METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR WIRELESS CONNECTION BETWEEN ELECTRONIC DEVICES

A method and an apparatus for supporting a wireless connection between an electronic device and an external device are provided. An electronic device includes a microphone; a wireless communication circuit; a display; a memory configured to store instructions; and a processor operatively connected to the microphone, the wireless communication circuit, the display, and the memory, wherein the processor is configured to execute the instructions to: detect a trigger for a wireless connection to an external device; based on the detection of the trigger, search for the external device by using the wireless communication circuit; control the display to display a guide related to proximity between the electronic device and the external device; based on detecting that the electronic device and the external device are within a designated range from each other, acquire an external signal through the microphone by performing a designated operation with the external device; perform authentication for the wireless connection to the external device, based on the acquired external signal; and based on a result of the authentication, configure the wireless connection to the external device via the wireless communication circuit.

BACKGROUND

The disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus for supporting a wireless connection between an electronic device of the disclosure and an external device.

2. Description of Related Art

With the recent development of digital technology, various types of electronic devices such as a mobile communication terminal, a smartphone, a tablet, a personal computer (PC), a notebook, or a wearable device are widely used. In order to support and increase functions of the electronic devices, hardware parts and/or software parts of the electronic devices are continuously being researched and developed.

An electronic device may transmit or receive data through a wireless (e.g., Bluetooth communication) connection (e.g., pairing) with an external device. For example, in Bluetooth communication, a device that requests and manages a connection is called a master, and a device that accepts a connection request from the master and conforms to the master's connection management is called a slave.

According to a pairing method for performing mutual interworking and operation in electronic devices in the related art, when an electronic device scans nearby external devices based on a user's menu manipulation and provides the user with approximate information (e.g., device names and device identification information) related to the multiple scanned external devices in the form of a list, the user predicts and selects a target device based on the approximate information in the list. For example, the user searches for nearby devices by using the electronic device, selects a device, to which the electronic device is to be connected, from a list of the found devices, and performs user confirmation based on a designated authentication method with the selected device, and then may connect the electronic device to the selected device.

A related art method for a wireless connection between an electronic device and an external device may cause inconvenience in a user's connection manipulation, may not provide the user with intuitiveness of a target device, and may select an uncertain connection target.

SUMMARY

Provided are a method and an apparatus that may allow a user to more intuitively specify an external device and wirelessly connect an electronic device to the corresponding external device.

Further, provided are a method and an apparatus that may provide, during a wireless connection between an electronic device and an external device, authentication between the devices by using sound wave data.

Further still, provided are a method and an apparatus that may support, when making a wireless connection between an electronic device and an external device, a simpler and more intuitive connection between the devices by using a user's voice and/or a designated frequency signal.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, an electronic device includes: a microphone; a wireless communication circuit; a display; a memory configured to store instructions; and a processor operatively connected to the microphone, the wireless communication circuit, the display, and the memory, wherein the processor is configured to execute the instructions to: detect a trigger for a wireless connection to an external device; based on the detection of the trigger, search for the external device by using the wireless communication circuit; control the display to display a guide related to proximity between the electronic device and the external device; based on detecting that the electronic device and the external device are within a designated range from each other, acquire an external signal through the microphone by performing a designated operation with the external device; perform authentication for the wireless connection to the external device, based on the acquired external signal; and based on a result of the authentication, configure the wireless connection to the external device via the wireless communication circuit.

The processor may be further configured to execute the instructions to: based on the detection of the trigger, control the display to display a first user interface related to proximity between devices; and control the wireless communication circuit to transmit a service initiation request which instructs the external device to execute the designated operation, wherein the designated operation includes turning on a microphone of the external device, and the service initiation request includes at least one address information of the electronic device, service initiation information, and external signal reception standby indication information.

The processor may be further configured to execute the instructions to: monitor a degree of proximity to the external device by using the wireless communication circuit; and identify that the external device and the electronic device are within the designated range from each other based on a result of the monitoring indicating that signal reception sensitivity of the electronic device and the external device reaches a designated threshold.

The processor may be further configured to execute the instructions to: based on detecting that the electronic device and the external device are within the designated range from each other, control the display to display a second user interface related to a user audio input; control a microphone related to the designated operation to be activated with the displaying of the second user interface; and receive an audio signal input through the microphone.

The processor may be further configured to execute the instructions to: acquire first authentication data based on the audio signal; acquire, from the external device, second authentication data acquired based on the audio signal; and perform the authentication for the wireless connection between the electronic device and the external device, based on data consistency between the first authentication data and the second authentication data.

The electronic device may include a speaker, and the processor may be further configured to execute the instructions to output a first designated frequency signal to the external device through the speaker, based on detecting that the electronic device and the external device are within the designated range from each other.

The processor may be further configured to execute the instructions to: based on detecting that the electronic device and the external device are within the designated range from each other, control the display to display a third user interface indicating that authentication is being performed with the external device; control a speaker related to the designated operation to be activated with the displaying of the third user interface; encode a first authentication code in the first designated frequency signal and output the first designated frequency signal to the external device through the speaker; acquire a second designated frequency signal from the external device through the microphone, the second designated frequency signal including a second authentication code acquired based on the first designated frequency signal; and perform the authentication for the wireless connection between the electronic device and the external device, based on data consistency between the first authentication code and the second authentication code.

The external signal may include at least one of a user voice signal and a frequency signal using a speaker.

The processor may be further configured execute the instructions to: based on the detection of the trigger, search for nearby candidate external devices by using the wireless communication circuit; control the display to display objects related to the electronic device and the found candidate external devices through the first user interface; control the display to display distinguishably the candidate external devices in the first user interface, based on signal reception sensitivity of the found candidate external devices; determine a nearest candidate external device, among the candidate external devices, to be a target external device to be connected; and control the display to display objects related to the electronic device and the target external device in the first user interface, based on the determination of the target external device.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, an operation method of an electronic device, includes: detecting a trigger for a wireless connection to an external device; based on the detecting of the trigger, searching for the external device by using a wireless communication circuit; displaying, through a display, a guide related to proximity between the electronic device and the external device; based on detecting that the electronic device and the external device are within a designated range from each other, acquiring an external signal through a microphone by performing a designated operation with the external device; performing authentication for the wireless connection to the external device, based on the acquired external signal; and based on a result of the authentication, configuring the wireless connection to the external device by using the wireless communication circuit.

The displaying the guide may include: based on the detecting of the trigger, displaying a first user interface related to proximity between devices; and transmitting, by using the wireless communication circuit, a service initiation request which instructs the external device to execute the designated operation, the designated operation may include activating on a microphone of the external device, and the service initiation request may include at least one of address information of the electronic device, service initiation information, and external signal reception standby indication information.

The method may further include: monitoring a degree of proximity to the external device by using the wireless communication circuit; and identifying that the external device and the electronic device are within the designated range from each other based on a result of the monitoring indicating that signal reception sensitivity of the electronic device and the external device reaches a designated threshold.

The designated operation may include: displaying a second user interface related to a user audio input, based on detecting that the electronic device and the external device are within the designated range from each other; controlling a microphone related to the designated operation to be activated with the displaying of the second user interface; and receiving an audio signal externally through the microphone.

The performing of the authentication may include: acquiring first authentication data based on the audio signal; acquiring, from the external device, second authentication data acquired based on the audio signal; and performing the authentication for the wireless connection between the electronic device and the external device, based on data consistency between the first authentication data and the second authentication data.

The performing of the authentication may include: based on detecting that the electronic device and the external device are within the designated range from each other, displaying a third user interface indicating that authentication is being performed with the external device; controlling a speaker related to the designated operation to be turned on with the displaying of the third user interface; encoding a first authentication code in a first designated frequency signal and outputting the first designated frequency signal to the external device through the speaker; acquiring a second designated frequency signal from the external device through the microphone, the second designated frequency signal including a second authentication code acquired based on the first designated frequency signal; and performing the authentication for the wireless connection between the electronic device and the external device, based on data consistency between the first authentication code and the second authentication code.

An electronic device and an operation method thereof, according to one or more embodiments, may allow a user to intuitively specify a desired external device when making a wireless connection between the electronic device and the external device, thereby providing intuitiveness of a device to be connected. According to one or more embodiments, at the time of a wireless connection between the electronic device and an external device, sound wave data may be used to provide authentication between the devices, thereby providing convenience in the user's wireless connection while enhancing security. According to one or more embodiments, when making a wireless connection between the electronic device and the external device, a simpler and more intuitive connection between the devices may be supported by using a user's voice and/or a designated frequency signal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1illustrates an electronic device101in a network environment100according to an embodiment.

The program140may be stored in the memory130as software, and may include an operating system (OS)142, middleware144, or an application146.

The input device150may receive a command or data to be used by another component (e.g., the processor120) of the electronic device101, from the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device101, and may include a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

The sound output device155may output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device101and may include a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as playing multimedia or playing record, and the receiver may be used for incoming calls and may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the speaker.

The audio module170may convert a sound into an electrical signal and vice versa, and may obtain the sound via the input device150, or output the sound via the sound output device155or a headphone of an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device102) directly (e.g., over wires) or wirelessly coupled with the electronic device101.

The interface177may support one or more specified protocols to be used for the electronic device101to be coupled with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device102) directly (e.g., over wires) or wirelessly, and may include a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

A connecting terminal178may include a connector via which the electronic device101may be physically connected with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device102), and may include a HDMI connector, a USB connector, a SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

The haptic module179may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., a vibration or a movement) or electrical stimulus which may be recognized by a user via his tactile sensation or kinesthetic sensation, and may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulator.

The camera module180may capture a still image or moving images and may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

The power management module188may manage power supplied to the electronic device101, and may be implemented as at least part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

The battery189may supply power to at least one component of the electronic device101, and may include a primary cell which is not rechargeable, a secondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell.

The wireless communication module192may identify and authenticate the electronic device101in a communication network, such as the first network198or the second network199, using subscriber information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module card196.

Commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device101and the external electronic device104via the server108coupled with the second network199. Each of the electronic devices102and104may be a device of a same type as, or a different type, from the electronic device101.

The electronic device101according to embodiments may be one of various types of electronic devices, such as a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance. However, the electronic devices are not limited to those described above.

It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technological features set forth herein to particular embodiments and include various changes, equivalents, or replacements for a corresponding embodiment. With regard to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. It is to be understood that a singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the things, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

FIG.2illustrates an example in which an electronic device according to various embodiments is wirelessly connected to an external device.

Referring toFIG.2, a user may use the electronic device101to connect designated wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth communication or Wi-Fi communication) with another surrounding electronic device260,265,270,275,280, or285(hereinafter, referred to as “external device201”) (e.g., pairing). According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may include various devices, such as a first electronic device210(e.g., a smartphone), a second electronic device215(e.g., a wearable device), a third electronic device220(e.g., a digital camera or a smart camera), a fourth electronic device225(e.g., a notebook), and/or a fifth electronic device230(e.g., TV or a display device), capable of identifying an external device201and capable of being wirelessly connected to the external device201. According to an embodiment, the external device201may include various devices, such as a first external device260(e.g., a smartphone), a second external device265(e.g., a wearable device), a third external device270(e.g., a digital camera or a smart camera), a fourth external device275(e.g., a notebook), a fifth external device280(e.g., TV or a display device), and/or a sixth external device285(e.g., an audio device (e.g., an external speaker or an artificial intelligent (AI) speaker)), capable of being wirelessly connected to the electronic device101.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may identify the external device201and perform wireless connection (e.g., pairing) with the identified external device201. In an embodiment, identifying the external device201may be determining whether there is the external device201that transmits a response corresponding to a request from the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, making a connection between the electronic device101and the external device201may imply, for example, that the electronic device101and the external device201are wirelessly connected to each other, or that the electronic device101or the external device201performs configuration for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may identify the type of the external device201based on identification information (e.g., device ID and/or address Information) of the external device201, acquired through a value carried in an advertising packet in an advertising operation before a connection to the external device201. For example, the electronic device101may acquire identification information based on an advertising response (or a response message) of the external device201, and may distinguish, based on the identification information related to the external device201, the type of the external device201(e.g., a smartphone, a wearable device, a camera, a notebook, TV, a display device, and/or an audio device).

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may simplify an operation for a wireless connection compared to the wireless connection method of the related art. For example, even when the electronic device101does not pre-register various types of information (e.g., identification information and authentication information) about the external device201to be connected, the electronic device101may easily specify the external device201to be connected, and may provide an easy connection with the external device201while maintaining security.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101and the external device201may perform a connection therebetween by using voice-based device authentication when being connected to each other for the first time. According to an embodiment, in the prior art, at the time of a wireless connection (e.g., Bluetooth connection) between devices, a target device may be found and connected according to a given manual in a state in which a user does not understand a wireless connection target device (e.g., the external device201), and the connection may be performed through a confirmation (e.g., pin number input) operation based on the user's manual input in both devices.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101and/or the external device201may search for candidate devices based on detecting of a trigger related to a wireless connection, and may identify a target device by identifying a designated priority among the found candidate devices. In an embodiment, the trigger may include, for example, being worn on a user's body of the electronic device101and/or the external device201, executing an application related to a wireless connection configuration (setup), and/or a user input (e.g., a touch, a gesture, an air gesture, and/or a voice command). In an embodiment, the designated priority may include a criterion for determining a connection target device. For example, the priority may be determined based on signal reception sensitivity (e.g., a received signal strength indicator (RSSI)) between the electronic device101and the external device201.

According to an embodiment, when the electronic device101identifies the external device201as a target device, the electronic device101may make (or establish) a wireless connection to the external device201(connection establishment) (e.g., perform an operation before substantial connection (e.g., pairing)), and in a state in which the wireless connection is established (e.g., a state in which a wireless link before pairing is established), may provide a guide (e.g., a first guide or a proximity induction guide) for inducing (or instructing) the electronic device101and the external device201to be moved so as to be in proximity to each other within a designated distance range. In an embodiment, the designated distance range may indicate a degree to which the electronic device101and the external device201are in proximity to each other, and may include, for example, a distance at which the electronic device101and the external device201are capable of receiving (or inputting) the user's voice substantially (almost) simultaneously. In an embodiment, for example, the guide for inducing proximity within the designated distance range may be provided visually (e.g., a user interface or GUI) through a display (e.g., the display device160inFIG.1), may be provided acoustically (e.g., sound or voice) through an output device (e.g., the sound output device155inFIG.1), and/or may be provided tactilely (e.g., vibration) through a haptic module (e.g., the haptic module179inFIG.1). An operation of providing a guide, according to an embodiment, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings that will be described later.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101and/or the external device201may detect entering the designated distance range therebetween, and may turn on (or activate) a microphone (e.g., the input device150inFIG.1) based on the entry into the designated distance range. According to an embodiment, one of the electronic device101or the external device201may turn on a speaker (e.g., the sound output device155inFIG.1), and the other device may turn on a microphone (e.g., the input device150inFIG.1). For example, the former case (e.g., both devices turn on microphones) may be an example of an operation to perform a connection based on a user's voice. In another example, the latter case (e.g., one device turns on the speaker, and the other device turns on the microphone) may be an example of an operation in which the device that turns on the speaker performs a connection based on a designated frequency (e.g., an inaudible frequency (or a high frequency) (e.g., about 10 kHz to 300 GHz)). A wireless connection operation between devices, according to an embodiment, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings that will be described later.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101and/or the external device201may provide, based on detecting the entry into the designated distance range therebetween, a guide (e.g., a second guide, an audio input guide, or an authentication guide) for authentication data (or information). In an embodiment, for example, the guide for authentication data may be provided visually through a display (e.g., the display device160inFIG.1), may be provided acoustically through an output device (e.g., the sound output device155inFIG.1), and/or may be provided tactilely through a haptic module (e.g., the haptic module179inFIG.1). An operation of providing a guide, according to an embodiment, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings that will be described later.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101and/or the external device201may perform authentication for wireless connection therebetween based on authentication data acquired from voice or a designated frequency, and may configure a connection (e.g., pairing) based on the authentication result. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101and/or the external device201may use address information of a counterpart device to automatically perform pairing with the counterpart device. In an embodiment, the address information may indicate information required for the electronic device101and the external device201to perform pairing. For example, the address information may include a MAC address and/or an IP address of a device. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101and/or the external device201, for example, may provide address information to a counterpart device by using a packet data unit (PDU) inside an advertising packet in an advertising packet transmission/reception operation. According to an embodiment, an operation of configuring a wireless connection using address information of a device will be described with reference to the drawings that will be described later.

According to an embodiment, after the connection (e.g., pairing) is completed, the electronic device101and/or the external device201may communicate with the counterpart device. In an embodiment, the completion of connection may indicate a state in which data can be transmitted between the electronic device101and the external device201. For example, the electronic device101may control the external device201. In an embodiment, controlling the external device201may imply that the external device201operates based on data transmitted from the electronic device101.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101and/or the external device201may control a paired counterpart device by using an input device. For example, the electronic device101may control the functions (e.g., a channel and volume) of the paired external device201by using the input device of the electronic device101. In an embodiment, the input device may indicate a device capable of receiving an instruction from a user. For example, the input device may include a button, a touch panel, a camera, a microphone, a keyboard, or a mouse of the electronic device101.

FIG.3schematically illustrates elements of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

For example,FIG.3may show an example of elements related to executing (or processing) a function for a wireless connection to an external device201in an electronic device101according to various embodiments. According to an embodiment, the elements of the electronic device101illustrated inFIG.3may be included in the external device201in an identical or similar manner.

Referring toFIG.3, the electronic device101according to an embodiment may include a display310(e.g., the display device160inFIG.1), a wireless communication circuit320(e.g., the wireless communication module192inFIG.1), a microphone370, a speaker380, and a processor120.

According to an embodiment, the display310may visually provide information to a user of the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the display310may include a touch circuit, and may detect a touch input or a hovering input (or proximity input) by measuring, based on the touch circuit, a change in a signal (e.g., voltage, light quantity, resistance, or charge quantity) for a specific position of the display310.

According to an embodiment, the display310may provide (e.g., display), under the control of the processor120, a user interface related to a guide designated in an operation for a wireless connection to the external device201. According to an embodiment, the display310may display a first user interface related to a proximity induction guide, a second user interface related to an audio input guide, and/or a third user interface related to an authentication guide.

According to an embodiment, the wireless communication circuit320may establish a wireless communication channel with the external device201and may support communication using the established communication channel. According to an embodiment, the wireless communication circuit320may include one or more communication circuits for supporting wireless communication. For example, the wireless communication circuit320may include a first communication circuit330and/or a second communication circuit340. According to an embodiment, the first communication circuit330may communicate with the external device201through a first network (e.g., Bluetooth, BLE). According to another embodiment, the second communication circuit340may communicate with the external device201through a second network (e.g., Wi-Fi). According to an embodiment, the first communication circuit330and the second communication circuit340may be integrated into one element (e.g., a single chip), or may be implemented as multiple elements (e.g., multiple chips) separate from each other. According to an embodiment, the processor120may identify and authenticate the external device201within a communication network such as the first network or the second network by using address information of a counterpart device that is acquired through the wireless communication circuit320.

According to an embodiment, the microphone370may transmit an input audio signal (e.g., a voice signal or an inaudible frequency signal) to the processor120. According to an embodiment, the microphone370may receive an external sound signal and may process the same into electrical voice data. In the microphone370, various noise reduction algorithms for removing noise generated in the process of receiving the external sound signal may be implemented. The microphone370may play a role of inputting audio streaming such as a voice command (e.g., a voice command to control wireless connection).

According to an embodiment, the speaker380may output the audio signal (e.g., an audible frequency signal or an inaudible frequency signal) received from the processor120to the outside. According to an embodiment, the speaker380may convert, under control of the processor120, voice/sound data into audible and/or inaudible sound, and may output the audible and/or inaudible sound. According to an embodiment, the speaker380may output audio data received from the wireless communication circuit320or stored in a memory (e.g., the memory130inFIG.1). The speaker380may also output sound signals related to various operations (functions) performed by the electronic device101.

According to an embodiment, the processor120may detect a trigger for a wireless connection to the external device201, and may search, based on the detecting of the trigger, for the external device201by using the wireless communication circuit320. According to an embodiment, the processor120may provide, through the display310, a guide for inducing the electronic device101and the external device201to be in proximity to each other within a designated range. According to an embodiment, when it is detected that the electronic device101and the external device201are in proximity to each other within the designated range, the processor120may perform a designated operation with the external device201to acquire an external signal. According to an embodiment, the processor120may perform, based on the acquired external signal, authentication for a wireless connection to the external device201, and may configure the wireless connection to the external device201, based on the authentication result.

According to an embodiment, the processor120may control the display310to display the first user interface related to a guide for inducing proximity between the devices based on detecting a trigger for wireless connection. According to an embodiment, the processor120may transmit, based on the detecting of the trigger for wireless connection, a service initiation request instructing the external device201to execute a designated operation. According to an embodiment, the designated operation may include an operation of turning on the microphone of the external device201. According to an embodiment, the service initiation request may include address information of the electronic device101, service initiation information, and/or external signal reception standby indication information.

According to an embodiment, the processor120may monitor the degree of proximity to the external device201, and may identify, based on the monitoring result, that the electronic device101and the external device201are in proximity to each other within the designated range when the signal reception sensitivity of the electronic device101and the external device201reaches a designated threshold. According to an embodiment, based on detecting that the electronic device101and the external device201are in proximity to each other within the designated range, the processor120may control the display310to display the second user interface related to a guide for inducing a user's audio input. According to an embodiment, the processor120may control the microphone370related to a designated operation to be turned on with the displaying of the second user interface, and may receive an audio signal (e.g., a voice signal according to a user's utterance) from the outside (e.g., the user) through the microphone370.

According to an embodiment, the processor120may acquire first authentication data, based on the audio signal, and may acquire second authentication data acquired based on the audio signal from the external device201. According to an embodiment, the processor120may perform authentication for a wireless connection between the electronic device101and the external device201, based on the data consistency between the first authentication data and the second authentication data.

According to an embodiment, the processor120may output a first designated frequency signal to the external device201through the speaker380, based on detecting that the electronic device101and the external device201are in proximity to each other within the designated range. According to an embodiment, based on detecting that the electronic device101and the external device201are in proximity to each other within the designated range, the processor120may control the display310to display the third user interface related to a guide indicating that authentication is being performed with the external device201. According to an embodiment, with the displaying of the third user interface, the processor120may control the speaker380related to a designated operation to be turned on, may encode a first authentication code into a designated frequency signal, and may output the designated frequency signal to the external device201through the speaker380. According to an embodiment, the processor120may acquire a second designated frequency signal, which includes a second authentication code acquired based on the first designated frequency signal, from the external device201through the microphone370, and may perform authentication for a wireless connection between the electronic device101and the external device201based on data consistency between the first authentication code and the second authentication code.

According to an embodiment, the external device201may include the elements of the electronic device101illustrated inFIG.3, and may perform operations and/or functions of the corresponding elements.

An electronic device101according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include a microphone (e.g., the input device150inFIG.1or the microphone370inFIG.3), a wireless communication circuit (e.g., the wireless communication module192inFIG.1or the wireless communication circuit320inFIG.3), a display (e.g., the display device160inFIG.1or the display310inFIG.3), a processor120operatively connected to the microphone, the wireless communication circuit, and the display, and a memory130operatively connected to the processor120, wherein the memory130is configured to store instructions which, when executed, cause the processor120to detect a trigger for a wireless connection to an external device201, search, based on the detecting of the trigger, for the external device201by using the wireless communication circuit, provide, through the display310, a guide for inducing the electronic device101and the external device201to be in proximity to each other in a designated range, acquire an external signal through the microphone by performing a designated operation with the external device201when detecting that the electronic device101and the external device201are in proximity to each other within the designated range, perform authentication for the wireless connection to the external device201based on the acquired external signal, and configure, based on the authentication result, the wireless connection to the external device201by using the wireless communication circuit.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the instructions may cause the processor120to control the display310to display, based on the detecting of the trigger, a first user interface related to a guide for inducing proximity between devices.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the instructions may cause the processor120to transmit, based on the detecting of the trigger, a service initiation request, which instructs the external device to execute the designated operation, by using the wireless communication circuit.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the designated operation may include turning on a microphone of the external device, and the service initiation request may include address information of the electronic device, service initiation information, and/or external signal reception standby indication information.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the instructions may cause the processor120to monitor the degree of proximity to the external device by using the wireless communication circuit, and identify (or determine), based on the monitoring result, that the external device is in proximity within the designated range when the signal reception sensitivity of the electronic device and the external device reaches a designated threshold.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the instructions may cause the processor120to control the display310to display, based on detecting that the electronic device and the external device are in proximity to each other within the designated range, a second user interface related to a guide for inducing a user's audio input.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the instructions may cause the processor120to control a microphone related to the designated operation to be turned on with the displaying of the second user interface, and receive an audio signal from the outside through the microphone.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the instructions may cause the processor120to acquire first authentication data based on the audio signal, acquire, from the external device, second authentication data acquired based on the audio signal, and perform authentication for a wireless connection between the electronic device and the external device, based on data consistency between the first authentication data and the second authentication data.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device101may include a speaker (e.g., the sound output device155inFIG.1or the speaker380inFIG.3), and the instructions may cause the processor120to output a first designated frequency signal to the external device through the speaker, based on detecting that the electronic device and the external device are in proximity to each other within the designated range.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the instructions may cause the processor120to control the display310to display, based on detecting that the electronic device and the external device are in proximity to each other within the designated range, a third user interface related to a guide indicating that authentication is being performed with the external device.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the instructions may cause the processor120to control a speaker related to the designated operation to be turned on with the displaying of the third user interface, encode a first authentication code in the first designated frequency signal and output the first designated frequency signal to the external device through the speaker, acquire a second designated frequency signal, including a second authentication code acquired based on the first designated frequency signal, from the external device through the microphone, and perform authentication for a wireless connection between the electronic device and the external device, based on data consistency between the first authentication code and the second authentication code.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the external signal may include a user's voice signal and/or a frequency signal using a speaker.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the instructions may cause the processor120to search, based on the detecting of the trigger, for nearby candidate external devices by using the communication circuit, provide objects related to the electronic device and the found candidate external devices through the first user interface, distinguishably provide the candidate external devices in the first user interface, based on the signal reception sensitivity of the found candidate external devices, determine a nearest candidate external device, among the candidate external devices, to be a target external device to be connected, and provide objects related to the electronic device and the target external device in the first user interface, based on the determination of the target external device.

Hereinafter, an operation method of an electronic device101according to various embodiments will be described in detail. According to various embodiments, operations performed by the electronic device101to be described below may be executed by a processor120including at least one processing circuit of the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the operations performed by the electronic device101may be stored in a memory130, and may be executed by instructions which, when executed, cause the processor120to operate.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device101may include a display310(e.g., the display device160inFIG.1), a wireless communication circuit320, a display310, at least one processor120operatively connected to the wireless communication circuit320, and a memory130operatively connected to the at least one processor120. According to various embodiments, the processor120may perform an operation related to providing a wireless connection between devices by using a learning model trained using an artificial intelligent (AI) algorithm. According to an embodiment, the processor120may use the learning model trained using an artificial intelligent (AI) algorithm to process operations related to detecting of the initiation of a connection service, displaying of a relevant user interface, turn-on control of a relevant element, and/or performing security authentication for a wireless connection. According to an embodiment, the processor120may perform an operation related to provision of a wireless connection between devices by using at least one of, for example, machine learning, neural network, genetic, deep learning, or a classification algorithm as the artificial intelligence algorithm

FIG.4illustrates wireless connection operations between an external device and an electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.4, in operation401, an electronic device101may detect a connection service initiation (or a trigger). According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may identify, based on various user inputs, a trigger related to a wireless connection to an external device201. The user inputs may include, for example, execution of an application related to wireless connection configuration and/or a designated input (e.g., a touch, a gesture, an air gesture, and/or a voice command). According to an embodiment, an example in which a user initiates a connection service by using the electronic device101is illustrated inFIG.5.

In operation403, the external device201may be performing advertising broadcasting. According to an embodiment, a device that requests and manages a connection in Bluetooth (or Bluetooth low energy (BLE)) communication between devices such as the electronic device101and the external device201is called as a master (e.g., the electronic device101inFIG.1orFIG.2), and a device that accepts the master's connection request and complies with a master's connection management is called a slave (e.g., the external device201inFIG.2). For example, a master may indicate a device that initiates and manages a connection, and a slave may indicate a device that accepts a connection request according to timing of the master. In an embodiment, the electronic device101operates as a master and the external device201operates as a slave, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in an embodiment, the external device201may operate as a master and the electronic device101may operate as a slave.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101and the external device201may be grouped into an advertiser and a scanner before Bluetooth communication is connected, and may be grouped into a master and a slave after connection. According to an embodiment, in an advertising operation (e.g., an advertiser and scanner group operation) before a connection between a master (e.g., the electronic device101) and a slave (e.g., the external device201), an advertiser (e.g., the external device201) may advertise (e.g., advertising packet broadcast), and a scanner (e.g., the electronic device101) may search for an advertiser that are advertising through a value included in an advertising packet (e.g., a packet data unit (PDU) in an advertising packet). According to an embodiment, the scanner may acquire identification information (e.g., device ID or address Information) of the advertiser through the advertising packet, and may identify the type of advertiser, based on the identification information. Then, when the advertiser and the scanner switch to a connected state (e.g., connected as the master and the slave), the scanner may switch to a master, and the advertiser may switch to a slave. According to an embodiment, among devices, a device that has relatively little power or requires low power consumption (e.g., smartphones, wearable devices) may function as a slave.

In operation405, the electronic device101may transmit an invitation message to the external device201, based on the detecting of connection service initiation. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may recognize the existence of at least one nearby external device201found in the advertising operation, and may transmit (or broadcast) an invitation message for connection establishment to the at least one external device201. According to an embodiment, the invitation message may be a message through which the electronic device101checks whether the external device201will perform a provisioning procedure (e.g., accept the invitation of the electronic device101).

In operation407, the external device201may receive the invitation message from the electronic device101and may transmit a response message (or a capability message) to the electronic device101in response to the invitation message. According to an embodiment, the response message (or the capability message) may include information indicating whether the external device201supports a wireless connection according to the disclosure, whether the external device201is capable of outputting information to the user, and/or whether the external device201is capable of receiving a value that is input from the user. The information indicating whether the wireless connection according to the disclosure is supported, for example, may include information related to whether the external device201supports an automatic connection based on a voice or using a designated frequency.

In operation409, the electronic device101may receive the response message from the external device201, and may display a first user interface through the display310in response to the reception of the response message. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may provide a user interface related to a guide (e.g., a proximity induction guide) for inducing the electronic device101and the external device201to be in proximity to each other in terms of a distance (or location). According to an embodiment, an example of a user interface related to the proximity induction guide is shown inFIG.6.

In operation411, the electronic device101may monitor the degree of proximity of the external device201. According to an embodiment, the monitoring period may include periodic and/or aperiodic periods. For example, the processor120may periodically and/or aperiodically monitor the degree of proximity of the external device201, but is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may check the degree of proximity to the external device201in parallel or sequentially with operation409, based on detecting the reception of the response message. In an embodiment, the electronic device101may check the degree of proximity to the external device201, based on the signal reception sensitivity (e.g., the RSSI) between the same and the external device201. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may use a sensor such as a proximity sensor (e.g., an IR sensor and/or an ultrasonic sensor) and/or a distance sensor (e.g., a depth sensor and/or a time-of-flight (TOF) sensor) to measure direct distance information, thereby checking information about proximity to the external device201.

In operation413, the electronic device101may identify proximity to the external device201within a designated range. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may determine, based on the monitoring result, the electronic device101and the external device201are in proximity to each other within the designated range when the signal reception sensitivity (e.g., RSSI) between the same and the external device201reaches a designated threshold.

In operation415, the electronic device101may transmit a service initiation request to the external device201. For example, the electronic device101may transmit, to the external device201, a control message including a parameter that instructs the external device201to execute a designated operation (or a specific operation) related to security authentication according to the wireless connection. According to an embodiment, the designated operation may include an operation of turning on a microphone of the external device201, and a specific value defined (or promised in advance) for turning on the microphone may be used as the parameter. According to an embodiment, the control message may include address information of the electronic device101, service initiation information, and/or external signal (e.g., audio signal) reception standby indication information.

In operation417, the electronic device101may display a second user interface through the display310. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device101and the external device201reach an induced distance (or location), the electronic device101may provide a user interface related to a guide (e.g., an audio input guide) that induces an audio input (e.g., user voice utterance). An example of a user interface related to an audio input guide, according to one embodiment, is shown inFIG.7. For example, the electronic device101may continuously guide the proximity induction guide based on the first user interface until the signal reception sensitivity between the same and the external device201reaches a designated threshold (e.g., a first threshold). The electronic device101may provide an audio input guide by switching from the first user interface to the second user interface when the signal reception sensitivity between the same and the external device201reaches the designated threshold. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may control the microphone (e.g., the input device150inFIG.1) to be turned on with the display of the second user interface in parallel, sequentially, or in reverse order, and may wait for an audio input.

In operation419, the external device201may display the second user interface through a display (now shown). According to an embodiment, when the service initiation request is received from the electronic device101, and/or when the electronic device101and the external device201reach the induced distance (or location), the external device201may provide a user interface related to a guide (e.g., an audio input guide) for inducing an audio input (e.g., user voice utterance). According to an embodiment, when the external device201is a device that does not include a display, operation419in which the external device201displays the second user interface may be omitted without being performed. According to an embodiment, when the external device201is a device that does not include a display, a guide related to an audio input may be provided using an output device (e.g., a speaker and/or a haptic module) included in the external device201. For example, the external device201may output a guide related to an audio input as a designated audio signal through a speaker, or may output a guide related to an audio input as a vibration of a designated vibration pattern through a haptic module. When the service initiation request is received, and/or when the signal reception sensitivity with the electronic device101reaches a designated threshold, the external device201may control the microphone (e.g., the input device150inFIG.1) to be turned on, and may wait for the audio input.

In operations421and423, each of the electronic device101and the external device201may receive an external signal. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101and the external device201may receive an audio (e.g., a voice) uttered by the user through respective microphones. For example, in operations421and423, the external signal may include a voice signal that is input through the microphones according to the user's utterance. An example of an operation related to an audio input, according to an embodiment, is illustrated inFIG.8.

In operation425, the electronic device101and the external device201may exchange authentication data. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may transmit, to the external device201, first authentication data acquired (e.g., generated) based on the voice input through the microphone of the electronic device101(e.g., voice information and/or time information acquired by the electronic device101). According to an embodiment, the external device201may transmit, to the electronic device101, second authentication data acquired (e.g., generated) based on the voice input through the microphone of the external device201(e.g., voice information and/or time information acquired by the external device201). According to an embodiment, the first authentication data may include address information of the electronic device101, and the second authentication data may include address information of the external device201. According to an embodiment, the authentication data exchange between the electronic device101and the external device201may be performed by wireless communication (e.g., data packet exchange) in the absence of a connection (e.g., pairing) between the electronic device101and the external device201. According to an embodiment, the authentication data exchange between the electronic device101and the external device201may be performed using designated wireless communication (e.g., BLE) or a designated frequency signal (e.g., an inaudible frequency (or high-frequency) signal).

In operation427, the electronic device101may perform security authentication. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may check data consistency (or data integrity) by using the authentication data of the electronic device101and the authentication data received from the external device201. For example, the electronic device101may confirm the consistency between the data acquired based on the voice input through the microphone of the electronic device101(e.g., first voice information and first time information) (hereinafter referred to as “first authentication data”) and the data acquired from the external device201(e.g., second voice information and second time information) (hereinafter referred to as ‘second authentication data’). According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may check whether the first voice information matches the second voice information, and whether the first time information related to the first voice information (e.g., the time when the first voice information is generated) matches the second time information related to the second voice information (e.g., the time when the second voice information is generated).

In operation429, the external device201may perform security authentication. According to an embodiment, the external device201may check data consistency (or data integrity) by using the authentication data of the external device201and the authentication data received from the electronic device101. For example, the external device201may confirm the consistency of the data acquired based on the voice input through the microphone of the external device201(e.g., the second authentication data) and the data acquired from the electronic device101(e.g., the first authentication data). According to an embodiment, the external device201may check whether the second voice information matches the first voice information, and whether the second time information related to the second voice information matches the first time information related to the first voice information.

In operation431, the electronic device101may transmit a connection request to the external device201. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may transmit a connection request message to the corresponding external device201when the data consistency is normally confirmed (or checked).

In operation433, the external device201may receive the connection request from the electronic device101and transmit a connection response corresponding to the connection request to the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, when the data consistency is confirmed (or checked) normally, the external device201may automatically accept the connection request message from the corresponding electronic device101, and may transmit a connection response message to the corresponding electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the external device201may compare the address information of the electronic device101according to the first authentication data with the address information of the electronic device101that requests the connection, and when the pieces of address information match each other, may operate to automatically accept the connection request from the electronic device101. In an embodiment, it is exemplified that a connection request trigger is performed by the electronic device101that initiates a connection service, but various embodiments are not limited thereto. According to an embodiment, in operations431and433, roles of the electronic device101and the external device201may be interchanged. For example, the connection request in operation431may be triggered (or started) by the external device201, and the connection response in operation433corresponding thereto may be performed by the electronic device101.

In operation435, the electronic device101and the external device201may be connected to each other. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101and the external device201may complete the wireless connection therebetween, and may be configured to be in a state in which data can be transmitted between the electronic device101and the external device201.

The electronic device101and the external device201may perform an operation for security authentication using a designated frequency (e.g., an inaudible frequency (or a high frequency).

According to an embodiment, in operation415, the electronic device101may include the address information of the electronic device101, service start information, and/or an external signal (e.g., a designated frequency signal) reception standby indication information in a control message related to the service initiation request to provide the control message to the external device201. In an embodiment, the designated frequency signal may include, for example, an inaudible frequency signal and/or a high-frequency signal.

According to an embodiment, in operation417, when the electronic device101and the external device201reach the induced distance (or location), the electronic device101may provide, in place of the second user interface, a third user interface related to a guide (e.g., an authentication guide) indicating that authentication is being performed with the external device201. For example, when the signal reception sensitivity between the electronic device101and the external device201reaches a designated threshold (e.g., a second threshold), the electronic device101may switch from the first user interface to the third user interface and provide an authentication guide.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may control a speaker (e.g., the sound output device155inFIG.1) to be turned on with the display of the third user interface in parallel, sequentially, or in reverse order, and may output the designated frequency signal through the speaker. For example, the electronic device101may transmit data by using inaudible sound waves that are inaudible to the human (e.g., the user) ear. For example, the electronic device101may include authentication data (or an authentication code) in a designated frequency (e.g., inaudible frequency (or high-frequency)) signal (e.g., a high frequency sound) and output the designated frequency signal to the outside (e.g., the external device201) through the speaker, and the external device201may receive the designated frequency signal through the microphone of the external device201. According to an embodiment, the first threshold and the second threshold may include different values. For example, a distance (or a distance range) according to the first threshold may be shorter than a distance according to the second threshold. For example, the second threshold may be configured to be equal to or greater than the first threshold.

According to an embodiment, in operation419, when the service initiation request is received from the electronic device101, and/or when the electronic device101and the external device201reach the induced distance (or location), the external device201may control the microphone to be turned on in order to receive a designated frequency signal (e.g., an inaudible frequency signal).

According to an embodiment, in operation421, the electronic device101may output the designated frequency signal through the speaker, and in operation423, the external device201may receive the designated frequency signal through the microphone. For example, in operation423, the external signal may include a designated frequency signal that is output from the electronic device101through the speaker and input through the microphone of the external device201.

A description of performing security authentication using a designated frequency (e.g., an inaudible frequency (or high-frequency)) by the electronic device101and the external device201according to an embodiment will be made with reference toFIGS.17and18that will be described later.

FIGS.5,6,7,8, and9illustrate examples of a user interface and an operation for wirelessly connecting an electronic device and an external device according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, inFIGS.5to9, a user may be manipulating an electronic device101, and an external device201may be another device existing in the same space (e.g., a living room) as the user. According to an embodiment, inFIGS.5to9, the electronic device101is illustrated as a smartphone and the external device201is illustrated as a wearable device, but various embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device101and the external device201may include various devices capable of wirelessly communicating with each other, as illustrated inFIG.2. For example, the electronic device101may be a smartphone being operated by the user, and the external device201may be a wearable device worn by the user. In another example, the electronic device101may be a smartphone being operated by the user, and the external device201may be a TV or a display device. In another example, the electronic device101may be a wearable device being operated by the user, and the external device201may be an external speaker.

Referring toFIG.5, the example inFIG.5shows an example in which the user initiates a service for connection to the external device201by using the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, as illustrated inFIG.5, the user may execute an application related to a wireless connection configuration by using the electronic device101. The electronic device101may provide a user interface (or execution screen) related to the application through a display310in response to the user's request for application execution. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may search for nearby external devices201internally (or by a background operation) based on the application execution, and may provide the user with a user interface500including information related to the found nearby external devices201as a list.

According to an embodiment, the user may perform a user input for connection to the external device201, based on the user interface provided through the electronic device101. For example, the user may select (e.g., touch) an item corresponding to a specific external device201from the list to execute a service of connection to the specific the external device201(e.g., a first connection method). According to an embodiment, the user may also execute a service of connection to all of the found external device201without designating a specific external device201(e.g., a second connection method). In an embodiment, the first connection method may be, for example, a method in which the user designates any one of the found external devices and makes a connection to the designated external device. In an embodiment, the second connection method may be, for an example, a method in which the user initiates a connection service based on all of the found external devices without designating any one of the found external devices and makes a connection to the external device201in proximity to the external device201which the user desires to connect while the connection service is performed (e.g., while the first user interface is provided).

According to an embodiment, when the initiation of the connection service is detected based on the user input, the electronic device101may transmit an invitation message to the external device201, and may receive a response message corresponding to the invitation message from the external device201. According to an embodiment, when the response message is received from the external device201, the electronic device101may provide the user with a first user interface related to a proximity induction guide.

Referring toFIG.6, the example inFIG.6indicates an example of providing a first user interface600related to a proximity induction guide in the electronic device101and/or the external device201. According to an embodiment,FIG.6shows an example in which the first user interface600is provided through the display310of the electronic device101, but various embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, in an embodiment, through a display650of the external device201, the first user interface600may be changed and provided in a form capable of being provided by the external device201. For example, the first user interface600for guiding proximity induction between devices may be provided through any one of the corresponding devices or may be provided through all of the devices.

According to an embodiment, the first user interface600may represent an interface for a guide (e.g., a proximity induction guide) for causing target devices (e.g., the electronic device101and the external device201) for connection to be in proximity to each other in terms of a distance (or location), and may include at least one object (or information) for the guide. For example, the first user interface600may include a first object610(e.g., guidance text) such as “Please move close to a device to be connected!” and/or a second object620(e.g., images of devices) indicating the proximity state of at least two devices to be connected to each other (e.g., the electronic device101and the external device201).

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may monitor the degree of proximity (or distance (e.g., RSSI)) between the electronic device101and the external device201while the first user interface600is provided. According to an embodiment, when the external device201approaches the induced distance (or location), the electronic device101may transmit a control message instructing the external device201to execute a designated operation and induces an audio input (e.g., user voice utterance), and may provide the user with a second user interface related to a guide (e.g., an audio input guide) for inducing an audio input (e.g., user voice utterance). According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may turn on the microphone of the electronic device101in parallel, sequentially, or in reverse order with providing the second user interface (or transmitting the control message).

Referring toFIG.7, the example inFIG.7indicates an example in which second user interfaces700and750related to an audio input guide are provided in the electronic device101and/or the external device201. According to an embodiment,FIG.7shows an example in which the second user interfaces700and750are provided through the display310of the electronic device101and the display650of the external device201, respectively, but various embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, in an embodiment, the second user interface700may be provided by a device (e.g., the electronic device101) that initiates a connection service.

According to an embodiment, the second user interfaces700and750may indicate interfaces for guiding the user's audio input (e.g., user voice utterance) (e.g., an audio input guide), and may include at least one object (or information) for the guide. For example, the second user interfaces700and750may include a first object710(e.g., guide text) such as “Please read visible characters aloud!”, a second object720such as “Samsung” (e.g., the user's utterance target character (or sentence)), and/or third objects730and750that induces the user's utterance (e.g., guide images). According to an embodiment, the second user interface700of the electronic device101and the second user interface750of the external device201may be different from each other in a provided form or in an element for a guide. For example, the second user interface750of the external device201may be provided after being changed (e.g., simplified) into a form capable of being provided by the external device201. For example, as illustrated inFIG.7, the second user interface750of the external device201may be provided based on a brief guide (e.g., the third object750) corresponding to the size of the display650.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101and the external device201may receive an audio (e.g., a voice) from the user through a microphone while providing the second user interfaces700and750.

Referring toFIG.8, in the example inFIG.8, a user800may perform utterance (e.g., “Samsung”) corresponding to the second object720(e.g., the utterance target word “Samsung”) provided through the second user interfaces700and750towards devices (e.g., the electronic device101and the external device201) close to each other. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101and the external device201may receive an audio signal according to the user utterance through their respective microphones. According to an embodiment, when the reception of the audio signal is detected, the electronic device101and the external device201may generate authentication data based on the received audio signal. For example, the electronic device101may generate first authentication data (e.g., voice information and/or time information acquired by the electronic device101), and the external device201may generate second authentication data (e.g., voice information and/or time information acquired by the external device201).

According to an embodiment, the voice information may include voice recognition information (e.g., speech-to-text (STT) conversion information (e.g., text) and/or a voice waveform) for the audio signal input through the microphone. According to an embodiment, the time information may include the time at which the audio signal is input through the microphone, a time during which the audio signal is input, and/or a time within an allowable error range based on the time at which the audio signal is input.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101and the external device201may exchange authentication data and perform security authentication to each other (or counterpart devices) based on the authentication data. According to an embodiment, during the security authentication according to the authentication data exchange, the electronic device101and the external device201may provide the user with a user interface related to a guide (e.g., a connection guide) indicating that a connection between devices is in progress.

Referring toFIG.9, the example inFIG.9indicates an example in which a user interface900related to a connection guide is provided in the electronic device101and/or the external device201. According to an embodiment,FIG.9shows an example in which that the user interface900is provided through the display310of the electronic device101, but various embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, in an embodiment, through the display650of the external device201, the user interface900may be changed and provided in a form capable of being provided by the external device201. For example, the user interface900for the progress state of connection between devices may be provided through any one of the corresponding devices or may be provided through all of the devices.

According to an embodiment, the user interface900may indicate an interface for indicating that connection between the devices (e.g., the electronic device101and the external device201) is in progress, and may include at least one object (or information) for the guide. For example, the user interface900may include a first object910(e.g., guidance text) such as “Connection in progress” and/or a second object920indicating a connection progress state (e.g., images of devices and an image of wireless connection therebetween).

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101and the external device201may complete the wireless connection therebetween, and may be configured to be in a state in which data can be transmitted between the electronic device101and the external device201.

FIG.10illustrates wireless connection operations between an external device and an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.10, in operation1001, an electronic device101may detect a connection service initiation (or a trigger). According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may identify, based on a user input, a trigger related to a wireless connection to an external device201. The user input may include, for example, execution of an application related to a wireless connection configuration and/or a designated input (e.g., a touch, a gesture, an air gesture, and/or a voice command).

In operation1003, the external device201may be performing advertising broadcasting.

In operation1005, the electronic device101may transmit an invitation message to the external device201, based on the detecting of the connection service initiation. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may recognize the existence of at least one nearby external device201found in the advertising operation, and may transmit (or broadcast) an invitation message for connection establishment to the at least one external device201. According to an embodiment, the invitation message may be a message through which the electronic device101determines whether the external device201will perform a provisioning procedure (e.g., accept the invitation from the electronic device101).

In operation1007, the external device201may receive the invitation message from the electronic device101and transmit a response message (or a capability message) to the electronic device101in response to the invitation message. According to an embodiment, the response message (or the capability message) may include information indicating whether the external device201supports the wireless connection according to the disclosure, whether the external device201is capable of outputting information to the user, and/or whether the external device201is capable of receiving a value that is input from the user. The information indicating whether the wireless connection according to the disclosure is supported, for example, may include information related to whether the external device201supports an automatic connection based on a voice or using a designated frequency.

In operation1009, the electronic device101may receive the response message from the external device201and display a first user interface through the display310in response to the reception of the response message. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may provide a user interface related to a guide (e.g., a proximity induction guide) for inducing the electronic device101and the external device201to be in proximity to each other in terms of a distance (or location).

In operation1011, the electronic device101may display a candidate external device through the first user interface. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may receive response messages from multiple external devices201nearby. According to an embodiment, when the response messages are received from the multiple external devices201, the electronic device101may identify the multiple external devices201as candidate external devices to be connected to the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may provide an object (or information) (e.g., an image, text, and/or an icon) related to the identified candidate external devices through the first user interface. An example of the first user interface including a candidate external device, according to an embodiment, is illustrated inFIG.11.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may provide at least one candidate external device, among the identified multiple candidate external devices, which has a relatively higher signal reception sensitivity (e.g., RSSI) (e.g., an external device having a similar RSSI) compared to other candidate external devices, so as to be distinguished from the other candidate external devices. For example, an object related to the at least one candidate external device having a relatively high signal reception sensitivity may be provided while being highlighted in a manner such as highlighting. According to an embodiment, if the signal reception sensitivity of a first external device is “about 100” (e.g., RSSI=100), the signal reception sensitivity of a second external device is “about 99” (e.g., RSSI=99, and the signal reception sensitivity of the other candidate external devices is “about 70”, the electronic device101may highlight and display objects related to the first external device and the second external device. An example of the first user interface that distinguishably provides a candidate external device according to signal reception sensitivity, according to an embodiment, is illustrated inFIG.12.

In operation1013, the electronic device101may identify a target external device to be connected from among the multiple candidate external devices. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may identify, as the target external device (e.g., the external device201), a candidate external device, which has the highest signal reception sensitivity (e.g., RSSI) (or is nearest thereto), among the candidate external devices. For example, the electronic device101may check the signal reception sensitivity to determine an external device, which is close thereto with a predetermined distance (or is closest thereto), as the target external device. According to an embodiment, when identifying the target external device, the electronic device101may exclude the other candidate external devices from the first user interface, and may provide objects related to the electronic device101and the external device201. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may induce the electronic device101and the external device201to be in proximity to each other in terms of a distance (or location) through the first user interface. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may induce, through an object and a guide related to the target external device, the electronic device101and the external device201to be positioned close to each other within a predetermined distance (a predetermined threshold). According to an embodiment, an example of the first user interface for inducing proximity of the target external device is shown inFIG.13.

In operation1015, the electronic device101may monitor the degree of proximity of the external device201. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may check the degree of proximity to the external device201in parallel or sequentially with operation1009, based on detecting the reception of the response message. In an embodiment, the electronic device101may confirm the degree of proximity to the external device201, based on the signal reception sensitivity (e.g., RSSI) between the same and the external device201.

In operation1017, the electronic device101may identify proximity to the external device201within a designated range. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may determine, based on the result of the monitoring, that the electronic device101and the external device201are in proximity to each other within the designated range when the signal reception sensitivity (e.g., RSSI) between the same and the external device201reaches a designated threshold.

In operation1019, the electronic device101may transmit a service initiation request to the external device201. For example, the electronic device101may transmit, to the external device201, a control message including a parameter that instructs the external device201to execute a designated operation related to security authentication according to a wireless connection. According to an embodiment, the designated operation may include an operation of turning on a microphone of the external device201, and a specific value defined (or promised in advance) for turning on the microphone may be used as the parameter. According to an embodiment, the control message may include address information of the electronic device101, service initiation information, and/or external signal (e.g., audio signal or a designated-frequency signal) reception standby indication information.

In operation1021, the electronic device101may display a second user interface through the display310. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device101and the external device201reach an induced distance (or location), the electronic device101may provide a user interface related to a guide (e.g., an audio input guide) that induces an audio input (e.g., user voice utterance). For example, the electronic device101may continuously induce a proximity induction guide based on the first user interface until the signal reception sensitivity between the same and the external device201reaches a designated threshold (e.g., a first threshold). The electronic device101may provide an audio input guide by switching from the first user interface to the second user interface when the signal reception sensitivity between the same and the external device201reaches the designated threshold. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may control the microphone (e.g., the input device150inFIG.1) to be turned on with the display of the second user interface in parallel, sequentially, or in reverse order, and may wait for an audio input.

In operation1023, the external device201may control a microphone (e.g., the input device150inFIG.1) in response to the service initiation request of the electronic device101, and may wait for an audio input. According to an embodiment, the external device201may provide the second user interface through a display. According to another embodiment, the external device201may the microphone to be turned on when the signal reception sensitivity between the same and the electronic device101reaches the designated threshold, and may wait for audio input.

In operations1025and1027, the electronic device101and the external device201may receive an external signal. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101and the external device201may receive an audio signal (e.g., a voice signal) uttered by the user through respective microphones. For example, in operations1025and1027, the external signal may include a voice signal that is input through the microphones according to the user's utterance.

In operations1029and1031, the electronic device101and the external device201may exchange authentication data.

According to an embodiment, in operation1029, the electronic device101may transmit, to the external device201, first authentication data acquired (e.g., generated) based on the voice signal input through the microphone of the electronic device101(e.g., voice information and/or time information acquired by the electronic device101).

According to an embodiment, in operation1031, the external device201may transmit, to the electronic device101, second authentication data acquired (e.g., generated) based on the voice input through the microphone of the external device201(e.g., voice information and/or time information acquired by the external device201).

According to an embodiment, the first authentication data may include address information of the electronic device101, and the second authentication data may include address information of the external device201. According to an embodiment, the authentication data exchange between the electronic device101and the external device201may be performed by wireless communication (e.g., data packet exchange) in the absence of a connection (e.g., pairing) between the electronic device101and the external device201. According to an embodiment, the authentication data exchange between the electronic device101and the external device201may be performed using designated wireless communication (e.g., BLE) or a designated frequency signal (e.g., an inaudible frequency (or high-frequency) signal).

In operation1033, the electronic device101may identify data consistency for security authentication. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may check data consistency (or data integrity) by using the first authentication data of the electronic device101and the second authentication data received from the external device201. For example, the electronic device101may confirm the consistency between the first authentication data acquired based on the voice signal input through the microphone of the electronic device101(e.g., first voice information and first time information) and the second authentication data acquired from the external device201(e.g., second voice information and second time information). According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may check whether the first voice information matches the second voice information, and whether the first time information related to the first voice information (e.g., the time when the first voice information is generated) matches the second time information related to the second voice information (e.g., the time when the second voice information is generated).

In operation1037, when data consistency is normally confirmed (or checked), the electronic device101may configure an automatic connection confirmation mode for the external device201. For example, the electronic device101may configure the automatic connection confirmation mode based on the address information of the external device201. For example, when there is a connection request or a connection response from the external device201after the data consistency is confirmed (or checked), the electronic device101may check (e.g., compare) the address information of the external device201, and automatically accept a connection provided that the address information of the external device201is address information configured in the automatic connection confirmation mode.

In operation1035, the external device201may identify data consistency for security authentication. According to an embodiment, the external device201may check data consistency (or data integrity) by using the second authentication data of the external device201and the first authentication data received from the electronic device101. For example, the external device201may confirm the consistency of the second authentication data acquired based on the voice signal input through the microphone of the external device201and the first authentication data acquired from the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the external device201may check whether the second voice information matches the first voice information, and whether the second time information related to the second voice information matches the first time information related to the first voice information.

In operation1039, when data consistency is confirmed (or checked) normally, the external device201may configure an automatic connection confirmation mode for the electronic device101. For example, the external device201may configure the automatic connection confirmation mode based on the address information of the electronic device101. For example, when there is a connection request or a connection response from the electronic device101after the data consistency is confirmed (or checked), the external device201may check (e.g., compare) the address information of the electronic device101, and automatically accept a connection provided that the address information of the electronic device101is address information configured in the automatic connection confirmation mode.

In operation1041, the electronic device101may transmit a connection request to the external device201. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may transmit a connection request message to the corresponding external device201when the data consistency is normally confirmed (or checked).

In operation1043, when the connection request is received from the electronic device101, the external device201may determine an automatic connection to the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the external device201may compare the address information of the electronic device101, from which the connection request has been received, with the address information of the electronic device101, the consistency of which has been confirmed, and when the pieces of address information match each other, may automatically accept the connection to the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the external device201may compares the address information of the electronic device101according to the first authentication data with the address information of the electronic device101that requests the connection, and when the pieces of address information match each other, may operate to automatically accept the connection request from the electronic device101. For example, the external device201may automatically accept the connection request from the electronic device101having address information of which the consistency is confirmed.

In operation1045, the external device201may receive the connection request from the electronic device101and transmit a connection response corresponding to the connection request to the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, when the data consistency is confirmed (or checked) normally, the external device201may automatically accept the connection request message from the corresponding electronic device101, and may transmit a connection response message to the corresponding electronic device101.

In an embodiment, it is exemplified that a connection request trigger is performed by the electronic device101that initiates a connection service, but various embodiments are not limited thereto. According to an embodiment, in operations1041and1045, roles of the electronic device101and the external device201may be interchanged. For example, the connection request in operation1041may be triggered (or started) by the external device201, and the connection response in operation1045corresponding thereto may be performed by the electronic device101.

In operation1047, when the connection response is received from the external device201, the electronic device101may determine an automatic connection to the external device201. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may compare address information of the external device201, from which the connection response has been received, with address information of the external device201, the consistency of which has been identified, and when the pieces of address information match each other, may automatically accept the connection to the external device201.

In operation1049, the electronic device101and the external device201may be connected to each other. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101and the external device201may complete the wireless connection therebetween, and may be configured to be in a state in which data is transmitted between the electronic device101and the external device201.

FIGS.11,12, and13illustrate examples of a user interface and an operation for wirelessly connecting an electronic device and an external device according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment,FIGS.11,12, and13may show examples of a user interface related to a guide (e.g., a proximity induction guide) for inducing an electronic device101and an external device201, which is to be connected, to be in proximity to each other in terms of a distance (or location).

Referring toFIG.11, the electronic device101may display a candidate external device on a display310through a user interface1150related to a proximity induction guide. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may identify multiple nearby external devices as candidate external devices to be connected to the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the user interface1150may include a first object1110related to the electronic device101(e.g., an image corresponding to the electronic device101) and multiple second objects1120related to the identified candidate external devices (e.g., images corresponding to the external devices). For example, the user interface1150may arrange and provide the multiple second objects1120related to the candidate external devices around the first object1110related to the electronic device101according to the locations of the candidate external devices.

According to an embodiment, the user interface1150may include a guide object1100(e.g., guide text) such as “Please move close to a device to be connected!”. According to an embodiment, the candidate external devices may include, for example, an external device that exists around the electronic device101and transmits a response message (or a capability message) in response to an invitation message of the electronic device101.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may monitor the degree of proximity (or the distance (e.g., RSSI)) between the electronic device101and each of the candidate external devices while providing information related to the candidate external devices through the user interface1150. According to an embodiment, when at least one external device, among the candidate external devices, is in proximity within a predetermined distance (e.g., when RSSI increases), the electronic device101may provide the at least one external device to be distinguished from other candidate external devices. An example thereof is illustrated inFIG.12.

Referring toFIG.12, the electronic device101may provide at least one candidate external device, among multiple candidate external devices, which has a relatively higher signal reception sensitivity (e.g., RSSI) (e.g., an external device having a similar RSSI) compared to other candidate external devices, so as to be distinguished from the other candidate external devices. For example, in the user interface1150, the electronic device101may highlight and provide objects1210,1220, and1230, which are related to the at least one candidate external device having a relatively high signal reception sensitivity, in a manner such as highlighting. According to an embodiment, if the signal reception sensitivity of a first external device is “about 100” (e.g., RSSI=100), the signal reception sensitivity of a second external device is “about 99” (e.g., RSSI=99), the signal reception sensitivity of a third external device is “about 98”, and the signal reception sensitivity of the other candidate external devices is “about 70”, the electronic device101may highlight and display the objects1210,1220, and1230related to the first external device, the second external device, and the third external device. According to an embodiment, the user interface1150may continuously provide the guide object1100(e.g., guide text) for guiding the electronic device101and a target external device for connection to be in proximity to each other in terms of a distance (or location).

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may monitor the degree of proximity (or the distance (e.g., RSSI)) between the electronic device101and each of the candidate external devices while providing the user interface1150. According to an embodiment, when any one external device201, among the candidate external devices, is in proximity within a predetermined distance (e.g., when RSSI increases), the electronic device101may provide, through the user interface1150, a guide for inducing a connection to the external device201. An example thereof is illustrated inFIG.13.

Referring toFIG.13, the electronic device101may identify a target external device (e.g., the external device201) to be connected from among multiple candidate external devices. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may identify, as the target external device, a candidate external device, which has the highest signal reception sensitivity (e.g., RSSI) (or is nearest thereto), among the candidate external devices. For example, the electronic device101may check the signal reception sensitivity to determine an external device, which is close thereto with a predetermined distance, as the target external device.

According to an embodiment, when identifying the target external device, the electronic device101may exclude the other candidate external devices from the user interface1150, and may provide the first object1110related to the electronic device101and an object1310related to the target external device201. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may induce, through the user interface1150, the electronic device101and the target external device201to be in proximity to each other in terms of a distance (or location).

According to an embodiment, for the connection to the target external device201, the electronic device101may more positively induce, through the object1310related to the target external device201and a guide object1300, the electronic device101and the target external device201to be positioned closer to each other within a predetermined distance. For example, in the user interface1150, a guide object1300such as “Please move closer to a device to be connected!” may be provided by updating (information updating) and changing the guide object1100which guides the electronic device101and the target external device201for connection to be in proximity to each other in a distance. For example, through the user interface1150, the electronic device101may update a guide depending on a change in the distance between the electronic device101and the target the external device201and may provide the updated guide.

FIG.14is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.14, in operation1401, the processor120of the electronic device101may detect a connection service initiation (or a trigger). According to an embodiment, the processor120may identify, based on various user inputs, a trigger related to a wireless connection with the external device201.

In operation1403, the processor120may display a first user interface for a device-to-device proximity induction guide through the display310. According to an embodiment, the processor120may transmit an invitation message to the external device201, based on the detecting of the connection service initiation, and may receive a response message from the external device201. According to an embodiment, in response to the reception of the response message, the processor120may provide a user interface related to a guide (e.g., the proximity induction guide) for inducing the electronic device101and the external device201to be in proximity to each other in terms of a distance (or location).

In operation1405, the processor120may monitor the degree of proximity of the external device201. According to an embodiment, the monitoring period may include periodic and/or aperiodic periods. For example, the processor120may periodically and/or aperiodically monitor the degree of proximity of the external device201, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment, the processor120may check the degree of proximity to the external device201in parallel or sequentially with the operation of displaying the first user interface. In an embodiment, the processor120may confirm the degree of proximity to the external device201, based on the signal reception sensitivity (e.g., RSSI) between the same and the external device201.

In operation1407, the processor120may determine, based on the monitoring result, whether the electronic device101and the external device201enter a designated range. According to an embodiment, the processor120determines, based on the monitoring result, that the electronic device101and the external device201are in proximity to each other within the designated range when the signal reception sensitivity (e.g., RSSI) between the electronic device101and the external device201reaches a designated threshold.

In operation1407, when the electronic device101and the external device201do not enter the designated range (e.g., “No” in operation1407), the processor120may proceed to operation1405to continuously monitor proximity information, and may perform operation1405and subsequent operations. For example, the processor120may continuously induce the proximity induction guide based on the first user interface until the signal reception sensitivity between the electronic device101and the external device201reaches a designated threshold (e.g., a first threshold).

In operation1407, when the electronic device101and the external device201enter the designated range (e.g., “Yes” in operation1407), the processor120may display a second user interface through the display310in operation1409. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device101and the external device201reach the induced distance (or location), the processor120may provide a user interface related to a guide (e.g., an audio input guide) for inducing an audio input (e.g., a user's voice utterance). According to an embodiment, the processor120may provide an audio input guide by switching from the first user interface to the second user interface when the signal reception sensitivity between the electronic device101and the external device201reaches the designated threshold.

According to an embodiment, the processor120may transmit a service initiation request to the external device201in parallel, sequentially, or in reverse order with the display of the second user interface. For example, the electronic device101may transmit, to the external device201, a control message including a parameter which instructs the external device201to execute a designated operation related to security authentication according to a wireless connection. According to an embodiment, the designated operation may include an operation of turning on a microphone of the external device201, and a specific value defined (or promised in advance) for turning on the microphone may be used as the parameter. According to an embodiment, the control message may include address information of the electronic device101, service initiation information, and/or external signal (e.g., audio signal) reception standby indication information.

In operation1411, the processor120may control a microphone to be turned on (or opened). According to an embodiment, the processor120may control the microphone (e.g., the input device150inFIG.1) to be turned on in parallel, sequentially, or in reverse order with the display of the second user interface, and may wait for an audio input.

In operation1413, the processor120may detect reception of an external signal through the microphone. According to an embodiment, the processor120may receive, through the microphone, an audio signal (e.g., a voice signal) uttered by a user. For example, the external signal may include a voice signal that is input through the microphone of the electronic device101according to the user's utterance.

In operation1415, the processor120may perform security authentication. According to an embodiment, the processor120may check data consistency (or data integrity) by using first authentication data of the electronic device101and second authentication data received from the external device201.

According to an embodiment, the processor120may exchange authentication data with the external device201. According to an embodiment, the processor120may transmit, to the external device201, the first authentication data acquired based on a voice signal input through the microphone of the electronic device101(e.g., first voice information and/or first time information acquired by the electronic device101). According to an embodiment, the processor120may receive, from the external device201, the second authentication data acquired based on a voice signal input through the microphone of the external device201(e.g., second voice information and/or second time information acquired by the external device201).

According to an embodiment, the processor120may confirm the consistency between the first authentication data acquired based on a voice signal input through the microphone of the electronic device101(e.g., first voice information or first time information) and the second authentication data acquired from the external device201(e.g., second voice information or second time information).

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may check whether the first voice information matches the second voice information, and whether the first time information related to the first voice information (e.g., the time when the first voice information is generated) matches the second time information related to the second voice information (e.g., the time when the second voice information.

According to an embodiment, the first authentication data may include address information of the electronic device101, and the second authentication data may include address information of the external device201. According to an embodiment, the authentication data exchange between the electronic device101and the external device201may be performed through wireless communication (e.g., data packet exchange) in the absence of a connection (e.g., pairing) between the electronic device101and the external device201. According to an embodiment, the authentication data exchange between the electronic device101and the external device201may also be performed using designated wireless communication (e.g., BLE) or a designated frequency signal (e.g., an inaudible frequency (or high-frequency) signal).

In operation1417, the processor120may configure a connection to the external device201. According to an embodiment, the processor120may complete the wireless connection between the electronic device101and the external device201, and may be configured to be in a state in which data can be transmitted between the electronic device101and the external device201. According to an embodiment, the processor120may transmit a connection request message to the external device201when the data consistency is confirmed (or checked) normally. According to an embodiment, the processor120may configure a wireless connection with the external device201based on receiving a connection response message corresponding to the connection request message from the external device201.

FIG.15is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.15, in operation1501, the processor120of the electronic device101may detect a connection service initiation (or a trigger). According to an embodiment, the processor120may identify, based on a user input, a trigger related to a wireless connection to the external device201.

In operation1503, the processor120may display a first user interface for a device-to-device proximity induction guide through the display310. According to an embodiment, the processor120may transmit an invitation message to at least one nearby external device201, based on the detecting of the connection service initiation, and may receive a response message from the at least one nearby external device201.

In operation1505, the processor120may search for nearby candidate external devices. According to an embodiment, the processor120may search for (or identify) nearby candidate external devices in response to the reception of the response message. According to an embodiment, the processor120may display the found candidate external devices through the first user interface. According to an embodiment, the processor120may receive response messages from multiple external devices201nearby. According to an embodiment, when the response messages are received from the multiple external devices201, the processor120may identify the multiple external devices201as candidate external devices for connection with the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the processor120may provide an object (or information) (e.g., an image, text, and/or an icon) related to each of the identified candidate external devices through the first user interface.

In operation1507, the processor120may determine (or identify) a target external device to be connected from among the candidate external devices. According to an embodiment, the processor120may identify a candidate external device, having the highest signal reception sensitivity (e.g., RSSI), among the candidate external devices, as the target external device (e.g., the external device201). For example, the processor120may check signal reception sensitivity to determine an external device positioned close to a predetermined distance as the target external device.

According to an embodiment, when the target external device is identified, the processor120may exclude other candidate external devices from the first user interface and provide objects related to the electronic device101and the external device201. According to an embodiment, the processor120may induce, through the first user interface, the electronic device101and the external device201to be in proximity to each other in terms of a distance (or location). According to an embodiment, the processor120may induce, through an object related to the target external device and the proximity induction guide, the electronic device101and the external device201to be positioned close to each other within a predetermined distance (a predetermined threshold.

In operation1509, the processor120may monitor the distance (or the degree of proximity) to the external device201. According to an embodiment, the processor120may confirm the degree of proximity degree between the electronic device101and the external device201, based on the signal reception sensitivity (e.g., RSSI) between the electronic device101and the external device201.

In operation1511, the processor120may detect proximity to the external device201within a designated range. According to an embodiment, the processor120may determine, based on the monitoring resulting, that the electronic device101and the external device201are in proximity to each other within the designated range when the signal reception sensitivity (e.g., RSSI) between the electronic device101and the external device201reaches a designated threshold.

In operation1513, based on detecting that the electronic device101and the external device201are in proximity to each other within the designated range, the processor120may control the display310to display a second user interface, and may control a microphone to be turned on. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device101and the external device201reach an induced distance (or location), the processor120may provide a user interface related to a guide (e.g., an audio input guide) inducing an audio input (e.g., user voice utterance). According to an embodiment, the processor120may provide an audio input guide by switching from the first user interface to the second user interface when the signal reception sensitivity between the electronic device101and the external device201reaches the designated threshold.

In operation1515, the processor120may transmit, to the external device201, a control message including a parameter that instructs the external device201to execute a designated operation. According to an embodiment, the designated operation may include an operation of turning on a microphone of the external device201, and a specific value defined (or promised in advance) for turning on the microphone may be used as the parameter. According to an embodiment, the control message may include address information of the electronic device101, service start information, and/or external signal (e.g., audio signal or designated frequency signal) reception standby indication information.

In operation1517, the processor120may receive an external signal through the microphone. According to an embodiment, the processor120may receive, through the microphone, an audio signal (e.g., a voice signal) uttered by a user. For example, the external signal may include a voice signal that is input through the microphone according to the user's utterance. According to an embodiment, the processor120may perform an operation of controlling the microphone to be turned off, based on the completion of the reception of the external signal.

In operation1519, the processor120may acquire first authentication data of the electronic device101and second authentication data of the external device201. According to an embodiment, the processor120may acquire the first authentication data based on a voice signal input through the microphone of the electronic device101(e.g., first voice information and/or first time information acquired by the electronic device101), and may receive, from the external device201, the second authentication data acquired based on a voice signal input through the microphone of the external device201(e.g., second voice information and/or second time information acquired by the external device201).

In operation1521, the processor120may perform security authentication based on the first authentication data and the second authentication data. According to an embodiment, the processor120may check data consistency (or data integrity) by using the first authentication data of the electronic device101and the second authentication data received from the external device201. For example, the processor120may confirm the consistency between the first authentication data (e.g., the first voice information or the first time information) of the electronic device101and the second authentication data (e.g., the second voice information or the second time information) received from the external device201. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may check whether the first voice information matches the second voice information, and whether the first time information related to the first voice information (e.g., the time when the first voice information is generated) matches the second time information related to the second voice information (e.g., the time when the second voice information is generated).

In operation1523, the processor120may configure a connection to the external device201when the data consistency is confirmed (or checked) normally. According to an embodiment, the processor120may complete the wireless connection between the electronic device101and the external device201, and may be configured to be in a state in which data can be transmitted between the electronic device101and the external device201.

FIG.16is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

According to an embodiment,FIG.16may show an operation example in which the electronic device101performs security authentication (e.g., checks consistency). According to an embodiment,FIG.16illustrates an example in which the electronic device101performs security authentication, but various embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the external device201may also perform security authentication based on an operation corresponding toFIG.16.

Referring toFIG.16, in operation1601, the processor120of the electronic device101may acquire first authentication data of the electronic device101and second authentication data of the external device201. According to an embodiment, the processor120may acquire the first authentication data based on a voice signal input through a microphone of the electronic device101(e.g., first voice information and/or first time information acquired by the electronic device101), and may receive, from the external device201, the second authentication data acquired based on a voice signal input through a microphone of the external device201(e.g., second voice information and/or second time information acquired by the external device201).

In operation1603, the processor120may compare the first voice information of the first authentication data with the second voice information of the second authentication data. According to an embodiment, the voice information may include voice recognition information (e.g., speech-to-text (STT) conversion information (e.g., text) and/or a voice waveform) regarding an audio input through the microphone. According to an embodiment, the processor120may compare STT conversion information (e.g., text) and/or a voice waveform according to the first voice information with STT conversion information (e.g., text) and/or a voice waveform according to the second voice information.

In operation1605, the processor120may determine, based on the comparison result, whether the first voice information matches the second voice information.

In operation1605, when the first voice information does not match the second voice information (e.g., “No” in operation1605), the processor120may perform a corresponding operation in operation1613. According to an embodiment, the processor120may terminate a wireless connection process currently being performed and provide error information to a user through a designated user interface. For example, the processor120may guide the resumption of an audio input operation when the authentication data does not match. According to an embodiment, for the resumption of an audio input operation, the processor120may further perform an operation of displaying a second user interface and turning on the microphone and an operation of re-transmitting a control message to the external device201.

In operation1605, when the first voice information matches the second voice information (e.g., “Yes” in operation1605), the processor120may compare, in operation1607, the first time information related to the first voice information (e.g., a time when the first voice information is generated) with the second time information related to the second voice information (e.g., a time when the second voice information is generated). According to an embodiment, the time information may include the time at which an audio is input through the microphone, a time during which the audio is input, and/or a time within an allowable error range based on the time at which the audio is input.

In operation1609, the processor120may determine, based on the comparison result, whether the first time information matches the second time information.

In operation1609, when the first time information does not match the second time information (e.g., “No” in operation1609), the processor120may perform a corresponding operation in operation1613. According to an embodiment, the processor120may terminate the wireless connection process currently being performed and provide error information to the user through a designated user interface. For example, when the authentication data does not match, the processor120may guide the resumption of an audio input operation. According to an embodiment, for the resumption of an audio input operation, the processor120may further perform an operation of displaying the second user interface and turning on the microphone and an operation of re-transmitting a control message to the external device201.

In operation1609, when the first time information matches the second time information (e.g., “Yes” in operation1609), the processor120may configure an automatic connection confirmation mode for a counterpart device (e.g., the external device201) in operation1611. For example, the processor120may configure the automatic connection confirmation mode, based on address information of the external device201. According to an embodiment, afterwards, when there is a connection request or a connection response from the external device201, the processor120may confirm (e.g., compare) the address information of the external device201, and may automatically accept the connection provided that the address information of the external device201is address information configured in the automatic connection confirmation mode.

According to various embodiments,FIG.16illustrates an example of performing security authentication through the voice information comparison according to operation1603and the time information comparison according to operation1607for security enhancement, but various embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, according to an embodiment, the processor120may perform security authentication based on any one of the voice information comparison according to operation1603or the time information comparison according to operation1607. According to an embodiment, operations1603and1605and operations1607and operation1609are not limited to the illustrated order, and operations1603and1605and operations1607and1609may be performed sequentially, in parallel, in reverse order, or heuristically.

FIG.17illustrates wireless connection operations between an external device and an electronic device according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment,FIG.17shows an example of using a frequency signal (e.g., an inaudible frequency and/or high-frequency signal) designated for a wireless connection between an electronic device101and an external device201. According to an embodiment, inFIG.17, operations corresponding to operations401to411as illustrated inFIG.4(or operations1001to1015as illustrated inFIG.10) may be performed, and a description of the corresponding operations will be omitted.

Referring toFIG.17, in operation1701, the electronic device101may identify proximity to the external device201within a designated range. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may determine, based on the result of monitoring the degree of proximity of the external device201, that the electronic device101and the external device201are in proximity to each other within the designated range when the signal reception sensitivity (e.g., RSSI) between the electronic device101and the external device201reaches a designated threshold.

In operation1703, the electronic device101may transmit a service initiation request to the external device201. For example, the electronic device101may transmit, to the external device201, a control message including a parameter that instructs the external device201to execute a designated operation related to security authentication according to the wireless connection. According to an embodiment, the designated operation may include an operation of turning on a microphone of the external device201, and a specific value defined (or promised in advance) for turning on the microphone may be used as the parameter. According to an embodiment, the control message may include address information of the electronic device101, service initiation information, and/or external signal (e.g., designated frequency signal) reception standby indication information. In an embodiment, the designated frequency signal may include, for example, an inaudible frequency signal and/or a high-frequency signal.

According to an embodiment, the inaudible frequency signal may include a signal transmitted through a speaker in a frequency band other than an audible frequency. The audible frequency is a frequency signal in a band that can be heard by humans, and may correspond to, for example, a frequency band of about 20 Hz to about 20 KHz. The inaudible frequency may correspond to, for example, a frequency band which is less than about 20 Hz and/or exceeds about 20 KHz.

In operation1705, the electronic device101may display a third user interface through the display310. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device101and the external device201reach an induced distance (or location), the electronic device101may provide a user interface related to a guide (e.g., an authentication guide) indicating that the electronic device101is performing authentication with the external device201. For example, the electronic device101may continuously induce a proximity induction guide based on a first user interface until the signal reception sensitivity between the electronic device101and the external device201reaches a designated threshold. The electronic device101may provide an authentication guide by switching from the first user interface to the third user interface when the signal reception sensitivity between the electronic device101and the external device201reaches the designated threshold. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may control a speaker (e.g., the sound output device155inFIG.1) to be turned on in parallel, sequentially, or in reverse order to the display of the third user interface.

In operation1707, when the service initiation request is received from the electronic device101, and/or when the electronic device101and the external device201reach the induced distance (or location), the external device201may wait to receive an inaudible frequency signal. According to an embodiment, the external device201may control the microphone of the external device201to be turned, and may wait to receive an inaudible frequency signal from the electronic device101.

In operation1709, the electronic device101may generate authentication data (or an authentication code (e.g., a personal identification number (PIN))) to be used for connection to the external device201.

In operation1711, the electronic device101may transmit a security authentication request including the authentication data (or the authentication code) to the external device201. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may put (or include) the authentication data in a designated frequency signal and may output the designated frequency signal through the speaker. According to an embodiment, depending on the performance of the microphones and/or speakers of the electronic device101and the external device201, a frequency range for the designated frequency signal may be configured therebetween, and the electronic device101and the external device201may transmit and receive frequency signals based on the designated frequency range. According to an embodiment, the designated frequency signal may include an inaudible sound wave that is inaudible to the human (e.g., a user) ear, and/or a designated audible sound wave (e.g., a beep) that is audible to the human (e.g., the user).

For example, the electronic device101may transmit data (e.g., sound wave data) to the external device201by using an inaudible sound wave that is inaudible to the human (e.g., the user) ear. In an example, the electronic device101may put the authentication data into an inaudible frequency (or high-frequency) signal (e.g., a high-frequency sound) and output the inaudible frequency signal to the outside (e.g., the external device201) through the speaker, and the external device201may receive the inaudible frequency signal through the microphone of the external device201. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may include an encoding operation for generating an authentication code in the inaudible frequency signal. For example, the electronic device101may encode the authentication code (e.g., a MAC address and/or a PIN) of the electronic device101in an inaudible frequency signal and output the inaudible frequency signal to the external device201.

In operation1713, the external device201may reproduce the inaudible frequency signal. According to an embodiment, when the security authentication request (e.g., the inaudible frequency signal) is received from the electronic device101, the external device201may reproduce the inaudible frequency signal. For example, the external device201may reproduce the received inaudible frequency signal for a security authentication response (e.g., an inaudible frequency signal) in response to the security authentication request, and may output the reproduced inaudible frequency signal to the outside through a speaker of the external device201.

According to an embodiment, the external device201may extract the authentication data (or the authentication code) from the inaudible frequency signal received through the microphone. According to an embodiment, the external device201may perform a decoding operation for interpreting the authentication code in the inaudible frequency signal. For example, the external device201may decode the authentication code (e.g., the MAC address and/or the PIN) of the electronic device101from the inaudible frequency signal to interpret (or extract or parse) the authentication code.

In operation1715, the external device201may transmit a security authentication response to the electronic device101in response to the security authentication request. According to an embodiment, the external device201may transmit a secure authentication response including interpreted authentication data (e.g., the authentication code) to the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the external device201may turn on the speaker, and may output, through the speaker, a designated frequency signal in which the authentication data is put (or included). For example, the external device201may transmit sound wave data to the electronic device101. In an example, the external device201may output an inaudible frequency (or high-frequency) signal (e.g., a high-frequency sound), in which the authentication data is put, to the outside (e.g., the electronic device101) through the speaker, and the electronic device101may receive the inaudible frequency signal through the microphone of the electronic device101.

According to an embodiment, the external device201may perform an encoding operation for generating an authentication code in the inaudible frequency signal. For example, the external device201may encode the interpreted authentication code (e.g., a MAC address and/or a PIN) of the electronic device101in the inaudible frequency signal, and may output the inaudible frequency signal to the electronic device101.

In operation1717, the electronic device101may confirm security authentication. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may compare the authentication data generated in operation1709with the authentication data acquired from the designated frequency signal received from the external device201to determine whether the pieces of the authentication information match each other.

In operation1719, the electronic device101may configure an automatic connection confirmation mode for the external device201. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may configure the automatic connection confirmation mode in parallel or sequentially with the operation of confirming the security authentication. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may configure the automatic connection confirmation mode in parallel or sequentially with an operation of inputting the authentication code decoded from the designated frequency signal from the external device201.

In operation1721, the external device201may configure an automatic connection confirmation mode for the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the external device201may configure the automatic connection confirmation mode in parallel or sequentially with the operation of transmitting the secure authentication response.

In operation1723, the electronic device101may transmit a connection request to the external device201. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may transmit a connection request message to the corresponding external device201.

In operation1725, when the connection request is received from the electronic device101, the external device201may determine an automatic connection to the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the external device201may confirm address information of the electronic device101, from which the connection request is received, to automatically accept the connection to the electronic device101.

In operation1727, the external device201may receive the connection request from the electronic device101, and may transmit a connection response corresponding to the connection request to the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the external device201may transmit a connection response message to the electronic device101.

In operation1729, when the connection response is received from the external device201, the electronic device101may determine an automatic connection to the external device201. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may confirm address information of the external device201, from which the connection response has been received, to automatically accept the connection to the external device201.

In operation1731, the electronic device101and the external device201may be connected to each other. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101and the external device201may complete the wireless connection therebetween, and may be configured to be in a state in which data can be transmitted between the electronic device101and the external device201.

According to an embodiment,FIG.17illustrates an example in which, in order to enhance security, both the electronic device101and the external device201provide authentication codes by using designated frequency signals, and the electronic device101performs security authentication based on whether the authentication codes match each other. For example, in operations1709and1711, the electronic device101may encode an authentication code of the electronic device101in a designated frequency signal and may provide the designated frequency signal to the external device201.

For example, in operations1713and1715, the external device201may interpret the authentication code of the electronic device101, may encode the interpreted authentication code of the electronic device101interpreted in a designated frequency signal, and may provide the designated frequency signal to the electronic device101. For example, illustrated is an example in which the electronic device101performs security authentication by checking whether the authentication code generated by the electronic device101matches the authentication code acquired from the inaudible frequency signal from the external device201. However, various embodiments are not limited thereto, and security authentication may also be performed in a manner in which either the electronic device101or the external device201encodes an authentication code in a designated frequency signal and provides the designated signal, and the other device inputs the authentication code as an authentication code for wireless connection.

According to an embodiment, in operation1705, the operation of the electronic device101may be replaced with an operation of turning on the microphone, and in operation1707, the operation of the external device201may be replaced with an operation of turning on the speaker. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may not perform operation1709, and the external device201may perform an authentication data generation operation corresponding to operation1709.

In this case, the electronic device101may transmit a security authentication request (e.g., a message or a packet) to the external device201in operation1711, and the external device201may encode an authentication code of the external device201in a designated frequency signal in operation1713, and may output the designated frequency signal through the speaker in operation1715. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may decode, in operation1717, the authentication code of the external device201based on the designated frequency signal and automatically input the decoded authentication code as an authentication code for a wireless connection to the external device201, and may perform subsequent operations.

FIG.18is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

According to an embodiment,FIG.18shows an example of using a designated frequency signal (e.g., an inaudible frequency and/or high-frequency signal) for a wireless connection between the electronic device101and the external device201. According to an embodiment, inFIG.18, operations corresponding to operations1401to1403as illustrated inFIG.14(or operations1501to1503as illustrated inFIG.15) may be performed, and a description of the corresponding operations will be omitted.

Referring toFIG.18, in operation1801, the processor120of the electronic device101may monitor a distance (or proximity) to the external device201. According to an embodiment, the processor120may confirm the degree of proximity between the electronic device101and the external device201based on the signal reception sensitivity (e.g., RSSI) between the electronic device101and the external device201.

In operation1803, the processor120may detect proximity to the external device201within a designated range. According to an embodiment, the processor120may determine, based on the monitoring result, that the electronic device101and the external device201are in proximity to each other within the designated range when the signal reception sensitivity (e.g., RSSI) between the electronic device101and the external device201reaches a designated threshold.

In operation1805, based on detecting that the electronic device101and the external device201are in proximity to each other within a designated range, the processor120may control the display310to display a user interface, and may control a speaker to be turned on. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device101and the external device201reach an induced distance (or location), the processor120may provide a user interface related to a guide (e.g., an authentication guide) indicating that authentication is being performed with the external device201. According to an embodiment, when the signal reception sensitivity between the electronic device101and the external device201reaches the designated threshold, the processor120may switch from a first user interface to a third user interface to provide an authentication guide.

In operation1807, the processor120may generate a first authentication code (e.g., a PIN and/or a MAC address) to be used for connection to the external device201.

In operation1809, the processor120may output a designated frequency signal including the first authentication code to the external device201through the speaker. According to an embodiment, the processor120may transmit data (e.g., sound wave data) to the external device201by using an inaudible sound wave that is inaudible to the human (e.g., a user) ear. According to an embodiment, the processor120may encode the authentication code (e.g., the MAC address and/or the PIN) of the electronic device101in an inaudible frequency signal and output the inaudible frequency signal to the external device201.

According to an embodiment, the processor120may control the microphone to be turned on in parallel or sequentially with the operation of outputting the designated frequency signal, and may wait to receive a designated frequency signal from the external device201. According to an embodiment, the processor120may turn off the speaker. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device101always drives the speaker, turn-on and turn-off operations of the speaker may be omitted.

In operation1811, the processor120may receive a designated frequency signal from the external device201. According to an embodiment, the external device201may extract the first authentication code from the designated frequency signal received from the electronic device101. For example, the external device201may interpret (or extract or parse) the first authentication code of the electronic device101in the inaudible frequency signal, based on decoding for interpretation of the first authentication code in the inaudible frequency signal. According to an embodiment, the external device201may encode an interpreted authentication code (e.g., a second authentication code) of the electronic device101in an inaudible frequency signal, and may output the inaudible frequency signal to the electronic device101. For example, the external device201may put the second authentication code into an inaudible frequency signal and output the inaudible frequency signal to the electronic device101through the speaker of the external device201, and the processor120may receive the inaudible frequency signal through the microphone of the electronic device101.

In operation1813, the processor120may acquire the second authentication code from the designated frequency signal received from the external device201. According to an embodiment, the processor120may interpret (or extract or parse) the second authentication code from the inaudible frequency signal, based on decoding for interpreting the second authentication code in the designated frequency signal received from the external device201.

In operation1815, the processor120may perform security authentication based on the first authentication code and the second authentication code. According to an embodiment, the processor120may check data consistency by using the first authentication code of the electronic device101and the second authentication code acquired from the external device201. For example, the processor120may compare the first authentication code with the second authentication code to check whether the first authentication code matches the second authentication code. Thereafter, the processor120may configure a wireless connection to the external device201, based on the result of performing the security authentication.

FIG.19is a flowchart illustrating a wireless connection operation of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.19, in operation1901, the processor120of the electronic device101may detect a trigger (e.g., a connection service initiation) for a wireless connection to the external device201. According to an embodiment, the processor120may identify, based on various user inputs, a trigger related to the wireless connection to the external device201. The user inputs may include, for example, execution of an application related to wireless connection configuration and/or a designated input (e.g., a touch, gesture, an air gesture, and/or a voice command).

In operation1903, the processor120may search for the external device201by using the wireless communication circuit320. According to an embodiment, the processor120may search for nearby external devices internally (or by a background operation) based on the detecting of the trigger.

In operation1905, the processor120may provide, through the display310, a guide for inducing the electronic device101and the external device201to be in proximity to each other within a designated range. According to an embodiment, through the display310, the processor120may provide a user with a first user interface related to a guide (e.g., a proximity induction guide) for inducing the electronic device101and the external device201to be in proximity to each other in terms of a distance (or location). According to an embodiment, operations1903and1905may be performed sequentially, in parallel, in reverse order, or heuristically.

In operation1907, the processor120may acquire an external signal (e.g., a voice signal or an inaudible frequency signal) through the microphone370based on the proximity between the electronic device101and the external device201. According to an embodiment, the processor120may identify that the electronic device101and the external device201are in proximity to each other within the designated range.

According to an embodiment, the processor120may identify the degree of proximity within the designated range, based on the result of monitoring the degree of proximity between the electronic device101and the external device201. According to an embodiment, when it is detected that the electronic device101and the external device201are in proximity to each other within the designated range, the processor120may perform a designated operation with the external device201to acquire an external signal through the microphone370.

For example, the processor120may control, based on a first designated operation, the microphone370of the electronic device101to be turned on, and may instruct the external device201to turn on the microphone of the external device201. According to an embodiment, the processor120may provide a second user interface through the display310, based on the first designated operation. For example, the processor120may acquire an audio signal (e.g., a voice signal) from the user through the microphone370, based on a guide (e.g., an audio input guide) for inducing an audio input (e.g., user voice utterance).

In another example, the processor120may output, based on a second designated operation, an inaudible frequency signal through the speaker380of the electronic device101, and may instruct to the external device201to output an inaudible frequency signal corresponding to the inaudible frequency signal. According to an embodiment, the processor120may provide, based on the second designated operation, a third user interface through the display310. For example, the processor120may provide a guide (e.g., an authentication guide) indicating that authentication is being performed with the external device201, and, internally (or by a background operation), may acquire the inaudible frequency signal output through the speaker of the external device201through the microphone370of the electronic device101.

In operation1909, the processor120may perform, based on the acquired external signal, authentication for a wireless connection to the external device201. According to an embodiment, the processor120may include authentication data in the external signal (e.g., the voice signal or the inaudible frequency signal), and may use the authentication data to check the consistency of wireless connection to the external device201.

For example, the processor120may use the audio signal (e.g., the voice signal) acquired according to the first designated operation to acquire first authentication data of the electronic device101(e.g., first time information and/or first voice information) and second authentication data of the external device201(e.g., second time information and/or second voice information), and may perform security authentication related to the wireless connection, based on the first authentication data and the second authentication data.

In another example, the processor120may use the inaudible frequency signal acquired according to the second designated operation to acquire first authentication data of the electronic device101(e.g., a first authentication code) and second authentication data of the external device201(e.g., a second authentication code), and may perform security authentication related to the wireless connection, based on the first authentication data and the second authentication data.

In operation1911, the processor120may configure, based on the authentication result, a wireless connection to the external device201by using the wireless communication circuit320. According to an embodiment, when the security authentication is normally confirmed (or checked), the processor120may transmit a connection request to the external device201through the wireless communication circuit320, and may connect the electronic device101and the external device201to each other, based on receiving a connection response from the external device201. According to an embodiment, the processor120may complete the wireless connection between the electronic device101and the external device201, and may transmit/receive data between the electronic device101and the external device201.

As described above, an operation method performed by an electronic device101according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure may include detecting a trigger for a wireless connection to an external device201, searching, based on the detecting of the trigger, for the external device201by using a wireless communication circuit (e.g., the wireless communication module192inFIG.1or the wireless communication circuit320inFIG.3), providing, through a display (e.g., the display device160inFIG.1or the display310inFIG.3), a guide for inducing the electronic device101and the external device201to be in proximity to each other in a designated range, acquiring an external signal through a microphone (e.g., the input device150inFIG.1or the microphone370inFIG.3) by performing a designated operation with the external device201when detecting that the electronic device101and the external device201are in proximity to each other within the designated range, performing authentication for the wireless connection to the external device201based on the acquired external signal, and configuring, based on the authentication result, the wireless connection to the external device201by using the wireless communication circuit.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the providing of the guide may include displaying, based on the detecting of the trigger, a first user interface related to a guide for inducing proximity between devices.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the providing of the guide may include transmitting, based on the detecting of the trigger, a service initiation request, which instructs the external device to execute the designated operation, by using the wireless communication circuit

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the designated operation may include turning on a microphone of the external device, and the service initiation request may include address information of the electronic device, service initiation information, and/or external signal reception standby indication information.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the method may include monitoring the degree of proximity to the external device by using the wireless communication circuit, and identifying, based on the monitoring result, that the external device is in proximity within the designated range when the signal reception sensitivity of the electronic device and the external device reaches a designated threshold.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the designated operation may include displaying a second user interface related to a guide for inducing a user's audio input, based on detecting that the electronic device and the external device are in proximity to each other within the designated range, controlling a microphone related to the designated operation to be turned on with the displaying of the second user interface, and receiving an audio signal from the outside through the microphone.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the performing of the authentication may include acquiring first authentication data based on the audio signal, acquiring, from the external device, second authentication data acquired based on the audio signal, and performing authentication for a wireless connection between the electronic device and the external device, based on data consistency between the first authentication data and the second authentication data.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the performing of the authentication may include displaying, based on detecting that the electronic device and the external device are in proximity to each other within the designated range, a third user interface related to a guide indicating that authentication is being performed with the external device, controlling a speaker related to the designated operation to be turned on with the displaying of the third user interface, encoding a first authentication code in the first designated frequency signal and outputting the first designated frequency signal to the external device through the speaker, acquiring a second designated frequency signal, including a second authentication code acquired based on the first designated frequency signal, from the external device through the microphone, and performing authentication for a wireless connection between the electronic device and the external device, based on data consistency between the first authentication code and the second authentication code.

Various embodiments disclosed in the specification and the drawings are merely particular examples provided for easily describing the technical matters of the disclosure and contributing to understanding of the disclosure, and do not limit the scope of the disclosure. Therefore, it should be construed that all modifications or modified forms capable of being derived from the technical idea of the disclosure in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein are included in the scope of the disclosure.