Patent ID: 12235626

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS.1through14, discussed below, and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any suitably arranged system or device.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the 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 may be variously made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

FIG.1is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device101in a network environment100according to various embodiments. Referring toFIG.1, the electronic device101in the network environment100may communicate with an electronic device102via a first network198(e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or an electronic device104or a server108via a second network199(e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may communicate with the electronic device104via the server108. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may include a processor120, memory130, an input device150, a sound output device155, a display device160, an audio module170, a sensor module176, an interface177, a haptic module179, a camera module180, a power management module188, a battery189, a communication module190, a subscriber identification module (SIM)196, or an antenna module197. In some embodiments, at least one (e.g., the display device160or the camera module180) of the components may be omitted from the electronic device101, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device101. In some embodiments, some of the components may be implemented as single integrated circuitry. For example, the sensor module176(e.g., a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, or an illuminance sensor) may be implemented as embedded in the display device160(e.g., a display).

The processor120may execute, for example, software (e.g., a program140) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device101coupled with the processor120, and may perform various data processing or computation. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or computation, the processor120may load a command or data received from another component (e.g., the sensor module176or the communication module190) in volatile memory132, process the command or the data stored in the volatile memory132, and store resulting data in non-volatile memory134. According to an embodiment, the processor120may include a main processor121(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)), and an auxiliary processor123(e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that is operable independently from, or in conjunction with, the main processor121. Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary processor123may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor121, or to be specific to a specified function. The auxiliary processor123may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the main processor121.

The auxiliary processor123may control at least some of functions or states related to at least one component (e.g., the display device160, the sensor module176, or the communication module190) among the components of the electronic device101, instead of the main processor121while the main processor121is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor121while the main processor121is in an active state (e.g., executing an application). According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor123(e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., the camera module180or the communication module190) functionally related to the auxiliary processor123.

The memory130may store various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor120or the sensor module176) of the electronic device101. The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., the program140) and input data or output data for a command related thereto. The memory130may include the volatile memory132or the non-volatile memory134.

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

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

The sound output device155may output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device101. The sound output device155may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as playing multimedia or playing record, and the receiver may be used for an incoming calls. According to an embodiment, the receiver may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the speaker.

The display device160may visually provide information to the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device101. The display device160may include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector and control circuitry to control a corresponding one of the display, hologram device, and projector. According to an embodiment, the display device160may include touch circuitry adapted to detect a touch, or sensor circuitry (e.g., a pressure sensor) adapted to measure the intensity of force incurred by the touch.

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

The sensor module176may detect an operational state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device101or an environmental state (e.g., a state of a user) external to the electronic device101, and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to an embodiment, the sensor module176may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

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

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

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

The camera module180may capture a still image or moving images. According to an embodiment, the camera module180may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

The power management module188may manage power supplied to the electronic device101. According to one embodiment, the power management module188may be implemented as at least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

The battery189may supply power to at least one component of the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the battery189may include, for example, a primary cell which is not rechargeable, a secondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell.

The communication module190may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device101and the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device102, the electronic device104, or the server108) and performing communication via the established communication channel. The communication module190may include one or more communication processors that are operable independently from the processor120(e.g., the application processor (AP)) and supports a direct (e.g., wired) communication or a wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the communication module190may include a wireless communication module192(e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module194(e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules may communicate with the external electronic device via the first network198(e.g., a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth™, wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or the second network199(e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a cellular network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or wide area network (WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or may be implemented as multi components (e.g., multi chips) separate from each other. The wireless communication module192may identify and authenticate the electronic device101in a communication network, such as the first network198or the second network199, using subscriber information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module196.

The antenna module197may transmit or receive a signal or power to or from the outside (e.g., the external electronic device) of the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the antenna module197may include an antenna including a radiating element composed of a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., PCB). According to an embodiment, the antenna module197may include a plurality of antennas. In such a case, at least one antenna appropriate for a communication scheme used in the communication network, such as the first network198or the second network199, may be selected, for example, by the communication module190(e.g., the wireless communication module192) from the plurality of antennas. The signal or the power may then be transmitted or received between the communication module190and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) other than the radiating element may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module197.

At least some of the above-described components may be coupled mutually and communicate signals (e.g., commands or data) therebetween via an inter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., a bus, general purpose input and output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)).

According to an embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device101and the external electronic device104via the server108coupled with the second network199. Each of the electronic devices102and104may be a device of a same type as, or a different type, from the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, all or some of operations to be executed at the electronic device101may be executed at one or more of the external electronic devices102,104, or108. For example, if the electronic device101should perform a function or a service automatically, or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device101, instead of, or in addition to, executing the function or the service, may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or the service. The one or more external electronic devices receiving the request may perform the at least part of the function or the service requested, or an additional function or an additional service related to the request, and transfer an outcome of the performing to the electronic device101. The electronic device101may provide the outcome, with or without further processing of the outcome, as at least part of a reply to the request. To that end, a cloud computing, distributed computing, or client-server computing technology may be used, for example.

FIG.2is a block diagram200illustrating the program140according to various embodiments. According to an embodiment, the program140may include an operating system (OS)142to control one or more resources of the electronic device101, middleware144, or an application146executable in the OS142. The OS142may include, for example, Android™, iOS™, Windows™, Symbian™, Tizen™, or Bada™. At least part of the program140, for example, may be pre-loaded on the electronic device101during manufacture, or may be downloaded from or updated by an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device102or104, or the server108) during use by a user.

The OS142may control management (e.g., allocating or deallocation) of one or more system resources (e.g., process, memory, or power source) of the electronic device101. The OS142, additionally or alternatively, may include one or more driver programs to drive other hardware devices of the electronic device101, for example, the input device150, the sound output device155, the display device160, the audio module170, the sensor module176, the interface177, the haptic module179, the camera module180, the power management module188, the battery189, the communication module190, the subscriber identification module196, or the antenna module197.

The middleware144may provide various functions to the application146such that a function or information provided from one or more resources of the electronic device101may be used by the application146. The middleware144may include, for example, an application manager201, a window manager203, a multimedia manager205, a resource manager207, a power manager209, a database manager211, a package manager213, a connectivity manager215, a notification manager217, a location manager219, a graphic manager221, a security manager223, a telephony manager225, or a voice recognition manager227.

The application manager201, for example, may manage the life cycle of the application146. The window manager203, for example, may manage one or more graphical user interface (GUI) resources that are used on a screen. The multimedia manager205, for example, may identify one or more formats to be used to play media files, and may encode or decode a corresponding one of the media files using a codec appropriate for a corresponding format selected from the one or more formats. The resource manager207, for example, may manage the source code of the application146or a memory space of the memory130. The power manager209, for example, may manage the capacity, temperature, or power of the battery189, and determine or provide related information to be used for the operation of the electronic device101based at least in part on corresponding information of the capacity, temperature, or power of the battery189. According to an embodiment, the power manager209may interwork with a basic input/output system (BIOS) (not shown) of the electronic device101.

The database manager211, for example, may generate, search, or change a database to be used by the application146. The package manager213, for example, may manage installation or update of an application that is distributed in the form of a package file. The connectivity manager215, for example, may manage a wireless connection or a direct connection between the electronic device101and the external electronic device. The notification manager217, for example, may provide a function to notify a user of an occurrence of a specified event (e.g., an incoming call, message, or alert). The location manager219, for example, may manage locational information on the electronic device101. The graphic manager221, for example, may manage one or more graphic effects to be offered to a user or a user interface related to the one or more graphic effects.

The security manager223, for example, may provide system security or user authentication. The telephony manager225, for example, may manage a voice call function or a video call function provided by the electronic device101. The voice recognition manager227, for example, may transmit a user's voice data to the server108, and receive, from the server108, a command corresponding to a function to be executed on the electronic device101based at least in part on the voice data, or text data converted based at least in part on the voice data. According to an embodiment, the middleware244may dynamically delete some existing components or add new components. According to an embodiment, at least part of the middleware144may be included as part of the OS142or may be implemented as another software separate from the OS142.

The application146may include, for example, a home251, dialer253, short message service (SMS)/multimedia messaging service (MMS)255, instant message (IM)257, browser259, camera261, alarm263, contact265, voice recognition267, email269, calendar271, media player273, album275, watch277, health279(e.g., for measuring the degree of workout or biometric information, such as blood sugar), or environmental information281(e.g., for measuring air pressure, humidity, or temperature information) application. According to an embodiment, the application146may further include an information exchanging application (not shown) that is capable of supporting information exchange between the electronic device101and the external electronic device. The information exchange application, for example, may include a notification relay application adapted to transfer designated information (e.g., a call, message, or alert) to the external electronic device or a device management application adapted to manage the external electronic device. The notification relay application may transfer notification information corresponding to an occurrence of a specified event (e.g., receipt of an email) at another application (e.g., the email application269) of the electronic device101to the external electronic device. Additionally or alternatively, the notification relay application may receive notification information from the external electronic device and provide the notification information to a user of the electronic device101.

The device management application may control the power (e.g., turn-on or turn-off) or the function (e.g., adjustment of brightness, resolution, or focus) of the external electronic device or some component thereof (e.g., a display device or a camera module of the external electronic device). The device management application, additionally or alternatively, may support installation, delete, or update of an application running on the external electronic device.

FIG.3illustrates a block diagram illustrating a structure of the electronic device101according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may include a processor305(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1), a memory306(e.g., the memory130ofFIG.1), a sensor308(e.g., the sensor module176ofFIG.1), a communication circuit307(e.g., the communication module190ofFIG.1), an output device303(e.g., the display device160and the sound output device155ofFIG.1), a camera301, and a driving unit309. However,FIG.3describes one exemplary embodiment, and some components may be omitted or changed.

The memory306may be an internal storage medium embedded in the electronic device101. For example, the internal storage medium may include a nonvolatile memory. The memory may include an external storage medium (not illustrated) installed outside the electronic device101. For example, the external storage medium may include a nonvolatile memory. The external storage medium may be removable; according to an embodiment, the external storage medium may not be mounted on the electronic device101.

The memory306may store instructions that cause the processor305to process data or to control the electronic device101. In this specification, it may be understood that the operation of the processor305or the electronic device101is performed as the processor305executes instructions stored in the memory306.

For example, the processor305obtains an image of an object through the camera301, and identifies the type of the object based on the image of the object. The type of the object may include the type of a customer and the type of an employee. The camera may include a 3D depth camera. In the 3D depth camera, in addition to capturing a live focus image, augmented reality (AR)-based automatic measurement of a distance, line, area, and volume may be possible.

The processor305may obtain customer data including movement information of the object and the head direction of the object, through the camera301based on the type of the object. For example, the processor may obtain customer data stored in the memory306. Alternatively, the processor may obtain the customer data stored in an external device, using the communication circuit307. For example, the customer data may include information of at least one of the location, approach distance, direction, and speed of the object.

The processor305may store instructions that make it possible to determine the movement of the electronic device101based on the customer data and to move the electronic device depending on the determined movement of the electronic device, using the driving unit309. The processor305may be implemented with a separate module or chip in the electronic device101.

The communication circuit307may exchange commands or data with an external device (not illustrated) or another electronic device, using GPS, Bluetooth, BLE, Wi-Fi, NFC, and the like. Alternatively, the current location may be measured based on the received or detected wireless signal. The communication circuit307may perform wired/wireless communication with one external device, or simultaneously perform wired/wireless communication with a plurality of external devices.

The sensor308may include an infrared sensor, a motion sensor, and the like, and may measure the movement of an object. The motion sensor may include an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a barometer, a geomagnetic sensor, and the like and may measure the movement of the object. The sensor may sense the approach of the object by grasping the location, approach distance, direction, and speed of the object. The sensor308may deliver the sensed value to the processor305. The processor305may obtain customer data and information about an approaching object, based on the received value. The sensor308may be composed depending on the type of information to be obtained.

The driving unit309may move the electronic device101depending on the movement determined by the processor. The driving unit309may include any form that allows the electronic device101to move. For example, the driving unit309may include at least one of at least one wheel, a caterpillar, or a plurality of legs.

According to an embodiment, the processor305may process signals measured from the sensor308of the electronic device101and may display the processed signals through the output device303. The electronic device101may also provide the feedback of sound and/or vibration through the output device303. Alternatively, other devices may be controlled through the communication circuit307; alternatively, data may be stored through the communication circuit307. The processor305may be composed of at least one processor, and may be driven while being physically divided into a main processor performing high-performance processing and an auxiliary processor performing low-power processing. At this time, the sensor308may be connected to the auxiliary processor to perform 24-hour monitoring. Alternatively, one processor may switch between high performance and low power depending on situations.

Hereinafter, the operation of the processor305will be described in detail.

In an embodiment, the processor305may store instructions that make it possible to obtain the image of the object through the camera of the electronic device, to identify the type of the object based on the image of the object, to obtain customer data including movement information of the object and a head direction of the object through the camera based on the type of the object, to determine the movement of the electronic device based on the customer data, and to move the electronic device depending on the determined movement of the electronic device using the driving unit of the electronic device. In this case, the customer data may further include at least a piece of information among the location, approach distance, direction, and speed of the object.

In an embodiment, the processor305determines the similarity between the image of the obtained object and the image of an employee stored in a memory; when it is determined based on the similarity that the image of the object is not the image of the employee, the processor305may determine that the type of the object is a customer.

In an embodiment, when it is determined that the type of the object is a customer, the processor305may store the obtained image in the memory and may delete the obtained image from the memory when a threshold time elapses.

In an embodiment, the processor305may determine a target product of the object, using the head direction and angle of the object, and may display data for the target product.

In an embodiment, the customer data may include at least a piece of data of the height of an object, the location of the object from a reference point, and the direction of the object; the processor305may determine the target product, using the head angle and at least a piece of data of the height of an object, the location of the object from a reference point, and the direction of the object, which are included in the customer data.

In an embodiment, when the object enters within a critical (or a threshold) distance, the processor305may allow the electronic device to move; when the number of objects recognized through the camera increases, the processor305may decrease the critical distance.

In an embodiment, when the number of objects recognized through the camera is not less than a critical (or a threshold) value, the processor305may make a request for the support of other electronic devices, using the communication circuit.

In an embodiment, when the image of the recognized object is the image of a customer, the processor305may determine whether the image of the recognized object is an image of a customer served again; when the image of the recognized object is not the image of the customer served again, the processor305may execute the first mode; when the image of the recognized object is the image of the customer served again, the processor305may execute the second mode.

In an embodiment, the processor305may detect a state change of at least one object located within the critical distance, may re-determine the movement of the electronic device in response to the detected state change, and may move the electronic device depending on the re-determined movement using the driving unit.

FIG.4illustrates a flowchart400of a method for determining movement of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure. According to an embodiment, it may be understood that the process illustrated inFIG.4is performed by the processor (e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) by executing instructions stored in a memory (e.g., the memory130ofFIG.1).

In operation401, the electronic device may obtain an image of an object. The object is a person who approaches an electronic device. The electronic device may obtain the image of the object through a camera. For example, when an object approaches a range within a critical distance, the electronic device may obtain the image of the object by recognizing the face of the object through the camera. This will be described in detail with respect toFIG.5.

In operation402, the electronic device may identify the type of the object. The type of the object refers to the type to which the image of the object belongs. For example, the type of the object may include customers and employees.

In an embodiment, the electronic device may compare the image of the object with the stored image of an employee to determine the type of the object. This will be described in detail with reference toFIG.7.

In operation403, the electronic device may obtain customer data based on the type of the object. For example, the electronic device determines whether the object type is a customer; when the type of the object is a customer, the electronic device may obtain customer data. The customer data refers to data for the object including movement information of the object and the head direction of the object. For example, the customer data may further include at least a piece of information among the location, approach distance, direction, and speed of the object in addition to the head direction.

In an embodiment, the electronic device may obtain the customer data including movement information of the object and the head direction of the object, using a sensor and a camera.

In operation404, the electronic device may determine the movement of the electronic device based on the customer data. The movement of the electronic device may include a movement in which the electronic device moves the electronic device using a driving unit, as well as a movement in which the electronic device remains at a standstill without movement.

In an embodiment, the electronic device may determine the output content of the electronic device based on the customer data as well as movement.

This will be described in detail with reference toFIGS.7to12.

In operation405, the electronic device may move the electronic device depending on the determined movement. For example, the electronic device may move the electronic device depending on the determined movement of the electronic device, using the driving unit of the electronic device. At this time, the electronic device may output the determined output content, using an output device. For example, the electronic device may allow the electronic device to utter the output content using a speaker. Alternatively, an electronic device may display the output content, using a display.

According to an embodiment, the process illustrated inFIG.4may be performed using a server. For example, in operation401, an image of the object may be obtained through the camera of the electronic device; when the obtained image is transmitted to a server, operation402to operation404may be performed by the server; in operation405, the server may transmit data for the determined movement to the electronic device, and the electronic device may move the electronic device depending on the determined movement, using the driving unit.

FIG.5illustrates an exemplary diagram of a method in which an electronic device recognizes an image of an object.

When it is recognized using a camera or sensor that an object is within a recognition distance501, the electronic device101may obtain an image505of an object, using the camera.

The recognition distance501refers to a distance within which an object is capable of being recognized through the sensor or camera of the electronic device101. The recognition distance may be determined depending on the performance of the electronic device, or may be determined by settings.

When the image505of the recognized object is the image of the customer, and it is detected that the object approaches (504) a critical distance502using a sensor or camera, the electronic device101may move the electronic device, using a driving unit.

The critical distance502refers to a maximum distance between an electronic device and an object capable of moving the electronic device101. Like the recognition distance, a critical distance may be determined depending on the performance of the electronic device, or may be determined by settings.

In an embodiment, when the number of objects recognized through the camera increases, the electronic device101may reduce the critical distance. For example, when the number of objects recognized within the recognition distance501through the camera increases, the electronic device101may target objects in order, in which the critical distance502is approached by reducing the critical distance502, and may determine the movement of only the targeted object.

In an embodiment, when the number of objects recognized through the camera is not less than the critical value, the electronic device may make a request for the support of other electronic devices using a communication circuit included in the electronic device. For example, when the number of objects recognized within the recognition distance501is not less than the critical value, the electronic device101may make a request for the support of other electronic devices, using the communication circuit, and thus a plurality of electronic devices may determine the movements of a plurality of objects.

FIG.6illustrates a flow chart600of another method for determining a movement of an electronic device according to one embodiment. According to an embodiment, it may be understood that the process illustrated inFIG.6is performed by the processor (e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) by executing instructions stored in a memory (e.g., the memory130ofFIG.1).

In operation601, the electronic device may obtain an image of an object. As described above in detail, some components may be omitted or changed.

In operation602, the electronic device determines whether the obtained image is an image of a customer. The image of the customer may mean that the image of the object is not an image of an employee. When the image of the object is not the image of the customer, in operation604, the electronic device may be unresponsive. In contrast, in the case of a customer image, operation603may be performed. For example, the electronic device may determine the similarity between the stored employee's image and the object image obtained in operation601; when the similarity is not greater than a critical value, the electronic device may determine that the type of the object is a customer, and may determine that the image of the object is the image of the customer.

When it is determined that the image obtained in operation602is the image of the customer, in operation603, the electronic device may determine whether the customer of the image is the first face-to-face customer. For example, the electronic device may determine whether the customer is the first face-to-face customer, by comparing the similarity between the obtained image and the image stored as a customer in the electronic device. For example, when the result of comparing the similarity between the obtained image and the stored image by the electronic device in operation603indicates that all the similarities are not greater than the critical value, the electronic device may determine that the customer is the first face-to-face customer. When it is determined in operation603that the customer is the first face-to-face customer, in operation605, the electronic device may store the obtained image as the image of the customer in the memory. When a critical (or a threshold) time has elapsed from a point in time when the image is stored, the electronic device may delete the stored image from the memory depending on settings.

In operation606, the electronic device may execute a first mode. The first mode may include various modes for responding to the first face-to-face customer. This will be described in detail with reference toFIGS.7to12.

On the other hand, in operation603, when the electronic device determines that the obtained image is not the image of the first face-to-face customer, in operation607, the electronic device may execute a second mode. For example, the electronic device may compare the similarity between the stored image of the customer and the obtained image; when there is an image having the similarity that is not less than the critical value, the electronic device may determine that the customer is not the first face-to-face customer, and the electronic device may execute the second mode. The second mode refers to the mode according to the manual for dealing with customers, not the first face-to-face customer. For example, in the second mode, the electronic device does not respond. The electronic device responds differently depending on whether a customer is the first face-to-face customer, and thus it is possible to improve the intimacy with the customer.

According to an embodiment, the process illustrated inFIG.6may be performed using a server as inFIG.4. For example, in operation601, an image of the object may be obtained through the camera of the electronic device; when the obtained image is transmitted to a server, operation602to operation605may be performed by the server; in operation606or operation607, when the server transmits, to the electronic device, data as to whether a customer is the first face-to-face customer, the electronic device may execute the first mode (operation606) or the second mode (operation607).

InFIGS.7to12, various example diagrams, in each of which an electronic device moves depending on the determined movement, are illustrated.

FIG.7illustrates a movement in which the electronic device101makes approaches in a straight line to be matched with the speed of an object701. An object701, illustrated inFIG.7, approaches in a direction702of the electronic device101. Also, the head direction of an object is facing the electronic device101. This may mean that the object701recognizes the electronic device101and is interested in the electronic device101.

The electronic device101may recognize the movement of the illustrated object and may determine the movement. The electronic device101may determine the movement that 1) the head direction is the direction facing the object, 2) the electronic device101displays a light (e.g., green) indicating that the object makes an approach, and 3) the electronic device101moves in a straight line toward the object701up to a specified distance (e.g., 1 m) of the object701. When the object701enters within the critical distance, the electronic device101may move using a driving unit depending on the determined movement. At this time, the electronic device101may utter content (e.g., “Hello. Good morning.”) including affirmative expression, using a speaker. The affirmative expression may include any expression for inducing a positive response to the object701.

FIG.8illustrates a movement in which the electronic device101faces an object but does not make approaches. An object801illustrated inFIG.8makes approaches in a direction802of the electronic device101, but a head direction803of the object does not face the electronic device101. This may mean that the object801does not recognize the electronic device101, but the target product of the object is located in the direction of the electronic device.

The electronic device101may recognize the movement of the illustrated object and may determine the movement of the electronic device. For example, the electronic device101may determine the movement that 1) the head direction is the direction for tracking the movement of the object, 2) the electronic device101displays a light (e.g., yellow) indicating a wait, and/or 3) a body is stopped at a standstill while the direction of the body maintaining the front. When the object801enters within the critical distance, the electronic device101may stop at a standstill depending on the determined movement and may control a head, a light indicator, or the like. At this time, the electronic device101may utter content providing a notification of how to help (e.g., “Please call me whenever you need help”), using a speaker.

FIG.9illustrates a movement in which the electronic device101moves along a moving line of an object by a certain distance. An object901illustrated inFIG.9makes approaches in the direction902passing by the electronic device101, but a head direction903faces the electronic device101. This may mean that the object901is interested in the electronic device101, but the target product of the object901is located in a direction different from the direction of the electronic device.

The electronic device101may recognize the movement of the illustrated object and may determine the movement of the electronic device. For example, the electronic device101may determine the movement such that 1) the head direction is the direction for tracking the movement of the object, 2) the electronic device101displays a light (e.g., green) indicating an approach, and 3) the electronic device101moves along the moving line of the object up to a specified distance (e.g., 1 m) of the object. When the object901enters within a critical distance, the electronic device101may move along the moving line of the object up to a specified distance (e.g., 1 m) of the object, using a driving unit. The electronic device101may utter content (e.g., “Hello. Good morning.”) including affirmative expression, and content (e.g., I want to help you.) for inducing the interest of the object, using a speaker.

FIG.10illustrates a movement in which the electronic device101steps back for a while and then slowly keeps a distance from an object. An object1001illustrated inFIG.10makes approaches in a direction1002of the electronic device101at high speed. In this case, there is a risk of collision. This may mean that the object1001does not recognize the existence of the electronic device.

The electronic device101may recognize the movement of the illustrated object and may determine the movement of the electronic device. For example, the electronic device101may determine the movement such that 1) the head direction faces the front, 2) the electronic device101displays a light (e.g., red) indicating danger, and 3) the electronic device101moves in an direction1003opposite to the direction in which the object makes an approach. When the object1001enters within a critical distance, the electronic device101may move depending on the determined movement in the direction1003opposite to the direction in which the object makes an approach, using a driving unit. At this time, the electronic device101may utter content (e.g., “Please be careful!”) for drawing attention, using a speaker.

FIG.11illustrates a movement in which the electronic device101waits at a standstill. A head direction of an object1101illustrated inFIG.11is a direction1103that does not face the electronic device101and the object1101is moving in a direction passing by the electronic device101. This may mean that the object1101is not interested in the electronic device101, and the target product of the object1101is also located in a direction different from the direction of the electronic device.

The electronic device101may recognize the movement of the illustrated object and may determine the movement of the electronic device. For example, the electronic device101may determine the movement such that 1) the head direction faces the front, 2) the electronic device101displays a light (e.g., yellow) indicating a wait, and 3) the electronic device101waits at a standstill. At this time, the electronic device101may not utter separate content through a speaker.

FIG.12illustrates a movement in which the electronic device101moves toward an object and then returns to an original location. An object1201illustrated in FIG.12first makes an approach a head direction1204toward the electronic device101and then changes to a head direction1205, which does not face an electronic device, on the way. In addition, the object1201appears to be approaching the electronic device101and then moves to a path1203passing by the electronic device. This may mean that the object1201is interested in the electronic device101, but the target product of the object1201is located in a direction different from the direction of the electronic device. Alternatively, this may mean that the target product of object1201is changed on the way.

The electronic device101may recognize the movement of the illustrated object and may determine the movement of the electronic device. For example, the electronic device101may track the movement of the object1201depending on the head direction, may display a light (e.g., green) indicating an approach, and may move toward the object1201. At this time, the electronic device101may utter content (e.g., “Hello.”) indicating affirmative expression, using a speaker. When the head direction of the object1201is changed from the direction towards the electronic device101to the direction1205that does not face the electronic device101, the electronic device101may stop and display a light (e.g., yellow) indicating a wait while tracking the movement of the object1201depending on the head direction. At this time, the volume of a speaker may also fade out. When the object1201completely deviates from the recognition distance of the electronic device101, the electronic device101, which has been in a standby state, may return to the first location, using a driving unit.

FIG.13illustrates a flowchart1300of a method in which an electronic device provides a service for a target product, according to an embodiment. According to an embodiment, it may be understood that the process illustrated inFIG.13is performed by the processor (e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) by executing instructions stored in a memory (e.g., the memory130ofFIG.1).

In operation1301, the electronic device101may grasp the location of an object from a reference point. The reference point refers to a point that is a reference for grasping the location of an object. For example, the reference point may be a specified location in a space shared by the object and the electronic device, and may be the current location of the electronic device. At this time, the head direction of the electronic device101may face the object, and the electronic device101may display a light (e.g., yellow) indicating a wait and may remain in place.

In operation1302, the electronic device101may recognize the head direction and angle of the object. For example, the electronic device101may obtain an image of an object using a camera and may analyze the image to recognize the head direction and angle of the object. For example, the electronic device101may determine whether the head direction and angle of the recognized object stay within a specific range during a specific period. When the head direction and angle of the recognized object stay within a specific range during a specific period, the head direction of the electronic device101may face a customer, and the electronic device101may stop after moving by a specific distance from the object, using a driving unit.

In operation1303, the electronic device101may determine the target product, using the height of the object, data of at least of the location and direction of the object from the reference point, and a head angle. The target product means a product that the object is interested in.

In operation1304, the electronic device101may provide a related image or video for the target product. The related image or video for the target product may refer to content including the description of the target product. For example, the content may include advertising content for a target product, review content for the target product, a website for the target product, or the like.

For example, the electronic device101may display advertisement content or review images of the target product, using a display unit. At this time, the electronic device may utter content including information about the target product, using a speaker.

According to an embodiment, the process illustrated inFIG.13may also be performed using a server. For example, the electronic device may perform operation1301and operation1302through a camera or sensor included in the electronic device, and may transmit information about the obtained object to the server. The server may perform operation1303and may transmit data regarding the target product to the electronic device. The electronic device may perform operation1304using an output device included in the electronic device.

FIG.14illustrates a conceptual diagram for additional descriptions of a method in which an electronic device determines a target product.

The memory of the electronic device101or a server1403may store entire information of a space where the electronic device is located and location information about a product displayed in the space as Map data. As illustrated inFIG.14, Map data may divide the entire space at specific intervals, and may display areas A, B, C, and D of each product. The electronic device101may determine the target product using the Map data.

The electronic device101may grasp a location1402of the object1401by comparing the values of x-axis and y-axis with a current location of the electronic device101as a reference point. Alternatively, the electronic device101may grasp the location1402of the object1401, using a unique ‘x’ value and a unique ‘y’ value for a specified location in a space shared by the object1401and the electronic device101.

The electronic device101may calculate the head angle of the object1401and the head direction of the object1401based on the height of the object1401and may determine a gaze1405of the object1401based on the head angle of the object1401and the head direction of the object1401. The electronic device101may determine a target point1404depending on the determined gaze1405of the object1401. The electronic device101may determine the target product, using product location information exhibited at the target point1404. At this time, the electronic device101may store the target product in a customer interest product database.

The electronic device101may receive content for the determined target product from the server1403. The electronic device101may display the received content. At this time, the electronic device101may move to the location1402of the object by a specified distance (e.g., 1 m), using a driving unit, and then may display the content for the target product.

The electronic device according to various embodiments may be one of various types of electronic devices. The electronic devices may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic devices are not limited to those described above.

It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technological features set forth herein to particular embodiments and include various changes, equivalents, or replacements for a corresponding embodiment. With regard to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. It is to be understood that a singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the things, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, each of such phrases as “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one of A or B,” “A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C,” may include any one of, or all possible combinations of the items enumerated together in a corresponding one of the phrases. As used herein, such terms as “1st” and “2nd,” or “first” and “second” may be used to simply distinguish a corresponding component from another, and does not limit the components in other aspect (e.g., importance or order). It is to be understood that if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to, with or without the term “operatively” or “communicatively”, as “coupled with,” “coupled to,” “connected with,” or “connected to” another element (e.g., a second element), it means that the element may be coupled with the other element directly (e.g., wiredly), wirelessly, or via a third element.

As used herein, the term “module” may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may interchangeably be used with other terms, for example, “logic,” “logic block,” “part,” or “circuitry”. A module may be a single integral component, or a minimal unit or part thereof, adapted to perform one or more functions. For example, according to an embodiment, the module may be implemented in a form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Various embodiments as set forth herein may be implemented as software (e.g., the program140) including one or more instructions that are stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory136or external memory138) that is readable by a machine (e.g., the electronic device101). For example, a processor (e.g., the processor120) of the machine (e.g., the electronic device101) may invoke at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, and execute it, with or without using one or more other components under the control of the processor. This allows the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one instruction invoked. The one or more instructions may include a code generated by a compiler or a code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Wherein, the term “non-transitory” simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device, and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but this term does not differentiate between where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where the data is temporarily stored in the storage medium.

According to an embodiment, a method according to various embodiments of the disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) online via an application store (e.g., PlayStore™), or between two user devices (e.g., smart phones) directly. If distributed online, at least part of the computer program product may be temporarily generated or at least temporarily stored in the machine-readable storage medium, such as memory of the manufacturer's server, a server of the application store, or a relay server.

According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include a single entity or multiple entities. According to various embodiments, one or more of the above-described components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, according to various embodiments, the integrated component may still perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components in the same or similar manner as they are performed by a corresponding one of the plurality of components before the integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by the module, the program, or another component may be carried out sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

According to embodiments disclosed in the specification, it is possible to provide a method and device that may induce intimate interaction, such as a person-to-person relationship, by determining a movement mode of approaching an object depending on the movement of the object, based on customer data including the head direction of the object approached by an electronic device.

According to embodiments disclosed in the specification, it is possible to provide a method and device that may determine a target product matched with a customer's need based on the customer data including the head direction of the object approached by the electronic device, and may provide a service for the target product.

Besides, a variety of effects directly or indirectly understood through the disclosure may be provided.

While the disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Although the present disclosure has been described with various embodiments, various changes and modifications may be suggested to one skilled in the art. It is intended that the present disclosure encompass such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.