Electronic device connected to another electronic device and method of controlling same

An electronic device and a control method of the electronic device are provided. The control method includes acquiring second device information on a second electronic device connected to the first electronic device, and determining a first application corresponding to a combination of the first electronic device and the second electronic device based on first device information on the first electronic device and the second device information.

PRIORITY

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) to Korean Patent Application Serial No. 10-2014-0177551, which was filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Dec. 10, 2014, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates generally to an electronic device connected to another electronic device and a method of controlling the same.

2. Description of the Related Art

Recently, the introduction of technologies related to the Internet of Things (IoT) is actively in progress. IoT refers to a technology that can perform Internet-based communication between real world objects, such as home appliances, sensors, and the like. Conventionally, Mobile-to-Mobile (M2M) enables communication between objects through mobile communication equipment. IoT extends the communication to the Internet and is based on the concept of interacting with information existing in both the real world and in virtual environments, as well as communicating between people and objects. That is, IoT is a connection network that forms an intelligent relation, such as sensing, networking, information processing, and the like through cooperation, based on the Internet network, without separate human intervention, to three environmental elements of the human, object, and service. In connection with IoT, a communication scheme through a Zig-bee communication-based Internet Protocol (IP) address has been developed by the IPv6 over Low power Wireless Personal Area Networks (6LoWPAN) standardization organization. Further, a communication scheme through a Bluetooth communication-based IP address has been developed by the 6lo standardization organization. As described above, attempts to combine the IP address with different types of communication schemes are increasing.

Following the introduction of IoT, the electronic device may form a communication connection with another electronic device and transmit/receive data to/from another electronic device. However, the conventional electronic device only performs an operation for transmitting or receiving particular data to/from another electronic device and is unable to control the electronic device based on a characteristic of another electronic device connected to the electronic device.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure has been made to address at least the problems and the disadvantages described above, and to provide at least the advantages described below.

Accordingly, an aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a communication method and apparatus to solve the above described problems or other problems.

Accordingly, another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a control method for controlling an electronic device based on a characteristic of another electronic device connected to the electronic device.

Accordingly, another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide and control an optimal operation based on a combination of two or more electronic devices.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a control method of a first electronic device is provided. The control method includes acquiring second device information on a second electronic device connected to the first electronic device, and determining a first application corresponding to a combination of the first electronic device and the second electronic device based on first device information on the first electronic device and the second device information.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a first electronic device is provided. The first electronic device includes a connection module that transmits and receives data to and from a second electronic device; and a processor that acquires second device information on the second electronic device connected to the first electronic device, and determines a first application corresponding to a combination of the first electronic device and the second electronic device based on first device information on the first electronic device and the second device information.

In the present disclosure, the expressions “have”, “may have”, “include”, and “may include” refer to the existence of a corresponding feature (e.g., numerical value, function, operation, or components such as elements), and do not exclude the existence of additional features.

In the present disclosure, the expressions “A or B”, “at least one of A or/and B”, and “one or more of A or/and B” may include all possible combinations of the items listed. For example, the expressions “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, and “at least one of A or B” refer to all of (1) including A, (2) including B, or (3) including all of A and B.

Expressions, such as “a first”, “a second”, “the first”, or “the second” used herein may modify various components regardless of the order and/or the importance but do not limit the corresponding components. The above expressions are used merely for the purpose of distinguishing an element from the other elements. For example, a first user device and a second user device indicate different user devices although both are user devices. For example, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

It should be understood that when an element (e.g., first element) is referred to as being (operatively or communicatively) “connected,” or “coupled,” to another element (e.g., second element), it may be directly connected or coupled to the second element or any other element (e.g., third element) may be interposer between them. In contrast, it may be understood that when an element (e.g., first element) is referred to as being “directly connected,” or “directly coupled” to another element (e.g., second element), there is no other element (e.g., third element) interposed between them.

The terms used herein are merely for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of other embodiments. As used herein, singular forms may include plural forms as well unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meaning as those commonly understood by a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. Such terms as those defined in a generally used dictionary are to be interpreted to have the same meanings as the contextual meanings in the relevant field of the art, and are not to be interpreted to have ideal or excessively formal meanings unless clearly defined in the present disclosure. In some cases, even terms defined in the present disclosure should not be interpreted to exclude embodiments of the present disclosure.

The electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of a smartphone, a tablet Personal Computer (PC), a mobile phone, a video phone, an electronic book (e-book) reader, a desktop PC, a laptop PC, a netbook computer, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a Portable Multimedia Player (PMP), an MP3 player, a mobile medical appliance, a camera, and a wearable device (e.g., a Head-Mounted Device (HMD), such as electronic glasses, electronic clothes, an electronic bracelet, an electronic necklace, an electronic appcessory, electronic tattoos, or a smart watch).

According to some embodiments, the electronic device may include at least one of a part of furniture or a building/structure, an electronic board, an electronic signature receiving device, a projector, and various kinds of measuring instruments (e.g., a water meter, an electric meter, a gas meter, and a radio wave meter).

The electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be a combination of one or more of the aforementioned various devices.

The electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may be a flexible device.

Further, the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to the aforementioned devices, and may include new electronic devices according to the development of new technologies.

Hereinafter, an electronic device according to various embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. As used herein, the term “user” may indicate a person who uses an electronic device or a device (e.g., an artificial intelligence electronic device) that uses an electronic device.

FIG. 1illustrates a network environment including an electronic device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 1, an electronic device101within a network environment100according to various embodiments is disclosed. The electronic device101includes a bus110, a processor120, a memory130, an input/output interface150, a display160, a communication module170, and a connection determination module180. According to some embodiments, the electronic device101may omit at least some of the above components or further include other components.

The bus110includes a circuit for connecting the components120to180and transmitting communication between the components (for example, control messages and/or data).

The processor120includes one or more of a Central Processing Unit (CPU), an Application Processor (AP), and a Communication Processor (CP). The processor120controls one or more other components of the electronic device101, processes calculations related to communication, and/or performs data processing. The processor120may be called a controller or may include a controller as a part thereof.

The memory130may include a volatile memory and/or a non-volatile memory. The memory130stores instructions or data related to at least one other component of the electronic device101. The memory130stores software and/or a program140.

The program140includes a kernel141, middleware143, an Application Programming Interface (API)145, and/or an application programs (or applications)147. At least some of the kernel141, the middle143, and the API145may be referred to as an Operating System (OS).

The kernel141controls or manages system resources (for example, the bus110, the processor120, the memory130, and the like) used for executing an operation or function implemented by the other programs (for example, the middleware143, the API145, or the application program147). Furthermore, the kernel141provides an interface through which the middleware143, the API145, or the application program147accesses individual components of the electronic device101to control or manage system resources.

For example, the middleware143serves as a relay for allowing the API145or the application programs147to communicate with the kernel141to exchange data. Furthermore, in regard to task requests received from the application program147, the middleware143performs a control (for example, scheduling or load balancing) for the task requests using a method of assigning at least one application a priority for using the system resources (for example, the bus110, the processor120, or the memory130) of the electronic device101.

The API145is an interface by which the applications147control functions provided from the kernel141or the middleware143, and may include at least one interface or function (for example, commands) for file control, window control, image processing, or text control.

The input/output interface150serves as an interface which transmits commands or data input from the user or an external device to other component(s) of the electronic device101. Further, the input/output interface150outputs commands or data received from another component(s) of the electronic device101to the user or an external device.

The display160may include, for example, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), a Light Emitting Diode (LED) display, an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display, a Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) display, or an electronic paper display. The display160may display various types of contents (for example, text, images, videos, icons, or symbols) to users. The display160may include a touch screen, and may receive, for example, a touch, gesture, proximity, or hovering input using an electronic pen or a user's body part.

The communication module170configures communication between the electronic device101and an external device (for example, a first external electronic device102, a second external electronic device104, or a server106). For example, the communication module170may be connected to a network162through wireless or wired communication to communicate with the second external electronic device104or the server106.

The wireless communication may use, for example, at least one of Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Wireless Broadband (WiBro), and Global System for Mobile communication (GSM), for example, as a cellular communication protocol. The wired communication includes, for example, at least one of a Universal Serial Bus (USB), a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), Recommended Standard 232 (RS-232), and a Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS). The network162includes at least one of communication networks such as a computer network (for example, a LAN or a WAN), the Internet, and a telephone network.

Each of the first external electronic device102and the second external electronic devices104may be a device which is the same as or different from the electronic device101.

The server106may include a group of one or more servers.

All or some of the operations performed by the electronic device101may be performed by the first external electronic device102, the second external electronic device104or the server106. When the electronic device101should perform some functions or services automatically or by request, the electronic device101makes a request for performing at least some of the functions related to the functions or services to the first external electronic device102, the second external electronic device104, or the server106, instead of performing the functions or services by itself. The other electronic may carry out the requested function or the additional function and transfer the result, obtained by carrying out the function, to the electronic device101. The electronic device101provides the requested functions or services based on the received result as it is or after additionally processing the received result. To achieve this, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, or client-server computing technology may be used.

The connection determination module180supports driving the electronic device101by performing at least one of the operations (or functions) implemented by the electronic device101.

The connection determination module180processes at least some of the information obtained from other components (for example, at least one of the processor120, the memory130, the input/output interface150, and the communication interface170) and utilizes the same in various manners. For example, the connection determination module180controls at least some functions of the electronic device101by using the processor120or controls at least some of the functions independently so that the electronic device101may interwork with other electronic devices, such as the first external electronic device102, the second external electronic device104, or the server106. The connection determination module180may be integrated into the processor120or the communication module170. At least one component of the connection determination module180may be included in the server106, and at least one operation implemented in the connection determination module180may be supported by the server106.

FIG. 2is a block diagram of a program module, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 2, a program module210(for example, the program140) includes an Operating System (OS) for controlling resources related to the electronic device101and/or various applications147executed in the operating system. The operating system may be, for example, Android, iOS, Windows, Symbian, Tizen, Bada, or the like.

The program module210includes a kernel220, middleware230, an Application Programming Interface (API)260, and/or applications270. At least some of the program module210may be preloaded in the electronic device101or downloaded from the server106.

The kernel220(for example, the kernel141) includes a system resource manager221or a device driver223.

The system resource manager221controls, allocates, or collects the system resources. The system resource manager221may include a process manager, a memory manager, or a file system manager.

The device driver223may include, for example, a display driver, a camera driver, a Bluetooth driver, a shared-memory driver, a USB driver, a keypad driver, a Wi-Fi driver, an audio driver, or an Inter-Process Communication (IPC) driver.

The middleware230(for example, the middleware143) provides a common function required by the applications270or provides various functions to the applications270through the API260, so that the applications270may efficiently use limited system resources of the electronic device101. The middleware230includes, for example, at least one of a runtime library235, an application manager241, a window manager242, a multimedia manager243, a resource manager244, a power manager245, a database manager246, a package manager247, a connectivity manager248, a notification manager249, a location manager250, a graphic manager251, and a security manager252.

The run time library235includes a library module that a compiler uses in order to add new functions through a programming language while the application270is executed. The run time library235performs input/output management, memory management, or a function for an arithmetic function.

The application manager241manages a life cycle of at least one application of the applications270.

The window manager242manages a GUI resource used in a screen.

The multimedia manager243detects a format required for reproducing various media files and encodes or decodes a media file using a codec appropriate for the corresponding format.

The resource manager244manages resources such as a source code, a memory, or a storage space of at least one application of the applications270.

The power manager245operates together with a Basic Input/Output System (BIOS), so as to manage a battery or power and provides power information required for the operation of the electronic device101.

The database manager246generates, searches for, or changes a database to be used by at least one of the applications270.

The package manager247manages the installation or updating of applications270distributed in the form of a package file.

The connectivity manager248manages wireless connections, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

The notification manager249displays or notifies a user of an event, such as a received message, an appointment, a proximity notification, and the like.

The location manager250manages location information of the electronic device101.

The graphic manager251manages graphic effects to be provided to a user and user interfaces related to the graphic effects.

The security manager252provides various security functions required for system security or user authentication.

When the electronic device101has a call function, the middleware230may further include a telephony manager for managing a voice call function or a video call function of the electronic device101.

The middleware230includes a middleware module for forming a combination of various functions of the aforementioned components. The middleware230provides a module specialized for each type of operating system in order to provide a differentiated function. In addition, a few existing components may be dynamically removed from the middleware230, or new components may be added to the middleware230.

The API260(for example, the API145), which is a set of API programming functions, may be provided in a different configuration for each operating system. For example, in a case of Android or iOS, one API set may be provided for each platform. Further, in a case of Tizen, two or more API sets may be provided for each platform.

The applications270(for example, the application programs147) includes, for example, one or more applications which can provide functions such as home271, dialer272, SMS/MMS273, Instant Message (IM)274, browser275, camera276, alarm277, contacts278, voice dialer279, email280, calendar281, media player282, album283, clock284, health care (for example, measure exercise quantity or blood sugar level), or environment information (for example, atmospheric pressure, humidity, or temperature information).

The applications270may include an application supporting information exchange between the electronic device101and the first external electronic device102or the second external electronic device104(hereinafter, referred to as an “information exchange application”). The information exchange application includes, for example, a notification relay application for transmitting predetermined information to the external electronic device, or a device management application for managing the external electronic device.

For example, the notification relay application includes a function of transferring, to the first external electronic device102or the second external electronic device104, notification information generated from other applications of the electronic device101(for example, an SMS/MMS application, an e-mail application, a health management application, or an environmental information application). Further, the notification relay application receives notification information from the first external electronic device102or the second external electronic device104and provides the received notification information to a user.

The device management application manages (for example, installs, deletes, and updates), for example, a function for at least a part of the first external electronic device102or the second external electronic device104communicating with the electronic device101(for example, turning on/off the external electronic device itself (or some elements thereof) or adjusting brightness (or resolution) of a display), applications executed in the first external electronic device102or the second external electronic device104, or services provided from the first external electronic device102or the second external electronic device104(for example, a telephone call service or a message service).

The applications270may include an application (for example, health management application) designated according to attributes (for example, attributes of the electronic device such as the type of electronic device which corresponds to a mobile medical device) of the first external electronic device102or the second external electronic device104.

The applications270may include an application received from the first external electronic device102, the second external electronic device104or the server106.

The applications270may include a preloaded application or a third party application which can be downloaded from the server106. Names of the components of the program module210according to the above-described embodiments may be changed according to the type of OS.

At least some of the program module210may be implemented in software, firmware, hardware, or a combination of two or more thereof. At least some of the programming module210may be implemented or executed by the processor (for example, the AP210). At least some of the programming module210may include a module, program, routine, sets of instructions, process, or the like for performing one or more functions.

Hereinafter, the electronic device101will be referred to as the first electronic device101, the first external electronic device102will be referred to as the second electronic device102, and the second external electronic device104will be referred to as the third electronic device104.

FIG. 3is a block diagram of a connection determination module of an electronic device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 3, a connection determination module180is provided. The connection determination module180includes at least some or all of an acquisition module310, a processing module320, a storage module330, a display module340, and a communication module350. The connection determination module180may be provided separately from the processor120or may be entirely or partially integrated into the processor120. The acquisition module301acquires second device information on the second electronic device102connected to the first electronic device101.

The processing module320determines a first application corresponding to a combination of the first electronic device101and the second electronic device102, based on first device information on the first electronic device101and the second device information of the second electronic device102.

The display module340outputs a user interface related to the first application.

The communication module350downloads the first application from the server106.

The processing module320determines application attributes and controls the storage module330to store relevant information on a correlation between the application and corresponding hardware based on the determined attributes.

The processing module320compares the first electronic device101information and the second electronic device102information with the relevant information to determine the first application.

The acquisition module310may acquire third device information on a third electronic device104connected to the second electronic device102. In this case, the processing module320determines the first application based on the first device information, the second device information, and the third device information.

The processing module320analyzes a user status based on the first device information and the second device information and determines the first application according to the user status.

The processing module320determines a state similar to the user status and determines the first application corresponding to the similar state.

The acquisition module310acquires a first distance between the first electronic device101and the second electronic device102. The processing module320determines the first application based on the first distance.

The acquisition module310may acquire a second distance between the first electronic device101and the third electronic device104. In this case, the processing module320determines the first application based on a result of the comparison between the first distance and the second distance.

The acquisition module310acquires the second device information on the second electronic device102connected to the first electronic device101. The processing module320controls the communication module350to transmit the first device information on the first electronic device101and the second device information to the server106. The communication module350receives application information corresponding to the first device information and the second device information from the server106.

The communication module350transmits an identifier including the first device information and the second device information to the server106.

The processing module320controls the operation of the first electronic device101based on the application information.

The processing module320monitors whether the second electronic device102is connected to the first electronic device101. The processing module320determines an operation mode of the first electronic device101as one of an independent operation mode and an interworking operation mode in which the first electronic device101interworks with the second electronic device102based on a result of the monitoring.

When the acquisition module310detects a connection of the second electronic device102to the first electronic device101, the processing module320determines the operation mode of the first electronic device101as the interworking operation mode.

When the acquisition module310detects a release of the connection the first electronic device101and the second electronic device102, the processing module320determines the operation mode of the first electronic device101as the independent operation mode.

The acquisition module310may acquire device information on another electronic device connected to the first electronic device101. The processing module320controls the first electronic device101based on a combination of the first electronic device101and the other electronic device.

FIG. 4is a flowchart of a control method of a first electronic device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 4, in step410, the first electronic device101acquires second device information on the second electronic device102connected to the first electronic device101. The connection between the first electronic device101and the second electronic device102may refer to a wired connection or a physical connection between the first electronic device101and the second electronic device102or may refer to a wireless connection between the devices.

In the case of the wired or physical connection, the first electronic device101includes an input/output interface which is connected to the second electronic device102, and the second electronic device102also includes an input/output interface which is connected to the first electronic device101. In this case, the input/output interface of the first electronic device101and the input/output interface of the second electronic device102input/output data in a preset scheme. That is, the input/output interface of the first electronic device101and the input/output interface of the second electronic device102input/output data to each other based on the same scheme.

In the case of the wireless connection, the connection between the first electronic device101and the second electronic device102may refer to transmission/reception of data between the first electronic device101and the second electronic device102based on wireless communication. In this case, the first electronic device101includes a communication module which communicates with the second electronic device102, and the second electronic device102also includes a communication module which communicates with the first electronic device101. The communication module of the first electronic device101and the communication module of the second electronic device102input/output data to each other based on the same scheme.

The first electronic device101and the second electronic device102may be connected according to the aforementioned various schemes, and the first electronic device101acquires the device information on the connected second electronic device102. The second device information may include at least one of a model number, manufacturer information, a module classification number, an MAC address, a device unique identifier (ID), service subscription state information, a device control authentication level, and a hardware module ID, as identification information on the second electronic device102. The first device information is identification information on the first electronic device101. The device information includes information on a place in which the electronic device is located and external environment information collected by the electronic device, as well as the identification information.

In step420, the first electronic device101determines an application using the first electronic device101and the second electronic device102based on the first device information and the second device information. That is, the first electronic device101determines the application based on a combination of the first electronic device101and the second electronic device102.

For example, it is assumed that the first electronic device101is a display device and the second electronic device102is a strap including a sensor. The first electronic device101detects a connection with the second electronic device102. For example, the first electronic device101detects a coupling between a connection means of the first electronic device101and a connection means of the second electronic device102and, accordingly, detects the connection with the second electronic device102. The first electronic device101acquires the second device information on the second electronic device102, and determines that the second electronic device102is the strap including the sensor based on the second device information. The first electronic device101may determine, for example, a biometric signal display application corresponding to an application using the display device and the strap as the application which may be used by the combination of the first electronic device101and the second electronic device102.

The first electronic device101may generate an identifier for the combined first device information and second device information. The first electronic device101determines an application based on the generated identifier. The identifier includes a combination of at least some of the first device information and at least some of the second device information.

As described above, the first electronic device101detects the connected second electronic device102and determines an application to be used based on a combination of the first electronic device101and the second electronic device102. The number of second electronic devices102may be singular or plural. When the number of second electronic devices102is more than one, the first electronic device101may be connected to a plurality of second electronic devices102in parallel. More specifically, the first electronic device101may make a connection with one second electronic device102and separately make a connection with another second electronic device102. In the case of a plurality of second electronic device102, the first electronic device101determines an application to be used based on a combination of the first electronic device101and the plurality of second electronic device102, that is, at least three electronic devices.

FIG. 5is flowchart of a method of determining an application, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 5, in step510, the first electronic device101may determine at least one application attribute. The application attribute includes hardware information used by the application. More specifically, the application attribute includes at least one of a hardware feature, capability, and a category used by the application. For example, the application may declare attributes of the hardware used by the application to the application manifest and the electronic device101may determine the attributes.

The hardware feature may be divided into, for example, a camera, an infrared camera, a GPS module, an NFC module, a sensor module, a telephony module, and a Wi-Fi module.

In step520, the first electronic device101stores correlation information indicating a correlation between the application attribute and the hardware. For example, the first electronic device101stores correlation information indicating a correlation between the application and corresponding hardware as shown in Table 1.

TABLE 1ApplicationUsed hardware informationFirst applicationFirst hardware and fourth hardwareSecond applicationSecond hardware and third hardwareThird applicationFirst hardware and fifth hardware

Table 2 shows correlation information when the application is managed by an identifier rather than the used hardware information.

Although it has been described that the first electronic device101acquires and stores the correlation information shown in Table 1, it is only an example. The first electronic device101may receive the correlation information from another electronic device, or the first electronic device101may not manage the correlation information and another electronic device determines an application based on the correlation information. A configuration in which another electronic device, for example, a server106determines an application based on correlation information will be described below in more detail.

In step530, the first electronic device101acquires the second device information and, accordingly, acquires a combination of the first device information and the second device information.

Alternatively, an identifier may be generated based on the first device information and the second device information. Referring toFIG. 5, it is assumed that the first electronic device101is first hardware and the second electronic device102is fifth hardware. In this case, the first electronic device101generates an identifier of “device1∥device5”, for example. In the identifier, “device1” refers to identification information on the first hardware and “device5” may be identification information on the fifth hardware. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that there is no limitation on the form of identifier such as “device1∥device5”.

The first electronic device101stores “device5∥device1” as an identifier corresponding to a third application. When a plurality of hardware corresponds to the application, the first electronic device101stores correlation information in which all permutations of pieces of identification information of the plurality of hardware correspond to the application.

In step540, the first electronic device101determines a corresponding application based on the first device information and the second device information.

The first electronic device101determines that the first electronic device101and the second electronic device102are the first hardware and the fifth hardware, respectively, based on the first device information and the second device information. Further, the first electronic device101determines the third application corresponding to the application using the first hardware and the fifth hardware as the application to be used, from the correlation information shown in Table 1.

Alternatively, the first electronic device101may determine the third application corresponding to the identifier “device1∥device5” as the application to be used based on the correlation information shown in Table 2.

The first electronic device101may then transmit the first device information and the second device information to another electronic device, for example, the server106. This will be described below in more detail with reference toFIG. 6. According to the above description, the first electronic device101determines the application to be used in accordance with the combination of the first electronic device101and the connected second electronic device102.

FIG. 6is a flowchart illustrating a method of determining an application, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 6, step610, the first electronic device101and the second electronic device102connect to each other. As described above, the first electronic device101and the second electronic device102may be connected in various schemes such as a wired connection, a hardware interface, wireless communication, and the like.

In step620, the server106stores correlation information between the application and corresponding hardware in advance. The server106may register one application and determine a hardware feature and a category of the application when registering the application. The server106acquires hardware information required for executing the application based on at least one of the hardware feature and the category of the application. The server106stores correlation information on a correlation between the application and corresponding piece of hardware.

Alternatively, the server106may store correlation information on a correlation between the application and identification information on the corresponding piece of hardware. The identification information on the hardware may include various permutations of identification information on at least one piece of hardware.

In step630, the first electronic device101acquires the second device information from the second electronic device102.

In step640, the first electronic device101transmits the first device information on the first electronic device101and the second device information to the server106. Alternatively, the first electronic device101may generate an identifier based on the first device information and the second device information and transmit the generated identifier to the server106.

In step650, the server106determines an application corresponding to the first device information and the second device information. For example, the server106determines an application used by both the first electronic device101and the second electronic device102based on the first device information and the second device information. Alternatively, the server106determines an application corresponding to the received generated identifier.

The server106determines an application based on the stored correlation information. The server106determines an application corresponding to the first device information and the second device information based on the correlation information. Alternatively, the server106determines an application corresponding to the identifier based on the correlation information.

In step660, the server106transmits application information on the determined application to the first electronic device101. The server106may transmit the determined application to the first electronic device101. Alternatively, the server106may receive an application download request from the first electronic device101and transmit the corresponding application to the first electronic device101in response to the received download request. In this case, in addition to the corresponding application, the server106may also transmit library information for an operation of the corresponding application to the first electronic device101.

FIG. 7is a flowchart of an operation of an electronic device corresponding to a determined application, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 7, in step710, the first electronic device101determines the application corresponding to the first device information and the second device information. For example, the first electronic device101determines the first device information and the second device information based on pre-stored correlation information of the application and the corresponding hardware. Alternatively, the first electronic device101may transmit the first device information and the second device information to another electronic device (for example, the server106) and receive application information corresponding to the first device information and the second device information from the other electronic device.

In step720, the first electronic device101provides a user interface related to the determined application. For example, the first electronic device101displays an execution icon of the determined application. The first electronic device101may execute the determined application when the execution icon of the determined application is selected. Alternatively, the first electronic device101may directly execute the determined application.

When the number of determined applications is plural, the first electronic device101displays a screen including icons corresponding to the plurality of determined applications, respectively. Alternatively, the first electronic device101displays a selection window for requesting selection of one of the plurality of determined applications.

Accordingly, the first electronic device101allows the user to easily identify the application suitable for a combination of the first electronic device101and the second electronic device102.

FIGS. 8A and 8Bare conceptual diagrams illustrating an operation based on a connection between a first electronic device and a second electronic device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 8A, a first electronic device101is provided. The first electronic device101is a display device. The first electronic device101displays an icon811corresponding to a first application (A), an icon812corresponding to a second application (B), an icon813corresponding to a third application (C), an icon814corresponding to a fourth application (D), and a menu screen801. The menu screen801may be also referred to as a launch application execution screen.

Referring toFIG. 8B, the first electronic device101and a second electronic device820is provided. The first electronic device101is connected to a second electronic device820. The second electronic device820is a strap which may be worn on the user's wrist. The second electronic device820includes sensor modules821and822, such that when the second electronic device820senses the user's biometric information when it is worn on the user's wrist.

The first electronic device101may include a connection means or an interface which may be connected to the second electronic device820. The second electronic device820may also include a connection means and an interface which may be connected to the first electronic device101. The connection means or the interface of the first electronic device101and the connection means or the interface of the second electronic device820may correspond to each other.

The first electronic device101detects a connection with the second electronic device820and acquires second device information on the second electronic device820, according to the connection. The electronic device101determines a fifth application (E) and a sixth application (F), which are applications using the first electronic device101and the second electronic device102, based on the first device information on the first electronic device101and the second device information on the second electronic device820. For example, the fifth application (E) may be a biometric signal display application which may use both the display device corresponding to the first electronic device101and the strap including the sensor modules corresponding to the second electronic device102.

The first electronic device101provides a user interface related to the fifth application (E) and the sixth application (F) which are the determined applications. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 8B, the first electronic device101displays an icon833corresponding to the fifth application (E) and an icon834corresponding to the sixth application (F). The first electronic device101may directly execute and display the fifth application (E).

FIGS. 9A and 9Bare flowcharts of processes of downloading an application, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 9A, in step910, the first electronic device101determines the application corresponding to the first device information and the second device information. For example, the first electronic device101determines the first device information and the second device information based on pre-stored correlation information of the application and the corresponding hardware. In this case, the first electronic device101does not pre-store the application, but receives correlation information from the server106.

In step920, the first electronic device101downloads the determined application from the server106.

Referring toFIG. 9B, alternatively, in step930, the first electronic device101transmits the first device information and the second device information to another electronic device (for example, the server106) and receives application information corresponding to the first device information and the second device information from the other electronic device.

In operation940, the first electronic device101downloads the determined application from the other electronic device.

FIGS. 10A and 10Bare conceptual diagrams illustrating control of an electronic device based on place information on a connected electronic device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS. 10A and 10B, a first electronic device101and a second electronic device1000are provided. The first electronic device101is connected to the second electronic device1000. As illustrated inFIG. 10A, the first electronic device101is a smart watch and the second electronic device1000is an Access Point (AP). In this case, the first electronic device101wirelessly forms a communication connection with the second electronic device1000. The first electronic device101detects the connection with the second electronic device1000and acquires second device information on the second electronic device1000. The second device information includes information on a place in which the second electronic device1000is located, as well as identification information on the second electronic device1000. For example, the second electronic device1000may be located in a place of “X-mall”.

The first electronic device101determines the application corresponding to the first device information and the second device information. Alternatively, the first electronic device101transmits the first device information and the second device information to the server106and the server106determines the application corresponding to the first device information and the second device information. Particularly, the server106determines the corresponding application based on the information on the place in which the second electronic device1000is located, which corresponds to the second device information.

The server106determines an application of “X-mall App” corresponding to the information on the place “X-mall” in which the second electronic device1000is located. Particularly, the server106determines “X-mall App” for a smart watch, which corresponds to the first electronic device101, based on the first device information. The server106transmits application information on the determined application to the first electronic device101. The first electronic device101provides a user interface related to the application based on the received application information. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 10B, the first electronic device101displays an inquiry window1010for inquiring whether to download the application “X-mall App” for the smart watch. The inquiry window1010includes a download acceptance icon1011and a download rejection icon1012. For example, when the acceptance icon1011is selected, the first electronic device101downloads the application “X-mall App” for the smart watch from the server106.

FIGS. 11A and 11Bare flowcharts of control methods of an electronic device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 11A, in step1110, the first electronic device101downloads the application corresponding to the first device information and the second device information from the server106. Since the process in which the first electronic device101downloads the application from the server106has been described in detail, further description will be omitted herein.

In step1120, the first electronic device101may detect a release of the connection with the second electronic device1000. For example, in an embodiment ofFIG. 10A, as a distance between the first electronic device101and the second electronic device1000becomes longer, the communication connection between the first electronic device101and the second electronic device1000may be released. The first electronic device101may be handed over to another AP, that is, the first electronic device101may leave a place in which the second electronic device1000is located.

When the release of the connection between the first electronic device101and the second electronic device1000is detected, the first electronic device101deletes the downloaded application “X-mall App” for the smart watch in step1130. According to another embodiment, the first electronic device101may simply end the execution of the downloaded application “X-mall App” for the smart watch.

Referring toFIG. 11B, in step1140, the first electronic device101operates in accordance with the first device information and the second device information. The first electronic device101may display icons of applications corresponding to the first electronic device101and the second electronic device102, execute applications, or download applications.

In step1150, the first electronic device101may detect a release of the connection with the second electronic device102. For example, the first electronic device101may detect the release of the connection based on whether a connection means is connected to/disconnected from the second electronic device102, whether a hardware interface is connected/disconnected, and a communication connection of the communication module is released.

In step1160, the first electronic device101operates in accordance with the first device information. For example, the first electronic device101may delete or end the execution of a downloaded application. Alternatively, the first electronic device101may change a displayed application icon into another application icon and display the changed icon.

FIG. 12is flowchart of a control method of an electronic device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 13is a conceptual diagram illustrating a connection between a first electronic device and a second electronic device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS. 12 and 13, a first electronic device101and a second electronic device1310are provided. The first electronic device101is a smart watch and the second electronic device1310is a treadmill.

In step1210, the first electronic device101acquires the first device information on the first electronic device101and the second device information on the second device1310. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 13, the first electronic device101may form a communication connection with a second electronic device1310. The first electronic device101acquires second device information on the second electronic device1310through the formed communication connection.

In step1220, the first electronic device101analyzes a user status based on the first device information and the second device information. For example, the first electronic device101analyzes that the user status is an exercise status based on the first device information indicating that the first electronic device101is the smart watch including sensor modules1301and1302which may sense a biometric signal and information indicating that the second electronic device102is the treadmill.

The first electronic device101stores correlation information on a correlation between the hardware type and the user status. Table 3 shows examples of correlation information on the correlation between the hardware type and the user status.

TABLE 3User statusUsed hardware informationExercise statusFirst hardware and fourth hardwareSleep statusSecond hardware and third hardwareWork statusFirst hardware and fifth hardware

Table 4 shows correlation information managed by an identifier, rather than the used hardware information.

Although it has been described that the first electronic device101acquires and stores the correlation information shown in Tables 3 or 4, it is only an example. The first electronic device101may receive the correlation information from another electronic device, or the first electronic device101does not manage correlation information and another electronic device determines the user status based on the correlation information and then the first electronic device101receives the determined user status. For example, the first electronic device101may analyze that the user status is an exercise status based on the first device information and the second device information.

The first electronic device101may determine an application that is most frequently used or is most recently executed in the user status.

In step1230, the first electronic device101controls the first electronic device101in accordance with the user status. For example, the first electronic device101stores a relation between the user status and the operation of the electronic device as shown in Table 5.

TABLE 5ApplicationOperation of electronic deviceExercise statusSense biometric signal and execute first applicationSleep statusSense biometric signal and execute wireless chargingWork statusVibration status

The first electronic device101performs an operation corresponding to the analyzed operation status. The first electronic device101may sense a biometric signal and execute a first application, for example, a biometric signal display application.

FIG. 14is flowchart of a control method of an electronic device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In step1410, the first electronic device101acquires the first device information and the second device information.

In step1420, the first electronic device101collects a use history and a user status according to each electronic device. For example, the first electronic device101collects the user status and used hardware information from at least one of the electronic device101and other electronic devices.

In step1430, the first electronic device101determines hardware information similar to the first device information and the second device information and, accordingly, determines an analogous status which is similar to the user status. For example, the first electronic device101further stores rest status as user status. And the first electronic device101stores device2, device3and device6as hardware information corresponding to the rest status as user status. The first electronic device101identifies the rest status as an analogous status to the sleep status based on similarity between hardware information of the rest status and hardware information of the user status. The first electronic device101identifies a control operation of the electronic device corresponding to the analogous status.

In step1440, the first electronic device101controls the first electronic device101in accordance with the analogous status.

Although it has been described that the first electronic device101determines the analogous status, it is only an example. The server106may collect a use history and a user status according to each electronic device from at least one electronic device. In this case, the server106analyzes the collected use history and user status according to each electronic device and stores the analyzed use history and user status in connection with at least one analogous status and the control operation of the electronic device. The server106receives the first device information and the second device information from the first electronic device101and transmits information including at least one of the analogous statuses and the control operation of the electronic device to the first electronic device101.

FIG. 15is flowchart of a control method of an electronic device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 16is a conceptual diagram illustrating an operation of an electronic device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS. 15 and 16,FIG. 15will be described in more detail with reference toFIG. 16. A first electronic device101, a second electronic device1610, and a third electronic device1620are provided. The first electronic device101is a smart watch, the second electronic device1610is a TV, and the third electronic device1620is a room control system. The first electronic device101forms a communication connection with the second electronic device1610and a communication connection with the third electronic device1620.

In step1510, the first electronic device101acquires device information on each of a plurality of different electronic devices. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 16, the first electronic device101acquires a distance al between the first electronic device101and a second electronic device1610, in step1520. Further, the first electronic device101acquires a distance b1between the first electronic device101and a third electronic device1620. The first electronic device101acquires the distance al between the first electronic device101and the second electronic device1610based on a signal strength from the second electronic device1610. The first electronic device101acquires the distance b1between the first electronic device101and the third electronic device1620based on a signal strength from the third electronic device1620.

In step1530, the first electronic device101controls the first electronic device101based on the distance al between the first electronic device101and the second electronic device1610and the distance b1between the first electronic device101and the third electronic device1620.

For example, the first electronic device101may operate in accordance with a combination of the first electronic device101and the second electronic device1610when the second electronic device1610is located closer to the first electronic device101. For example, the first electronic device101may execute a TV remote control application based on the smart watch and TV.

As illustrated inFIG. 16, the first electronic device101may move to a position which is a distance a2from the second electronic device1610a distance b2from the third electronic device1620. For example, the user may move toward the third electronic device1620from the second electronic device1610in a state where the user wears the first electronic device101.

In this case, the first electronic device101acquires a changed distance a2between the first electronic device101and the second electronic device1610. Further, the first electronic device101acquires a changed distance b2between the first electronic device101and the third electronic device1620. The first electronic device101controls the first electronic device101based on the distance a2between the first electronic device101and the second electronic device1610and the distance b2between the first electronic device101and the third electronic device1620.

For example, the first electronic device101may operate in accordance with a combination of the first electronic device101and the third electronic device1620when the third electronic device1620is located closer to the first electronic device101. For example, the first electronic device101may execute an electronic device remote control application within a room based on the smart watch and room control system.

FIG. 17is a flowchart of a control method of an electronic device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In step1710, the first electronic device101monitors whether the second device102is connected to the first electronic device.

In step1720, the first electronic device101determines an operation mode of the first electronic device101as an independent mode or an interworking mode in which the first electronic device101interworks with the second electronic device102based on a result of monitoring whether a connection is made. The interworking mode refers to a mode in which the first electronic device101and the second electronic device102interwork with each other while transmitting/receiving data. Alternatively, the interworking mode may refer to a mode in which the first electronic device101operates using data received from the second electronic device102.

When it is determined that the second device102is connected, the first electronic device101operates in the interworking operation mode in step1730. When it is determined that the second device102is not connected, the first electronic device101operates in the independent operation mode in step1740.

FIG. 18is a conceptual diagram illustrating an independent operation mode and an interworking operation mode, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 18, a first device101and a second device1820are provided. The first electronic device101is a display device and the second electronic device1820is a strap which may be worn on the user's wrist. The second electronic device1820includes sensor modules1821and1822which may sense user's biometric information, when the second electronic device is worn on the user's wrist.

The first electronic device101determines that the first electronic device101is connected to the second electronic device1820and operates in the interworking operation mode. The second electronic device1820may also determine that the second electronic device1820is connected to the first electronic device101and operates in the interworking operation mode. Based on the interworking operation mode, the first electronic device101processes and displays biometric signals sensed by the sensor modules1821and1822of the second electronic device1820. Based on the interworking operation mode, the second electronic device1820transmits the biometric signals sensed by the sensor modules1821and1822of the second electronic device1820to the first electronic device101.

When the first electronic device101detects a release of the connection with the second electronic device1820, each of the first electronic device101and the second electronic device1820operates in the independent operation mode. Based on the independent operation mode, the first electronic device101may display, for example, an image stored in the first electronic device101. Based on the independent operation mode, the second electronic device1820may sense and store, for example, a user's biometric signal.

The first electronic device101may be re-connected to the second electronic device1820. In this case, the first electronic device101operates in the interworking operation mode in accordance with the connection with the second electronic device1820. The first electronic device101operates by receiving the biometric signals collected when the connection is released from the second electronic device1820.

FIGS. 19A to 19Care conceptual diagrams illustrating serial connections between electronic devices, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 19A, a first electronic device1901is connected to a second electronic device1902and a third electronic device1903in parallel. More specifically, the first electronic device1901is directly connected to the second electronic device1902and is directly connected to the third electronic device1903. The second electronic device1902is directly connected to a fourth electronic device1904and a fifth electronic device1905in parallel. The third electronic device1903is directly connected to a sixth electronic device1906and a seventh electronic device1907in parallel. The first electronic device1901is connected to the fourth electronic device1904in series. That is, the first electronic device1901is connected to the fourth electronic device1904through the second electronic device1902. The first electronic device1901acquires device information from each of the second electronic device1902to the seventh electronic device1907.

Referring toFIG. 19B, the first electronic device1901may identify all of the permutations of combinations of the connected electronic devices. For example, the first electronic device may identify a first combination of electronic devices1910to a fourth combination of electronic devices1940, as illustrated inFIG. 19B. The first combination1910includes a combination of the first electronic device1901, the second electronic device1902, and the fourth electronic device1904. The second combination1920includes a combination of the first electronic device1901, the second electronic device1902, and the fifth electronic device1905. The third combination1930includes a combination of the first electronic device1901, the third electronic device1903, and the sixth electronic device1906. The fourth combination1940includes a combination of the first electronic device1901, the third electronic device1903, and the seventh electronic device1907.

The first electronic device1901operates in accordance with the combination of electronic devices by the series connection.

Referring toFIG. 19Can example of the series connection of a first electronic device100, a second electronic device1950, a third electronic device1960, and a fourth electronic device1970is provided.

As illustrated inFIG. 19C, the first electronic device101is connected to the second electronic device1950. The second electronic device1950is connected to the third electronic device1960(for example, a server). The third electronic device1960is connected to the fourth electronic device1970. The fourth electronic device1970acquires device information on the first electronic device101to the third electronic device1960. The fourth electronic device1970determines an application corresponding to the first electronic device101to the fourth electronic device1970.

For example, if the first electronic device101senses biometric signals through sensor modules1941and1942, the fourth electronic device1970executes a biometric signal processing application as the application corresponding to the first electronic device101to the fourth electronic device1970and displays the processed application. The fourth electronic device1970may also display a result of the processing and analysis of the biometric signals sensed by the first electronic device101.

A control method of a first electronic device includes acquiring second device information on a second electronic device connected to the first electronic device; and determining a first application corresponding to a combination of the first electronic device and the second electronic device based on first device information on the first electronic device and the second device information.

The control method of the first electronic device may further include outputting a user interface related to the first application.

The control method of the first electronic device may further include downloading the first application from a server.

The control method of the first electronic device may further include determining application attributes; and storing correlation information on a correlation between an application and corresponding hardware based on the determined attributes.

The determining of the first application may include determining the first application by comparing the first electronic device information and the second electronic device information with the correlation information.

The control method of the first electronic device may further include acquiring third device information on a third electronic device connected to the second electronic device; and determining the first application based on the first device information, the second device information, and the third device information.

The control method of the first electronic device may further include analyzing a user status based on the first device information and the second device information; and determining the first application in accordance with the user status.

The control method of the first electronic device may further include determining an analogous status similar to the user status; and determining the first application corresponding to the analogous status.

The control method of the first electronic device may further include acquiring a first distance between the first electronic device and the second electronic device; and determining the first application based on the first distance.

The control method of the first electronic device may further include acquiring a second distance between the first electronic device and the third electronic device; and determining the first application based on a result of the comparison between the first distance and the second distance.

A first electronic device may include a connection module that transmits/receives data to/from a second electronic device; and a processor that acquires second device information on the second electronic device connected to the first electronic device, and determines a first application corresponding to a combination of the first electronic device and the second electronic device based on first device information on the first electronic device and the second device information.

The first electronic device may further include a display module that outputs a user interface related to the first application.

The first electronic device may further include a communication module that downloads the first application from a server.

The processor may determine application attributes and control a storage module to store correlation information on a correlation between an application and corresponding hardware based on the determined attributes.

The processor may determine the first application by comparing the first electronic device information and the second electronic device information with the correlation information.

The processor may acquire third device information on a third electronic device connected to the second electronic device and determine the first application based on the first device information, the second device information, and the third device information.

The processor may analyze a user status based on the first device information and the second device information and determine the first application in accordance with the user status.

The processor may determine an analogous status similar to the user status and determine the first application corresponding to the analogous status.

The processor may acquire a first distance between the first electronic device and the second electronic device and determine the first application based on the first distance.

The processor may acquire a second distance between the first electronic device and the third electronic device and determine the first application based on a result of the comparison between the first distance and the second distance.

A control method of a first electronic device may include acquiring second device information on a second electronic device connected to the first electronic device; transmitting first device information on the first electronic device and the second device information to a server; and receiving application information corresponding to the first device information and the second device information from the server.

The transmitting of the first device information and the second device information to the server may include transmitting an identifier including the first device information and the second device information to the server.

The control method of the first electronic device may further include controlling an operation of the first electronic device based on the application information.

The first electronic device may include a processor that acquires second device information on a second electronic device connected to the first electronic device; and a communication module that transmits first device information on the first electronic device and the second device information to a server and receives application information corresponding to the first device information and the second device information from the server.

The communication module may transmit an identifier including the first device information and the second device information to the server.

The processor may control the operation of the first electronic device based on the application information.

A control method of a server communicating with a first electronic device may include receiving first device information on the first electronic device and second device information on a second electronic device connected to the first electronic device; determining application information corresponding to the first device information and the second device information; and transmitting the application information to the first electronic device.

The receiving of the first device information and the second device information may include receiving an identifier including the first device information and the second device information.

The control method of the server may further include determining application attributes; and storing correlation information on a correlation between an application and corresponding hardware based on the determined attributes.

The determining of the application information may include determining the application information by comparing the first electronic device information and the second electronic device information with the correlation information.

The control method of the server may further include receiving a download request for an application corresponding to the application information; and transmitting the application to the first electronic device in response to the download request.

A server communicating with a first electronic device may include a communication module that receives first device information on the first electronic device and second device information on a second electronic device connected to the first electronic device; and a processor that determines application information corresponding to the first device information and the second device information and controls the communication module to transmit the application information to the first electronic device.

The communication module may receive an identifier including the first device information and the second device information.

The processor may determine application attributes and control a storage module to store correlation information on a correlation between an application and corresponding hardware based on the determined attributes.

The processor may determine the application information by comparing the first electronic device information and the second electronic device information with the correlation information.

The communication module may receive a download request for an application corresponding to the application information, and the processor may control the communication module to transmit the application to the first electronic device in response to the download request.

A control method of a first electronic device may include monitoring whether a second electronic device is connected to the first electronic device; and determining an operation mode of the first electronic device as an independent operation mode or an interworking operation mode in which the first electronic device interworks with the second electronic device based on a result of the monitoring.

The control method of the first electronic device may further include detecting a connection of the second electronic device to the first electronic device; and determining the operation mode of the first electronic device as the interworking operation mode.

The control method of the first electronic device may further include detecting a release of the connection between the first electronic device and the second electronic device; and determining the operation mode of the first electronic device as the independent operation mode.

A first electronic device may include a communication module that communicates with a second electronic device; and a processor that monitors whether the second electronic device is connected to the first electronic device and determines an operation mode of the first electronic device as one of an independent mode and an interworking operation mode in which the first electronic device interworks with the second electronic device based on a result of the monitoring.

The processor may detect a connection of the second electronic device to the first electronic device and determines the operation mode of the first electronic device as the interworking operation mode.

The processor may detect a release of the connection between the first electronic device and the second electronic device and determine the operation mode of the first electronic device as the independent operation mode.

A control method of an electronic device may include acquiring device information on another electronic device connected to the electronic device; and controlling the electronic device based on a combination of the electronic device and the other electronic device.

An electronic device may include a connection module that transmits/receives data to/from another electronic device; and a processor that acquires device information on the other electronic device connected to the electronic device and controls the electronic device based on a combination of the electronic device and the other electronic device.

FIG. 20is a block diagram of a configuration of an electronic device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 20, an electronic device2001is provided. Electronic device2001may include all or some of the electronic device101illustrated inFIG. 1. For example, the electronic device101illustrated inFIG. 1may include all or some of the electronic device2001illustrated inFIG. 20.

The electronic device2001includes at least one Application Processor (AP)2010, a communication module2020, a Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) card2024, a memory2030, a sensor module2040, an input device2050, a display2060, an interface2070, an audio module2080, a camera module2091, a power management module2095, a battery2096, an indicator2097, and a motor2098.

The AP2010controls a plurality of hardware or software components connected thereto by driving an operating system or an application program and performs a variety of data processing and calculations. The AP2010may be embodied as a System on Chip (SoC). The AP2010may further include a Graphical Processing Unit (GPU) and/or an image signal processor. The AP2010may also include at least some (for example, a cellular module2021) of the components illustrated inFIG. 2. The AP2010loads instructions or data, received from at least one other component (for example, a non-volatile memory), in a volatile memory to process the loaded instructions or data, and stores various types of data in a non-volatile memory.

The communication module2020may have a configuration equal or similar to the communication interface170ofFIG. 1. The communication module2020includes, for example, a cellular module2021, a Wi-Fi module2023, a BT module2025, a GPS module2027, an NFC module2028, and a Radio Frequency (RF) module2029.

The cellular module2021provides a voice call, video call, text message services, or Internet services through a communication network. The cellular module2021may distinguish between and authenticate electronic devices2001within a communication network using a SIM card2024. The cellular module2021may perform at least some of the functions which may be provided by the AP2010. The cellular module2021may include a Communication Processor (CP).

Each of the Wi-Fi module2023, the BT module2025, the GPS module2027, and the NFC module2028may include a processor for processing data transmitted/received through the corresponding module. At least some (two or more) of the cellular module2021, the Wi-Fi module2023, the BT module2025, the GPS module2027, and the NFC module2028may be included in one Integrated Chip (IC) or IC package.

The RF module2029transmits/receives a communication signal (for example, an RF signal). The RF module2029may include a transceiver, a Power Amp Module (PAM), a frequency filter, a Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) or an antenna. Alternatively, at least one of the cellular module2021, the Wi-Fi module2023, the BT module2025, the GPS module2027, and the NFC module2028may transmit/receive an RF signal through a separate RF module.

The SIM card2024is a card including a subscriber identification module and/or an embedded SIM, and may further include unique identification information (for example, an Integrated Circuit Card Identifier (ICCID)) or subscriber information (for example, International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)).

The memory2030may include an internal memory2032or an external memory2034. The internal memory2032includes at least one of a volatile memory (for example, a Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), a Static RAM (SRAM), a Synchronous Dynamic RAM (SDRAM), and the like) and a non-volatile memory (for example, a One Time Programmable Read Only Memory (OTPROM), a Programmable ROM (PROM), an Erasable and Programmable ROM (EPROM), an Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM (EEPROM), a mask ROM, a flash ROM, a flash memory (for example, a NAND flash memory or a NOR flash memory), a hard disk drive, a Solid State Drive (SSD), and the like).

The external memory2034may include a flash drive, for example, a Compact Flash (CF), a Secure Digital (SD), a Micro Secure Digital (Micro-SD), a Mini Secure Digital (Mini-SD), an extreme Digital (xD), a memory stick, or the like. The external memory2034may be functionally and/or physically connected to the electronic device2001through various interfaces.

The sensor module2040measures a physical quantity or detects an operation state of the electronic device2001, and converts the measured or detected information to an electrical signal. The sensor module2040includes at least one of, for example, a gesture sensor2040A, a gyro sensor2040B, an atmospheric pressure sensor2040C, a magnetic sensor2040D, an accelerometer sensor2040E, a grip sensor2040F, a proximity sensor2040G a color sensor2040H (for example, a Red/Green/Blue (RGB) sensor), a biometric sensor2040I, a temperature/humidity sensor2040J, an illumination sensor2040K, and an Ultra Violet (UV) sensor2040M. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor module2040may include an E-nose sensor, an electromyography (EMG) sensor, an electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor, an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, an iris sensor, and/or a fingerprint sensor. The sensor module2040may further include a control circuit for controlling at least one sensor included therein. The electronic device2001may further include a processor configured to control the sensor module2040as a part of, or separately from, the AP2010, and may control the sensor module2040while the AP2010is in a sleep state.

The input device2050includes, for example, a touch panel2052, a (digital) pen sensor2054, a key2056, or an ultrasonic input device2058.

The touch panel2052uses at least one of, for example, a capacitive type, a resistive type, an infrared type, and an ultrasonic type. The touch panel2052may further include a control circuit. The touch panel2052may further include a tactile layer, and provide a tactile reaction to a user.

The (digital) pen sensor2054may include a recognition sheet which is a part of the touch panel or a separate recognition sheet.

The key2056include, for example, a physical button, an optical key or a keypad. The ultrasonic input unit2058inputs data through an input means that generates an ultrasonic signal, and the electronic device2001identifies data by detecting a sound wave with a microphone2088.

The display2060(for example, the display160) may include a panel2062, a hologram device2064or a projector2066.

The panel2062may include a component which is the same as or similar to the display160ofFIG. 1. The panel2062may be embodied to be flexible, transparent, or wearable. The panel2062may also be configured to be integrated with the touch panel2052as a single module.

The hologram device2064displays a stereoscopic image in the air by using interference of light.

The projector2066projects light onto a screen to display an image. The screen may be located inside or outside the electronic device2001.

The display2060may further include a control circuit for controlling the panel2062, the hologram device2064, or the projector2066.

The interface2070includes, for example, a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)2072, a Universal Serial Bus (USB)2074, an optical interface2076, or a D-subminiature (D-sub)2078.

The interface2070may be included in the communication module170illustrated inFIG. 1.

Additionally or alternatively, the interface2070may include a Mobile High-definition Link (MHL) interface, a Secure Digital (SD) card/Multi-Media Card (MMC) interface, or an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) standard interface.

The audio module2080bilaterally converts a sound and an electrical signal. At least some components of the audio module2080may be included in the input/output interface150illustrated inFIG. 1. The audio module2080processes sound information input or output through a speaker2082, a receiver2084, earphones2086, the microphone2088, or the like.

For example, the camera module2091is a device which may photograph a still image and a dynamic image. According to an embodiment, the camera module291includes one or more image sensors (for example, a front sensor or a back sensor), a lens, an Image Signal Processor (ISP) or a flash (for example, LED or xenon lamp).

The power management module2095manages, for example, power of the electronic device2001. According to an embodiment, the power management module2095includes a Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC), a charger Integrated Circuit (IC), or a battery gauge. The PMIC may have a wired and/or wireless charging scheme. Examples of the wireless charging method include, for example, a magnetic resonance scheme, a magnetic induction scheme, an electromagnetic wave scheme, and the like. Further, the power management module2095may further include additional circuits (for example, a coil loop, a resonance circuit, a rectifier, and the like.) for wireless charging. The battery gauge may measure, for example, the remaining amount of battery2096, a charging voltage and current, or temperature. The battery2096includes, for example, a rechargeable battery and/or a solar battery.

The indicator2097indicates a particular status of the electronic device2001or a part thereof (for example, the AP2010), for example, a booting status, a message status, a charging status, or the like.

The motor2098converts an electrical signal into mechanical vibrations, and generates a vibration or haptic effect.

The electronic device2001may include a processing device (for example, a GPU) for supporting mobile TV. The processing device for supporting mobile TV processes media data according to a standard of Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB), Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB), media flow or the like.

Each of the components of the electronic device, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, may be implemented by one or more components and the name of the corresponding component may vary depending on a type of the electronic device. The electronic device may include at least one of the above-described elements. Some of the above-described elements may be omitted from the electronic device, or the electronic device may further include additional elements. Further, some of the components of the electronic device may be combined to form a single entity, and thus, may equivalently execute functions of the corresponding elements prior to the combination.

The term “module” as used herein may refer to a unit including one of hardware, software, and firmware or a combination of two or more of them. The “module” may be interchangeable with a term, such as unit, logic, logical block, component, or circuit. The “module” may be the smallest unit of an integrated component or a part thereof. The “module” may be a minimum unit for performing one or more functions or a part thereof. The “module” may be mechanically or electronically implemented. For example, the “module” may include at least one of an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) chip, a Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA), and a programmable-logic device for performing operations which has been known or are to be developed hereinafter.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, at least some of the devices (for example, modules or functions thereof) or the method (for example, operations) of the present disclosure may be implemented by a command stored in a computer-readable storage medium in a programming module form. When the command is executed by one or more processors (for example, the processor120), the one or more processors may execute a function corresponding to the command The computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, the memory130.

The programming module, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, may include one or more of the aforementioned components or may further include other additional components, or some of the aforementioned components may be omitted. Operations executed by a module, a programming module, or other component elements may be executed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or in a heuristic manner. Further, some operations may be executed according to another order or may be omitted, or other operations may be added.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a storage medium having commands stored therein is provided. The commands are configured to allow one or more processors to perform one or more operations when being executed by the one or more processors. The one or more operations include acquiring second device information on a second electronic device connected to a first electronic device; and determining a first application corresponding to a combination of the first electronic device and the second electronic device based on first device information on the first electronic device and the second device information.

The various embodiments disclosed herein are provided merely to easily describe technical details of the present disclosure and to help the understanding of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be construed that all modifications and changes or modified and changed forms based on the technical idea of the present disclosure fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is not defined by the detailed description and various embodiments, but by the following claims and their equivalents.