Patent Description:
An electronic device may be locked for security. The electronic device may perform user authentication to be unlocked. The electronic device may confirm that the user who operates the electronic device is a user having authority.

In addition, various services executed by an electronic device may require user authentication for security. For example, a payment function, a remittance function, and the like, which are performed by a payment service, a banking service, and the like, may be performed only after the user authentication is completed. Before performing the functions, the electronic device may confirm whether the user who intends to perform the functions has a right to perform the functions.

<CIT> discloses an audio processing device playing a source audio signal with an electroacoustic transducer of a user earpiece, recording an aural signal that is sensed by same said electroacoustic transducer, determining values of one or more features of the aural signal that indicate a characteristic of a space in which the user earpiece is located, and, based on a comparison of the determined values of the one or more features of the aural signal with pre-defined values of the one or more features, the audio processing device determines whether the user earpiece is located at a user's ear.

<CIT> discloses a personal authentication device, an individual authentication method, and a personal authentication program for authenticating an individual.

<CIT> discloses a method for controlling access to a network using a combination of device identification data and user-specific biometric data.

<CIT> discloses a biometric device arranged to capture one or more biometric features and to authenticate the user based on at least one of the captured biometric features.

When a user wishes to use an electronic device, the user must perform user authentication for the electronic device. When the authentication is completed, the locked electronic device is unlocked, and the user can use the electronic device.

For authentication, for example, a user may separately perform an operation of inputting authentication information such as a fingerprint input, a password input, an utterance input for a security phrase, and the like. Therefore, since the user must first perform another operation in order to use an intended function of the electronic device, it may be difficult to seamlessly use the electronic device.

In addition, various functions (e.g., programs, files, and the like) executed by an electronic device may require additional authentication procedures for security. For example, to use the above various functions, a user must perform authentication for the electronic device and authentication for the functions, respectively.

Accordingly, it may be difficult to provide intuitive and fast service through an electronic device, and the service provided to a user who has not performed the authentication may be limited. In addition, the user may be inconvenienced due to an error that occurs when a user performs authentication.

Aspects of the present disclosure are to address at least the above-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an electronic device for enabling a user to use the electronic device and functions executed by the electronic device without performing a separate operation for user authentication.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device includes an interface, and a processor, wherein the processor may receive an input of a user, output an audio signal by using a first external device connected to the electronic device through the interface, in response to the input of the user, obtain an audio signal reflected on a part of the user of the outputted audio signal, by using the first external device, authenticate the user by using the reflected audio signal and execute a specified function in a unlocked state of the electronic device when the user is a user authenticated for the electronic device.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device includes an interface that connects an audio output device and the electronic device, an audio circuit that transmits an audio signal to the audio output device connected to the electronic device through the interface, a memory that includes user authentication information about a registered user of the electronic device and instructions, and at least one processor that is electrically connected to the memory, wherein, when the stored instructions are executed, the at least one processor may transmit a test signal to the audio output device through the audio circuit, receive a feedback signal corresponding to the test signal from the audio output device through the audio circuit, and unlock the electronic device in a lock state when a user wearing the audio output device is indicated as the registered user based on the received feedback signal and the user authentication information.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present disclosure, a method performed by an electronic device includes transmitting a test signal to an audio output device connected to the electronic device through a wired interface for a previously specified time, and receiving a feedback signal corresponding to the test signal from the audio output device, and when a user wearing the audio output device is indicated as a registered user of the electronic device, based on the received feedback signal and user authentication information, unlocking the electronic device in a lock state.

According to the embodiments, user authentication and de-authentication for an electronic device and other functions may be performed by wear of the audio output device by a user without any separate actions of the user.

According to the embodiments, even when user authentication is required for a service (e.g., an artificial intelligent service) provided by the electronic device or a partial function of the service, the service may be seamlessly provided to the user.

In addition, various effects that are directly or indirectly understood through the present disclosure may be provided.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be described with reference to accompanying drawings. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that modification, equivalent, and/or alternative on the various embodiments described herein can be variously made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. With regard to description of drawings, similar components may be marked by similar reference numerals.

In the present disclosure, the expressions "have", "may have", "include"and "comprise", or "may include" and "may comprise" used herein indicate existence of corresponding features (e.g., components such as numeric values, functions, operations, or parts ) but do not exclude presence of additional features.

In the present disclosure, the expressions "A or B", "at least one of A or/and B", or "one or more of A or/and B", and the like may include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. For example, the term "A or B", "at least one of A and B", or "at least one of A or B" may refer to all of the case (<NUM>) where at least one A is included, the case (<NUM>) where at least one B is included, or the case (<NUM>) where both of at least one A and at least one B are included.

The terms, such as "first", "second", and the like used in the present disclosure may be used to refer to various components regardless of the order and/or the priority and to distinguish the relevant components from other components, but do not limit the components. For example, "a first user device" and "a second user device" indicate different user devices regardless of the order or priority. For example, without departing the scope of the present disclosure, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may be referred to as a first component.

It will be understood that when a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being "(operatively or communicatively) coupled with/to" or "connected to" another component (e.g., a second component), it may be directly coupled with/to or connected to the other component or an intervening component (e.g., a third component) may be present. In contrast, when a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being "directly coupled with/to" or "directly connected to" another component (e.g., a second component), it should be understood that there are no intervening component (e.g., a third component).

According to the situation, the expression "configured to"used in the present disclosure may be used as, for example, the expression "suitable for", "having the capacity to", "designed to", "adapted to", "made to", or "capable of". The term "configured to" must not mean only "specifically designed to" in hardware. Instead, the expression "a device configured to" may mean that the device is "capable of" operating together with another device or other parts. For example, a "processor configured to (or set to) perform A, B, and C" may mean a dedicated processor (e.g., an embedded processor) for performing a corresponding operation or a generic-purpose processor (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor) which performs corresponding operations by executing one or more software programs which are stored in a memory device.

Terms used in the present disclosure are used to describe specified embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. The terms of a singular form may include plural forms unless otherwise specified. All the terms used herein, which include technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning that is generally understood by a person skilled in the art. It will be further understood that terms, which are defined in a dictionary and commonly used, should also be interpreted as is customary in the relevant related art and not in an idealized or overly formal unless expressly so defined in various embodiments of the present disclosure. In some cases, even if terms are terms which are defined in the present disclosure, they may not be interpreted to exclude embodiments of the present disclosure.

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of, for example, smartphones, tablet personal computers (PCs), mobile phones, video telephones, electronic book readers, desktop PCs, laptop PCs, netbook computers, workstations, servers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG-<NUM> or MPEG-<NUM>) Audio Layer <NUM> (MP3) players, mobile medical devices, cameras, or wearable devices. According to various embodiments, the wearable device may include at least one of an accessory type (e.g., watches, rings, bracelets, anklets, necklaces, glasses, contact lens, or head-mounted-devices (HMDs)), a fabric or garment-integrated type (e.g., an electronic apparel), a body-attached type (e.g., a skin pad or tattoos), or a bio-implantable type (e.g., an implantable circuit).

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may be a home appliance. The home appliances may include at least one of, for example, televisions (TVs), digital versatile disc (DVD) players, audios, refrigerators, air conditioners, cleaners, ovens, microwave ovens, washing machines, air cleaners, set-top boxes, home automation control panels, security control panels, TV boxes (e.g., Samsung HomeSync™, Apple TV™, or Google TV™), game consoles (e.g., Xbox™ or PlayStation™), electronic dictionaries, electronic keys, camcorders, electronic picture frames, and the like.

According to another embodiment, an electronic device may include at least one of various medical devices (e.g., various portable medical measurement devices (e.g., a blood glucose monitoring device, a heartbeat measuring device, a blood pressure measuring device, a body temperature measuring device, and the like), a magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a computed tomography (CT), scanners, and ultrasonic devices), navigation devices, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), event data recorders (EDRs), flight data recorders (FDRs), vehicle infotainment devices, electronic equipment for vessels (e.g., navigation systems and gyrocompasses), avionics, security devices, head units for vehicles, industrial or home robots, automated teller machines (ATMs), points of sales (POSs) of stores, or internet of things (e.g., light bulbs, various sensors, electric or gas meters, sprinkler devices, fire alarms, thermostats, street lamps, toasters, exercise equipment, hot water tanks, heaters, boilers, and the like).

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include at least one of parts of furniture or buildings/structures, electronic boards, electronic signature receiving devices, projectors, or various measuring instruments (e.g., water meters, electricity meters, gas meters, or wave meters, and the like). According to various embodiments, the electronic device may be one of the above-described devices or a combination thereof. An electronic device according to an embodiment may be a flexible electronic device. Furthermore, an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may not be limited to the above-described electronic devices and may include other electronic devices and new electronic devices according to the development of technologies.

Hereinafter, electronic devices according to various embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present disclosure, the term "user" may refer to a person who uses an electronic device or may refer to a device (e.g., an artificial intelligence electronic device) that uses the electronic device.

<FIG> is a view illustrating an operating environment of an electronic device according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device and an audio output device according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a view illustrating a schematic structure of a speaker included in an audio output device according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a view illustrating a partial circuit diagram included in an audio circuit according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may be referred to as a terminal of a user <NUM> such as a smartphone, a tablet PC, and the like. An audio output device <NUM> may be referred to as an audio device worn by the user <NUM> such as an earphone, and the like. The user <NUM> may wear the audio output device <NUM> (e.g., an earphone). The user <NUM> may use the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., a smart phone, a tablet PC, etc.) while wearing the audio output device <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may use the audio output device <NUM> to determine whether the user <NUM> is authorized to use the electronic device <NUM>. The user <NUM> may perform the user authentication by wearing the audio output device <NUM> and use the electronic device <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a processor <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, and an audio circuit <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may be electrically coupled to the memory <NUM> and the audio circuit <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may directly or indirectly control the memory <NUM> and the audio circuit <NUM>. For example, the processor <NUM> may be referred to as an application processor. Hereinafter, the operation of the electronic device <NUM> described may be performed by the processor <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the audio circuit <NUM> may be set to transmit and receive audio signals between the electronic device <NUM> and the audio output device <NUM> connected to the electronic device <NUM>. The audio output device <NUM> may be connected to the electronic device <NUM> through a wired or wireless interface <NUM>. For example, the wired interface <NUM> may be referred to as a wired cable. As another example, the wireless interface <NUM> may be referred to as a wireless communication channel (e.g., Bluetooth) formed between the audio output device <NUM> and the electronic device <NUM>. The audio circuit <NUM> may transmit or receive an audio signal to or from the audio output device <NUM> through the interface <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the audio output device <NUM> may include a speaker <NUM>. The audio output device <NUM> may output the received audio signal through the speaker <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the memory <NUM> may include user authentication information about a registered user of the electronic device <NUM>. The registered user may be referred to as a user registered in advance to have the authority to use the electronic device <NUM>. The user authentication information may be referred to as data used to determine whether the user who operates the electronic device <NUM> is a registered user.

In an embodiment, the memory <NUM> may include instructions. The processor <NUM> may execute the instructions stored in the memory <NUM> and may control the overall operation of the electronic device <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may transmit an audio signal to the audio output device <NUM> through the audio circuit <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may receive a feedback signal corresponding to the audio signal from the audio output device <NUM> through the audio circuit <NUM>. For example, the audio signal may be reflected in the ear of a user wearing the audio output device <NUM> and input as a feedback signal. The feedback signal may have different properties (e.g., waveforms) by people.

Referring to <FIG>, when the speaker <NUM> receives an audio signal from the electronic device <NUM>, the audio signal may be transmitted to the ear of the user <NUM>. The audio signal may be reflected in the ear of the user <NUM> and received by the electronic device <NUM> through the speaker <NUM> again. For example, the audio signal may be transmitted to the eardrum and reflected after passing through the ear canal of the user <NUM>. The reflected and received audio signal may be referred to as a feedback signal. Hereinafter, among the audio signals transmitted to the audio output device <NUM>, the audio signal transmitted to obtain the feedback signal may be described as a test signal.

In an embodiment, when it is indicated that the user wearing the audio output device <NUM> is a registered user, based on the received feedback signal and the user authentication information stored in the memory <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may unlock the electronic device <NUM> of a lock state. The electronic device <NUM> may confirm that the user wearing the audio output device <NUM> is a user authorized to operate the electronic device <NUM> (user authentication) and may unlock the electronic device <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the user authentication information stored in the memory <NUM> may include data on a feedback signal corresponding to a registered user. When there are multiple registered users, the user authentication information may include authentication data related to feedback signals corresponding to each of the users. The electronic device <NUM> may perform user authentication with reference to the feedback signal and the authentication information of the user.

In various embodiments, the audio circuit <NUM> may further include an A/D converter <NUM>. The A/D converter <NUM> may analyze a voltage value of the received feedback signal and extract a digital signal.

In various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may obtain pulse code modulation (PCM) data corresponding to the feedback signal through the A/D converter <NUM>. For example, data on the feedback signal included in the user authentication information may be referred to as the PCM data.

Referring to <FIG>, the audio circuit <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may include a feedback signal input unit <NUM> and an audio signal output unit <NUM>. The audio signal output unit <NUM> of the audio circuit <NUM> may output an audio signal to the audio output device <NUM>. The output audio signal may be reflected by a part of the user <NUM> and input to the feedback signal input unit <NUM> through an output line <NUM> of the audio signal output unit <NUM>. The input feedback signal may be transmitted to the A/D converter <NUM> and converted to PCM data.

In various embodiments, the audio output device <NUM> may further include an input circuit <NUM>. The audio output device <NUM> may receive a tap input, a touch input, and the like through the input circuit <NUM>. The user may transmit a control command for the electronic device <NUM> through the input circuit <NUM>. A related embodiment will be described below with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a partial circuit diagram illustrating an audio output device including a microphone and an electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, the audio output device <NUM> according to various embodiments (e.g., an earphone that supports a noise cancelling function) may further include a microphone. For example, the audio output device <NUM> may include a speaker 210_1 including a microphone. The audio output device <NUM> may receive the feedback signal through the microphone. For example, the audio output device <NUM> may separate the feedback signal obtained from the microphones included in the speaker 210_1 and the voice signal obtained from a voice microphone (voice Mic) of the user in time division multiplexing (TDM), and transmit them to the electronic device <NUM>, through an input circuit 230_1. The electronic device <NUM> may authenticate the user by using the received feedback signal.

In another embodiment, an audio output device (e.g., the audio output device <NUM> of a digital type) may include a microphone and an A/D converter. In this case, the audio output device may directly analyze the feedback signal obtained from the microphone and perform user authentication. The electronic device <NUM> may receive the result of authenticating the user from the audio output device and perform a lock/unlock operation on the electronic device based on the authentication result.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a user authentication method according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, a user authentication method according to an embodiment may include operations <NUM> to <NUM>. For example, the operations <NUM> to <NUM> may be performed by the electronic device <NUM> shown in <FIG>. Each of the operations <NUM> to <NUM> may be implemented with instructions that may be performed (or executed) by, for example, the processor <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the instructions may be stored in a computer recording medium or in the memory <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> shown in <FIG>. In the following description of operations <NUM> to <NUM>, the description overlapping with the description of <FIG> will be omitted.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the processor <NUM>) may transmit a test signal to the audio output device <NUM>. In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may receive a feedback signal corresponding to the test signal.

In an embodiment, the test signal may be transmitted to authenticate a user wearing the audio output device <NUM>. For example, the test signal may be transmitted to the audio output device <NUM> for a specified time. The electronic device <NUM> may receive a feedback signal corresponding to the test signal for the specified time. The electronic device <NUM> may perform user authentication based on the feedback signal received for the specified time.

In various embodiments, the test signal may be transmitted to measure the impedance of the audio output device <NUM>. In this case, the test signal may be transmitted for a time shorter than the time specified for authentication. The electronic device <NUM> may determine the impedance of the audio output device <NUM> through the feedback signal corresponding to the transmitted test signal. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may use the A/D converter <NUM> to determine the impedance. The electronic device <NUM> may determine the level of the audio signal to be transmitted to the audio output device <NUM> based on the determined impedance.

In various embodiments, for example, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the processor <NUM>) may be referred to as a portable device such as a smart phone. The electronic device <NUM> may include the A/D converter <NUM> for compatibility with various types of audio output devices <NUM>. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may determine the impedance values of various audio output devices <NUM> by using the A/D converter <NUM> of the audio circuit <NUM> and may output audio signals corresponding thereto. The electronic device <NUM> may perform user authentication by diverting the A/D converter <NUM> for impedance measurement without adding a separate configuration to the audio circuit <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the processor <NUM>) may perform user authentication. In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may unlock the electronic device <NUM> when the user authentication is successful and in operation <NUM>, may set or maintain the lock of the electronic device <NUM> when the user authentication fails.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the processor <NUM>) may obtain pulse code modulation (PCM) data corresponding to the feedback signal received for the specified time. For example, the PCM data may include consecutive digital signal values obtained by the A/D converter <NUM>. Since the feedback signal obtained for each user has a unique property, the PCM data corresponding to the feedback signal may have a unique value for each user. The electronic device <NUM> may perform the user authentication by comparing the PCM data with the user authentication information.

In various embodiments, the user authentication information may include authentication data mapped with each user. The authentication data may be referred to as PCM data corresponding to a specific user. For example, the PCM data converted from the feedback signal for each user may have a unique value. The user authentication information is illustrated in following Table <NUM>. The authentication data '<NUM>' for registered user 'A' and the authentication data '<NUM>' for registered user 'B' are illustrated.

For example, when the electronic device <NUM> obtains the PCM data, the electronic device <NUM> may compare the PCM data with previously stored authentication data. The electronic device <NUM> may authenticate a user wearing the audio output device <NUM> as a registered user when the authentication data matching the obtained PCM data exist. The electronic device <NUM> is unlocked and the user wearing the audio output device <NUM> may use the electronic device <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may confirm whether the audio output device <NUM> is still worn by the authenticated user. In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may change the unlocked state of the electronic device <NUM> to the lock state when the audio output device <NUM> detects a state where the audio output device <NUM> is not worn by the authenticated user. The electronic device <NUM> may perform authentication and de-authentication by detecting the attachment and detachment of the audio output device <NUM>.

For example, the electronic device <NUM> may detect a state where the audio output device <NUM> is not worn by a user or a state where the audio output device <NUM> is worn by another unauthenticated user.

For example, the electronic device <NUM> may transmit the test signal to the audio output device <NUM> every specific period. The constant period may be specified in advance. The electronic device <NUM> may determine from the feedback signal corresponding to the test signal that the user is not wearing the audio output device <NUM> or the audio output device <NUM> is worn by another user. For example, when the PCM data are meaningless PCM data that do not include a certain pattern generated by a body of the user, the electronic device <NUM> may determine that the audio output device <NUM> is not worn by the user. For example, when PCM data having a pattern different from that of the PCM data of the authenticated user are obtained, the electronic device <NUM> may determine the state as the audio output device <NUM> is worn by an unauthenticated user.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a method for authenticating a user for a specific program according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, a user authentication method according to an embodiment may include operations <NUM> to <NUM>. For example, the operations <NUM> to <NUM> may be performed by the processor <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The operation <NUM> may correspond to the operation <NUM> to <NUM> of <FIG>. The operations <NUM> to <NUM> may correspond to the operation <NUM> to <NUM> of <FIG>. In the following description of operations <NUM> to <NUM>, the description overlapping with the description of <FIG> and <FIG> will be omitted.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the processor <NUM> of <FIG>) may detect the execution of a program which requires user authentication. In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may perform user authentication for the program based on the feedback signal and user authentication information. In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may change an unauthenticated state of the program to an authenticated state when the user authentication is successful. The electronic device <NUM> may allow a program requiring authentication information to be executed without requesting the user for additional authentication information.

For example, a program that requires user authentication may be referred to as a payment program, a social networking service (SNS) program, an online banking program, or the like. For example, the user is not required to input authentication information when performing payment through the payment program, logging into the SNS program, or transferring money through the online banking program.

When the user authentication fails, in operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may request separate authentication information for the program. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may display an image of requesting login information or an image of requesting a password input.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may confirm whether the audio output device <NUM> is still worn by the authenticated user. In operation <NUM>, when the electronic device <NUM> detects a state in which the audio output device <NUM> is not worn by the authenticated user, the electronic device <NUM> may change an authenticated state of the program to an unauthorized state. The electronic device <NUM> may perform authentication and de-authentication for a specific program by detecting the detachment of the audio output device <NUM>.

In another embodiment, when a program requiring user authentication is executed by the unlocked electronic device <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may omit the user authentication procedure for the program. Since the user authentication for the electronic device <NUM> has already been completed, the authentication procedure for the program may be omitted. When the authentication for the electronic device <NUM> is completed, the user may execute various programs without performing any additional authentication operations. In this case, when the electronic device <NUM> detects that the audio output device <NUM> is not worn by the authenticated user, the electronic device <NUM> in the unlocked state is locked and the program in the authenticated state may be changed to the unauthenticated state.

In various embodiments, operations <NUM> to <NUM> may be performed similarly even when a file with a restricted user access is executed. The electronic device <NUM> may allow access to the file to the authenticated user. For example, the file may include a media file such as a photo, music, an image, and the like, or a folder created by the user.

In various embodiments, the user authentication information may include user authority information of a plurality of programs. The user authentication information may include a list of programs that can be authenticated by the audio output device <NUM>. For example, referring to Table <NUM>, when the authentication for user 'A' is completed, the user 'A' may execute payment program '<NUM>' and voice command program '<NUM>' without any additional authentication procedures. When the authentication for user 'B' is completed, the user 'B' may execute the voice command program '<NUM>' without any additional authentication, and may access file '<NUM>' without any additional authentication. The user may specify the program list in advance for allowing authentication by the audio output device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a method of performing a function corresponding to an input of a user according to various embodiments. <FIG> is a view illustrating an example of a feedback signal according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, a method of performing a function according to an embodiment may include operations <NUM> to <NUM>. For example, the operations <NUM> to <NUM> may be performed by the processor <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The operations <NUM> to <NUM> may correspond to the operation <NUM> to <NUM> of <FIG>. In the following description of operations <NUM> to <NUM>, the description overlapping with the description of <FIG> and <FIG> will be omitted.

In operations <NUM> and <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the processor <NUM> of <FIG>) may transmit a test signal to the audio output device <NUM> and may receive a feedback signal corresponding to the test signal from the audio output device <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may perform user authentication by using the feedback signal.

In various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may extract PCM data from the feedback signal by using the A/D converter <NUM>. First PCM data corresponding to the feedback signal may be compared with second PCM data (e.g., the authentication data shown in Table <NUM>) stored in advance corresponding to a specific user. When the first PCM data and the second PCM data are matched with each other, the electronic device <NUM> may complete the authentication for the specific user corresponding to the second PCM data. The electronic device <NUM> may identify the user wearing the audio output device <NUM> (e.g., an earphone) through the authentication scheme.

In various embodiments, the second PCM data corresponding to the specific user may be stored in memory <NUM> in advance. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may support a 'training mode' in which the authentication data for the specific user are obtained. In the training mode, the electronic device <NUM> may obtain the feedback signal for the specific user and store the PCM data extracted from the obtained feedback signal in the memory <NUM>. Thereafter, the electronic device <NUM> may perform authentication for the specific user by using the stored PCM data. The electronic device <NUM> may compare the stored PCM data with the obtained PCM data and may complete the authentication when both data are matched with each other. In following description, it is assumed that the user authentication is successful.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may receive the feedback signal modified in accordance with the input obtained through the input circuit <NUM> included in the audio output device <NUM>. In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may perform at least one function corresponding to the modified feedback signal.

For example, the input circuit <NUM> of the audio output device <NUM> may receive an input of a user. The input circuit <NUM> may include a physical button and may receive a tap input through the physical button. The input circuit <NUM> may include a touch pad, and may receive a touch input through the touch pad. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may receive different types of inputs, such as one tap input, a touch input for two seconds, and the like, through the input circuit <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the input circuit <NUM> may be arranged on the interface <NUM> through which the feedback signal is received. The feedback signal may be modified in accordance with the input obtained by the input circuit <NUM>. For example, the feedback signal may be modified in accordance with a touch input or a tap input through the input circuit <NUM>.

For example, referring to <FIG>, an example of a feedback signal when the tap input occurs once is shown. The electronic device <NUM> may perform the user authentication of operation <NUM> based on the feedback signal from t1 to t2. When the tap input is inputted from t3 to t4 through the input circuit <NUM>, the feedback signal may be modified. The electronic device <NUM> may perform a function corresponding to the feedback signal modified from t3 to t4. Alternatively, the electronic device <NUM> may perform a function corresponding to the feedback signal modified after the input (after t3).

For example, when the electronic device <NUM> receives the modified feedback signal, the electronic device <NUM> may extract third PCM data from the modified feedback signal. The electronic device <NUM> may perform a function mapped to fourth PCM data stored in advance when the fourth PCM data stored in advance matches the third PCM data. The electronic device <NUM> may store in advance fourth PCM data and the mapping information of the function to be performed corresponding to the fourth PCM data in the memory <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may learn feedback signals of various patterns modified by a user. For example, a user may perform a specific input and may specify a function to be performed corresponding to the specific input. The electronic device <NUM> may receive the feedback signal modified according to the specific input and extract the third PCM data from the modified feedback signal. The electronic device <NUM> may store the mapping information of the third PCM data and the function to be executed corresponding to the specific input. A plurality of feedback signals of different patterns may be mapped to a plurality of different functions. The processor <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may be set to perform a specific function corresponding to the modified feedback signal upon receiving the feedback signal modified according to a specific input after the user authentication is performed.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a user authentication method according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, a user authentication method according to an embodiment may include operations <NUM> to <NUM>. For example, the operations <NUM> to <NUM> may be performed by the processor <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The operations <NUM> to <NUM> may correspond to the operation <NUM> to <NUM> of <FIG>. In the following description, the description overlapping with the description of <FIG> and <FIG> will be omitted.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., processor <NUM> of <FIG>) may receive a user input. For example, the user input may be a command to execute a function which requires user authentication. In various embodiments, the user may input utterance to the electronic device <NUM> to invoke a speech recognition service. The electronic device <NUM> may perform the user authentication before executing the speech recognition service corresponding to the utterance input.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may output an audio signal by using an external device connected to the electronic device <NUM> in response to the user input. For example, the external device may be referred to as an earphone (e.g., the audio output device <NUM> of <FIG>). In various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may output an audio signal through the external device to perform authentication for a user wearing the external device.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may use the external device to obtain an audio signal that is reflected on a part of the user by the output audio signal. For example, the audio signal output through the earphone may be reflected on the ear canal of the user.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may perform the user authentication by using the reflected audio signal. The audio signal reflected on the user may have a pattern unique for each user. The electronic device <NUM> may perform the user authentication by comparing the obtained audio signal with a previously stored pattern.

For example, the electronic device <NUM> may extract PCM data from the reflected audio signal by using the A/D converter <NUM>. The processor <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may compare the extracted PCM data with the previously stored PCM data (e.g., the authentication data in Table <NUM>). When both data are matched with each other, the authentication of the user corresponding to the previously stored PCM data may be completed.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may perform the specified function in an unlocked state of the electronic device <NUM> when the user authentication is complete. The specified function may be referred to, for example, as a function corresponding to the user input received in the operation <NUM>. In various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may execute a voice input service.

In operation <NUM> according to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may obtain a voice input for performing a specific function from a user. The electronic device <NUM> may transmit the voice input or text data corresponding to the voice input to an external device (e.g., a server). For example, the electronic device <NUM> may include an automatic speech recognition (ASR) module. The electronic device <NUM> may convert the voice input into text data by using the ASR module. The external device may generate an instruction related to the specific function by using the voice input or text data received. The external device may transmit the generated instruction to the electronic device <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may execute the specific function based on the instruction.

<FIG> is a sequence diagram in which a user authentication method according to various embodiments is performed.

The electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may be referred to, for example, as a smartphone. The audio output device <NUM> may be referred to as the earphone <NUM> in which a separate microphone is not included but a speaker is used as a microphone. As an example, a scenario in which the user <NUM> wearing the earphone <NUM> executes a voice secretary program will be described. The voice secretary program may be referred to as a program for processing a control command inputted by utterance of the user <NUM>.

In an embodiment, in operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may be in a lock state. In operation <NUM>, the user <NUM> may connect the earphone <NUM> to the electronic device <NUM> and wear the earphone <NUM>. In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may transmit a test signal to the earphone <NUM> in the lock state. The electronic device <NUM> may transmit a test signal to the earphone <NUM> every specific period. In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may receive a feedback signal from the earphone <NUM>.

In an embodiment, in operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may determine whether the user <NUM> is a previously registered user, based on the received feedback signal (user authentication operation). In operation <NUM>, when the user <NUM> is a previously registered user (authentication success), the electronic device <NUM> may be unlocked. The user <NUM> may use the electronic device <NUM> without any additional authentication actions (e.g., a password input, a fingerprint input, an utterance input for a security text, etc.). Through this authentication procedure, for example, a program for providing an artificial intelligent service, such as a voice secretary program, may be provided intuitively and quickly.

In an embodiment, in operation <NUM>, the user <NUM> may perform an input operation for executing a function of the earphone <NUM>. For example, the user <NUM> may perform two tap operations set to execute the voice secretary program. The input circuit <NUM> of the earphone <NUM> may receive an input in operation <NUM> and the electronic device <NUM> may receive a feedback signal modified by the input in operation <NUM>.

In an embodiment, in operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may perform a function corresponding to the modified feedback. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may execute the voice secretary program mapped to the feedback signal modified by the two tap operations.

In an embodiment, in operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may perform user authentication for the function to be executed. For example, the function may require user authentication for execution. The electronic device <NUM> may perform user authentication in response to the request. The electronic device <NUM> may perform authentication for the function based on the user authentication that has already been completed in operation <NUM>. Alternatively, the feedback signal may be transmitted from the earphone <NUM> again and the electronic device <NUM> may perform the authentication.

For example, by executing the voice secretary program, the user authentication may be requested. When the authentication of the user <NUM> for the voice secretary program is completed, the user <NUM> may use the voice secretary program.

In various embodiments, a program for which user authentication is required may include a first mode executed when there is no user authentication and a second mode executed when the user authentication is completed. In the first mode, some functions of the program may be restricted for security.

For example, the voice secretary program may be first executed in the first mode (e.g., a normal mode). When the voice secretary program is executed in the first mode, some of the utterance commands of the user <NUM> may be restricted for security. When the user authentication is completed, the voice secretary program may be switched to the second mode (e.g., a master mode). The user <NUM> may use the electronic device <NUM> and other programs without limitations by wearing the earphone <NUM> without performing a separate operation for authentication (e.g., a password input, fingerprint authentication, a speech about a security phrase, etc.).

In an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may detect the detachment of the earphone <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may periodically transmit a test signal to the earphone <NUM> in operation <NUM> and may receive a feedback signal corresponding to the test signal in operation <NUM>. In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may detect from the feedback signal that the earphone <NUM> is not worn by the user <NUM>. Alternatively, the electronic device <NUM> may be notified from the earphone <NUM> that the user has not worn the earphone. In operation <NUM>, when the electronic device <NUM> detects that the earphone <NUM> is not worn by the authenticated user <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may release authentication for the function and lock the electronic device <NUM>.

For example, the voice secretary program may be terminated or switched from the second mode to the first mode again.

<FIG> is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> may communicate with an electronic device <NUM> through a first network <NUM> (e.g., a short-range wireless communication) or may communicate with an electronic device <NUM> or a server <NUM> through a second network <NUM> (e.g., a long-distance wireless communication) in a network environment <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may communicate with the electronic device <NUM> through the server <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a processor <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, an input device <NUM>, a sound output device <NUM>, a display device <NUM>, an audio module <NUM>, a sensor module <NUM>, an interface <NUM>, a haptic module <NUM>, a camera module <NUM>, a power management module <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a communication module <NUM>, a subscriber identification module <NUM>, and an antenna module <NUM>. According to some embodiments, at least one (e.g., the display device <NUM> or the camera module <NUM>) among components of the electronic device <NUM> may be omitted or other components may be added to the electronic device <NUM>. According to some embodiments, some components may be integrated and implemented as in the case of the sensor module <NUM> (e.g., a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, or an illuminance sensor) embedded in the display device <NUM> (e.g., a display).

The processor <NUM> may operate, for example, software (e.g., a program <NUM>) to control at least one of other components (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device <NUM> connected to the processor <NUM> and may process and compute a variety of data. The processor <NUM> may load a command set or data, which is received from other components (e.g., the sensor module <NUM> or the communication module <NUM>), into a volatile memory <NUM>, may process the loaded command or data, and may store result data into a nonvolatile memory <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may include a main processor <NUM> (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) and an auxiliary processor <NUM> (e.g., a graphic processing device, an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor), which operates independently from the main processor <NUM>, additionally or alternatively uses less power than the main processor <NUM>, or is specified to a designated function. In this case, the auxiliary processor <NUM> may operate separately from the main processor <NUM> or embedded.

In this case, the auxiliary processor <NUM> may control, for example, at least some of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., the display device <NUM>, the sensor module <NUM>, or the communication module <NUM>) among the components of the electronic device <NUM> instead of the main processor <NUM> while the main processor <NUM> is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state or together with the main processor <NUM> while the main processor <NUM> is in an active (e.g., an application execution) state. According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor <NUM> (e.g., the image signal processor or the communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another component (e.g., the camera module <NUM> or the communication module <NUM>) that is functionally related to the auxiliary processor <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may store a variety of data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor <NUM> or the sensor module <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM>, for example, software (e.g., the program <NUM>) and input data or output data with respect to commands associated with the software. The memory <NUM> may include the volatile memory <NUM> or the nonvolatile memory <NUM>.

The program <NUM> may be stored in the memory <NUM> as software and may include, for example, an operating system <NUM>, a middleware <NUM>, or an application <NUM>.

The input device <NUM> may be a device for receiving a command or data, which is used for a component (e.g., the processor <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM>, from an outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device <NUM> and may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, or a keyboard.

The sound output device <NUM> may be a device for outputting a sound signal to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> and may include, for example, a speaker used for general purposes, such as multimedia play or recordings play, and a receiver used only for receiving calls. According to an embodiment, the receiver and the speaker may be either integrally or separately implemented.

The display device <NUM> may be a device for visually presenting information to the user of the electronic device <NUM> and may include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling a corresponding device. According to an embodiment, the display device <NUM> may include a touch circuitry or a pressure sensor for measuring an intensity of pressure on the touch.

The audio module <NUM> may convert a sound and an electrical signal in dual directions. According to an embodiment, the audio module <NUM> may obtain the sound through the input device <NUM> or may output the sound through an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., a speaker or a headphone)) wired or wirelessly connected to the sound output device <NUM> or the electronic device <NUM>.

The sensor module <NUM> may generate an electrical signal or a data value corresponding to an operating state (e.g., power or temperature) inside or an environmental state outside the electronic device <NUM>. The sensor module <NUM> may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

The interface <NUM> may support a designated protocol wired or wirelessly connected to the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>). According to an embodiment, the interface <NUM> may include, for example, an HDMI (high-definition multimedia interface), a USB (universal serial bus) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

A connecting terminal <NUM> may include a connector that physically connects the electronic device <NUM> to the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>), for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

The haptic module <NUM> may convert an electrical signal to a mechanical stimulation (e.g., vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulation perceived by the user through tactile or kinesthetic sensations.

The camera module <NUM> may shoot a still image or a video image. According to an embodiment, the camera module <NUM> may include, for example, at least one lens, an image sensor, an image signal processor, or a flash.

The power management module <NUM> may be a module for managing power supplied to the electronic device <NUM> and may serve as at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

The battery <NUM> may be a device for supplying power to at least one component of the electronic device <NUM> and may include, for example, a non-rechargeable (primary) battery, a rechargeable (secondary) battery, or a fuel cell.

The communication module <NUM> may establish a wired or wireless communication channel between the electronic device <NUM> and the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM>, or the server <NUM>) and support communication execution through the established communication channel. The communication module <NUM> may include at least one communication processor operating independently from the processor <NUM> (e.g., the application processor) and supporting the wired communication or the wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the communication module <NUM> may include a wireless communication module <NUM> (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module <NUM> (e.g., an LAN (local area network) communication module or a power line communication module) and may communicate with the external electronic device using a corresponding communication module among them through the first network <NUM> (e.g., the short-range communication network such as a Bluetooth, a WiFi direct, or an IrDA (infrared data association)) or the second network <NUM> (e.g., the long-distance wireless communication network such as a cellular network, an internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN)). The above-mentioned various communication modules <NUM> may be implemented into one chip or into separate chips, respectively.

According to an embodiment, the wireless communication module <NUM> may identify and authenticate the electronic device <NUM> using user information stored in the subscriber identification module <NUM> in the communication network.

The antenna module <NUM> may include one or more antennas to transmit or receive the signal or power to or from an external source. According to an embodiment, the communication module <NUM> (e.g., the wireless communication module <NUM>) may transmit or receive the signal to or from the external electronic device through the antenna suitable for the communication method.

Some components among the components may be connected to each other through a communication method (e.g., a bus, a GPIO (general purpose input/output), an SPI (serial peripheral interface), or an MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)) used between peripheral devices to exchange signals (e.g., a command or data) with each other.

According to an embodiment, the command or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device <NUM> and the external electronic device <NUM> through the server <NUM> connected to the second network <NUM>. Each of the electronic devices <NUM> and <NUM> may be the same or different types as or from the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, all or some of the operations performed by the electronic device <NUM> may be performed by another electronic device or a plurality of external electronic devices. When the electronic device <NUM> performs some functions or services automatically or by request, the electronic device <NUM> may request the external electronic device to perform at least some of the functions related to the functions or services, in addition to or instead of performing the functions or services by itself. The external electronic device receiving the request may carry out the requested function or the additional function and transmit the result to the electronic device <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may provide the requested functions or services based on the received result as is or after additionally processing the received result. To this end, for example, a cloud computing, distributed computing, or client-server computing technology may be used.

<FIG> is a block diagram <NUM> illustrating the audio module <NUM> according to various embodiments. Referring to <FIG>, the audio module <NUM> may include, for example, an audio input interface <NUM>, an audio input mixer <NUM>, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) <NUM>, an audio signal processor <NUM>, a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) <NUM>, an audio output mixer <NUM>, or an audio output interface <NUM>.

The audio input interface <NUM> may receive an audio signal corresponding to a sound obtained from the outside of the electronic device <NUM> via a microphone (e.g., a dynamic microphone, a condenser microphone, or a piezo microphone) that is configured as part of the input device <NUM> or separately from the electronic device <NUM>. For example, if an audio signal is obtained from the external electronic device <NUM> (e.g., a headset or a microphone), the audio input interface <NUM> may be connected with the external electronic device <NUM> directly via the connecting terminal <NUM>, or wirelessly (e.g., Bluetooth™ communication) via the wireless communication module <NUM> to receive the audio signal. According to an embodiment, the audio input interface <NUM> may receive a control signal (e.g., a volume adjustment signal received via an input button) related to the audio signal obtained from the external electronic device <NUM>. The audio input interface <NUM> may include a plurality of audio input channels and may receive a different audio signal via a corresponding one of the plurality of audio input channels, respectively. According to an embodiment, additionally or alternatively, the audio input interface <NUM> may receive an audio signal from another component (e.g., the processor <NUM> or the memory <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM>.

The audio input mixer <NUM> may synthesize a plurality of inputted audio signals into at least one audio signal. For example, according to an embodiment, the audio input mixer <NUM> may synthesize a plurality of analog audio signals inputted via the audio input interface <NUM> into at least one analog audio signal.

The ADC <NUM> may convert an analog audio signal into a digital audio signal. For example, according to an embodiment, the ADC <NUM> may convert an analog audio signal received via the audio input interface <NUM> or, additionally or alternatively, an analog audio signal synthesized via the audio input mixer <NUM> into a digital audio signal.

The audio signal processor <NUM> may perform various processing on a digital audio signal received via the ADC <NUM> or a digital audio signal received from another component of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, according to an embodiment, the audio signal processor <NUM> may perform changing a sampling rate, applying one or more filters, interpolation processing, amplifying or attenuating a whole or partial frequency bandwidth, noise processing (e.g., attenuating noise or echoes), changing channels (e.g., switching between mono and stereo), mixing, or extracting a specified signal for one or more digital audio signals. According to an embodiment, one or more functions of the audio signal processor <NUM> may be implemented in the form of an equalizer.

The DAC <NUM> may convert a digital audio signal into an analog audio signal. For example, according to an embodiment, the DAC <NUM> may convert a digital audio signal processed by the audio signal processor <NUM> or a digital audio signal obtained from another component (e.g., the processor(<NUM>) or the memory(<NUM>)) of the electronic device <NUM> into an analog audio signal.

The audio output mixer <NUM> may synthesize a plurality of audio signals, which are to be outputted, into at least one audio signal. For example, according to an embodiment, the audio output mixer <NUM> may synthesize an analog audio signal converted by the DAC <NUM> and another analog audio signal (e.g., an analog audio signal received via the audio input interface <NUM>) into at least one analog audio signal.

The audio output interface <NUM> may output an analog audio signal converted by the DAC <NUM> or, additionally or alternatively, an analog audio signal synthesized by the audio output mixer <NUM> to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> via the sound output device <NUM>. The sound output device <NUM> may include, for example, a speaker, such as a dynamic driver or a balanced armature driver, or a receiver. According to an embodiment, the sound output device <NUM> may include a plurality of speakers. In such a case, the audio output interface <NUM> may output audio signals having a plurality of different channels (e.g., stereo channels or <NUM> channels) via at least some of the plurality of speakers. According to an embodiment, the audio output interface <NUM> may be connected with the external electronic device <NUM> (e.g., an external speaker or a headset) directly via the connecting terminal <NUM> or wirelessly via the wireless communication module <NUM> to output an audio signal.

According to an embodiment, the audio module <NUM> may generate, without separately including the audio input mixer <NUM> or the audio output mixer <NUM>, at least one digital audio signal by synthesizing a plurality of digital audio signals using at least one function of the audio signal processor <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the audio module <NUM> may include an audio amplifier (not shown) (e.g., a speaker amplifying circuit) that is capable of amplifying an analog audio signal inputted via the audio input interface <NUM> or an audio signal that is to be outputted via the audio output interface <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the audio amplifier may be configured as a module separate from the audio module <NUM>.

The electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure may be various types of devices. The electronic device may include, for example, at least one of a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a mobile medical appliance, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance. The electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure should not be limited to the above-mentioned devices.

It should be understood that various embodiments of the present disclosure and terms used in the embodiments do not intend to limit technologies disclosed in the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed herein; rather, the present disclosure should be construed to cover various modifications, equivalents, and/or alternatives of embodiments of the present disclosure. With regard to description of drawings, similar components may be assigned with similar reference numerals. As used herein, singular forms may include plural forms as well unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In the present disclosure disclosed herein, the expressions "A or B", "at least one of A or/and B", "A, B, or C" or "one or more of A, B, or/and C", and the like used herein may include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The expressions "a first", "a second", "the first", or "the second", used in herein, may refer to 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 a component from the other components. It should be understood that when a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being (operatively or communicatively) "connected," or "coupled," to another component (e.g., a second component), it may be directly connected or coupled directly to the other component or any other component (e.g., a third component) may be interposed between them.

The term "module" used herein may represent, for example, a unit including one or more combinations of hardware, software and firmware. The term "module" may be interchangeably used with the terms "logic", "logical block", "part" and "circuit". The "module" may be a minimum unit of an integrated part or may be a part thereof. The "module" may be a minimum unit for performing one or more functions or a part thereof. For example, the "module" may include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by software (e.g., the program <NUM>) including an instruction stored in a machine-readable storage media (e.g., an internal memory <NUM> or an external memory <NUM>) readable by a machine (e.g., a computer). The machine may be a device that calls the instruction from the machine-readable storage media and operates depending on the called instruction and may include the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>). When the instruction is executed by the processor (e.g., the processor <NUM>), the processor may perform a function corresponding to the instruction directly or using other components under the control of the processor. The instruction may include a code generated or executed by a compiler or an interpreter. The machine-readable storage media may be provided in the form of non-transitory storage media. Here, the term "non-transitory", as used herein, is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal) as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency.

According to an embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure may be provided as a part of a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)) or may be distributed only through an application store (e.g., a Play Store<IMG> ). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or generated in a storage medium such as a memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

Each component (e.g., the module or the program) according to various embodiments may include at least one of the above components, and a portion of the above sub-components may be omitted, or additional other sub-components may be further included. Alternatively or additionally, some components (e.g., the module or the program) may be integrated in one component and may perform the same or similar functions performed by each corresponding components prior to the integration. Operations performed by a module, a programming, or other components according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be executed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or in a heuristic method. Also, at least some operations may be executed in different sequences, omitted, or other operations may be added.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>) comprising:
an interface (<NUM>) configured to connect an audio output device (<NUM>) and the electronic device (<NUM>);
an audio circuit (<NUM>) configured to transmit an audio signal to the audio output device (<NUM>) connected to the electronic device (<NUM>) through the interface (<NUM>), wherein the audio circuit (<NUM>) includes an analog/digital A/D converter (<NUM>);
a memory (<NUM>) having stored therein a file having restricted user access, user authentication information about a registered user of the electronic device (<NUM>), and instructions; and
at least one processor (<NUM>) electrically connected to the memory (<NUM>),
wherein, when the stored instructions are executed, the at least one processor (<NUM>) is configured to:
transmit (<NUM>) a test signal to the audio output device (<NUM>) through the audio circuit (<NUM>), for a specified time;
receive a first feedback signal corresponding to the test signal transmitted for the specified time from the audio output device (<NUM>) through the audio circuit (<NUM>);
obtain pulse code modulation, PCM, data corresponding to the received first feedback signal through the A/D converter (<NUM>);
compare the PCM data with the user authentication information;
determine whether a user wearing the audio output device (<NUM>) is indicated as the registered user based on the comparison of the PCM data with the user authentication information; and,
when the user wearing the audio output device (<NUM>) is indicated as the registered user:
- unlock the electronic device (<NUM>) in a lock state; and
- permit access to the file without additional authentication,
wherein the processor is further configured to:
transmit the test signal to the audio output device for a second time shorter than the specified time,
receive a second feedback signal corresponding to the test signal transmitted for the second time from the audio output device through the audio circuit, and
set an output level of the audio signal based on an impedance of the audio output device determined by the A/D converter (<NUM>) through the received second feedback signal.