Electronic device and operation method thereof

Abstract

This electronic device disclosed herein comprises a communication interface, an input / output interface, a memory including at least one instruction, and at least one processor including a processing circuit, wherein the at least one processor (140) is configured to individually or collectively execute the at least one instruction so as to cause the electronic device to: establish a wireless connection to a control device through the communication interface; acquire an input for switching from an internal source of the electronic device to a first external device; and on the basis of the input, transmit, via the communication interface, a connection termination request including a connection termination reason including identification information of the first external device to the control device wirelessly connected to the electronic device, wherein the connection termination reason enables the control device, which has received the connection termination request, to perform a connection operation with the first external device by using the identification information of the first external device included in the connection termination reason.

Description

Electronic device and method of operation thereof

[0001] Various embodiments relate to an electronic device and a method of operating the same. For example, they relate to an electronic device and a method of operating the same that enable the smooth switching of the connection of a control device between multiple devices.

[0002] Electronic devices can operate in connection with various control devices or external devices. For example, a user can operate the electronic device using a control device. Additionally, an external device can be configured as an input source for the electronic device.

[0003] The input source of an electronic device can be set to an internal source or to an external device. When the input source of the electronic device is set to an internal source, the user can operate the electronic device using a control device connected to the electronic device.

[0004] However, when switching the input source of an electronic device from an internal source to an external device, there are cases where the user must directly terminate the connection between the electronic device and the control unit in order to operate the external device using the control unit that was connected to the electronic device. In this case, the user must directly connect the control unit and the external device, which may lead to the inconvenience of frequent connection failures.

[0005] According to the disclosed embodiments, we intend to provide an electronic device and a method of operation thereof that facilitate the switching of connections between control devices between multiple devices.

[0006] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one processor comprising a communication interface, an input / output interface, a memory for storing at least one instruction, and a circuit device. When the at least one instruction is executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device may be wirelessly connected to a control device through the communication interface. When the at least one instruction is executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device may obtain an input that switches the input source of the electronic device from an internal source of the electronic device to a first external device. When the at least one instruction is executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device may transmit a termination connection request to a control device connected to the electronic device, based on the input, the request including a reason for termination of connection that includes identification information of the first external device. The reason for termination of connection may enable the control device that receives the termination request to perform a connection operation with the first external device using the identification information of the first external device included in the reason for termination of connection.

[0007] A method of operating an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation of wirelessly connecting to a control device through a communication interface. This method may include an operation of obtaining an input that switches the input source of the electronic device from an internal source of the electronic device to a first external device. This method may include an operation of transmitting a termination connection request, which includes a reason for termination of connection including identification information of the first external device, to a control device connected to the electronic device based on the input. At this time, the termination connection request may enable the control device that receives the termination connection request to perform a connection operation with the first external device using the identification information of the first external device included in the reason for termination of connection.

[0008] According to one embodiment, in a computer-readable recording medium having at least one instruction recorded thereon, the at least one instruction is executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor so that an electronic device wirelessly connects with a control device through a communication interface, obtains an input that switches the input source of the electronic device from an internal source of the electronic device to a first external device, and based on the input, transmits a termination connection request including a reason for termination of connection including identification information of the first external device to a control device connected to the electronic device, wherein the termination connection request may be configured to enable the control device that receives the termination connection request to perform a connection operation with the first external device using the identification information of the first external device included in the reason for termination of connection.

[0009] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of specific embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which is referenced together with the accompanying drawings, and are as follows.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a reference diagram illustrating an example of a system for switching the connection of control devices between several electronic devices according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a system including an electronic device 100, a control device 200, and an external device 300 according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a system including an electronic device 100, a control device 200, and an external device 300 according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 5 shows an example of a flowchart of an operation method of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 6 shows an example of a flowchart of a method of operation between an electronic device, a control device, and an external device according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 7 shows an example of a flowchart of a method of operation between an electronic device, a control device, and an external device according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 8 shows an example of a flowchart of a method of operation between an electronic device, a control device, and an external device according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a reference diagram for explaining an example in which an electronic device according to one embodiment directly controls a second external device.

[0019] FIG. 10 shows an example of a flowchart of a method of operation between an electronic device, a control device, and a second external device according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 11 is a reference diagram illustrating the process of an electronic device, a control device, an external device, and a server performing operations according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 12 is a reference diagram for explaining the process of an electronic device acquiring an input that switches an input source through a user interface provided by an external device according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 13 is a reference diagram for explaining the process of an electronic device acquiring an input that switches an input source through an interface provided by the electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 14 is a reference diagram for explaining the process of an electronic device acquiring input from a server that has acquired user input from a smart device, according to one embodiment, to switch input sources.

[0024] The various 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.

[0025] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0026] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0027] In this document, each of the 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 include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0028] The term “and / or” includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0029] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a component from another component and do not limit the components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0030] 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.

[0031] Terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this document, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0032] When it is said that one component is “connected,” “combined,” “supported,” or “in contact” with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, combined, supported, or in contact, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, combined, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0033] When it is said that a component is located “on” another component, this includes not only cases where one component is in contact with the other, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0034] It should be understood that the blocks in each flowchart and combinations of flowcharts can be executed by one or more computer programs containing computer-executable instructions. One or more computer programs may be stored all in a single memory or may be partitioned and stored in multiple different memories.

[0035] In the embodiments of this specification, the term "user" refers to a person who controls the function or operation of a computing device or electronic device using a control device, and may include a viewer, a game player, an administrator, or an installation technician.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a reference diagram illustrating an example of a system for switching the connection of control devices between several electronic devices according to one embodiment.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, the system may include an electronic device 100, a control device 200, and an external device 300. In one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may be connected to the control device 200 and / or the external device 300. In one embodiment, the control device 200 may be connected to the electronic device 100 and / or the external device 300. In one embodiment, the external device 300 may be connected to the electronic device 100 and / or the control device.

[0038] The external device 300 can transmit and receive data by connecting to the electronic device 100. The external device 300 may include one or more external devices, for example, a first external device 301, a second external device 302, and a third external device 303. In one embodiment, the first external device 301 may be a game console, the second external device 302 may be a set-top box, and the third external device 303 may be a soundbar, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The first external device 301, the second external device 302, and the third external device 303 may be the same device, different devices, or devices that operate in combination with each other. In the present disclosure, for convenience of explanation, the first external device 301 or the second external device 302 may be adopted to describe an embodiment of the external device 300, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0039] An electronic device 100 can be connected to a control device 200 and can transmit and receive data with the control device 200. For example, the electronic device 100 can be connected to the control device 200 according to a wireless communication protocol and can transmit and receive data. The control device 200 can be connected to the electronic device 100 according to a wireless communication protocol and can transmit and receive data. For example, wireless communication protocols may include Bluetooth communication protocols, Wi-Fi communication protocols, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication protocols, NFC / RFID communication protocols, Wi-Fi Direct communication protocols, UWB communication protocols, ZIGBEE communication protocols, LoRa communication protocols, etc., but are not limited to the examples described.

[0040] An electronic device 100 can be connected to an external device 300 to transmit and receive data with the external device 300. An electronic device 100 can be connected to an external device 300 via an interface port or a wireless communication protocol to transmit and receive data with the external device 300. An external device 300 can be connected to an electronic device 100 via an interface port or a wireless communication protocol to transmit and receive data with the electronic device 100. For example, the interface port may include an HDMI port, a component jack, a PC port, a USB port, an Ethernet port, a DisplayPort, an ARC / eARC protocol, etc., but is not limited to the examples described.

[0041] The electronic device can be wirelessly connected to the control device through a communication interface. Hereinafter, an example of the connection operation between the electronic device 100 and the control device 200 will be described in detail.

[0042] For example, in order for electronic device 100 to be connected to control device 200 according to a Bluetooth communication protocol and to transmit and receive data, electronic device 100 may perform a pairing operation and / or a connection operation with control device 200. In addition, in order for control device 200 and external device 300 to be connected to transmit and receive data according to a Bluetooth communication protocol, control device 200 and external device 300 may perform a pairing operation and / or a connection operation.

[0043] For example, electronic device 100 may be connected to the same wireless network as control device 200 to establish a connection and transmit and receive data according to the Wi-Fi communication protocol. Electronic device 100 can manage the connection status of control device 200. Electronic device 100 can acquire input signals from control device 200. For example, the service daemon of electronic device 100 can manage the connection status of control device 200. The service daemon of electronic device 100 can acquire input signals from control device 200.

[0044] In one embodiment, the electronic device 100 can load a driver suitable for the connected control device 200. For example, the control device driver of the electronic device 100 can load a driver suitable for the connected control device 200. By using the driver suitable for the control device 200, the electronic device 100 can transmit and receive data with the control device 200. In one embodiment, the control device 200 and the external device 300 can be connected to a network and transmit and receive data through the same method as the connection method of the electronic device 100 described above.

[0045] For example, while an electronic device 100 and a control device 200 are connected and the control device 200 performs an operation to control the electronic device 100, there may be cases where the electronic device 100 obtains an input that switches the input source of the electronic device 100 to a first external device 301. At this time, in order for the user to control (or operate) the first external device 301 with the control device 200, the user may need to terminate the connection between the electronic device 100 and the control device 200 and perform an operation to pair and / or connect (or search and connect) the control device 200 with the first external device 301.

[0046] For example, let us assume that electronic device 100 is a TV, control device 200 is a gamepad, and first external device 301 is a game console. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. There may be cases where a user wants to play a game on a game console while playing a game built into the TV using a gamepad connected to the TV via Bluetooth communication. At this time, the user may switch the input source of the TV from the TV's internal source to the game console. In order to control the game console with the gamepad at this time, it may be necessary to terminate the connection between the gamepad and the TV and operate the gamepad to connect with the game console.

[0047] According to the embodiments disclosed in this disclosure, a method may be provided to switch the device to which the control device is connected without user intervention as the input source of the electronic device 100 is switched. According to the embodiments disclosed in this disclosure, a method may be provided to continuously connect the control device between a plurality of electronic devices. According to the embodiments disclosed in this disclosure, it may be possible to switch the electronic device connected to the control device more simply and easily.

[0048] The following describes a case where the input source of electronic device 100 is switched from an internal source of electronic device 100 to an external device 300. For convenience of explanation, a first external device 301 is used as an example of the external device 300 in the following description, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 can acquire an input that switches the input source of the electronic device 100 from an internal source of the electronic device 100 to a first external device 301.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may provide a user interface for obtaining an input that switches the input source of the electronic device 100. Based on an input (e.g., user input) received through the user interface, the electronic device 100 may obtain an input that switches the input source of the electronic device 100 from an internal source of the electronic device 100 to a first external device 301.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may, based on the input, transmit a termination connection request to a control device 200 connected to the electronic device, the request including a reason for termination of connection including identification information of the first external device 301. For example, the termination connection request may mean a message sent to terminate or release a connection between the electronic device 100 and the control device 200 or between the first external device 301 and the control device 200.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the connection termination reason may enable the control device 200, which has received the connection termination request, to perform a connection operation with the first external device 301 using the identification information of the first external device 301 included in the connection termination reason. According to one embodiment, the control device 200 may, in response to receiving the connection termination request, perform a connection operation with the first external device 301 using the identification information of the first external device 301 included in the connection termination reason.

[0053] According to one embodiment, in response to the connection termination request, the electronic device 100 may receive a connection termination response from the control device 200. According to one embodiment, the connection between the electronic device 100 and the control device 200 may be terminated upon receiving the connection termination response.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the device to which the control device 200 is connected may be switched based on the switching of the input source of the electronic device 100. For example, if the input source of the electronic device 100 is switched from the internal source of the electronic device 100 to a first external device 301, the control device 200 connected to the electronic device 100 may be connected to the first external device 301. Through this, a plurality of electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 100, first external device 301, second external device 302, third external device 303) can be controlled by the control device 200. In addition, the connection of the control device 200 between the electronic device 100 and the external device 300 (e.g., first external device 301, second external device 302, third external device 303) can be smoothly switched, thereby increasing user convenience and the accuracy of the connection. The above process will be explained in more detail with reference to Figures 5 and 6, and redundant explanations will not be repeated here.

[0055] The following describes a case where the input source of electronic device 100 is switched from an external device 300 to an internal source of electronic device 100. For convenience of explanation, a first external device 301 is used as an example of the external device 300 in the following description, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may acquire an input that switches the input source of the electronic device 100 from the first external device 301 to the internal source of the electronic device 100. According to one embodiment, the input that switches the input source of the electronic device 100 from the first external device 301 to the internal source of the electronic device 100 may be acquired based on user input received through a user interface provided by the first external device 301. According to one embodiment, the input that switches the input source of the electronic device 100 from the first external device 301 to the internal source of the electronic device 100 may be acquired through a user interface provided by the electronic device under the control of a remote controller. According to one embodiment, the input that switches the input source of the electronic device 100 from the first external device 301 to the internal source of the electronic device 100 may be received from a server that acquired user input from a smart device. A method for obtaining an input that switches the input source of electronic device 100 from the first external device 301 to the internal source of electronic device 100 is described in detail with reference to FIGS. 12, 13, and 14, and redundant descriptions are not repeated here.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may transmit a command to the first external device instructing the termination of the connection between the first external device and the control device in response to an input that switches the input source of the electronic device 100 from the first external device 301 to the internal source of the electronic device 100. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may perform a connection operation with the control device 200.

[0058] According to one embodiment, a command instructing to terminate the connection between a first external device 301 and a control device 200 may include a reason for termination of connection that includes identification information of an internal source of the electronic device. According to one embodiment, the reason for termination of connection may enable the first external device 301, upon receiving the command instructing to terminate the connection, to transmit a command to the control device 200 instructing to perform a connection operation with the electronic device 100 using the identification information of the internal source of the electronic device 100 included in the reason for termination of connection.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the first external device 301 may, in response to a command instructing to terminate the connection, transmit a command to the control device 200 instructing to perform a connection operation with the electronic device 100 using identification information of the internal source of the electronic device 100 included in the reason for terminating the connection. According to one embodiment, the control device 200 may perform a connection operation with the electronic device 100 using identification information of the internal source of the electronic device 100 included in the reason for terminating the connection.

[0060] The above process will be explained in more detail with reference to Figures 7 and 8, and redundant explanations will not be repeated here.

[0061] The following describes the case where the input source of an electronic device 100 is set to an external device 300. For convenience of explanation, a second external device 302 is used as an example of the external device 300 in the following description, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the case where the input source of the electronic device 100 is set to the second external device 302 may include a case where the input source of the electronic device 100 is switched from the internal source of the electronic device 100 to the second external device 302. For example, the case where the input source of the electronic device 100 is set to the second external device 302 may include a case where the input source of the electronic device 100 is switched from the first external device 301 to the second external device 302. For convenience of explanation, a second external device 302 is used as an example of the external device 300 in the following description, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0062] According to one embodiment, an electronic device 100 can obtain an input that sets the input source of the electronic device 100 to a second external device 302. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 can provide a user interface for obtaining an input that sets the input source of the electronic device 100. Based on user input received through the user interface, the electronic device 100 can obtain an input that sets the input source of the electronic device 100 to a second external device 302.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 can set the input source of the electronic device 100 to the second external device 302 in response to an input that sets the input source of the electronic device 100 to the second external device 302. Additionally, when the electronic device 100 receives a signal from a control device 200 that operates the electronic device 100, it can identify a control code of the second external device 200 corresponding to the signal of the control device 200. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 can transmit a signal corresponding to the identified control code to the second external device using an IR blaster. The above process is explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 9 and FIGS. 10, and redundant descriptions are not repeated here.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the connection termination request may be transmitted via a TCR (termination connection request) packet. According to one embodiment, the reason for the connection termination may be included in the REASON field of the TCR packet.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may be connected to a control device via a communication interface according to a Bluetooth communication protocol or a Wi-Fi communication protocol. According to one embodiment, the control device 200 may be a game controller.

[0066] FIG. 2 shows an example of a system including an electronic device 100, a control device 200, and an external device 300 according to one embodiment.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device 100 is a device capable of displaying an image or data upon a user's request and may include a communication interface 110 (e.g., a communication interface including a circuit), an input / output interface 120 (e.g., an input / output interface including a circuit), a memory 130, a processor 140 (e.g., a processor including a processing circuit), and a display 150.

[0068] Electronic device 100 can be implemented in various forms. Electronic device 100 can be any form of device that performs functions including a processor and memory. Electronic device 100 can be a stationary or portable device. For example, electronic device 100 may represent a device equipped with a display capable of displaying image content, video content, game content, graphic content, etc. Electronic device 100 may include various forms of electronic devices capable of receiving and outputting content, such as, for example and without limitation, televisions such as network TV, smart TV, internet TV, web TV, IPTV; computers such as desktops, laptops, and tablets; and various smart devices such as smartphones, cellular phones, game players, music players, video players, medical equipment, and home appliances. Electronic device 100 may be referred to as a source device in terms of providing content, and may also be referred to as a content providing device, a display device, a computing device, etc.

[0069] The communication interface 110 may include various communication circuits and may communicate with at least one electronic device. Here, for example, 'communication' may mean the operation of transmitting and / or receiving data, signals, requests, and / or commands, etc. The communication interface 110 may perform wired or wireless communication with at least one electronic device. The electronic device 100 may communicate with the control device 200 through the communication interface 110. The electronic device 100 may connect wirelessly with the control device 200 through the communication interface 110.

[0070] For example, the communication interface 110 may include at least one of a communication module (e.g., including a communication circuit), a communication circuit, a communication device, an input / output port, and an input / output plug for performing wired or wireless communication with at least one electronic device. For example, the communication interface 110 may include at least one wireless communication module, a wireless communication circuit, or a wireless communication device for performing wireless communication with at least one electronic device.

[0071] For example, the communication interface 110 may include a short-range communication module (e.g., including various communication circuits), e.g., an IR (infrared) communication module, etc., capable of receiving control commands from a remote controller located at a short distance. In this case, the communication interface 110 may receive control signals from the remote controller.

[0072] For example, the communication interface 110 may include at least one communication module that performs communication according to wireless communication standards such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), NFC / RFID, Wi-Fi Direct, UWB, or ZIGBEE. Alternatively, the communication interface 110 may further include a communication module that performs communication with a server to support long-distance communication according to long-distance communication standards. For example, the communication interface 110 may include a communication module that performs communication through a network for internet communication. Additionally, the communication interface 110 may include a communication module that performs communication through a communication network according to communication standards such as 3G, 4G, 5G, and / or 6G.

[0073] The input / output interface 120 may include various interface circuits and may transmit and receive data, signals, requests, and / or commands from outside the electronic device 100. The input / output interface 120 may receive input from at least one electronic device via wired or wireless communication. The electronic device 100 may be connected to an external device 300 (e.g., a first external device 301, a second external device 302, a third external device 303) through the input / output interface 120.

[0074] For example, the input / output interface 120 may include at least one port for connecting to an external device in order to communicate with an electronic device via a wire. For example, the input / output interface 120 may include at least one of an HDMI port (High-Definition Multimedia Interface port), a component jack, a PC port, and a USB port. Accordingly, the input / output interface 120 can communicate with an external device 300 connected via a wire through at least one port. Here, a port may refer to a physical device configuration into which a cable, a communication line, or a plug can be connected or inserted.

[0075] For example, the input / output interface 120 can receive video (e.g., video, etc.), audio (e.g., voice, music, etc.), game screen and game-related content (e.g., gameplay screen, game audio, user interface, streaming, updates, notifications, settings, background information, etc.), and additional information (e.g., EPG, etc.) from an external device 300. The input / output interface 120 may include one of an HDMI port (High-Definition Multimedia Interface port), a component jack, a PC port, and a USB port, or one or more combinations thereof. In addition to the HDMI port, the input / output interface 120 may further include a DisplayPort (DP), Thunderbolt, and MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link).

[0076] As described above, the communication interface 110 and the input / output interface 120 may include at least one support element to support communication between the electronic device 100, the control device 200, and the external device 300. The support element may include the aforementioned communication module, communication circuit, communication device, port for input / output of data, cable port for input / output of data, plug for input / output of data, etc. For example, the at least one support element included in the communication interface 110 may be an Ethernet communication module, a Wi-Fi communication module, a Bluetooth communication module, an IR communication module, a USB port, a tuner (or broadcast receiver), an HDMI port, a DP (display port), a DVI (digital visual interface) port, etc.

[0077] Memory 130 can store programs for processing and controlling processor 140, and can store data input to or output from electronic device 100. In addition, memory 130 can store data necessary for the operation of electronic device 100.

[0078] Memory 130 may include at least one type of storage medium among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), RAM (Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. Memory 130 may not exist separately but may be configured to be included in processor 140. Memory 130 may be composed of volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or a combination of volatile memory and non-volatile memory. Memory 130 may store a program or at least one instruction for performing operations according to the embodiments described below. Memory 130 may provide stored data to processor 140 upon request from processor 140.

[0079] Processor 140 may include various processing circuits and controls the overall operation of electronic device 100. Processor 140 is a configuration that controls a series of processes to enable electronic device 100 to operate according to the embodiments described below, and may be composed of one or more processors. One or more processors included in Processor 140 may be circuitry such as a System on Chip (SoC) or an Integrated Circuit (IC). One or more processors included in Processor 140 may be a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processor Unit), AP (Application Processor), or DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a graphics-dedicated processor such as a GPU (Graphic Processing Unit) or VPU (Vision Processing Unit), an artificial intelligence-dedicated processor such as a NPU (Neural Processing Unit), or a communication-dedicated processor such as a CP (Communication Processor). If one or more processors included in processor 140 are AI-dedicated processors, said AI-dedicated processors may be designed with a hardware structure specialized for processing a specific AI model. Accordingly, each “processor” or “model” in this specification may include a processing circuit or a plurality of processors. For example, as used in this disclosure including in the claims, the term “processor” or “model” may include various processing circuits including at least one processor, and at least one of the at least one processor may be configured to perform various functions described in this disclosure in a distributed manner, individually and / or collectively.In this specification, when “processor,” “at least one processor,” “model,” “at least one model,” and “one or more processors” are described as being configured to perform a plurality of functions, these terms include various situations, for example, where one processor and / or model performs some of the cited functions and another processor and / or model performs other of the cited functions, and are not limited thereto to situations where a single processor and / or model can perform all of the cited functions. Additionally, at least one processor may include a combination of processors that perform various cited / disclosed functions, for example, in a distributed manner. At least one processor may execute program instructions to achieve or perform various functions. Likewise, at least one model may include a combination of circuits and / or processors that perform various cited / disclosed functions, for example, in a distributed manner. At least one processor and / or model may execute program instructions to achieve or perform various functions. The processor 140 may write data to memory 130 or read data stored in memory 130, and may process data according to a predefined operation rule or artificial intelligence model by, for example, executing a program or at least one instruction stored in memory 130. Accordingly, the processor 140 may perform operations described in subsequent embodiments, and operations described in subsequent embodiments as being performed by the electronic device 100 or detailed components (110, 120, 130, 150) included in the electronic device 100 may be considered to be performed by the processor 140 unless otherwise specified.

[0080] For example, the processor 140 may perform the function of the electronic device 100 described in the present disclosure by individually or collectively executing at least one instruction stored in memory 130. Alternatively, according to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may perform the function described in the present disclosure by individually or collectively executing at least one instruction stored in memory 130 by the processor 140.

[0081] Display 150 can output images or data processed by electronic device 100.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the processor 140 obtains an input that switches the input source of an electronic device from an internal source of the electronic device 100 to a first external device 301 by executing at least one instruction stored in memory 130 individually or collectively, and based on said input, transmits a termination connection request including a reason for termination of connection including identification information of the first external device 301 to a control device 200 connected to the electronic device 100, wherein the termination reason enables the control device 200, upon receiving the termination request, to perform a connection operation with the first external device 301 using the identification information of the first external device 301 included in the reason for termination of connection, and may be configured to receive a termination response from the control device 200 in response to the termination request.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the processor 140 may be configured to obtain an input that switches the input source of the electronic device 100 from the first external device 301 to the internal source of the electronic device 100 by executing at least one instruction stored in memory 130 individually or collectively, and in response to the input, transmit a command to the first external device 301 that instructs to terminate the connection between the first external device 301 and the control device 200, and perform a connection operation with the control device 200.

[0084] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a command to terminate the connection between a first external device 301 and a control device 200 includes a reason for termination of connection that includes identification information of an internal source of an electronic device 100, wherein the reason for termination of connection may be configured to enable the first external device 301, upon receiving the command to terminate the connection, to transmit a command to the control device 200 to perform a connection operation with the electronic device 100 using the identification information of the internal source of the electronic device 100 included in the reason for termination of connection.

[0085] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an input that switches the input source of an electronic device 100 may be obtained based on user input received through a user interface provided by a first external device 301.

[0086] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an input that switches the input source of an electronic device 100 may be obtained through a user interface provided by the electronic device 100 under the control of a remote controller.

[0087] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the input that switches the input source of the electronic device 100 may be received from a server that has acquired user input from a smart device.

[0088] According to one embodiment, a processor 140 may be configured to obtain an input that sets an input source of an electronic device 100 to a second external device 302 by executing at least one instruction stored in memory 130 individually or collectively, and in response to said input, identify a control code of the second external device 302 corresponding to a signal of a control device 200 that operates the electronic device 100, and transmit a signal corresponding to said identified control code to the second external device 302 using an IR blaster.

[0089] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a connection termination request is transmitted via a TCR (termination connection request) packet, and the reason for the connection termination may be included in the REASON field of the TCR packet.

[0090] According to one embodiment, by executing at least one instruction stored in memory 130 individually or collectively, the electronic device 100 may be configured to be connected to the control device according to a Bluetooth communication protocol or a Wi-Fi communication protocol through a communication interface 110.

[0091] The block diagram of the electronic device 100 illustrated in FIG. 2 is a block diagram for one embodiment. Each component of the block diagram may be integrated, added, or omitted according to the specifications of the actual implemented electronic device 100. For example, as needed, two or more components may be combined into a single component, or a single component may be subdivided into two or more components. Furthermore, the functions performed in each block are intended to explain the embodiments, and the specific operations or devices thereof do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0092] Although the electronic device 100 in FIG. 2 is illustrated as including a display, it is not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device 100 may be a device that provides content to an external display device including a display. The content may include images, videos, audio, text, games, applications, etc., but is not limited thereto. The electronic device 100 may be configured to be connected to an external device 300 through an input / output interface such as an HDMI port to transmit video / audio signals to the external device 300. The electronic device 100 may also be connected to a control device 200 through short-range wireless communication or long-range wireless communication such as wired communication, wireless LAN (W-LAN), Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth.

[0093] Now, with reference to Fig. 3, the control device 200 and the external device 300 will be described in more detail.

[0094] FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a system including an electronic device 100, a control device 200, and an external device 300 according to one embodiment.

[0095] The control unit 200 can be implemented in various forms. The control unit 200 can be any form of device that performs functions including a processor and memory. The control unit 200 can be a stationary or portable device. For example, the control unit 200 can represent a device capable of operating an electronic device in various ways and providing input. For example, and without limitation, the control unit 200 can include various forms of electronic devices capable of controlling the functions of the electronic device 100 and providing input, such as a remote controller, gamepad, mouse, keyboard joystick, touchpad, and various smart devices such as a smartphone, cellular phone, tablet, or computer. The control unit 200 can be referred to as a control unit in terms of controlling the content of the electronic device, but it may also be referred to as an input device, operation device, sync device, user device, controller, remote control device, computing device, etc.

[0096] The control unit 200 may include a communication interface 210 (e.g., including a circuit), memory 220, and a processor (e.g., including a processing circuit) 230. However, the control unit 200 may be implemented by more components than those shown and is not limited to the examples described above.

[0097] The communication interface 210 may include one or more modules comprising various circuits that enable wireless communication between the control device 200 and a wireless communication system or between the control device 200 and a network where another device is located. According to one embodiment, the communication interface 210 may communicate with the electronic device 100 or the external device 300 according to a short-range communication technology. The short-range communication technology may include, for example, Bluetooth communication, Wi-Fi communication, infrared communication, etc.

[0098] Memory 220 can store a program for processing and controlling the processor 230, and can store data that is input to or output from the control unit 200.

[0099] Memory 220 may include at least one type of storage medium among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), RAM (Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. Memory 220 may not exist separately but may be configured to be included in processor 230. Memory 220 may be composed of volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or a combination of volatile and non-volatile memory. Memory 220 may store a program or at least one instruction for performing operations according to the embodiments described below. Memory 220 may provide stored data to processor 230 upon request from processor 230.

[0100] Processor 230 includes various processing circuits and controls the overall operation of the control unit 200. For example, processor 230 can perform the functions of the control unit 200 described in this disclosure by executing one or more instructions stored in memory 220.

[0101] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor 230 may store one or more instructions in an internally provided memory and control the execution of one or more instructions stored in the internally provided memory to perform the aforementioned operations. For example, the processor 230 may perform a predetermined operation by executing at least one instruction or program stored in an internal memory or memory 220 provided within the processor 230.

[0102] Processor 230 is a configuration that controls a series of processes to enable the control device 200 to operate according to the embodiments described below, and may be composed of one or more processors. One or more processors included in Processor 230 may be circuitry such as a System on Chip (SoC) or an Integrated Circuit (IC). One or more processors included in Processor 230 may be a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processor Unit), AP (Application Processor), or DSP (Digital Signal Processor); a graphics-dedicated processor such as a GPU (Graphic Processing Unit) or VPU (Vision Processing Unit); an artificial intelligence-dedicated processor such as a NPU (Neural Processing Unit); or a communication-dedicated processor such as a CP (Communication Processor). If one or more processors included in Processor 230 are artificial intelligence-dedicated processors, said artificial intelligence-dedicated processors may be designed with a hardware structure specialized for processing a specific artificial intelligence model. Accordingly, each “processor” or “model” in this specification may include a processing circuit or a plurality of processors. For example, as used in this disclosure, including in the claims, the term “processor” or “model” may include various processing circuits including at least one processor, and at least one of the at least one processor may be configured to perform the various functions described in this disclosure in a distributed manner, individually and / or collectively.In this specification, when “processor,” “at least one processor,” “model,” “at least one model,” and “one or more processors” are described as being configured to perform a plurality of functions, these terms include various situations, for example, where one processor and / or model performs some of the cited functions and another processor and / or model performs other of the cited functions, and are not limited thereto to situations where a single processor and / or model can perform all of the cited functions. Additionally, at least one processor may include a combination of processors that perform various cited / disclosed functions, for example, in a distributed manner. At least one processor may execute program instructions to achieve or perform various functions. Likewise, at least one model may include a combination of circuits and / or processors that perform various cited / disclosed functions, for example, in a distributed manner. At least one processor and / or model may execute program instructions to achieve or perform various functions.

[0103] Processor 230 can write data to memory 220 or read data stored in memory 130, and in particular, can process data according to a predefined operation rule or artificial intelligence model by executing a program or at least one instruction stored in memory 220. Accordingly, processor 230 can perform operations described in subsequent embodiments, and operations described in subsequent embodiments as being performed by detailed components (210, 230, 240) included in the control device 200 or electronic device 100 can be seen as being performed by processor 230 unless otherwise specified.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the processor 230 can establish a communication connection with an electronic device 100 and / or an external device 300 using short-range wireless communication technology by executing one or more instructions stored in memory 220. The short-range wireless communication technology may include Bluetooth communication technology or Wi-Fi Direct technology.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the processor 230 can control the communication interface 210 to establish a communication connection with the electronic device 100 and / or external device 300 according to the Bluetooth communication protocol by executing one or more instructions stored in memory 220.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the processor 230 may receive a connection termination request from the electronic device 100, which includes a reason for connection termination including identification information of the first external device 301, by executing one or more instructions stored in memory 220.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the processor 230 can perform a connection operation with the first external device 301 by executing one or more instructions stored in memory 220, using identification information of the first external device 301 included in the reason for connection termination.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the processor 230 can transmit a connection termination response to the electronic device 100 by executing one or more instructions stored in memory 220.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the processor 230 can perform a connection operation with the electronic device 100 by executing one or more instructions stored in memory 220.

[0110] According to one embodiment, the processor 230 may receive a command from the first external device 301 instructing to perform a connection operation with the electronic device 100 by executing one or more instructions stored in memory 220. The command received from the first external device 301 instructing to perform a connection operation with the electronic device 100 may be a command instructing to perform a connection operation with the electronic device 100 using identification information of an internal source of the electronic device 100.

[0111] The control unit 200 can be any type of device that performs functions including a processor and memory. The control unit 200 can include various electronic devices capable of performing Bluetooth communication. The control unit 200 can be referred to as a control unit in that it controls the electronic device 100 by transmitting data to the electronic device 100, and can be referred to in various other ways such as an electronic device, a computing device, a content receiving device, a Bluetooth communication device, a sink device, etc.

[0112] The block diagram of the control device 200 illustrated in FIG. 3 is a block diagram for one embodiment. Each component of the block diagram may be integrated, added, or omitted according to the specifications of the control device 200 actually implemented. For example, if necessary, two or more components may be combined into a single component, or a single component may be subdivided into two or more components. Furthermore, the functions performed in each block are intended to explain the embodiments, and the specific operations or devices thereof do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0113] Now, I will explain the external device 300 in detail.

[0114] External device 300 can be implemented in various forms. External device 300 can be any type of device that performs functions including a processor and memory. External device 300 can be a fixed or portable device. For example, external device 300 can represent a device that provides various types of input to electronic device 100. For example, external device 300 can represent a device that can provide video content, video content, game content, graphic content, sound content, etc. to electronic device 100.

[0115] For example, and without limitation, external device 300 may include various forms of electronic devices capable of providing input to electronic device 100, such as game consoles, set-top boxes, soundbars, Blu-ray players, DVD players, media streaming devices, home automation hubs, projectors, and various other smart devices. External device 300 may be referred to as an external device in that it is a device outside of the electronic device that provides content to the electronic device, and may also be referred to as a source device, external input device, external source device, cloud source device, computing device, etc.

[0116] The external device 300 may include a communication interface (e.g., including a circuit) 310, an input / output interface (e.g., including a circuit) 320, a memory 330, and a processor (e.g., including a processing circuit) 340. However, the external device 300 may be implemented by more components than those shown and is not limited to the examples described above. For example, the external device 300 may have a separate audio processing interface for processing audio of an application running on the external device 300 and / or a separate audio output interface for outputting audio.

[0117] The communication interface 310 may include one or more modules comprising various communication paths that enable wireless communication between an external device 300 and a wireless communication system or between the external device 300 and a network where another device is located. According to one embodiment, the communication interface 310 may communicate with a control device 200 according to a Bluetooth communication protocol or a Wi-Fi communication protocol. The external device 300 may be connected to the control device 200 through the communication interface.

[0118] The input / output interface 320 includes various circuits and can transmit data, signals, requests, and / or commands processed by the external device 300 to the electronic device 100. The input / output interface 320 can receive input from at least one electronic device via wired or wireless communication. The external device 300 can be connected to the electronic device 100 through the input / output interface 320.

[0119] For example, the input / output interface 320 may include at least one port for connecting to an external device in order to communicate with an electronic device via a wire. For example, the input / output interface 320 may include at least one of an HDMI port (High-Definition Multimedia Interface port), a component jack, a PC port, and a USB port. The input / output interface 320 can communicate with an electronic device 100 connected via a wire through at least one port. Here, a port may refer to a physical device configuration into which a cable, a communication line, or a plug can be connected or inserted.

[0120] For example, the input / output interface 320 can transmit video (e.g., video, etc.), audio (e.g., voice, music, etc.), game screen and game-related content (e.g., gameplay screen, game audio, user interface, streaming, updates, notifications, settings, background information, etc.), and additional information (e.g., EPG, etc.) to an electronic device 100. The input / output interface 320 may include one of an HDMI port (High-Definition Multimedia Interface port), a component jack, a PC port, and a USB port, or a combination of one or more thereof. In addition to the HDMI port, the input / output interface 320 may further include a DisplayPort (DP), Thunderbolt, and MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link).

[0121] Memory 330 can store a program for processing and controlling the processor 340, and can store data that is input to or output from the external device 300.

[0122] Memory 330 may include at least one type of storage medium among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), RAM (Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. Memory 330 may not exist separately but may be configured to be included in processor 340. Memory 330 may be composed of volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or a combination of volatile and non-volatile memory. Memory 330 may store a program or at least one instruction for performing operations according to the embodiments described below. Memory 330 may provide stored data to processor 340 upon request from processor 340.

[0123] Processor 340 may include various processing circuits and controls the overall operation of external device 300. Processor 340 is a configuration that controls a series of processes to enable external device 300 to operate according to the embodiments described below, and may be composed of one or more processors. One or more processors included in Processor 340 may be circuitry such as a System on Chip (SoC) or an Integrated Circuit (IC). One or more processors included in Processor 340 may be a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processor Unit), AP (Application Processor), or DSP (Digital Signal Processor); a graphics-dedicated processor such as a GPU (Graphic Processing Unit) or VPU (Vision Processing Unit); an artificial intelligence-dedicated processor such as an NPU (Neural Processing Unit); or a communication-dedicated processor such as a CP (Communication Processor). If one or more processors included in Processor 340 are AI-dedicated processors, said AI-dedicated processors may be designed with a hardware structure specialized for processing a specific AI model. Accordingly, each “processor” or “model” in this specification may include a processing circuit or a plurality of processors. For example, as used in this disclosure including in the claims, the term “processor” or “model” may include various processing circuits including at least one processor, and at least one of the at least one processor may be configured to perform various functions described in this disclosure in a distributed manner, individually and / or collectively.In this specification, when “processor,” “at least one processor,” “model,” “at least one model,” and “one or more processors” are described as being configured to perform a plurality of functions, these terms include various situations, for example, where one processor and / or model performs some of the cited functions and another processor and / or model performs other of the cited functions, and are not limited thereto to situations where a single processor and / or model can perform all of the cited functions. Additionally, at least one processor may include a combination of processors that perform various cited / disclosed functions, for example, in a distributed manner. At least one processor may execute program instructions to achieve or perform various functions. Likewise, at least one model may include a combination of circuits and / or processors that perform various cited / disclosed functions, for example, in a distributed manner. At least one processor and / or model may execute program instructions to achieve or perform various functions.

[0124] Processor 340 can write data to memory 330 or read data stored in memory 330, and in particular, can process data according to predefined operation rules or artificial intelligence models by executing a program or at least one instruction stored in memory 330. Accordingly, processor 340 can perform operations described in subsequent embodiments, and operations described in subsequent embodiments as being performed by external device 300 or detailed components (310, 320, 330) included in external device 300 can be seen as being performed by processor 340 unless otherwise specified.

[0125] For example, the processor 340 can perform the function of the external device 300 described in the present disclosure by executing one or more instructions stored in memory 330.

[0126] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor 340 may store one or more instructions in an internally provided memory and control the execution of one or more instructions stored in the internally provided memory to perform the aforementioned operations. For example, the processor 340 may perform a predetermined operation by executing at least one instruction or program stored in an internal memory or memory 330 provided within the processor 340. According to one embodiment, an external device may perform the operation described herein by executing at least one instruction stored in memory 330 individually or collectively by the processor 340.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the processor 340 can perform a connection operation with the control device 200 by executing one or more instructions stored in memory 330.

[0128] According to one embodiment, the processor 340 can transmit an input to the electronic device 100 to switch the input source of the electronic device from an external device 300 to an internal source of the electronic device 100 by executing one or more instructions stored in memory 330.

[0129] According to one embodiment, the processor 340 may receive a command from the electronic device 100 instructing to terminate the connection between the external device 300 and the control device 200 by executing one or more instructions stored in memory 330. According to one embodiment, the processor 340 may transmit a response to the electronic device 100 in terminating the connection with the control device 200 in response to the command instructing to terminate the connection between the external device 300 and the control device 200 by executing one or more instructions stored in memory 330.

[0130] According to one embodiment, when the processor 340 receives a command instructing to terminate the connection between the external device 300 and the control device 200 by executing one or more instructions stored in memory 330, it may transmit a command to the control device 200 instructing to perform a connection operation with the electronic device 100 by using identification information of an internal source of the electronic device 100 included in the reason for the termination of the connection.

[0131] According to one embodiment, the processor 340 may provide a user interface capable of receiving an input that switches the input source of an electronic device 100 by executing one or more instructions stored in memory 330. According to one embodiment, the processor 340 may obtain an input that switches the input source of an electronic device 100 based on user input received through the user interface by executing one or more instructions stored in memory 330. According to one embodiment, the processor 340 may transmit an input that switches the input source of an electronic device 100 to the electronic device 100 by executing one or more instructions stored in memory 330.

[0132] According to one embodiment, the processor 340 can control the communication interface 310 to transmit a connection response in response to a connection request from the control device 200 by executing one or more instructions stored in memory 330.

[0133] The block diagram of the external device 300 illustrated in FIG. 3 is a block diagram for one embodiment. Each component of the block diagram may be integrated, added, or omitted according to the specifications of the external device 300 actually implemented. For example, if necessary, two or more components may be combined into a single component, or a single component may be subdivided into two or more components. Furthermore, the functions performed in each block are intended to explain the embodiments, and the specific operations or devices thereof do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0134] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0135] Referring to FIG. 4, the electronic device 100 may include, in addition to the communication interface 110, input / output interface 120, memory 130, and processor 140 described above, a display 150, a video processing interface (e.g., including a circuit) 160, an audio processing interface (e.g., including a circuit) 170, an audio output interface (e.g., including a circuit) 180, and a sensing interface (e.g., including a circuit) 190.

[0136] The communication interface 110 may include various communication circuits and one or more modules that enable wireless communication between the electronic device 100 and a wireless communication system or between the electronic device 100 and a network where another electronic device is located. For example, the communication interface 110 may include a mobile communication module 111, a wireless internet module 112, a Wi-Fi communication module 113, and a Bluetooth communication module 114.

[0137] A mobile communication module 111 transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network. The wireless signals may include various forms of data resulting from voice call signals, video call call signals, or text / multimedia message transmission and reception.

[0138] The wireless internet module 112 refers to a module for wireless internet access, which can be embedded in or externally mounted on a device. Wireless internet technologies that may be used include WLAN (Wireless LAN) (WiFi), Wibro (Wireless broadband), WiMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), and HSDPA (High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access). Through the wireless internet module 112, the electronic device can establish a Wi-Fi P2P (Peer to Peer) connection with another electronic device.

[0139] The communication interface 110 may include a short-range communication module for short-range communication. Bluetooth, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), infrared communication (IrDA, infrared Data Association), UWB (Ultra-Wideband), ZigBee, etc. may be used as short-range communication technologies. The communication interface 110 may include a Wi-Fi communication module 113 and a Bluetooth communication module 114 as short-range communication modules.

[0140] The Wi-Fi communication module 113 can establish a communication connection with the control unit 200 and perform communication according to the Wi-Fi communication protocol under the control of the processor 140. The Bluetooth communication module 114 can establish a communication connection with the control unit 200 and perform communication according to the Bluetooth communication protocol under the control of the processor 140.

[0141] The input / output interface 120 includes various circuits and can receive video (e.g., video, etc.), audio (e.g., voice, music, etc.), game screen and game-related content (e.g., game play screen, game audio, user interface, streaming, updates, notifications, settings, background information, etc.), and additional information (e.g., EPG, etc.) from outside the electronic device 100 under the control of the processor 140. The input / output interface 120 may include one of an HDMI port (High-Definition Multimedia Interface port, 121), a component jack (122), a PC port (123), and a USB port (124), or one or more combinations thereof. In addition to the HDMI port 121, the input / output interface 120 may further include a DisplayPort (DP), Thunderbolt, and MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link).

[0142] The input / output interface 120 is connected to an external device 300 under the control of the processor 140 and can receive video (e.g., video, etc.), audio (e.g., voice, music, etc.), game screen and game-related content (e.g., game play screen, game audio, user interface, streaming, updates, notifications, settings, background information, etc.), and additional information (e.g., EPG, etc.) from the external device 300.

[0143] Memory 130 can store a program related to the operation of electronic device 100 and various data generated during the operation of electronic device 100. Memory 130 can store at least one instruction. Additionally, Memory 130 may store at least one instruction executed by processor 140. Additionally, Memory 130 may store at least one program executed by processor 140. Additionally, Memory 130 may store an application for providing a specific service.

[0144] For example, memory 130 may include at least one type of storage medium among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), RAM (Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk.

[0145] According to one embodiment, memory 130 can store a Bluetooth application 131, a Wi-Fi service daemon 132, and an MBR module 133.

[0146] The processor 140 includes various processing circuits and controls the overall operation of the electronic device 100. For example, the processor 140 can perform the functions of the electronic device 100 described in the present disclosure by executing one or more instructions stored in memory 130 individually or collectively.

[0147] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor 140 may store one or more instructions in an internally provided memory and control the operation of a display device to be performed by executing one or more instructions stored in the internally provided memory. For example, the processor 140 may perform a predetermined operation by executing at least one instruction or program stored in an internal memory or memory 130 provided within the processor 140. A more detailed description of the processor (140) is described above and may not be repeated herein.

[0148] According to one embodiment, the processor 140 can perform the operation of the electronic device 100 described in the present disclosure by executing one or more instructions stored in memory 130.

[0149] Display 150 can display video signals on the screen.

[0150] The video processing interface 160 includes various circuits and, under the control of the processor 140, can process a video signal received from the communication interface 110 or the input / output interface 120 and output it to the display 150.

[0151] The audio processing interface 170 includes various circuits and, under the control of the processor 140, can convert an audio signal received from the communication interface 110 or the input / output interface 120 into an analog audio signal and output it to the audio output interface 180.

[0152] The audio output interface 180 includes various circuits and can output audio (e.g., voice, sound) input from the communication interface 110 or the input / output interface 120. Additionally, the audio output interface 180 can output audio stored in memory 130 under the control of the processor 140. The audio output interface 180 may include at least one of a speaker, a headphone output terminal, or an S / PDIF (Sony / Philips Digital Interface: output terminal) or a combination thereof.

[0153] The sensing interface 190 includes various circuits and detects the user's voice, the user's image, or the user's interaction, and may include a microphone 191, a camera unit 192, and an optical receiver 193.

[0154] Microphone 191 receives the user's uttered voice. Microphone 191 can convert the received voice into an electrical signal and output it to processor 140. The user voice may include, for example, a voice corresponding to a menu or function of electronic device 100.

[0155] Camera 192 includes at least one camera and can receive images (e.g., consecutive frames) corresponding to a user's motion including a gesture within the camera recognition range. Processor 140 can use the recognition result of the received motion to select a menu displayed on electronic device 100 or perform control corresponding to the motion recognition result.

[0156] The optical receiver 193 includes various circuits and receives an optical signal (including a control signal) received from an external control device. The optical receiver can receive an optical signal corresponding to user input (e.g., touch, press, touch gesture, voice, or motion) from the control device. A control signal can be extracted from the received optical signal under the control of the processor 140.

[0157] FIG. 5 shows an example of a flowchart of a method of operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment. Since the steps included in the flowchart of FIG. 5 are performed by the electronic device 100 of FIG. 1 to 4, the contents described above with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 (hereinafter FIG. 1 to 4) may be applied in the same way to FIG. 5 even if they are omitted below.

[0158] Referring to FIG. 5, in operation 510, an electronic device 100 can be wirelessly connected to a control device 200 through a communication interface 110. The electronic device 100 can be wirelessly connected to the control device 200 in various ways. For example, the electronic device 100 can be wirelessly connected to the control device 200 according to a Bluetooth communication protocol. For example, the electronic device 100 can be wirelessly connected to the control device 200 according to a Wi-Fi communication protocol. In addition, the electronic device 100 can be wirelessly connected to the control device 200 via infrared communication, NFC, or ZigBee, and embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0159] In operation 520, electronic device 100 can obtain an input that switches the input source of the electronic device from an internal source of electronic device 100 to an external device 300.

[0160] For example, electronic device 100 can obtain an input that switches the input source of the electronic device from an internal source of electronic device 100 to a first external device 301.

[0161] The internal source of the electronic device 100 may refer to content and functions built into the electronic device 100. For example, the internal source of the electronic device 100 may refer to content and functions that can be accessed directly from the electronic device 100. For example, the internal source of the electronic device 100 may include video, audio, photos, applications, streaming services, built-in games, game streaming services, digital media players, content libraries, TV tuners and broadcast reception functions, content stored in built-in storage, and built-in software stored in the electronic device 100.

[0162] According to one embodiment, when the input source of the electronic device 100 is set to an internal source of the electronic device 100, the electronic device 100 can run various applications through a built-in operating system (OS). Applications may include streaming services, games, media players, etc. Additionally, the electronic device 100 can store and play multimedia content such as movies, music, photos, etc. through built-in storage.

[0163] According to one embodiment, when the input source of the electronic device 100 is set to an internal source of the electronic device 100, the electronic device 100 can directly receive and display terrestrial, cable, and satellite broadcasts without an external set-top box through a broadcast reception function such as a TV tuner. According to one embodiment, when the input source of the electronic device 100 is set to an internal source of the electronic device 100, the electronic device 100 can enjoy games without an external game console through a built-in game function or a cloud-based game streaming service.

[0164] Examples of methods for acquiring inputs that switch input sources are described below, but the embodiments are not limited to the examples listed.

[0165] According to one embodiment, an electronic device 100 may receive an input that switches an input source through a user interface (UI). In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device 100 may provide a user interface that can set an input source. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may obtain an input that sets or switches an input source of the electronic device 100 based on user input received through the user interface of the electronic device 100.

[0166] For example, the setting or switching of the input source of the electronic device 100 may occur through a button click of the control device 200, operation of the touchscreen of the electronic device 100, or voice commands. The electronic device 100 may acquire an input that sets the input source of the electronic device 100 to the first external device 301, and may switch the input source to the first external device 301 by adjusting internal settings. For example, if a user uses a remote controller to enter the "Input Source (or External Input)" menu from the menu displayed on the display 150 of the electronic device 100 and selects the first external device 301 (e.g., HDMI 2, component input, game console, set-top box, soundbar, or other name of an external device set by the user), the electronic device 100 may acquire user input.

[0167] For example, an electronic device 100 can recognize a connection of an external device 300. When the electronic device 100 detects a connection of the external device 300 (for example, when the external device 300 is connected to the input / output interface 120 of the electronic device 100), it may provide a user interface capable of receiving input to switch the input source of the electronic device 100. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may determine whether to set or switch the input source of the electronic device 100 based on user input received through the user interface of the electronic device 100.

[0168] According to one embodiment, an electronic device 100 can receive an input to switch an input source through a sensing interface 190. For example, the electronic device 100 can receive an input to switch the input source of the electronic device 100 based on a user's voice command obtained through a microphone 191. For example, if a user says "Switch to HDMI 1," the electronic device 100 can recognize the voice command and switch the input source from an internal source of the electronic device 100 to a first external device 301 (e.g., a device connected to the HDMI 1 input).

[0169] According to one embodiment, an electronic device 100 may acquire an input that switches an input source based on a set rule. The rule may be replaced by a schedule, a signal, or a power turn-on / off. For example, the electronic device 100 may acquire an input that automatically switches the input source from the electronic device 100 to the first external device 301 when it detects that the first external device 301 is turned on or transmits a specific signal. For example, the electronic device 100 may acquire an input that automatically switches the input source according to a pre-set schedule. For example, if the first external device 301 is scheduled to start content (e.g., broadcast, game, radio, audio, etc.) at a specific time, the electronic device 100 may acquire an input that switches the input source of the electronic device 100 from the electronic device 100 to the first external device 301 when that time arrives.

[0170] According to one embodiment, an electronic device 100 can obtain an input that switches an input source through a server. For example, when a user sends a command to a server to change the input source of the electronic device 100 to a first external device 301 through a smartphone application, the electronic device 100 can receive this and obtain an input that switches the input source.

[0171] According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 can switch the input source of the electronic device based on an input that switches the input source of the electronic device 100 obtained according to the example above. For example, the input source of the electronic device can be switched from the internal source of the electronic device 100 to the first external device 301 based on an input that switches the input source of the electronic device from the internal source of the electronic device 100 to the first external device 301.

[0172] In operation 530, the electronic device can send a connection termination request to the control device connected to the electronic device.

[0173] According to one embodiment, an electronic device 100 can transmit a termination connection request to a control device 200 connected to the electronic device 100, which includes a reason for termination of connection including identification information of the first external device 301, based on an input that switches the input source of the electronic device from an internal source of the electronic device 100 to a first external device 301.

[0174] According to one embodiment, an electronic device 100 may be paired and / or connected with a control device 200. The electronic device 100 may be connected to the control device 200 according to a Bluetooth communication protocol or a Wi-Fi communication protocol.

[0175] An electronic device 100 can transmit a connection termination request to a control device 200 via a communication interface 110. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 can transmit a connection termination request to the control device 200 via a Bluetooth communication protocol or a Wi-Fi communication protocol. For example, the electronic device 100 can transmit a connection termination request to the control device 200 via a TCR (Termination Connection Request) packet. For example, the electronic device 100 can transmit a connection termination request to the control device 200 via a Bluetooth application 131 or a service daemon 132 of the electronic device 100.

[0176] For example, a connection termination request may be included in a disconnect or link termination command according to the Bluetooth communication protocol. For example, a connection termination request may be included in a disconnection command according to the Wi-Fi communication protocol.

[0177] According to one embodiment, a termination connection request may mean a message sent by an electronic device 100 to terminate or release the connection between the electronic device 100 and a control device 200. In one embodiment, the termination connection request may include a reason for terminating the connection.

[0178] For example, the reason for connection termination may mean a code or message indicating the reason for terminating the connection between electronic device 100 and control device 200. For example, in the Bluetooth communication protocol, 0x00 may mean Connection Terminated by Local Host, 0x13 may mean User Request, 0x1A may mean Hardware Failure, and 0x1F may mean Resource Constraints.

[0179] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the reason for termination of connection may include identification information of an external device 300 (e.g., a first external device 301, a second external device 302, and a third external device 303). Here, the external device 300 may mean a device that the electronic device 100 has set (or switched) as an input source of the electronic device 100 in operation 510.

[0180] For example, if electronic device 100 acquires an input that switches the input source of electronic device 100 from the internal source of electronic device 100 to CONSOLE or HDMI 1, electronic device 100 may send a connection termination request to a control device 200 connected to electronic device 100, including a reason for connection termination such as "REASON: CONSOLE CONNECTED" or "REASON: HDMI 1 CONNECTED".

[0181] In one embodiment, the reason for termination of connection "REASON: CONSOLE CONNECTED" may mean that the reason electronic device 100 terminates the connection between electronic device 100 and control device 200 is that the input source of electronic device 100 is switched to an external device whose identification information is CONSOLE. In one embodiment, "CONSOLE" in the reason for termination of connection "REASON: CONSOLE CONNECTED" may represent the identification information of the external device requested for switching. For example, the identification information "CONSOLE" may be information for identifying a game console.

[0182] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the reason for connection termination may include identification information of an input / output interface 120 of an electronic device 100 to which an external device 300 (e.g., a first external device 301, a second external device 302, a third external device 303) requested for switching is connected. Here, the external device 300 may mean a device that the electronic device 100 has set (or switched) as an input source of the electronic device 100 in operation 510.

[0183] In one embodiment, the connection termination reason "REASON: HDMI 1 CONNECTED" may mean that the reason electronic device 100 terminates the connection between electronic device 100 and control device 200 is that the input source of electronic device 100 has been switched to an external device connected through an input / output interface with identification information "HDMI 1". In one embodiment, "HDMI 1" in the connection termination reason "REASON: HDMI 1 CONNECTED" may represent the identification information of the input / output interface 120 of electronic device 100 to which the external device 300 requested to switch is connected. For example, "HDMI 1" may represent the first HDMI port of the input / output interface 120. For example, the reason for disconnection "REASON: HDMI 1 CONNECTED" may mean that electronic device 100 terminates the connection between electronic device 100 and control device 200 because the input source of electronic device 100 is switched to an external device connected to the first HDMI port of input / output interface 120.

[0184] According to one embodiment, identification information may mean data or attributes used to distinguish and recognize electronic device 100 and / or external device 300. Identification information may mean information including unique characteristics that enable electronic device 100 and / or external device 300 to be distinguished from other devices.

[0185] For example, the identification information may include at least one of a device name, MAC address, IP address, SSID, MAC address, IP address, Hostname, and an input / output interface of an electronic device 100 to which an external device is connected. For example, when the electronic device 100 transmits a connection termination request to a control device 200 via a Bluetooth communication protocol, the identification information may include at least one of a device name (e.g., BT Friendly Name) and a MAC address. For example, and without limitation, when the electronic device 100 transmits a connection termination request to a control device 200 via a Wi-Fi communication protocol, the identification information may include at least one of an SSID, MAC address, IP address, Hostname, and a device name.

[0186] For example, if a game console is set as the input source for electronic device 100, the reason for disconnection may be "REASON: CONSOLE CONNECTED". For example, if a soundbar is set as the input source for electronic device 100, the reason for disconnection may be "REASON: SOUND-BAR CONNECTED". For example, the identification information may be a custom name for electronic device 100 and / or external device 300 set by the user. For example, if the user sets the device name of the game console to "MY TOYBOX", the reason for disconnection may be "REASON: MY TOYBOX CONNECTED".

[0187] For example, if two or more external devices 300 of the same type are connected to an electronic device 100, each external device 300 can be distinguished through identification information included in the reason for connection termination. For example, if two game consoles are connected to the electronic device 100, and the internal source of the electronic device 100 is switched to game console 1, the reason for connection termination may be "REASON: CONSOLE1 CONNECTED". For example, if the internal source of the electronic device 100 is switched to game console 2, the reason for connection termination may be "REASON: CONSOLE2 CONNECTED".

[0188] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a connection termination reason can enable a control device 200 that has received a connection termination request to perform a connection operation with the first external device 301 using identification information of the first external device 301 included in the connection termination reason.

[0189] According to one embodiment, a control device 200 may receive a connection termination request transmitted via a TCR (Termination Connection Request) packet. The reason for the connection termination may be included in the REASON field of the TCR packet. Based on the connection termination request, the control device 200 may transmit a connection termination response to an electronic device 100. The control device 200 receives the connection termination request from the electronic device 100 and may identify the identification information of a first external device 301 included in the reason for the connection termination.

[0190] According to one embodiment, the control device 200 may prepare a connection operation with the first external device 301 based on identification information of the first external device 301 in a connection sequence. For example, the control device 200 may prioritize the connection with the first external device recognized through identification information of the reason for connection termination. For example, if the first external device 301 is included in a connection list containing a list of devices to which the control device 200 was connected, the control device 200 may perform a connection operation with the first external device based on identification information of the first external device 301. For example, if the first external device 301 is not included in a connection list which is a list of devices to which the control device 200 was connected, the control device 200 may perform pairing and / or connection operations with the first external device based on identification information of the first external device 301.

[0191] For example, if a connection termination request received by the control device 200 includes the connection termination reason "REASON: CONSOLE CONNECTED," the control device 200 may prioritize the connection with the "CONSOLE" included in the identification information of the connection termination reason.

[0192] The electronic device 100 may receive a connection termination response from the control device 200 in response to the connection termination request. According to one embodiment, the connection termination response may include at least one of a message indicating whether the connection termination request of the control device 200 is accepted or a message indicating that the termination procedure between the electronic device 100 and the control device 200 is completed.

[0193] In one embodiment, when the electronic device 100 receives a connection termination response from the control device 200, the electronic device 100 may terminate (or release, disable) the connection between the electronic device 100 and the control device 200. In one embodiment, when the electronic device 100 receives a connection termination response from the control device 200, the control device 200 may terminate (or release, disable) the connection between the electronic device 100 and the control device 200.

[0194] In one embodiment, the electronic device 100 can update the connection status with the control device 200 to set the connection to terminated or inactive.

[0195] FIG. 6 shows an example of a flowchart of a method of operation between an electronic device, a control device, and an external device according to one embodiment.

[0196] The steps included in the flowchart of FIG. 6 can be performed by the electronic device 100 of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 (hereinafter FIG. 1 to 5). The steps included in the flowchart of FIG. 6 can be included in each operation of FIG. 5. The contents described above with reference to FIG. 1 to 5 may be applied in the same way to FIG. 6, even if not repeated below.

[0197] Referring to FIG. 6, in operation 610, the electronic device 100 may be paired and / or connected with the control device 200. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may be connected to the control device 200 via a communication interface. For example, the electronic device 100 may be connected to the control device 200 via a Bluetooth communication protocol or a Wi-Fi communication protocol.

[0198] Referring to operation 620, the electronic device 100 can obtain an input that sets the input source of the electronic device 100 from the internal source of the electronic device 100 to the first external device 301.

[0199] Referring to operation 630, electronic device 100 may transmit a connection termination request to control device 200. The connection termination request transmitted by electronic device 100 to control device 200 may be transmitted in response to an input that sets the input source of electronic device 100 to a first external device 301. The connection termination request transmitted by electronic device 100 to control device 200 may include a connection termination reason that includes identification information of the first external device. The connection termination reason included in the connection termination request transmitted by electronic device 100 may enable control device 200, upon receiving the connection termination request, to perform a connection operation with the first external device 301 using the identification information of the first external device 301 included in the connection termination reason.

[0200] Referring to operation 640, electronic device 100 may receive a connection termination response from control device 200. According to one embodiment, control device 200 may send a connection termination request to electronic device 100. When electronic device 100 receives the connection termination response, the connection between electronic device 100 and control device 200 may be terminated (or, released).

[0201] Referring to operation 650, the control device 200 can perform a connection operation with the first external device 301. The control device 200 can perform a connection operation with the first external device 301 by using the identification information of the first external device 301 included in the reason for connection termination included in the connection termination request received from the electronic device 100.

[0202] The following is an example where the electronic device 100 is a TV, the control device 200 is a game pad, and the first external device 301 is a game console. In operation 610, the game pad is paired with and / or connected to the TV. In operation 620, an input can be obtained to switch the input source of the TV from the TV's internal source to the game console. In operation 630, the TV can send a connection termination request to the game pad. The connection termination request sent by the TV to the game pad may include a reason for connection termination that includes identification information of the game console. The reason for connection termination included in the connection termination request sent by the TV may enable the game pad, upon receiving the connection termination request, to perform a connection operation with the game console using the identification information of the game console included in the reason for connection termination. In operation 640, the game pad can send a connection termination response to the TV. In operation 650, the game pad can perform a connection operation with the game console.

[0203] FIG. 7 shows an example of a flowchart of a method of operation between an electronic device, a control device, and an external device according to one embodiment.

[0204] Referring to FIG. 7, in operation 710, the first external device 301 may be paired and / or connected with the control device 200. According to one embodiment, the first external device 301 may be connected to the control device 200 via a communication interface. According to one embodiment, the first external device 301 may be connected to the control device 200 via a Bluetooth communication protocol or a Wi-Fi communication protocol.

[0205] Referring to operation 720, the electronic device 100 can obtain an input that switches the input source of the electronic device 100 from the first external device 301 to the internal source of the electronic device 100. Operation 720 is described in detail with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14, and redundant descriptions are omitted here.

[0206] Referring to operation 730, the electronic device 100 may transmit a command to the first external device 301 instructing it to terminate the connection between the first external device 301 and the control device 200. The command to terminate the connection between the first external device 301 and the control device 200 transmitted by the electronic device 100 to the first external device 301 may be transmitted in response to an input that switches the input source of the electronic device 100 from the first external device 301 to the internal source of the electronic device 100. The electronic device 100 may transmit a command to the first external device 301 instructing it to terminate the connection of the control device 200 through an input / output interface 120 (e.g., an HDMI port 121, a component jack 122).

[0207] Referring to operation 740, the first external device 301 may transmit a connection termination request to the control device 200. According to one embodiment, the control device 200 may receive a connection termination request from the first external device 301.

[0208] Referring to operation 750, the control device 200 may transmit a connection termination response to the first external device 301. According to one embodiment, the first external device 301 may receive a connection termination response from the control device 200. When the first external device 301 receives the connection termination response, the connection between the first external device 301 and the control device 200 may be terminated (or, released).

[0209] Referring to operation 760, electronic device 100 can perform a connection operation with control device 200. Electronic device 100 and control device 200 can transmit and receive data to and from each other.

[0210] The following is an example where the electronic device 100 is a TV, the control device 200 is a game pad, and the first external device 301 is a game console. In operation 710, the game pad is paired with and / or connected to the game console. In operation 720, an input can be obtained to switch the input source of the TV from the game console to the internal source of the TV. In operation 730, the TV can transmit a command to the game console instructing it to terminate the connection with the game pad. In operation 740, the game console can transmit a request to terminate the connection to the game pad. In operation 750, the game pad can transmit a response to terminate the connection to the game console. In operation 760, the TV can perform a connection operation with the game pad.

[0211] FIG. 8 shows an example of a flowchart of a method of operation between an electronic device, a control device, and an external device according to one embodiment.

[0212] Since the steps included in the flowchart of FIG. 8 are performed by the electronic device 100 of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 (hereinafter FIG. 1 to 7), the contents described above with reference to FIG. 1 to 7 can be applied in the same way to FIG. 9 without being repeated below.

[0213] Referring to FIG. 8, in operation 810, the first external device 301 may be paired and / or connected with the control device 200. Referring to operation 820, the electronic device 100 may receive an input that switches the input source of the electronic device 100 from the first external device 301 to the electronic device 100. Operations 810 and 820 may correspond to operations 710 and 720, and redundant descriptions will not be repeated here.

[0214] Referring to operation 830, the electronic device 100 may transmit a command to the first external device 301 instructing it to terminate the connection between the first external device 301 and the control device 200. According to one embodiment, the command instructing it to terminate the connection between the first external device 301 and the control device 200 may include a second connection termination reason including identification information of an internal source of the electronic device 100.

[0215] Referring to operation 840, the first external device 301 may transmit a connection termination request to the control device 200. According to one embodiment, the control device 200 may receive a connection termination request from the first external device 301. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first external device 301, having received a command instructing to terminate a connection including a second connection termination reason, may transmit a command instructing the control device 200 to perform a connection operation with the electronic device 100 by using the identification information of the internal source of the electronic device 100 included in the connection termination reason.

[0216] Referring to operation 850, the control device 200 may transmit a connection termination response to the first external device 301. According to one embodiment, the first external device 301 may receive a connection termination response from the control device 200. Operation 850 may correspond to operation 750, and redundant descriptions are not repeated herein.

[0217] Referring to operation 860, electronic device 100 can perform a connection operation with control device 200. Operation 860 may be performed in response to operation 840. Electronic device 100 and control device 200 can transmit and receive data to and from each other.

[0218] Operations with reference to FIG. 8 are described as an example where electronic device 100 is a TV, control device 200 is a game pad, and first external device 301 is a game console. In operation 810, the game pad is paired with and / or connected to the game console. In operation 820, an input can be obtained to switch the input source of the TV from the game console to the internal source of the TV. In operation 830, the TV can transmit a command to the game console instructing it to terminate the connection with the game pad. The command may include a second reason for termination of connection (e.g., REASON: TV CONNECTED) containing identification information of the TV's internal source. In operation 840, the game console can transmit a request to terminate the connection to the game pad. Using the identification information of the TV's internal source included in the second reason for termination of connection, the game console can transmit a command instructing the game pad to perform a connection operation with the TV. In operation 850, the game pad can transmit a response to terminate the connection to the game console. In operation 860, the TV can perform connection operations with the game pad.

[0219] FIG. 9 is a reference diagram for explaining an example in which an electronic device according to one embodiment directly controls a second external device.

[0220] Since the steps included in the reference diagram of FIG. 10 are performed by the electronic device 100 of FIGS. 1 to 8, the contents described above with reference to FIGS. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 (hereinafter FIGS. 1 to 8) can be applied in the same way to FIG. 9 without being repeated below.

[0221] Referring to FIG. 9, the input source of the electronic device 100 is the second external device 302. That is, the electronic device 100 is in a state of displaying content obtained from the second external device 302. When a user presses (e.g., selects) a specific button (or a first button among a plurality of buttons provided in the control device 200) using the control device 200, the control device 200 can transmit a control command corresponding to the specific button (e.g., cancel or terminate) to the electronic device 100. The MBR module 133 of the electronic device 100 receives the control command received from the control device 200 and can check the content currently being displayed on the electronic device 100. Since the input source of the content currently displayed on the electronic device 100 is the second external device 302, the electronic device can confirm that the source to be controlled according to the control command is the second external device 302.

[0222] The electronic device 100 can transmit a code signal corresponding to a control command (e.g., cancel) corresponding to a specific button to the second external device 302. For example, the MBR module 133 of the electronic device 100 can search for a code set corresponding to the second external device 302, find a code corresponding to a control command (e.g., cancel) corresponding to a specific button, and transmit the found code signal to the IR blaster 900. The IR blaster 900 can transmit an operation control IR corresponding to the received code signal to the second external device 302.

[0223] A second external device 302 that receives a motion control IR can perform a control command (e.g., cancel) corresponding to a specific button according to the received motion control IR, and add an OSD component to the content currently displayed on the electronic device 100 and provide it to the electronic device 100.

[0224] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second external device 302 may be a set-top box, a media streaming device, or a digital TV tuner, but is not limited to the examples described. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, for convenience of explanation, the case where the code signal is a control command (e.g., cancel) corresponding to a specific button has been described as an example, but is not limited to this example, and the operation described above may be performed for all control commands corresponding to the button of the control device 200.

[0225] FIG. 10 shows an example of a flowchart of a method of operation between an electronic device, a control device, and a second external device according to one embodiment.

[0226] Since the steps included in the flowchart of FIG. 10 are performed by the electronic device 100 of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 (hereinafter FIG. 1 to 9), the contents described above with reference to FIG. 1 to 9 can be applied in the same way to FIG. 10 without being repeated below.

[0227] Referring to FIG. 10, in operation 1010, the electronic device 100 may be paired and / or connected with the control device 200. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may be connected to the control device 200 according to a Bluetooth communication protocol or a Wi-Fi communication protocol. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may obtain signals, commands, communications, and / or information through the control device 200.

[0228] Referring to operation 1020, the electronic device 100 may receive an input that sets the input source of the electronic device 100 to a second external device 302. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device 100 may provide a user interface that can set the input source. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may receive an input that sets or switches the input source of the electronic device 100 based on user input received through the user interface of the electronic device 100. For example, the setting or switching of the input source of the electronic device 100 may occur through a button click of the control device 200, a touchscreen operation of the electronic device 100, or a voice command, etc. The electronic device 100 may receive an input that sets the input source of the electronic device 100 to a second external device 302 and switch the input source to the second external device 302 by adjusting internal settings.

[0229] Referring to operation 1030, the electronic device 100 can identify a control code of a second external device 302 corresponding to a signal from a control device 200 that operates the electronic device 100. According to one embodiment, the control code may be a unique code corresponding to a specific button input or command of the control device 200. For example, if a button of the control device 200 requests a 'confirm' function, a control code corresponding to that button can be identified. The electronic device 100 can interpret the signal of the control device 200 and convert it into the form of a control code. The electronic device 100 can use the form of the control code when controlling the second external device 302.

[0230] Referring to operation 1040, electronic device 100 can transmit a signal corresponding to an identified control code to a second external device 302 using an IR blaster 900. Electronic device 100 can convert the identified control code into an infrared (IR) signal. For example, electronic device 100 can transmit an infrared (IR) signal to the second external device 302 through the IR blaster 900. The IR blaster 900 may be built into electronic device 100 or may be connected to a separate external device.

[0231] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second external device 302 may include an infrared receiver. The second external device 302 may receive an infrared signal transmitted from the IR blaster 900 of the electronic device 100. The receiver of the second external device 302 may interpret the received infrared signal and recognize a control command corresponding to the signal. Accordingly, the second external device 302 may perform an operation corresponding to the control command.

[0232] Referring to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 can control the second external device 302 to the control device 200 using the IR blaster 900 of the electronic device 100 while maintaining a connection with the control device 200. In this case, the electronic device 100 continuously maintains a connection with the control device 200 and can transmit an appropriate control signal to the second external device 302 according to the input provided by the control device 200. Through this, the control device 200 can indirectly control the second external device.

[0233] FIG. 11 is a reference diagram illustrating the process of an electronic device, a control device, an external device, and a server performing operations according to one embodiment.

[0234] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device 100 can communicate with a control device 200, an external device 300, and a smart device 400 through a communication interface 110 or an input / output interface 120. The electronic device 100 can be connected to the control device 200, the external device 300, the smart device 400, and / or a server 1110.

[0235] Server 1110 can manage user account information and information about electronic device 100 connected to the user account. For example, a user can create a user account by accessing Server 1110 through electronic device 100, external device 300, and / or smart device 400. The user account can be identified by an ID and password set by the user. Server 1110 can register electronic device 100 to the user account according to a defined procedure. For example, Server 1110 can register electronic device 100 by linking the identification information of electronic device 100 (e.g., device name, serial number, or MAC address) to the user account.

[0236] A smart device 400 may include a communication interface comprising various communication circuits capable of communicating with an electronic device 100 and a server 1110, a user interface capable of receiving user input or outputting information to a user, at least one processor capable of controlling the operation of the smart device 400, and at least one memory storing at least one instruction for controlling the operation of the smart device 400.

[0237] The smart device 400 may be carried by a user or placed in the user's home or office, etc. The smart device 400 may include, for example, a personal computer, a terminal, a portable telephone, a smartphone, a handheld device, a wearable device, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0238] A program (e.g., an application) for controlling an electronic device 100, a control device 200, and / or an external device 300 may be stored in the memory of the smart device 400. The smart device 400 may be sold with an application for controlling the electronic device 100, the control device 200, and / or the external device 300 installed, or it may be sold without the application installed. If the smart device 400 is sold without an application for controlling the electronic device 100, the control device 200, and / or the external device 300 installed, the user may download the application from an external server providing the application and install it on the smart device 400.

[0239] The user can control the electronic device 100, the control device 200, and / or the external device 300 using an application installed on the smart device 400. For example, when the user runs the application installed on the smart device 400, identification information of the electronic device 100, the control device 200, and / or the external device 300 connected to the same user account as the smart device 400 may appear in the application execution window. The user can perform desired controls on the electronic device 100, the control device 200, and / or the external device 300 through the application execution window. When a user inputs a control command for electronic device 100, control device 200, and / or external device 300 through an application execution window, the smart device 400 may transmit the control command directly to electronic device 100, control device 200, and / or external device 300 through a local area network, or it may transmit the control command to electronic device 100, control device 200, and / or external device 300 via server 1110.

[0240] For example, a smart device 400 can transmit an input to a server 1110 that switches the input source of an electronic device 100 from an internal source of the electronic device 100 to an external device 300. The server 1110 can obtain the input from the smart device 400. The server 1110 can transmit the input from the smart device 400 to the electronic device 100.

[0241] An application of a smart device 400 can receive various user inputs for controlling an electronic device 100, a control device 200, and / or an external device 300. The application provides a Graphic User Interface (GUI) for receiving various user inputs and can receive user inputs through the GUI. While communicating with server 1110, the smart device 400 can update status information of the input source of the electronic device 100 and connection information of the control device 200 and provide them through the application. Additionally, while communicating with server 1110, the electronic device 100 can transmit user inputs received through the application to the control device 200 and / or the external device 300.

[0242] The application can receive a power-off signal or a shutdown schedule signal from an electronic device 100 and / or an external device 300. Additionally, the application can receive a schedule setting signal and receive user input to set a schedule shutdown time. Additionally, the application can receive a connection schedule signal from a control device 200 and / or an external device 300 and receive user input to set a schedule shutdown time.

[0243] A network (NET) may include both wired networks and wireless networks. Wired networks include cable networks or telephone networks, etc., and wireless networks may include all networks that transmit and receive signals via radio waves. Wired networks and wireless networks may be connected to each other.

[0244] A network (NET) may include a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN) formed around an access point (AP), and a wireless personal area network (WPAN) that does not pass through an access point. A wireless personal area network may include, but is not limited to, Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1), Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), Wi-Fi Direct, Near Field Communication (NFC), Z-Wave, etc.

[0245] The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which electronic device 100, control device 200, external device 300, and smart device 400 are connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which server 1110 is connected. Electronic device 100, control device 200, external device 300, and smart device 400 can be connected to server 1110 through the wide area network (WAN).

[0246] An AP may include a device that enables devices to be connected using relevant standards utilizing Wi-Fi in a computer network. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, an AP may include a hardware-implemented AP and a software-implemented AP.

[0247] For example, an AP can relay data between wireless devices and wired devices on a network. However, it is not limited to this; an AP can also relay data between wired devices or between wireless devices. Meanwhile, an AP can also be referred to as a relay device.

[0248] The access point (AP) can communicate with an electronic device 100, a control device 200, an external device 300, or a smart device 400 using wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi™, IEEE 802.11), and can connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication.

[0249] The electronic device 100 and / or external device 300 may transmit a connection termination request including a reason for terminating the connection to the server 1110 via a network (NET). For example, the electronic device 100 and / or external device 300 may transmit a connection termination request including a reason for terminating the connection to the server 1110 via Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi™, IEEE 802.11) communication. The server 1110 may transmit the connection termination request to the control device 200.

[0250] If the electronic device 100 is not equipped with a Wi-Fi communication module, the electronic device 100 may transmit a connection termination request including a reason for termination to the server 1110 through another home appliance having a Wi-Fi communication module. For example, if the electronic device 100 transmits a connection termination request including a reason for termination to another home appliance via a short-range wireless network (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication), the other home appliance may transmit the connection termination request including a reason for termination from the electronic device 100 to the server 1110. Additionally, for example, if the electronic device 100 is not equipped with a Wi-Fi communication module, the electronic device 100 may be connected to a communication relay device via a wired connection, and Wi-Fi communication and 485 communication may be performed by the communication relay device.

[0251] The electronic device 100 may provide a connection termination request to the server 1110, including a reason for connection termination obtained by the electronic device 100, upon prior approval by the user. The transmission of information to the server 1110 may occur when a request is received from the server 1110, when a specific event occurs on the electronic device 100, or periodically or in real time.

[0252] When Server 1110 receives information regarding a connection termination request including the reason for the connection termination from Electronic Device 100, it may update previously stored information in relation to Electronic Device 100. Server 1110 may transmit information regarding a connection termination request including the reason for the connection termination or a command instructing connection termination to Electronic Device 100 and / or external device 300 via a network (NET).

[0253] The electronic device 100 can obtain various information from the server 1110 and provide the obtained information to the user. Additionally, the electronic device 100 can receive a file from the server 1110 for updating the installed software or data related to the installed software, and based on the received file, update the installed software or data related to the installed software.

[0254] The electronic device 100 may operate according to control commands received from the server 1110. For example, if the electronic device 100 has obtained prior approval from a user to operate according to control commands from the server 1110 even without user input, the electronic device 100 may operate according to control commands received from the server 1110. The control commands received from the server 1110 may include, but are not limited to, control commands entered by the user through the electronic device 100 or control commands generated by the server 1110 based on pre-set conditions.

[0255] Referring to FIGS. 12, 13, and 14 (hereinafter FIGS. 12 to 14), a method for an electronic device 100 to acquire an input that switches the input source of the electronic device from an external device 300 to an internal source of the electronic device 100 is described.

[0256] FIG. 12 is a reference diagram for explaining the process of an electronic device acquiring an input that switches an input source through a user interface provided by an external device according to one embodiment.

[0257] According to one embodiment, an electronic device 100 and an external device 300 are connected and can transmit and receive signals to and from each other. When the input source of the electronic device is set to the external device 300, a control device 200 may be connected to the external device 300. In this case, the control device 200 can control the content provided by the external device 300.

[0258] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device 100 can obtain an input that switches the input source of the electronic device 100 based on user input received through a user interface provided by an external device 300.

[0259] Referring to 1210 and 1220, electronic device 100 can receive user input through a user interface provided by external device 300.

[0260] Referring to 1210, the external device 300 may provide a user interface that inquires whether to terminate the content provided by the external device 300 (e.g., a notification screen with "Would you like to exit the game?"). According to one embodiment, when the external device 300 obtains an intention to terminate the content through a specific button (e.g., a home button) of the control device 200, the external device 300 may provide a user interface that inquires whether to terminate the content provided by the external device 300.

[0261] If the external device 300 obtains a response (e.g., "OK") that the content provided by the external device is terminated through a user interface that inquires whether the content provided by the external device 300 is terminated, the external device 300 may provide a user interface 1220 that includes an option to switch the input source of the electronic device 100. According to one embodiment, the external device 300 may receive a user input (e.g., "OK") that the content provided by the external device is terminated through a control device 200.

[0262] Referring to 1220, the external device 300 may provide a user interface (e.g., a notification screen with "Would you like to return to the TV?") that asks whether to switch the input source of the electronic device 100 to the internal source of the electronic device 100. According to one embodiment, the external device 300 may obtain a user response selecting a response to switch to the internal source of the electronic device 100 of the user interface 1220 (e.g., "OK"). According to one embodiment, the external device 300 may obtain a user input selecting a response to switch to the internal source of the electronic device 100 (e.g., "OK") from the user interface provided by the external device 300 through the control device 200.

[0263] Referring to 1230, the external device 300 may provide a user interface that can switch input sources along with the content provided. For example, the external device 300 may provide menu items such as "Switch TV Input" or "Return to TV Mode" on a portion of the video, audio, or game screen provided. In one embodiment, the external device 300 may receive user input through a control device 200 to select the user interface that can switch input sources provided by the external device 300.

[0264] According to one embodiment, an electronic device 100 can obtain an input from an external device 300 that switches the input source of the electronic device 100 based on user input received through a user interface provided by an external device 300 via an input / output interface 120 (e.g., an HDMI port, a PC port). For example, the electronic device 100 can obtain an input from an external device 300 that switches the input source of the electronic device 100 based on user input received from 1210 to 1230. Through this, the electronic device 100 can obtain an input that switches the input source of the electronic device 100 even when the control device 200 is not connected to the electronic device 100.

[0265] FIG. 13 is a reference diagram for explaining the process of an electronic device acquiring an input that switches an input source through an interface provided by the electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0266] According to one embodiment, when the input source of the electronic device is set to the first external device 301, the control device 200 may be connected to the first external device 301. For example, the control device 200 may not be connected to the electronic device 100.

[0267] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device 100 can obtain an input that switches the input source of the electronic device 100 through a user interface 1310 provided by the electronic device 100 under the control of a remote controller 1320.

[0268] For example, when a user presses a specific button (e.g., external input, input source, home button) of a remote controller 1320, the electronic device 100 may provide a user interface that can set the input source of the electronic device 100. The user interface 1310 may include a name or icon representing an input source (e.g., an internal source of the electronic device 100, a first external device 301, a second external device 302, a third external device 303). For example, the user interface 1310 may include an icon 1312 representing a TV (or an internal source of the TV), an icon 1314 representing a game console, an icon 1316 representing a set-top box, and an icon 1318 representing a soundbar, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0269] If the electronic device 100 provides a user interface that can set an input source, the user can select the input source of the electronic device 100 by pressing specific buttons on the remote controller 1320 (e.g., up / down / left / right buttons, channel up / down buttons, volume up / down buttons). Through this, the input source of the electronic device 100 can be switched.

[0270] For example, when the input source of electronic device 100 is set to the first external device 301, electronic device 100 may provide a user interface 1310 under the control of a remote controller 1320. Electronic device 100 may obtain an input to select (or set, switch) the input source of electronic device 100 through the user interface 1310 provided to electronic device 100 under the control of the remote controller 1320.

[0271] Through this, even when the control device 200 is not connected to the electronic device 100, the electronic device 100 can obtain an input that switches the input source of the electronic device 100.

[0272] FIG. 14 is a reference diagram for explaining the process of an electronic device acquiring input from a server that has acquired user input from a smart device, according to one embodiment, to switch input sources.

[0273] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device 100 can receive an input from a server 1110 that has acquired user input from a smart device 400 to switch the input source of the electronic device 100.

[0274] Referring to 1410, a smart device 400 can obtain user input to select (or set, switch) an input source of an electronic device 100. For example, the smart device 400 can obtain input to select (or set, switch) an input source of an electronic device 100 through a button click, touchscreen operation, or voice command of the smart device 400.

[0275] Referring to 1420, the smart device 400 may receive a routine (or schedule) as user input for selecting (or setting, switching) the input source of the electronic device 100. For example, the smart device may receive an input to set the input source of the electronic device 100 to a soundbar during the weekdays from 9 AM to 6 PM.

[0276] Referring to 1430, a smart device 400 can transmit user input to a server 1110 for selecting (or setting, switching) an input source of an electronic device 100 that it has acquired. The server 1110 can transmit user input acquired from the smart device 400 to the electronic device 100. The electronic device 100 can acquire input for switching the input source of the electronic device 100 from the server 1110 that has acquired user input from the smart device 400.

[0277] According to one embodiment, when the input source of an electronic device is set to a first external device 301, an input to switch the input source of the electronic device 100 to the electronic device 100 can be obtained from a server 1110 that has obtained user input from a smart device 400. Through this, even when the control device 200 is not connected to the electronic device 100, the electronic device 100 can obtain an input to switch the input source of the electronic device 100.

[0278] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the at least one instruction is executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device may receive a connection termination response from the control device in response to the connection termination request.

[0279] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the at least one instruction is executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (140), the electronic device (100) may obtain an input that switches the input source of the electronic device from the first external device to the internal source of the electronic device. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the at least one instruction is executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (140), the electronic device (100) may, in response to the input, transmit a command to the first external device instructing it to terminate the connection between the first external device and the control device. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the at least one instruction is executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (140), the electronic device (100) may perform a connection operation with the control device.

[0280] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a command instructing to terminate the connection between the first external device and the control device may include a second connection termination reason including identification information of an internal source of the electronic device. The second connection termination reason may enable the first external device, upon receiving the command instructing to terminate the connection, to transmit a command instructing the control device to perform a connection operation with the electronic device by utilizing the identification information of the internal source of the electronic device included in the second connection termination reason.

[0281] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an input that switches the input source of the electronic device may be obtained based on user input received through a user interface provided by the first external device.

[0282] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the input for switching the input source of the electronic device may be obtained through a user interface provided by the electronic device under the control of a remote controller.

[0283] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the input that switches the input source of the electronic device may be received from a server that has acquired user input from a smart device.

[0284] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the at least one instruction is executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device may acquire an input that sets the input source of the electronic device to a second external device. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the at least one instruction is executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device may, in response to the input, identify a control code of the second external device corresponding to a signal of the control device that operates the electronic device. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the at least one instruction is executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device may transmit a signal corresponding to the identified control code to the second external device using an IR blaster.

[0285] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the connection termination request may be transmitted via a TCR (termination connection request) packet.

[0286] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the reason for the connection termination may be included in the REASON field of the TCR packet.

[0287] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the at least one instruction is executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device may be connected to the control device via the communication interface according to a Bluetooth communication protocol or a Wi-Fi communication protocol.

[0288] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control device may be a game controller.

[0289] A method of operation performed in an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include receiving a connection termination response from the control device in response to a connection termination request.

[0290] A method of operation performed in an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation of acquiring an input that switches an input source of the electronic device from a first external device to an internal source of the electronic device. A method of operation performed in an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation of transmitting a command to the first external device instructing to terminate the connection between the first external device and the control device in response to the input. A method of operation performed in an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation of performing a connection operation with the control device.

[0291] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a command instructing to terminate the connection between the first external device and the control device may include a reason for termination of connection that includes identification information of an internal source of the electronic device. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the reason for termination of connection may enable the first external device, upon receiving the command instructing to terminate the connection, to transmit a command to the control device instructing to perform a connection operation with the electronic device using the identification information of the internal source of the electronic device included in the reason for termination of connection.

[0292] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an input that switches the input source of the electronic device may be obtained based on user input received through a user interface provided by the first external device.

[0293] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an input for switching the input source of the electronic device may be obtained through a user interface provided by the electronic device under the control of a remote controller. An input for switching the input source of the electronic device may be received from a server that has obtained user input from a smart device.

[0294] A method of operation performed in an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation of acquiring an input that sets the input source of the electronic device to a second external device. A method of operation performed in an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation of identifying a control code of the second external device corresponding to a signal of the control device that operates the electronic device in response to the input. A method of operation performed in an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation of transmitting a signal corresponding to the identified control code to the second external device using an IR blaster.

[0295] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the connection termination request may be transmitted via a TCR (termination connection request) packet. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the reason for the connection termination may be included in the REASON field of the TCR packet.

[0296] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may be connected to the control device via the communication interface according to a Bluetooth communication protocol or a Wi-Fi communication protocol.

[0297] A device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory storage medium' simply means that it 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. For example, a 'non-transitory storage medium' may include a buffer in which data is stored temporarily.

[0298] According to one embodiment, the method according to the various 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 or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., downloadable app) 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.

[0299] Although the present disclosure has been illustrated and described with reference to various embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the various embodiments are illustrative and not limiting. Those skilled in the art may make various modifications, alternatives, and / or variations of the various embodiments without departing from the true technical spirit and the full technical scope of the present disclosure, including the appended claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, any of the embodiments described herein may be used in conjunction with other embodiments described herein.

Claims

1. In an electronic device (100), A communication interface (110) including a circuit, Input / output interface (120) including a circuit, A memory (130) that stores at least one instruction and It includes at least one processor (140) including a processing circuit, and By the above at least one processor (140) executing the above at least one instruction individually or collectively, the electronic device, Wirelessly connected to a control device through the above communication interface, and Obtaining an input that switches the input source of the electronic device from an internal source of the electronic device to a first external device, and An electronic device (100) that, based on the above input, transmits a termination connection request including identification information of the first external device and a reason for termination of connection, through the communication interface to a control device wirelessly connected to the electronic device, wherein the reason for termination of connection enables the control device that receives the termination request to perform a connection operation with the first external device using the identification information of the first external device included in the reason for termination of connection.

2. In Paragraph 1, By the above at least one processor (140) executing the above at least one instruction individually or collectively, the electronic device, An electronic device (100) that receives a connection termination response from the control device in response to the above connection termination request.

3. In Paragraph 1 or 2, By the above at least one processor (140) executing the above at least one instruction individually or collectively, the electronic device, Obtaining an input that switches the input source of the electronic device from the first external device to the internal source of the electronic device, and In response to the above input, a command is transmitted to the first external device instructing it to terminate the connection between the first external device and the control device, and An electronic device (100) that performs a connection operation with the above-mentioned control device.

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 3, A command instructing to terminate the connection between the first external device and the control device includes a second connection termination reason including identification information of an internal source of the electronic device, and The above second connection termination reason enables the first external device that received the above command to use the identification information of the internal source of the electronic device included in the above second connection termination reason to transmit a command to the control device to instruct the electronic device to perform a connection operation with the electronic device, the electronic device (100).

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 4, The input for switching the input source of the electronic device is obtained based on the input received through the user interface provided by the first external device, the electronic device (100).

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 5, The input that switches the input source of the electronic device is obtained through a user interface provided by the electronic device according to the control of a remote controller, the electronic device (100).

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 6, By the above at least one processor (140) executing the above at least one instruction individually or collectively, the electronic device, Obtaining an input that sets the input source of the above electronic device to a second external device, and In response to the above input, identify the control code of the second external device corresponding to the signal of the control device operating the electronic device, and An electronic device (100) that transmits a signal corresponding to the above-identified control code to the second external device using an IR blaster.

8. In a method of operation performed in an electronic device, Operation of wirelessly connecting to a control device through a communication interface; An operation to acquire an input that switches the input source of the electronic device from an internal source of the electronic device to a first external device; and A method comprising, based on the above input, transmitting a termination connection request including a reason for termination of connection including identification information of the first external device to a control device connected to the electronic device, wherein the termination connection request enables the control device that receives the termination connection request to perform a connection operation with the first external device using the identification information of the first external device included in the reason for termination of connection.

9. In Paragraph 8, A method comprising the operation of receiving a connection termination response from the control device in response to the above connection termination request.

10. In Paragraph 8 or 9, An operation to obtain an input that switches the input source of the electronic device from the first external device to the internal source of the electronic device; An operation of transmitting to the first external device a command instructing the first external device to terminate the connection between the first external device and the control device in response to the above input; and A method comprising an operation to perform a connection operation with the above-mentioned control device.

11. In any one of paragraphs 8 through 10, A command instructing to terminate the connection between the first external device and the control device includes a second connection termination reason including identification information of an internal source of the electronic device, and A method in which the second connection termination reason above enables the first external device that received the command to use identification information of the internal source of the electronic device included in the second connection termination reason to transmit a command to the control device instructing it to perform a connection operation with the electronic device.

12. In any one of paragraphs 8 through 11, A method in which the input for switching the input source of the electronic device is obtained based on an input received through a user interface provided by the first external device.

13. In any one of paragraphs 8 through 12, A method in which the input for switching the input source of the electronic device is obtained through a user interface provided by the electronic device under the control of a remote controller.

14. In any one of paragraphs 8 through 13, An operation to obtain an input that sets the input source of the above electronic device to a second external device; An operation of identifying a control code of the second external device corresponding to a signal of the control device operating the electronic device in response to the above input; and A method comprising the operation of transmitting a signal corresponding to the identified control code to the second external device using an IR blaster.

15. A computer-readable recording medium having a program recorded thereon for performing the method of any one of paragraphs 8 through 14 on a computer.

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