Portable electronic device for recognizing external electronic device and control method thereof

Abstract

This portable electronic device comprises: an antenna; an inertial measurement unit sensor; a communication circuit; memory for storing at least one instruction; and at least one processor. The at least one processor, by executing the at least one instruction, causes the portable electronic device to: track the motion of the portable electronic device on a vertical plane, formed between the portable electronic device and a plurality of external electronic devices, by using the inertial measurement unit sensor; acquire phase information of a signal received from the plurality of external electronic devices by the portable electronic device at a plurality of positions on the path of the motion; detect the position of each of the plurality of external electronic devices on the basis of the phase information acquired at the plurality of positions; and select a first external electronic device having the smallest angle of arrival of the signal transmitted to the portable electronic device from among the plurality of external electronic devices.

Description

Portable electronic device for recognizing an external electronic device and a method for controlling the same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a portable electronic device that recognizes an external electronic device and a method for controlling the same. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a technology that allows the motion of a portable electronic device having a single antenna to be recognized by an external electronic device to be connected among a plurality of external electronic devices, thereby enabling easy selection of the external electronic device to be connected to the portable electronic device.

[0002] Phase Difference of Arrival (PDoA) technology can be a technique that identifies the location of a tag by measuring the direction and distance from an Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) host to the tag. Conventionally, an array antenna was configured on the host to measure the direction and distance from the host to the tag using PDoA technology.

[0003] Due to physical space limitations, it is not easy to configure array antennas in portable electronic devices such as smartphones. For example, for short-range wireless communication signals such as Wi-Fi signals or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signals, a space with a length of approximately 10 cm or more and approximately 30 cm or less may be required to configure an array antenna. Consequently, it has not been easy to apply arrival phase difference technology because array antennas cannot be configured in portable electronic devices.

[0004] When it was not easy to apply arrival phase difference technology, it was not easy to select the external electronic device to be connected among multiple external electronic devices. Consequently, in environments where multiple external electronic devices exist, it was not easy for a user to accurately connect a portable electronic device to the desired external electronic device.

[0005] A portable electronic device for recognizing an external electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: an antenna; an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor; a communication circuit; a memory for storing at least one instruction; and at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor, by executing the at least one instruction individually or collectively, enables the portable electronic device to track the motion of the portable electronic device on a vertical plane formed between the portable electronic device and a plurality of external electronic devices using the inertial measurement unit sensor, acquire phase information of a signal received by the portable electronic device from the plurality of external electronic devices at a plurality of locations on the path of the motion, detect the location of each of the plurality of external electronic devices based on the phase information acquired at the plurality of locations, and select a first external electronic device among the plurality of external electronic devices that has the smallest angle of arrival of the signal transmitted to the portable electronic device.

[0006] A control method for a portable electronic device that recognizes an external electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: tracking the motion of the portable electronic device on a vertical plane formed between the portable electronic device and a plurality of external electronic devices using an inertial measurement unit sensor; acquiring phase information of a signal received by the portable electronic device from the plurality of external electronic devices at a plurality of locations on the path of the motion; detecting the location of each of the plurality of external electronic devices based on the phase information acquired at the plurality of locations; and selecting a first external electronic device among the plurality of external electronic devices that has the smallest angle of arrival of the signal transmitted to the portable electronic device.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a portable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure recognizing an external electronic device and connecting to the external electronic device.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the selection of one of a plurality of external electronic devices according to the motion of a portable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a portable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a portable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing an orthogonal plane formed between a portable electronic device and a first external electronic device among a plurality of external electronic devices according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a path on a vertical plane according to the motion of a portable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a plurality of locations on a path according to motion of a portable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the distance difference of signals received from each of a plurality of external electronic devices at each of a plurality of locations by a portable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing phase information of a signal received from each of a plurality of external electronic devices at each of a plurality of locations by a portable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the angle of arrival of a signal received from each of a plurality of external electronic devices by a portable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing detailed modules within a processor of a portable electronic device and information processed by the processor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating in detail a control method for a portable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] 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.

[0020] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0021] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0022] 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.

[0023] The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0024] 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).

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] When it is said that a 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.

[0028] When it is said that one component is located "on" another component, this includes not only cases where one component is in contact with another component, but also cases where another component exists between the two components. All functions or operations described in this document may be processed by a single processor or a combination of processors. A single processor or a combination of processors may be a circuitry that performs processing. One or more processors according to the present disclosure may include at least one of an Application Processor (AP), a Communication Processor (CP), a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), a Neural Processing Unit (NPU), a Microprocessor Unit (MPU), a System on Chip (SoC), an Integrated Circuit (IC), a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a GPU, an Accelerated Processing Unit (APU), a Many Integrated Core (MIC), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), or a Neural Processing Unit (NPU). One or more processors may be implemented in the form of an integrated System on Chip (SoC) comprising one or more electronic components. Each of one or more processors may be implemented as separate hardware (H / W).

[0029] In the case where a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of operations, the plurality of operations may be performed by a single processor or by a plurality of processors. For example, when a first operation, a second operation, and a third operation are performed by a method according to one embodiment, the first operation, the second operation, and the third operation may all be performed by a first processor; or the first operation and the second operation may be performed by a first processor (e.g., a general-purpose processor) and the third operation may be performed by a second processor (e.g., a dedicated processor). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0030] One or more processors according to the present disclosure may be implemented as a single-core processor or as a multi-core processor. In the case where a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of operations, the plurality of operations may be performed by a single core or by a plurality of cores included in one or more processors.

[0031] One or more processors according to the present disclosure may be configured to perform various functions described in the present disclosure in a distributed manner, individually and / or collectively. As used herein, 'processor', 'at least one processor', and 'one or more processors' may be configured to perform various functions. However, these terms may, without limitation, cover situations where one processor performs some of the functions and other processor(s) perform other parts of the functions, and situations where a single processor can perform all functions. Additionally, at least one processor may include a combination of processors performing various functions of the disclosed functions in a distributed manner. At least one processor may execute program instructions individually or in cooperation to achieve or perform various functions. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a portable electronic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure recognizing an external electronic device (110, 120) and connecting to the external electronic device (110, 120).

[0032] A portable electronic device (100) may be an electronic device that is operationally connected to an external electronic device (110, 120) while being carried by a user. For example, the portable electronic device (100) may be a smartphone connected to the external electronic device (110, 120). For example, the portable electronic device (100) may be a wearable device such as a smart watch or a smart ring. For example, the portable electronic device (100) may be a tablet. For example, the portable electronic device (100) may be a remote controller that controls the external electronic device (110, 120).

[0033] A portable electronic device (100) can be connected to an external electronic device (110, 120) via communication. The portable electronic device (100) can transmit signals and data to the external electronic device (110, 120). The portable electronic device (100) can be paired with the external electronic device (110, 120) to perform various functions through the external electronic device (110, 120). For example, the portable electronic device (100) can control the external electronic device (110, 120). For example, the portable electronic device (100) can reproduce the functions of the portable electronic device (100) through the external electronic device (110, 120).

[0034] The external electronic device (110, 120) may be an electronic device located around the portable electronic device (100). For example, the external electronic device (110, 120) may be a smart TV (110). For example, the external electronic device (110, 120) may be a wireless speaker (120). However, it is not limited thereto, and the external electronic device (110, 120) may be a home appliance such as an air conditioner, refrigerator, or washing machine, or a device included in an Internet of Things (IoT) system.

[0035] The external electronic device (110, 120) can be connected to the portable electronic device (100) via communication. The external electronic device (110, 120) can receive signals and data from the portable electronic device (100). The external electronic device (110, 120) can be paired with the portable electronic device (100) to perform various functions. For example, the external electronic device (110, 120) can operate under the control of the portable electronic device (100). For example, the external electronic device (110, 120) can replicate the functions of the portable electronic device (100).

[0036] For example, if the portable electronic device (100) is a smartphone and the external electronic device (110, 120) is a smart TV (110), the portable electronic device (100) can mirror the screen of the portable electronic device (100) to the smart TV (110). The smart TV (110) can display the screen of the portable electronic device (100).

[0037] For example, if the portable electronic device (100) is a smartphone and the external electronic device (110, 120) is a wireless speaker (120), the portable electronic device (100) can output sound played on the portable electronic device (100) through the wireless speaker (120). The wireless speaker (120) can output sound played on the portable electronic device (100).

[0038] The present disclosure utilizes Phase Difference of Arrival (PDoA) technology. The Phase Difference of Arrival technology may include a technology for detecting the location of an external electronic device (110, 120) by measuring the direction and distance between a portable electronic device (100) and an external electronic device (110, 120) that includes a near-field communication circuit such as an Ultra-wide Band (UWB) tag.

[0039] Conventional arrival phase difference technology estimates direction by configuring an array antenna. However, there are physical and spatial limitations for configuring an array antenna in small form factor devices such as portable electronic devices (100), so it may not be easy to apply an array antenna to a portable electronic device (100). In particular, when deploying an array antenna for transmitting and receiving short-range wireless signals such as Wi-Fi signals or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signals, a space with a length of about 10 cm or more and about 30 cm or less is required, so it may not be easy to apply an array antenna to a portable electronic device (100). The present disclosure aims to provide a method for accurately detecting the location of external electronic devices (110, 120) without deploying an array antenna to a portable electronic device (100).

[0040] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the selection of one of a plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230) according to the motion of a portable electronic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] A plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230) may be located around the portable electronic device (100). For example, a first external electronic device (210), a second external electronic device (220), and a third external electronic device (230) may be located around the portable electronic device (100). For example, the first external electronic device (210) may be a smart TV. For example, the second external electronic device (220) may be a wireless speaker. For example, the third external electronic device (230) may be an air conditioner.

[0042] A portable electronic device (100) can utilize motion of the portable electronic device (100) to specify one device that the user (200) wishes to use among a plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230) located remotely. The motion of the portable electronic device (100) can be determined by the user's (200) gesture.

[0043] The portable electronic device (100) can move according to the user's (200) gesture. For example, if the user (200) holds the portable electronic device (100) in their hand and makes a circular gesture with their hand in space, the portable electronic device (100) can move in a circular motion in space.

[0044] The present disclosure aims to provide a method for accurately identifying a first external electronic device (210) that a user (200) intends to select among a plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230) using a portable electronic device (100). The portable electronic device (100) can detect a path (250) of motion on a vertical plane (240) of the portable electronic device (100) according to a gesture of the user (200). The portable electronic device (100) can receive signals from a plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230) while moving along the path (250) on the vertical plane (orthogonal plane) (240). The portable electronic device (100) can obtain phase information of the signals received from the plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230). The portable electronic device (100) can select a first external electronic device (210) among a plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230) based on phase information of a signal.

[0045] A portable electronic device (100) can receive signals from multiple external electronic devices (210, 220, 230) through antennas at multiple locations using arrival phase difference technology, and can estimate the direction in which the multiple external electronic devices (210, 220, 230) that transmitted the signal are located based on the phase information of the signal received at each of the multiple locations. When tracking the motion path (250) of the portable electronic device (100) on a vertical plane (240) and receiving signals at multiple locations on the vertical plane (240), arrival phase difference technology can be implemented using the phase information of the received signal. The portable electronic device (100) moves along the path (250) on the vertical plane (240) and receives signals at each of the multiple locations on the moved path (250), so that the signals can be received in a form similar to receiving signals through a virtually arranged array antenna. Accordingly, the present disclosure enables a plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230) to accurately detect their positions by implementing arrival phase difference technology without actually placing a physical array antenna on the portable electronic device (100).

[0046] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a portable electronic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. A portable electronic device (100) according to one embodiment may include an antenna (310), an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor (320), a communication circuit (330), a memory (340), and a processor (350).

[0047] The antenna (310) can receive signals transmitted by a plurality of external electronic devices (e.g., a plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230) shown in FIG. 2). The antenna (310) can form a beam pattern for receiving signals. The antenna (310) may include a radiator and a feeding structure for forming a beam pattern. The antenna (310) may be a single-structure antenna.

[0048] The inertial measurement unit sensor (320) can measure the movement of the portable electronic device (100). The inertial measurement unit sensor (320) can measure the acceleration and angular velocity of the portable electronic device (100). The inertial measurement unit sensor (320) can measure the orientation of the portable electronic device (100). The inertial measurement unit sensor (320) can measure changes in the direction in which the portable electronic device (100) is facing. The inertial measurement unit sensor (320) may include a 9-axis sensor, an accelerometer, and a gyroscope.

[0049] The communication circuit (330) can communicate with a plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230). The communication circuit (330) can process signals received by the antenna (310) from the plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230). The communication circuit (330) can receive data from the plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230). The communication circuit (330) can transmit the received data to a memory (340) and a processor (350). The communication circuit (330) may include signal processing circuits such as a transceiver, an encoder, and a decoder.

[0050] The memory (340) can store at least one program capable of operating the portable electronic device (100). The at least one program may include one or more computer-readable instructions.

[0051] The processor (350) can process data received by the communication circuit (330) and data stored in memory (340). The processor (350) may include a circuit having a physical structure. The processor (350) may be a data processing device implemented in hardware. For example, the processor (350) may include a microprocessor, a central processing unit, a processor core, a multi-core processor, a multiprocessor, an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), or a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA).

[0052] The processor (350) can execute at least one program stored in memory (340). The processor (350) can execute one or more instructions included in at least one program. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the portable electronic device (100) may additionally include one or more processors. At least one processor including the processor (350) can execute one or more instructions stored in memory (340) individually or collectively. By executing one or more instructions stored in memory (340) individually or collectively by at least one processor, the portable electronic device (100) can perform any combination of one or more operations described in the present disclosure.

[0053] The processor (350) can control the operation of the portable electronic device (100) in its entirety. The processor (350) can detect the path (250) of motion on the vertical plane (240) of the portable electronic device (100) using an inertial measurement unit sensor (320). The processor (350) can receive signals from a plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230) while moving along the path (250) on the vertical plane (240) using a communication circuit (330). The processor (350) can obtain phase information of the signals received from the plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230). Accordingly, the processor (350) according to the present disclosure can estimate the direction of the received signal using only a single antenna by estimating the path of movement of the portable electronic device (100). Additionally, the portable electronic device (100) according to the present disclosure can analyze a received signal to estimate the physical spatial orientation of a plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230).

[0054] The processor (350) can select a first external electronic device (210) among a plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230) based on phase information of a signal. Accordingly, the portable electronic device (100) according to the present disclosure can easily identify a first external electronic device (210) located in a direction desired by the user among a plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230) located at a distance.

[0055] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a portable electronic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] In operation 410, a portable electronic device (100) according to one embodiment can track the motion of the portable electronic device (100) on a vertical plane (240) formed between the portable electronic device (100) and a plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230) using an inertial measurement unit sensor (320). The inertial measurement unit sensor (320) can track the movement of the portable electronic device (100). The inertial measurement unit sensor (320) can detect the motion of the portable electronic device (100) on the vertical plane (240). The processor (350) of the portable electronic device (100) can receive data from the inertial measurement unit sensor (320) that detects the motion of the portable electronic device (100) on the vertical plane (240).

[0057] In operation 420, a portable electronic device (100) according to one embodiment can obtain phase information of a signal received by the portable electronic device (100) from a plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230) at a plurality of locations on the path (250) of motion. A processor (350) of the portable electronic device (100) can analyze the signal received from the plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230) when the portable electronic device (100) is at a plurality of locations on the path (250) using a communication circuit (330). The processor (350) can obtain phase information of the received signal based on the analysis result.

[0058] In operation 430, a portable electronic device (100) according to one embodiment can detect the location of each of a plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230) based on phase information obtained at a plurality of locations. A processor (350) of the portable electronic device (100) can calculate the difference in phase of a signal at each of the plurality of locations. The processor (350) can calculate the location of each of the plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230) based on the distance of each of the plurality of locations and the difference in phase of the signal.

[0059] In operation 440, a portable electronic device (100) according to one embodiment may select a first external electronic device (210) among a plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230) for which the angle of arrival of a signal transmitted to the portable electronic device (100) is the smallest. A processor (350) of the portable electronic device (100) may calculate the angle of arrival of a signal transmitted to the portable electronic device (100) from each of the plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230) based on the calculated location of each of the plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230). The processor (350) may select the first external electronic device (210), which is the device among the plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230) for which the angle of arrival of the signal is the smallest, as a target device to be connected to the portable electronic device (100). The processor (350) can pair the selected first external electronic device (210) with the portable electronic device (100).

[0060] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, operations 410 to 440 of FIG. 4 may be performed by a portable electronic device (100). According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one of operations 410 to 440 of FIG. 4 may be omitted. Additionally or alternatively, one or more operations not shown in FIG. 4 may be additionally performed to control the portable electronic device (100). According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the order of at least some of operations 410 to 440 may be changed.

[0061] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing an orthogonal plane (240) formed between a first external electronic device (210) and a plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] The vertical plane (240) may be a virtual plane orthogonal to a virtual straight line (510) connecting one of the portable electronic device (100) and one of the plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230). For example, the vertical plane (240) may be a virtual plane formed perpendicular to the direction toward the first external electronic device (210) with respect to the portable electronic device (100).

[0063] The processor (350) of the portable electronic device (100) can set a virtual vertical plane (240) between the portable electronic device (100) and a plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230). The processor (350) can set the vertical plane (240) based on the direction in which the user (200) is holding the portable electronic device (100), that is, the direction in which the portable electronic device (100) is facing. For example, considering that the front side of the portable electronic device (100) is mostly facing the user (200), the processor (350) can set the vertical plane (240) to be perpendicular to the direction in which the rear side of the portable electronic device (100) is facing.

[0064] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing paths (611, 621, 631, 641, 651) on a vertical plane (240) according to the motion of a portable electronic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0065] Motion of the portable electronic device (100) may occur as the user (200) moves the portable electronic device (100). Motion of the portable electronic device (100) may be the movement of the portable electronic device (100) on a vertical plane (240). Paths (611, 621, 631, 641, 651) may be formed according to the motion of the portable electronic device (100). The processor (350) of the portable electronic device (100) may detect paths (611, 621, 631, 641, 651) on the vertical plane (240) according to the motion of the portable electronic device (100) using an inertial measurement unit sensor (320).

[0066] Various situations (610, 620, 630, 640, 650) may occur depending on the motion of the portable electronic device (100). Various paths (611, 621, 631, 641, 651) may be formed depending on the situations (610, 620, 630, 640, 650). The motion of the portable electronic device (100) may include one-dimensional motion and two-dimensional motion.

[0067] One-dimensional motion may include linear motion. For example, one-dimensional motion may include linear motion forming a vertical straight path (621) in a second situation (620). For example, one-dimensional motion may include linear motion forming a horizontal straight path (621) in a third situation (630).

[0068] The two-dimensional motion may include at least one of circular motion, zigzag motion, polygonal motion, and curved motion. For example, the two-dimensional motion may include circular motion forming a circular path (611) in the first situation (610). For example, the two-dimensional motion may include zigzag motion forming a zigzag path (641) in the fourth situation (640). For example, the two-dimensional motion may include curved motion forming a curved path (651) in the fifth situation (650).

[0069] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a plurality of positions (711, 712, 713, 714) on a path (710) according to motion of a portable electronic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0070] The processor (350) of the portable electronic device (100) can set multiple locations (711, 712, 713, 714) so ​​as to be able to acquire phase information of a signal at specified travel distances or at specified periods on the path (710). For example, the processor (350) can acquire phase information whenever the portable electronic device (100) moves by a specified travel distance. For example, the processor (350) can acquire phase information at specified periods. The processor (350) can set the location of the portable electronic device (100) at the time of acquiring phase information to multiple locations (711, 712, 713, 714). Accordingly, the processor (350) can set multiple locations (711, 712, 713, 714) as needed to acquire phase information of a signal on the path (710). In particular, since the accuracy of the angle of receiving the signal is determined according to the accuracy of the estimation of the movement of the portable electronic device (100), the processor (350) can precisely estimate the motion of the portable electronic device (100) to obtain accurate phase information.

[0071] The processor (350) can obtain phase information of a signal at each of a plurality of locations (711, 712, 713, 714) on the path (710). The processor (350) can obtain the phase of a signal received from each of a plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230) at each of the plurality of locations (711, 712, 713, 714) using a communication circuit (330). For example, the processor (350) can obtain information that the signal received from the first external electronic device (210) at the first location (711) has a phase of 30 degrees. For example, the processor (350) can obtain information that the signal received from the first external electronic device (210) at the second location (712) has a phase of 45 degrees.

[0072] The processor (350) can obtain the pose of the portable electronic device (100) at each of the plurality of locations (711, 712, 713, 714) on the path (710). The pose of the portable electronic device (100) may include direction information in which the portable electronic device (100) is facing. The pose of the portable electronic device (100) may include orientation information of the portable electronic device (100). Based on the pose of the portable electronic device (100) obtained at each of the plurality of locations (711, 712, 713, 714), the processor (350) can more accurately track the motion of the portable electronic device (100) on the vertical plane (240).

[0073] For example, the processor (350) can obtain information regarding the position of the portable electronic device (100), the phase of the signal received from each of the plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230), and the distance between the plurality of positions (711, 712, 713, 714) as shown in Table 1 below.

[0074]

[0075] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the distance difference of signals received from each of a plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230) at each of a plurality of locations (711, 712, 713) by a portable electronic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] A processor (350) of a portable electronic device (100) can receive a signal through an antenna (310) at each of a plurality of locations (711, 712, 713). The processor (350) can calculate the distance (d) between the plurality of locations (711, 712, 713). The processor (350) can obtain information related to the angle of incidence (θ) of the signal received at each of the plurality of locations (711, 712, 713). The processor (350) can calculate the distance (d) between the plurality of locations (711, 712, 713) based on the angle of incidence (θ) of the signal received at each of the plurality of locations (711, 712, 713). The processor (350) can determine the distance (d) between multiple locations (711, 712, 713) as the travel distance (d) of the portable electronic device (100). The processor (350) can calculate the location of each of the multiple external electronic devices (210, 220, 230) based on the travel distance (d) of the portable electronic device (100).

[0077] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing phase information (φ1, φ2, φ3) of a signal received by a portable electronic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure from each of a plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230) at each of a plurality of locations (711, 712, 713).

[0078] The processor (350) of the portable electronic device (100) can obtain phase information (φ1, φ2, φ3) of a signal received at each of the plurality of locations (711, 712, 713). Based on the phase information (φ1, φ2, φ3), the processor (350) can identify the phase difference (e.g., the difference between the first phase (φ1) and the second phase (φ2)) of the signal received at each of the plurality of locations (711, 712, 713) as the portable electronic device (100) moves along the path (710).

[0079] The processor (350) can identify the phase difference of the signal received at each of the multiple locations (711, 712, 713) according to the following mathematical formula 1.

[0080]

[0081] In Equation 1, φ may be the phase difference of the signal received at each of the multiple positions (711, 712, 713). In Equation 1, d may be the travel distance of the portable electronic device (100). In Equation 1, λ may be the wavelength of the signal. In Equation 1, θ may be the angle of incidence of the signal.

[0082] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the arrival angles (θ1, θ2, θ3) of signals received from each of a plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230) by a portable electronic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0083] The arrival angles (θ1, θ2, θ3) may be the angles formed by a signal from each of the plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230) toward the portable electronic device (100) with the vertical plane (240). For example, the first arrival angle (θ1) may be the angle formed by a signal from the first external electronic device (210) toward the portable electronic device (100) with the vertical plane (240). For example, the second arrival angle (θ2) may be the angle formed by a signal from the second external electronic device (220) toward the portable electronic device (100) with the vertical plane (240). For example, the third arrival angle (θ3) may be the angle formed by a signal from the third external electronic device (230) toward the portable electronic device (100) with the vertical plane (240). The angle of arrival (θ1, θ2, θ3) may be the angle at which a signal received by a portable electronic device (100) is incident on a vertical plane (240).

[0084] For example, the processor (350) can obtain the arrival angles (θ1, θ2, θ3) of signals received from each of the multiple external electronic devices (210, 220, 230) based on the phase information of signals received from each of the multiple external electronic devices (210, 220, 230) at each of the multiple locations (711, 712, 713, 714) as shown in Table 2 below.

[0085]

[0086] The processor (350) can select the first external electronic device (210) with the smallest angle of arrival among the plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230). The processor (350) can select the first external electronic device (210) located in the direction most perpendicular from the vertical plane (240). The processor (350) can identify the first external electronic device (210) to be connected to the portable electronic device (100) in an environment where the plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230) exist.

[0087] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing detailed modules within a processor (350) of a portable electronic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure and information processed by the processor (350). A processor (350) according to one embodiment may include a pose tracking module (1110), a signal phase measurement module (1120), and an angle estimation module (1130).

[0088] The pose tracking module (1110) can receive acceleration information and gyroscope information from the inertial measurement unit sensor (320). The acceleration information and gyroscope information may include information related to the motion of the portable electronic device (100). The pose tracking module (1110) can track the pose of the portable electronic device (100). The pose tracking module (1110) can transmit the tracked pose of the portable electronic device (100) to the angle estimation module (1130).

[0089] The antenna (310) can receive signals from a plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230). The signals received by the antenna (310) may include at least one of a Wi-Fi signal and a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signal. The antenna (310) can transmit the received signals to a communication circuit (330). The communication circuit (330) can convert the received signals so that they can be processed by a processor (350). The communication circuit (330) can transmit the converted signals to a signal phase measurement module (1120).

[0090] The signal phase measurement module (1120) can receive a converted signal from the communication circuit (330). The signal phase measurement module (1120) can obtain phase information from the converted signal. The phase information may include the phase difference of each of the plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230). The signal phase measurement module (1120) can transmit the obtained phase information to the angle estimation module (1130).

[0091] The angle estimation module (1130) can receive a pose from the pose tracking module (1110). The angle estimation module (1130) can receive phase information from the signal phase measurement module (1120). The angle estimation module (1130) can estimate the angle of arrival when receiving a signal based on the pose and phase information.

[0092] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating in detail a control method for a portable electronic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0093] In operation 1210, a portable electronic device (100) according to one embodiment may receive a broadcasting signal from each of a plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230). Each of the plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230) may transmit a signal to the portable electronic device (100). The signal transmitted by the plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230) may be a broadcasting signal that informs the portable electronic device (100) of at least one of the presence of the plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230), the state of the plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230), and whether the plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230) can be paired. The plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230) may continuously output a broadcasting signal.

[0094] In operation 1220, motion of a portable electronic device (100) according to one embodiment may occur. The portable electronic device (100) may be moved by a user (200). The processor (350) of the portable electronic device (100) may track the motion of the portable electronic device (100) on a vertical plane (240).

[0095] In operation 1230, a portable electronic device (100) according to one embodiment can obtain acceleration information and angular acceleration information of the portable electronic device (100) through an inertial measurement unit sensor (320). A processor (350) of the portable electronic device (100) can obtain acceleration information and angular acceleration information of the portable electronic device (100) on a vertical plane (240).

[0096] In operation 1240, a portable electronic device (100) according to one embodiment can identify the pose of the portable electronic device (100) based on acceleration information and angular acceleration information. The processor (350) of the portable electronic device (100) can perform a motion tracking algorithm in the pose tracking module (1110) using acceleration information and angular acceleration information as inputs. The processor (350) can derive the position of the portable electronic device (100) and the orientation of the portable electronic device (100) by performing the motion tracking algorithm.

[0097] In operation 1250, a portable electronic device (100) according to one embodiment can acquire phase information including the phase difference of each of a plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230). A signal received from each of the plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230) may have a phase difference due to the distance traveled. A processor (350) of the portable electronic device (100) can derive the phase difference through a signal phase measurement module (1120). The processor (350) can map the phase information and the pose according to time. The processor (350) can perform a direction estimation algorithm using the mapping result as input. The direction estimation algorithm may include arrival phase difference technology.

[0098] In operation 1260, a portable electronic device (100) according to one embodiment can calculate the angle of arrival of a broadcasting signal based on phase information and pose. A processor (350) of the portable electronic device (100) can calculate the angle formed by a plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230) and the portable electronic device (100) based on the motion of a user.

[0099] In operation 1270, a portable electronic device (100) according to one embodiment may select a first external electronic device (210) having the smallest angle of arrival among a plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230). A processor (350) of the portable electronic device (100) may perform the same analysis operation on the detected plurality of surrounding external electronic devices (210, 220, 230). As a result of the analysis, the processor (350) may determine the first external electronic device (210) having the smallest angle of arrival as a specific external electronic device that the user (200) wishes to connect.

[0100] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, operations 1210 to 1270 of FIG. 12 may be performed by a portable electronic device (100). According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one of operations 1210 to 1270 of FIG. 12 may be omitted. Additionally or alternatively, one or more operations not shown in FIG. 12 may be additionally performed to control the portable electronic device (100). According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the order of at least some of operations 1210 to 1270 of FIG. 12 may be changed.

[0101] The present disclosure aims to provide a technology that enables the implementation of Phase Difference of Arrival (PDoA) technology in a portable electronic device having a single antenna, thereby detecting the motion of the portable electronic device and easily selecting an external electronic device to be connected.

[0102] A portable electronic device (100) for recognizing an external electronic device according to the present disclosure comprises: an antenna (310); an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor (320); a communication circuit (330); and a memory (340) for storing at least one instruction. and includes at least one processor (350), wherein the at least one processor (350), by executing the at least one instruction individually or in combination, the portable electronic device (100) tracks the motion of the portable electronic device (100) on a vertical plane (240) formed between the portable electronic device (100) and a plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230) using the inertial measurement unit sensor (320), obtains phase information of a signal received by the portable electronic device (100) from the plurality of external electronic devices at a plurality of locations on the path of the motion, detects the location of each of the plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230) based on the phase information obtained at the plurality of locations (210, 220, 230), and the arrival of the signal transmitted to the portable electronic device (100) among the plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230). You can select the first external electronic device (210) with the smallest angle.

[0103] In one embodiment, the vertical plane (240) may be a virtual plane orthogonal to a virtual straight line connecting the portable electronic device and one of the plurality of external electronic devices.

[0104] In one embodiment, the motion includes a one-dimensional motion and a two-dimensional motion, the one-dimensional motion includes a linear motion, and the two-dimensional motion may include at least one of a circular motion, a zigzag motion, a polygonal motion, and a curved motion.

[0105] In one embodiment, the at least one processor (350) may set the plurality of locations so that the portable electronic device (100) can acquire the phase information of the signal at specified distances or at specified intervals on the path by executing the at least one instruction individually or in combination.

[0106] In one embodiment, the at least one processor (350) can enable the portable electronic device (100) to identify the phase difference of the signal received at each of the plurality of locations as the portable electronic device (100) moves along the path based on the phase information by executing the at least one instruction individually or in combination.

[0107] In one embodiment, the angle of arrival may be the angle formed by a signal directed from each of the plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230) toward the portable electronic device (100) with the vertical plane.

[0108] In one embodiment, the at least one processor (350) may include a pose tracking module (1110) that receives acceleration information and gyroscope information from the inertial measurement unit sensor (320) and tracks the pose of the portable electronic device (100).

[0109] In one embodiment, the at least one processor (350) may include a signal phase measurement module (1120) that receives the signal from the communication circuit (330) and obtains the phase information including the phase difference of each of the plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230).

[0110] In one embodiment, the at least one processor (350) may include an angle estimation module (1130) that estimates the angle of arrival when receiving the signal based on the pose and the phase information.

[0111] In one embodiment, the signal may include a broadcasting signal that informs the portable electronic device of at least one of the presence of the plurality of external electronic devices, the status of the plurality of external electronic devices, and whether the plurality of external electronic devices can be paired.

[0112] A control method for a portable electronic device that recognizes an external electronic device according to the present disclosure may include: tracking the motion of the portable electronic device on a vertical plane formed between the portable electronic device and a plurality of external electronic devices using an inertial measurement unit sensor; acquiring phase information of a signal received by the portable electronic device from the plurality of external electronic devices at a plurality of locations on the path of the motion; detecting the location of each of the plurality of external electronic devices based on the phase information acquired at the plurality of locations; and selecting a first external electronic device among the plurality of external electronic devices that has the smallest angle of arrival of the signal transmitted to the portable electronic device.

[0113] In one embodiment, the vertical plane may be a virtual plane orthogonal to a virtual straight line connecting the portable electronic device and one of the plurality of external electronic devices.

[0114] In one embodiment, the motion includes a one-dimensional motion and a two-dimensional motion, the one-dimensional motion includes a linear motion, and the two-dimensional motion may include at least one of a circular motion, a zigzag motion, a polygonal motion, and a curved motion.

[0115] In one embodiment, the operation of acquiring the phase information of the signal at the plurality of locations may include the operation of setting the plurality of locations so that the phase information of the signal can be acquired at a specified distance or at a specified period along the path.

[0116] In one embodiment, the operation of detecting the position of each of the plurality of external electronic devices based on the phase information may include the operation of identifying the phase difference of the signal received at each of the plurality of positions as the portable electronic device moves along the path based on the phase information.

[0117] In one embodiment, the angle of arrival may be the angle formed by a signal directed from each of the plurality of external electronic devices toward the portable electronic device with the vertical plane.

[0118] In one embodiment, the operation of tracking the motion of the portable electronic device on the vertical plane may include the operation of identifying the pose of the portable electronic device based on acceleration information and angular acceleration information.

[0119] In one embodiment, the operation of acquiring the phase information may include receiving the signal and acquiring the phase information including the phase difference of each of the plurality of external electronic devices.

[0120] In one embodiment, the operation of selecting the first external electronic device having the smallest angle of arrival may include the operation of estimating the angle of arrival when receiving the signal based on the pose and the phase information.

[0121] In one embodiment, the operation of acquiring phase information of the signal may include receiving a broadcasting signal from each of the plurality of external electronic devices that informs the portable electronic device of at least one of the presence of the plurality of external electronic devices, the state of the plurality of external electronic devices, and whether the plurality of external electronic devices can be paired.

[0122] According to the present disclosure, a phase difference technology can be applied by calculating the phase of signals received from a plurality of external electronic devices without placing an actual array antenna in a portable electronic device. Accordingly, in a portable electronic device having a single antenna, the location of each of a plurality of external electronic devices placed in the vicinity can be accurately identified by utilizing the technology implemented in a system where an array antenna is placed.

[0123] According to the present disclosure, a portable electronic device can easily select an external electronic device to be connected to, even in an environment where multiple external electronic devices exist. Accordingly, it may be convenient for a user to control, operate, or use the external electronic device through the portable electronic device.

[0124] A method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented in the form of program instructions that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, etc., either alone or in combination. The program instructions recorded on the medium may be those specifically designed and configured for the present disclosure, or may be those known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes; optical recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs; magneto-optical media such as floptical disks; and hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, and flash memory. Examples of program instructions include machine code, such as that generated by a compiler, as well as high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc.

[0125] Some embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as program modules executed by a computer. A computer-readable medium may be any available medium accessible by a computer and includes both volatile and non-volatile media, and both removable and non-removable media. Additionally, a computer-readable medium may include both computer storage media and communication media. A computer storage medium includes both volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented by any method or technique for storing information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. A communication medium typically includes computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data of modulated data signals such as carrier waves, or other transmission mechanisms, and includes any information transmission medium. Additionally, some embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented as a computer program or computer program product containing computer-executable instructions, such as a computer program executed by a computer.

[0126] 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.

[0127] 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.

[0128] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to limited examples and drawings, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications from the description above. For example, appropriate results can be achieved even if the described techniques are performed in a different order than described, and / or components such as the described computer system or module are combined or assembled in a form different from described, or replaced or substituted by other components or equivalents.

Claims

1. In a portable electronic device (100) that recognizes an external electronic device, Antenna (310); Inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor (320); Communication circuit (330); Memory (340) for storing at least one instruction; and It includes at least one processor (350), The above at least one processor (350) executes the above at least one instruction individually or in combination, thereby the portable electronic device (100), Using the above-mentioned inertial measurement unit sensor (320), the motion of the portable electronic device (100) on a vertical plane (240) formed between the portable electronic device (100) and a plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230) is tracked, and At multiple locations on the path of the motion, the portable electronic device (100) obtains phase information of a signal received from the multiple external electronic devices, and Based on the phase information obtained at the plurality of locations, the location of each of the plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230) is detected, and A portable electronic device (100) that selects the first external electronic device (210) among the plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230) having the smallest angle of arrival of the signal transmitted to the portable electronic device (100).

2. In Paragraph 1, The above vertical plane (240) is a virtual plane that is orthogonal to a virtual straight line connecting the portable electronic device and one of the plurality of external electronic devices, the portable electronic device (100).

3. In Paragraph 1 or 2, The above motion is, Includes 1D motion and 2D motion, The above one-dimensional motion includes linear motion, and A portable electronic device (100) wherein the above two-dimensional motion includes at least one of circular motion, zigzag motion, polygonal motion, and curved motion.

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, The above at least one processor (350) executes the above at least one instruction individually or in combination, thereby the portable electronic device (100), A portable electronic device (100) configured to set the plurality of locations so as to acquire the phase information of the signal at each specified distance or period along the above path.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, The above at least one processor (350) executes the above at least one instruction individually or in combination, thereby the portable electronic device (100), A portable electronic device (100) that identifies the phase difference of the signal received at each of the plurality of locations as the portable electronic device (100) moves along the path based on the above phase information.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, The above angle of arrival is the angle formed by a signal directed from each of the plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230) toward the portable electronic device (100) with the vertical plane, the portable electronic device (100).

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 6, The above at least one processor (350) is, A portable electronic device (100) comprising a pose tracking module (1110) that receives acceleration information and gyroscope information from the inertial measurement unit sensor (320) and tracks the pose of the portable electronic device (100).

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 7, The above at least one processor (350) is, A portable electronic device (100) comprising a signal phase measurement module (1120) that receives the signal from the communication circuit (330) and obtains the phase information including the phase difference of each of the plurality of external electronic devices (210, 220, 230).

9. In Paragraph 7, The above at least one processor (350) is, A portable electronic device (100) comprising an angle estimation module (1130) that estimates the angle of arrival when receiving the signal based on the pose and phase information.

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 9, A portable electronic device (100), wherein the signal includes a broadcasting signal that informs the portable electronic device of at least one of the existence of the plurality of external electronic devices, the state of the plurality of external electronic devices, and whether the plurality of external electronic devices can be paired.

11. A method for controlling a portable electronic device that recognizes an external electronic device, An operation of tracking the motion of the portable electronic device on a vertical plane formed between the portable electronic device and a plurality of external electronic devices using an inertial measurement unit sensor; An operation in which the portable electronic device acquires phase information of a signal received from the plurality of external electronic devices at a plurality of locations on the path of the above motion; An operation of detecting the position of each of the plurality of external electronic devices based on the phase information obtained at the plurality of locations; and A method comprising the operation of selecting a first external electronic device among the plurality of external electronic devices having the smallest angle of arrival of the signal transmitted to the portable electronic device.

12. In Paragraph 11, The operation of acquiring the phase information of the signal at the plurality of locations is, A method comprising the operation of setting the plurality of positions so as to be able to acquire the phase information of the signal at each specified distance or period along the above path.

13. In Paragraph 11 or 12, The operation of detecting the position of each of the plurality of external electronic devices based on the above phase information is, A method comprising identifying the phase difference of the signal received at each of the plurality of locations as the portable electronic device moves along the path based on the above phase information.

14. In any one of paragraphs 11 to 13, The operation of tracking the motion of the portable electronic device on the above vertical plane is, A method comprising an operation to identify the pose of the portable electronic device based on acceleration information and angular acceleration information.

15. In any one of paragraphs 11 to 14, The operation of acquiring the above-mentioned phase information is, A method comprising the operation of receiving the above signal and acquiring the phase information including the phase difference of each of the plurality of external electronic devices.

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