one user account (or, a device registered to the server of FIG. 5a). When a user's drag-down input is received while the UI (1120) is provided, the electronic device may provide the UI (540) illustrated in the left drawing of FIG. 5c. Alternatively, according to one example, it may be assumed that the first external device is a device not registered to the server. When a user's drag-down input is received while the UI (1120) is provided, the electronic device may provide the UI (520) illustrated in the left drawing of FIG. 5b.

[0134] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining a method of providing communication connection information according to one embodiment.

[0135] According to FIG. 12, in one embodiment, the first external device may provide content (1220) through a display (1210). In one example, the first external device may provide a UI (1230) through the display (1210) for performing a remote control operation for the first external device based on user input (e.g., user input to a button included in the first external device).

[0136] According to one example, the UI (1230) may include a QR code for providing at least one of the functions related to remote control operations for the first external device. According to one example, the electronic device may obtain communication connection information through the QR code included in the UI (1230). According to one example, when a communication connection with the first external device is established, the electronic device may perform a remote control operation for the first external device based on user input.

[0137] Meanwhile, according to one embodiment, the electronic device may receive a control request signal from a first external device. According to one example, after a communication connection is established between the first external device and the electronic device, when a control request signal for the first external device is received from the first external device, the electronic device may provide a notification suggesting a remote control operation for the first external device. For example, if an alarm corresponding to the first external device occurs, or if an issue related to viewing control for the first external device (e.g., controlling the first external device to turn off after a preset time has elapsed) occurs, the first external device may transmit a control request signal to the electronic device. According to one example, when the electronic device receives a control request signal from the first external device, it may provide a notification suggesting a remote control operation for the first external device. According to one example, the type of the notification may be a sound type or an image type displayed through a display, but is not limited thereto.

[0138] FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining a method of providing communication connection information according to one embodiment.

[0139] According to FIG. 13, in one embodiment, the first external device may provide content (1320) through a display (1310). In one example, the first external device may provide a UI (1330) related to a plurality of functions of the first external device through the display (1310) based on user input (e.g., user input to a button included in the first external device). In one example, the UI (1330) may include an icon (e.g., an icon including a remote control image) for providing at least one of the functions related to a remote control operation of the first external device.

[0140] According to one example, when user input for an icon included in the UI (1330) is received, the first external device may provide a UI (1230) including a QR code through the display (1310) as illustrated in FIG. 12. According to one example, the electronic device may obtain communication connection information through the QR code included in the UI (1230). According to one example, when a communication connection with the first external device is established, the electronic device may perform a remote control operation for the first external device based on user input.

[0141] FIG. 14 is a drawing for explaining a method of providing communication connection information according to one embodiment.

[0142] According to FIG. 14, in one embodiment, the first external device may provide content (1420) through a display (1410). In one example, the first external device may provide a UI (1430) related to a plurality of functions of the first external device through the display (1410) based on user input (e.g., user input to a button included in the first external device). In one example, the UI (1430) may include an icon (e.g., 'mobile remote control execution guide' icon) for providing at least one of the functions related to a remote control operation of the first external device.

[0143] According to one example, when user input for an icon included in the UI (1430) is received, the first external device may provide a UI (1230) including a QR code through the display (1410) as shown in FIG. 12. According to one example, the electronic device may obtain communication connection information through the QR code included in the UI (1230). According to one example, when a communication connection with the first external device is established, the electronic device may perform a remote control operation for the first external device based on user input.

[0144] Meanwhile, returning to FIG. 2, according to one embodiment, if the processor (120) identifies that the establishment of a short-range wireless communication connection with the first external device has failed, it may provide a UI including information indicating that the distance between the electronic device (100) and the first external device is greater than or equal to a first distance. According to one example, if the processor (120) identifies that the strength of a signal corresponding to the first external device is less than a preset value as the distance between the first external device and the electronic device (100) is greater than or equal to the first distance, it may provide a UI through a display (110) including information indicating that the distance between the electronic device (100) and the first external device is greater than or equal to the first distance. For example, the UI may include information guiding the user to move to a location closer to the first external device.

[0145] FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0146] According to FIG. 15, the electronic device (100') may include a display (110), at least one processor (120), memory (130), at least one sensor (140), a user interface (150), a communication interface (160), a speaker (170), and a microphone (180). A detailed description of configurations shown in FIG. 15 that overlap with configurations shown in FIG. 2 will be omitted.

[0147] At least one sensor (140) may include a plurality of sensors of various types. At least one sensor (140) may measure physical quantities or detect the operating state of an electronic device (100') and convert the measured or detected information into an electrical signal. At least one sensor (140) may include a camera, and the camera may include a lens that focuses visible light or other optical signals received by being reflected by an object onto an image sensor, and an image sensor capable of detecting visible light or other optical signals. Here, the image sensor may include a 2D pixel array divided into a plurality of pixels. Alternatively, at least one sensor (140) may include a temperature sensor or an infrared sensor. According to one example, at least one sensor (140) may include at least one of a 2D (Dimensional) Lidar or a 3D Lidar sensor. Alternatively, at least one sensor (140) may include an obstacle detection sensor that identifies obstacles using 3D type information.

[0148] The user interface (150) is a configuration for the electronic device (100') to perform interaction with the user. For example, the user interface (150) may include at least one of a touch sensor, a motion sensor, a button, a jog dial, a switch, a microphone, or a speaker, but is not limited thereto.

[0149] The communication interface (160) can input and output various types of data. For example, the communication interface (160) can transmit and receive various types of data to and from an external device (e.g., source device), an external storage medium (e.g., USB memory), an external server (e.g., web hard drive) through communication methods such as AP-based Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi, Wireless LAN network), Bluetooth, Zigbee, wired / wireless LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), Ethernet, IEEE 1394, HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), USB (Universal Serial Bus), MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link), AES / EBU (Audio Engineering Society / European Broadcasting Union), Optical, Coaxial, etc.

[0150] According to one example, the communication interface (160) may include a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module. BLE refers to Bluetooth technology capable of transmitting and receiving low-power, low-capacity data in a 2.4 GHz frequency band with a range of about 10 m. However, it is not limited thereto, and the communication interface (160) may include a Wi-Fi communication module. That is, the communication interface (160) may include at least one of a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module or a Wi-Fi communication module.

[0151] According to one embodiment, the speaker (170) may be composed of a tweeter for reproducing high-frequency sound, a midrange for reproducing mid-frequency sound, a woofer for reproducing low-frequency sound, a subwoofer for reproducing ultra-low-frequency sound, an enclosure for controlling resonance, and a crossover network for dividing the frequency of an electrical signal input to the speaker into bands.

[0152]

[0153] According to one embodiment, the speaker (170) can output an acoustic signal to the outside of the electronic device (100'). The speaker (170) can output multimedia playback, recording playback, various notification sounds, voice messages, etc. The electronic device (100') may include an audio output device such as the speaker (170), but may include an output device such as an audio output terminal. In particular, the speaker (170) can provide acquired information, information processed or produced based on the acquired information, response results to user voice or operation results, etc., in the form of voice.

[0154] The microphone (180) may refer to a module that acquires sound and converts it into an electrical signal, and may be a condenser microphone, ribbon microphone, moving coil microphone, piezoelectric element microphone, carbon microphone, or MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical System) microphone. Additionally, it may be implemented in omnidirectional, bidirectional, unidirectional, subcardioid, supercardioid, or hypercardioid modes. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100') may include a microphone (180) and an inner microphone, and the microphone (180) may be a microphone located relatively outside the body. According to one example, the electronic device (100') may acquire an audio signal including external noise through the microphone (180). According to one embodiment, the microphone (180) may be positioned in a direction opposite to the direction in which the speaker (170) emits sound.

[0155] According to the example described above, the electronic device (100') of the present invention can establish a communication connection with the first external device without separately receiving a unique key from the first external device, even when establishing a communication connection with the first external device for the first time, and can perform remote control operations on the first external device, thereby improving user convenience and satisfaction. In addition, the electronic device (100') of the present invention can perform remote control operations on the first external device without a separate interaction operation between the first external device and the user, thereby improving user convenience.

[0156] Meanwhile, the methods according to the various embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be implemented in the form of an application installable on an existing electronic device. Alternatively, the methods according to the various embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be performed using a deep learning-based learned neural network (or deep learned neural network), that is, a learning network model. Furthermore, the methods according to the various embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be implemented solely through a software upgrade or a hardware upgrade of the existing electronic device. Additionally, the various embodiments of the present disclosure described above may also be performed through an embedded server equipped in the electronic device or through an external server of the electronic device.

[0157] Meanwhile, according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the various embodiments described above may be implemented as software comprising instructions stored on a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a computer). The machine may include a display device (e.g., a display device (A)) according to the disclosed embodiments, which is a device capable of calling instructions stored from the storage medium and operating according to the called instructions. When instructions are executed by a processor, the processor may perform a function corresponding to the instructions directly or by using other components under the control of the processor. Instructions may include code provided or executed by a compiler or an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, "non-transitory" means only that the storage medium does not contain a signal and is tangible, and does not distinguish whether data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily in the storage medium.

[0158] Additionally, according to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments described above 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 online in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or 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 provided on a storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0159] Additionally, each component (e.g., module or program) according to the various embodiments described above may be composed of a single or multiple entities, and some of the aforementioned sub-components may be omitted, or other sub-components may be further included in the various embodiments. Generally or additionally, some components (e.g., module or program) may be integrated into a single entity to perform the functions performed by each of the respective components prior to integration in the same or similar manner. The operations performed by the module, program, or other components according to the 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 added.

[0160] Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. It is understood that various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the essence of the present disclosure as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical spirit or perspective of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. In an electronic device, display; At least one processor including a processing circuit; and Memory that stores instructions and includes one or more storage media; and When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device, From a first user terminal performing a remote control operation for a first external device, communication connection information including a unique key for performing the remote control operation is obtained, and If it is identified that the distance between the electronic device and the first external device is less than a first distance, a short-range wireless communication connection with the first external device is established based on the acquired communication connection information, and An electronic device that provides a User Interface (UI) for performing remote control operations on a first external device with which a communication connection has been established, through the above display.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above unique key is, Information for establishing a short-range wireless communication connection with the above-mentioned first external device, and The above instructions cause the electronic device, An electronic device that establishes a short-range wireless communication connection with the first external device based on the unique key.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above first distance is, It is a distance at which short-range wireless communication with the first external device is possible, and The above short-range wireless communication connection is, An electronic device that is a Bluetooth communication connection.

4. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a camera sensor; and The above instructions cause the electronic device, An electronic device that obtains a QR (Quick Response) code corresponding to the communication connection information from the first user terminal through the camera sensor.

5. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a communication interface; and The above instructions cause the electronic device, An electronic device that obtains link information for obtaining communication connection information from the first user terminal through the communication interface.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above instructions cause the electronic device, An electronic device that, after the communication connection is established, provides a notification proposing a remote control operation for the first external device when a control request signal for the first external device is received from the first external device.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above instructions cause the electronic device, An electronic device that, after a communication connection with the first external device is established, provides a QR (Quick Response) code or link information corresponding to the acquired communication connection information when a user input for performing the remote control operation is received from the second user terminal.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above instructions cause the electronic device, When user input for performing the remote control operation is received at the second user terminal, history information related to the short-range wireless communication connection between the second user terminal and the first external device is obtained, and Based on the above history information, if it is identified that there is a history of establishing a short-range wireless communication connection between the second user terminal and the first external device, information regarding a UI that guides the establishment of the short-range wireless communication connection is transmitted to the second user terminal, and An electronic device that transmits communication connection information to the second user terminal when it is identified that there is no history of establishing a short-range wireless communication connection between the second user terminal and the first external device.

9. In Paragraph 1, The above instructions cause the electronic device, An electronic device that provides a UI including information indicating that the distance between the electronic device and the first external device is greater than or equal to the first distance when it is identified that the establishment of a short-range wireless communication connection with the first external device has failed.

10. In Paragraph 1, The above instructions cause the electronic device, If the first external device is identified as being unregistered to the server, a UI guiding the registration of the first external device to the server is provided through the display, and An electronic device that, when the first external device is identified as a device registered (unregistered) to the server, provides a UI through the display for requesting the sharing of an account corresponding to the first external device.

11. In Paragraph 1, The above memory is, It further includes information about the list of devices managed by the user, and The above instructions cause the electronic device, When a short-range wireless communication connection with the first external device is established, the first external device is added to the list of devices managed by the user, and An electronic device that provides an icon for performing a remote control operation for the first external device.

12. In a method of operating an electronic device, An operation to obtain communication connection information including a unique key for performing the remote control operation from a first user terminal that performs a remote control operation for a first external device; If it is identified that the distance between the electronic device and the first external device is less than a first distance, the operation of establishing a short-range wireless communication connection with the first external device based on the acquired communication connection information; and A method of operation comprising: providing a User Interface (UI) for performing a remote control operation for a first external device to which the communication connection is established.

13. In Paragraph 12, The above unique key is, Information for establishing a short-range wireless communication connection with the above-mentioned first external device, and The above method of operation is, A method of operation comprising: establishing a short-range wireless communication connection with the first external device based on the unique key.

14. In Paragraph 13, The above first distance is, It is a distance at which short-range wireless communication with the first external device is possible, and The above short-range wireless communication connection is, Bluetooth communication connection, operation method.

15. In a non-transient storage medium storing computer-readable instructions, said instructions, when executed by at least one processor of an electronic device, cause said electronic device, From a first user terminal performing a remote control operation for a first external device, communication connection information including a unique key for performing the remote control operation is obtained, and If it is identified that the distance between the electronic device and the first external device is less than a first distance, a short-range wireless communication connection with the first external device is established based on the acquired communication connection information, and A storage medium that causes to provide a User Interface (UI) for performing remote control operations on a first external device to which the above communication connection has been established.

Images