Patent ID: 12254758

BEST MODE

Hereinafter, embodiments relating to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The suffixes “module” and “unit” for components used in the description below are assigned or mixed in consideration of easiness in writing the specification and do not have distinctive meanings or roles by themselves.

FIG.1is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG.1, a display device100can include a broadcast reception unit130, an external device interface unit135, a storage unit140, a user input interface unit150, a control unit170, a wireless communication interface unit173, a voice acquisition unit175, a display unit180, an audio output interface unit185, and a power supply unit190.

The broadcast reception unit130can include a tuner131, a demodulation unit132, and a network interface unit133.

The tuner131can select a specific broadcast channel according to a channel selection command. The tuner131can receive broadcast signals for the selected specific broadcast channel.

The demodulation unit132can divide the received broadcast signals into video signals, audio signals, and broadcast program related data signals and restore the divided video signals, audio signals, and data signals to an output available form.

The network interface unit133can provide an interface for connecting the display device100to a wired/wireless network including internet network. The network interface unit133can transmit or receive data to or from another user or another electronic device through an accessed network or another network linked to the accessed network.

The network interface unit133can access a predetermined webpage through an accessed network or another network linked to the accessed network. That is, it can transmit or receive data to or from a corresponding server by accessing a predetermined webpage through network.

Then, the network interface unit133can receive contents or data provided from a content provider or a network operator. That is, the network interface unit133can receive contents such as movies, advertisements, games, VODs, and broadcast signals, which are provided from a content provider or a network provider, through network and information relating thereto.

Additionally, the network interface unit133can receive firmware update information and update files provided from a network operator and transmit data to an internet or content provider or a network operator.

The network interface unit133can select and receive a desired application among applications open to the air, through network.

The external device interface unit135can receive an application or an application list in an adjacent external device and deliver it to the control unit170or the storage unit140.

The external device interface unit135can provide a connection path between the display device100and an external device. The external device interface unit135can receive at least one of image and audio outputted from an external device that is wirelessly or wiredly connected to the display device100and deliver it to the controller. The external device interface unit135can include a plurality of external input terminals. The plurality of external input terminals can include an RGB terminal, at least one High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) terminal, and a component terminal.

An image signal of an external device inputted through the external device interface unit135can be outputted through the display unit180. A sound signal of an external device inputted through the external device interface unit135can be outputted through the audio output interface unit185.

An external device connectable to the external device interface unit135can be one of a set-top box, a Blu-ray player, a DVD player, a game console, a sound bar, a smartphone, a PC, a USB Memory, and a home theater system but this is just exemplary.

Additionally, some content data stored in the display device100can be transmitted to a user or an electronic device, which is selected from other users or other electronic devices pre-registered in the display device100.

The storage unit140can store signal-processed image, voice, or data signals stored by a program in order for each signal processing and control in the control unit170.

Additionally, the storage unit140can perform a function for temporarily store image, voice, or data signals outputted from the external device interface unit135or the network interface unit133and can store information on a predetermined image through a channel memory function.

The storage unit140can store an application or an application list inputted from the external device interface unit135or the network interface unit133.

The display device100can play content files (for example, video files, still image files, music files, document files, application files, and so on) stored in the storage unit140and provide them to a user.

The user input interface unit150can deliver signals inputted from a user to the control unit170or deliver signals from the control unit170to a user. For example, the user input interface unit150can receive or process control signals such as power on/off, channel selection, and screen setting from the remote control device200or transmit control signals from the control unit170to the remote control device200according to various communication methods such as Bluetooth, Ultra Wideband (WB), ZigBee, Radio Frequency (RF), and IR.

Additionally, the user input interface unit150can deliver, to the control unit170, control signals inputted from local keys (not shown) such as a power key, a channel key, a volume key, and a setting key.

Image signals that are image-processed in the control unit170can be inputted to the display unit180and displayed as an image corresponding to corresponding image signals. Additionally, image signals that are image-processed in the control unit170can be inputted to an external output device through the external device interface unit135.

Voice signals processed in the control unit170can be outputted to the audio output interface unit185. Additionally, voice signals processed in the control unit170can be inputted to an external output device through the external device interface unit135.

Besides that, the control unit170can control overall operations in the display device100.

Additionally, the control unit170can control the display device100by a user command or internal program inputted through the user input interface unit150and download a desired application or application list into the display device100in access to network.

The control unit170can output channel information selected by a user together with processed image or voice signals through the display unit180or the audio output interface unit185.

Additionally, according to an external device image playback command received through the user input interface unit150, the control unit170can output image signals or voice signals of an external device such as a camera or a camcorder, which are inputted through the external device interface unit135, through the display unit180or the audio output interface unit185.

Moreover, the control unit170can control the display unit180to display images and control broadcast images inputted through the tuner131, external input images inputted through the external device interface unit135, images inputted through the network interface, or images stored in the storage unit140to be displayed on the display unit180. In this case, an image displayed on the display unit180can be a still image or video and also can be a 2D image or a 3D image.

Additionally, the control unit170can play content stored in the display device100, received broadcast content, and external input content inputted from the outside, and the content can be in various formats such as broadcast images, external input images, audio files, still images, accessed web screens, and document files.

Moreover, the wireless communication interface unit173can perform a wired or wireless communication with an external electronic device. The wireless communication interface unit173can perform short-range communication with an external device. For this, the wireless communication interface unit173can support short-range communication by using at least one of Bluetooth™, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, Near Field Communication (NFC), Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless Universal Serial Bus (USB) technologies. The wireless communication interface unit173can support wireless communication between the display device100and a wireless communication system, between the display device100and another display device100, or between networks including the display device100and another display device100(or an external server) through wireless area networks. The wireless area networks can be wireless personal area networks.

Herein, the other display device100can be a mobile terminal such as a wearable device (for example, a smart watch, a smart glass, and a head mounted display (HMD)) or a smartphone, which is capable of exchanging data (or inter-working) with the display device100. The wireless communication interface unit173can detect (or recognize) a communicable wearable device around the display device100. Furthermore, if the detected wearable device is a device authenticated to communicate with the display device100, the control unit170can transmit at least part of data processed in the display device100to the wearable device through the wireless communication interface unit173. Accordingly, a user of the wearable device can use the data processed in the display device100through the wearable device.

The voice acquisition unit175can acquire audio. The voice acquisition unit175may include at least one microphone (not shown), and can acquire audio around the display device100through the microphone (not shown).

The display unit180can convert image signals, data signals, or OSD signals, which are processed in the control unit170, or images signals or data signals, which are received in the external device interface unit135, into R, G, and B signals to generate driving signals.

Furthermore, the display device100shown inFIG.1is just one embodiment of the present disclosure and thus, some of the components shown can be integrated, added, or omitted according to the specification of the actually implemented display device100.

That is, if necessary, two or more components can be integrated into one component or one component can be divided into two or more components and configured. Additionally, a function performed by each block is to describe an embodiment of the present disclosure and its specific operation or device does not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, unlikeFIG.1, the display device100can receive images through the network interface unit133or the external device interface unit135and play them without including the tuner131and the demodulation unit132.

For example, the display device100can be divided into an image processing device such as a set-top box for receiving broadcast signals or contents according to various network services and a content playback device for playing contents inputted from the image processing device.

In this case, an operating method of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure described below can be performed by one of the display device described with reference toFIG.1, an image processing device such as the separated set-top box, and a content playback device including the display unit180and the audio output interface unit185.

The audio output interface unit185receives the audio processed signal from the control unit170and outputs the sound.

The power supply unit190supplies the corresponding power throughout the display device100. In particular, the power supply unit190supplies power to the control unit170that can be implemented in the form of a System On Chip (SOC), a display unit180for displaying an image, and the audio output interface unit185for outputting audio or the like.

Specifically, the power supply unit190may include a converter for converting an AC power source into a DC power source, and a DC/DC converter for converting a level of the DC source power.

Then, referring toFIGS.2and3, a remote control device is described according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG.2is a block diagram illustrating a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure andFIG.3is a view illustrating an actual configuration of a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

First, referring toFIG.2, a remote control device200can include a fingerprint recognition module210, a wireless communication interface220, a user input interface230, a sensor240, an output interface250, a power supply260, a storage270, a controller280, and a voice acquisition module290.

Referring toFIG.2, the wireless communication interface220transmits/receives signals to/from an arbitrary any one of display devices according to the above-mentioned embodiments of the present disclosure.

The remote control device200can include an RF module221for transmitting/receiving signals to/from the display device100according to the RF communication standards and an IR module223for transmitting/receiving signals to/from the display device100according to the IR communication standards. Additionally, the remote control device200can include a Bluetooth module225for transmitting/receiving signals to/from the display device100according to the Bluetooth communication standards. Additionally, the remote control device200can include an NFC module227for transmitting/receiving signals to/from the display device100according to the Near Field Communication (NFC) communication standards and a WLAN module229for transmitting/receiving signals to/from the display device100according to the Wireless LAN (WLAN) communication standards

Additionally, the remote control device200can transmit signals containing information on a movement of the remote control device200to the display device100through the wireless communication interface220.

Moreover, the remote control device200can receive signals transmitted from the display device100through the RF module221and if necessary, can transmit a command on power on/off, channel change, and volume change to the display device100through the IR module223.

The user input interface230can be configured with a keypad button, a touch pad, or a touch screen. A user can manipulate the user input interface230to input a command relating to the display device100to the remote control device200. If the user input interface230includes a hard key button, a user can input a command relating to the display device100to the remote control device200through the push operation of the hard key button. This will be described with reference toFIG.3.

Referring toFIG.3, the remote control device200can include a plurality of buttons. The plurality of buttons can include a fingerprint recognition button212, a power button231, a home button232, a live button233, an external input button234, a voice adjustment button235, a voice recognition button236, a channel change button237, a check button238, and a back button239.

The fingerprint recognition button212can be a button for recognizing a user's fingerprint. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the fingerprint recognition button212can perform a push operation and receive a push operation and a fingerprint recognition operation. The power button231can be button for turning on/off the power of the display device100. The power button231can be button for moving to the home screen of the display device100. The live button233can be a button for displaying live broadcast programs. The external input button234can be button for receiving an external input connected to the display device100. The voice adjustment button235can be button for adjusting the size of a volume outputted from the display device100. The voice recognition button236can be a button for receiving user's voice and recognizing the received voice. The channel change button237can be a button for receiving broadcast signals of a specific broadcast channel. The check button238can be a button for selecting a specific function and the back button239can be a button for returning to a previous screen.

Again,FIG.2is described.

If the user input interface230includes a touch screen, a user can touch a soft key of the touch screen to input a command relating to the display device100to the remote control device200. Additionally, the user input interface230can include various kinds of input means manipulated by a user, for example, a scroll key and a jog key, and this embodiment does not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

The sensor240can include a gyro sensor241or an acceleration sensor243and the gyro sensor241can sense information on a movement of the remote control device200.

For example, the gyro sensor241can sense information on an operation of the remote control device200on the basis of x, y, and z axes and the acceleration sensor243can sense information on a movement speed of the remote control device200. Moreover, the remote control device200can further include a distance measurement sensor and sense a distance with respect to the display unit180of the display device100.

The output interface250can output image or voice signals corresponding to a manipulation of the user input interface230or corresponding to signals transmitted from the display device100. A user can recognize whether the user input interface230is manipulated or the display device100is controlled through the output interface250.

For example, the output interface250can include an LED module251for flashing, a vibration module253for generating vibration, a sound output module255for outputting sound, or a display module257for outputting an image, if the user input interface230is manipulated or signals are transmitted/received to/from the display device100through the wireless communication interface220.

Additionally, the power supply260supplies power to the remote control device200and if the remote control device200does not move for a predetermined time, stops the power supply, so that power waste can be reduced. The power supply260can resume the power supply if a predetermined key provided at the remote control device200is manipulated.

The storage270can store various kinds of programs and application data necessary for a control or operation of the remote control device200. If the remote control device200transmits/receives signals wirelessly through the display device100and the RF module221, the remote control device200and the display device100transmits/receives signals through a predetermined frequency band.

The controller280of the remote control device200can store, in the storage270, information on a frequency band for transmitting/receiving signals to/from the display device100paired with the remote control device200and refer to it.

The controller280controls general matters relating to a control of the remote control device200. The controller280can transmit a signal corresponding to a predetermined key manipulation of the user input interface230or a signal corresponding to a movement of the remote control device200sensed by the sensor240to the display device100through the wireless communication interface220.

Additionally, the voice acquisition module290of the remote control device200can obtain voice.

The voice acquisition module290can include at least one microphone291and obtain voice through the microphone291.

Then,FIG.4is described.

FIG.4is a view of utilizing a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG.4Aillustrates that a pointer205corresponding to the remote control device200is displayed on the display unit180.

A user can move or rotate the remote control device200vertically or horizontally. The pointer205displayed on the display unit180of the display device100corresponds to a movement of the remote control device200. Since the corresponding pointer205is moved and displayed according to a movement on a 3D space as show in the drawing, the remote control device200can be referred to as a spatial remote controller.

FIG.4Billustrates that if a user moves the remote control device200, the pointer205displayed on the display unit180of the display device100is moved to the left in correspondence thereto.

Information on a movement of the remote control device200detected through a sensor of the remote control device200is transmitted to the display device100. The display device100can calculate the coordinates of the pointer205from the information on the movement of the remote control device200. The display device100can display the pointer205to match the calculated coordinates.

FIG.4Cillustrates that while a specific button in the remote control device200is pressed, a user moves the remote control device200away from the display unit180. Thus, a selection area in the display unit180corresponding to the pointer205can be zoomed in and displayed largely.

On the other hand, if a user moves the remote control device200close to the display unit180, a selection area in the display unit180corresponding to the pointer205can be zoomed out and displayed reduced.

On the other hand, if the remote control device200is away from the display unit180, a selection area can be zoomed out and if the remote control device200is close to the display unit180, a selection area can be zoomed in.

Additionally, if a specific button in the remote control device200is pressed, the recognition of a vertical or horizontal movement can be excluded. That is, if the remote control device200is moved away from or close to the display unit180, the up, down, left, or right movement can not be recognized and only the back and fourth movement can be recognized. While a specific button in the remote control device200is not pressed, only the pointer205is moved according to the up, down, left or right movement of the remote control device200.

Moreover, the moving speed or moving direction of the pointer205can correspond to the moving speed or moving direction of the remote control device200.

Furthermore, a pointer in this specification means an object displayed on the display unit180in correspondence to an operation of the remote control device200. Accordingly, besides an arrow form displayed as the pointer205in the drawing, various forms of objects are possible. For example, the above concept includes a point, a cursor, a prompt, and a thick outline. Then, the pointer205can be displayed in correspondence to one point of a horizontal axis and a vertical axis on the display unit180and also can be displayed in correspondence to a plurality of points such as a line and a surface.

Meanwhile, the control unit170may also be referred to as a processor170. Also, the storage unit140may be referred to as a memory140. Also, the wireless communication unit173may be referred to as a communication interface173.

FIG.5is a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The mobile terminal300may be implemented as a mobile device such as a mobile phone, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), a navigation device, a tablet PC, and a wearable device.

Referring toFIG.1, a mobile terminal300may include a communication unit310, an input unit320, a learning processor330, a sensing unit340, an output unit350, a memory370, a processor380, and the like.

The communication unit310may transmit/receive data with external devices such as other devices100to200using wired/wireless communication technology. For example, the communication unit310may transmit/receive sensor information, a user input, a learning model, a control signal, and the like with external devices.

At this time, the communication technology used by the communication unit310includes Global System for Mobile communication (GSM), Code Division Multi Access (CDMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), 5G, Wireless LAN (WLAN), and Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), ZigBee, and Near Field Communication (NFC). In addition, the communication technology used by the communication unit310may include Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).

The input unit320may acquire various types of data.

The input unit320may include a camera (Camera,321) for inputting a video signal, a microphone (Microphone,322) for receiving an audio signal, and a user input unit (User Input Unit,323) for receiving information from a user.

Audio data or image data collected by the input unit320may be analyzed and processed as a user's control command.

The input unit320is for inputting video information (or signal), audio information (or signal), data, or information input from a user and for inputting video information, the mobile terminal300may include one or a plurality of cameras321.

The camera321processes an image frame such as a still image or a moving image obtained by an image sensor in a video call mode or a photographing mode. The processed image frame may be displayed on the display unit351or stored in the memory370.

The microphone322processes external sound signal into electrical audio data. The processed audio data may be utilized in various ways according to the function (or application program being executed) being performed in the mobile terminal300. Meanwhile, various noise cancellation algorithms may be applied to the microphone322to remove noise generated in the process of receiving an external sound signal.

The user input unit323is for receiving information from a user and if information is input through the user input unit323, the processor380can control the operation of the mobile terminal300to correspond to the input information.

The user input unit323is a mechanical input means (or a mechanical key, for example, a button located on the front/rear side or side of the mobile terminal300, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc.) and a touch input means. As an example, the touch input means may be consist of a virtual key, soft key, or visual key displayed on a touch screen through software processing, or may be consist of a touch key (touch key) disposed on a part other than the touch screen.

The input unit320may obtain learning data for model learning and input data to be used when obtaining an output using the learning model. The input unit320may obtain raw input data, and in this case, the processor380or the learning processor330may extract input features by preprocessing the input data.

The learning processor330may train a model composed of an artificial neural network using training data. Here, the learned artificial neural network may be referred to as a learning model. The learning model may be used to infer a result value for new input data other than learning data, and the inferred value may be used as a basis for a decision to perform a certain operation.

In this case, the learning processor330may include a memory integrated or implemented in the mobile terminal300. Alternatively, the learning processor330may be implemented using the memory370, an external memory directly coupled to the mobile terminal300, or a memory maintained in an external device.

The sensing unit340may obtain at least one of internal information of the mobile terminal300, surrounding environment information of the mobile terminal300, and user information by using various sensors.

At this time, the sensors included in the sensing unit340include a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic sensor, a gyro sensor, an inertial sensor, an RGB sensor, an IR sensor, a fingerprint recognition sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an optical sensor, a microphone, and a LiDAR sensor, radar, etc.

The output unit350may generate an output related to sight, hearing, or touch.

The output unit350may include at least one of a display unit351, an audio output unit352, a haptic module353, and an optical output unit354.

The display unit351displays (outputs) information processed by the mobile terminal300. For example, the display unit351may display execution screen information of an application program driven in the mobile terminal300or UI (User Interface) and GUI (Graphic User Interface) information according to such execution screen information.

The display unit351may implement a touch screen by forming a mutual layer structure or integrally with the touch sensor. Such a touch screen may function as a user input unit323providing an input interface between the mobile terminal300and the user and provide an output interface between the mobile terminal300and the user.

The audio output unit352may output audio data received from the communication unit310or stored in the memory370in reception of a call signal, communication mode or recording mode, voice recognition mode, or broadcast reception mode.

The audio output unit352may include at least one of a receiver, a speaker, and a buzzer.

A haptic module353generates various tactile effects that a user can feel. A representative example of the tactile effect generated by the haptic module353may be vibration.

The optical output unit354outputs a signal for notifying occurrence of an event using light from a light source of the mobile terminal300. Examples of events occurring in the mobile terminal300may include message reception, call signal reception, missed calls, alarms, schedule notifications, e-mail reception, and information reception through applications.

The memory370may store data supporting various functions of the mobile terminal300. For example, the memory370may store input data obtained from the input unit120, learning data, a learning model, a learning history, and the like.

The processor380may determine at least one executable operation of the mobile terminal300based on information determined or generated using a data analysis algorithm or a machine learning algorithm. And, the processor380may perform the determined operation by controlling components of the mobile terminal300.

To this end, the processor380may request, search, receive, or utilize data from the learning processor330or the memory370, and control elements of the mobile terminal300to execute a predicted operation or an operation determined to be desirable among the at least one executable operation.

In this case, the processor380may generate a control signal for controlling the external device and transmit the generated control signal to the external device when the connection of the external device is required to perform the determined operation.

The processor380may obtain intention information for a user input and determine a user's requirement based on the obtained intention information.

At this time, the processor380may obtain the user intent information corresponding to the input using at least one of a STT (Speech To Text) engine for converting a voice input into a character string and a Natural Language Processing (NLP) engine for obtaining intention information of a natural language.

At this time, at least one or more of the STT engine or NLP engine may be composed of an artificial neural network at least partially trained according to a machine learning algorithm. And, at least one of the STT engine and the NLP engine may be learned by the learning processor330.

The processor380may collect and store history information including user's feedback on the contents of operation of the mobile terminal300or the operation, and the like, and store it in the memory370or the learning processor330.

The processor380may control at least some of the components of the mobile terminal300in order to drive an application program stored in the memory370. Furthermore, the processor380may combine and operate two or more of the components included in the mobile terminal300to drive the application program.

FIG.6illustrates a remote control device search system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown inFIG.6, the remote control device search system10may include a display device100, a remote control device200and a mobile terminal300.

The display device100, the remote control device200, and the mobile terminal300may perform short-range communication with each other using respective Bluetooth communication module. For example, the display device100may be paired with the remote control device200through Bluetooth low energy communication. Also, the display device100may be paired with the mobile terminal300through Bluetooth low energy communication. Also, the display device100may detect the strength of a communication signal transmitted from the remote control device200and receive packets transmitted from the remote control device200. Also, the mobile terminal300can detect the strength of a communication signal transmitted from the remote control device200and receive packets transmitted from the remote control device200.

On the other hand, Bluetooth Low Energy (hereinafter referred to as ‘BLE’)” is one of the short-range communication technologies and may mean a core function of Bluetooth V 4.0. Compared to the classic Bluetooth specification, BLE has a relatively small duty cycle, enables low-cost production, and reduces average power and standby power, allowing it to operate for years on a coin-sized battery.

FIG.7is a flowchart illustrating a method for searching for a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The mobile terminal300may receive a search command from the user through the input unit320(S701).

The search command may be a command that activates a function to search for the remote control device200that can be performed by the display device100and the mobile terminal300.

If the mobile terminal300receives a search command from the user, the mobile terminal300may transmit a search function activation command to the display device100through the communication unit310(S702). In this case, the display device100and the mobile terminal300may be in a paired state to enable BLE communication.

Meanwhile, the remote control device200may transmit packet at predetermined packet period when transmitting packet of manipulation command to the display device100. For example, when the remote control device200is in a mouse operation mode, a mouse cursor is displayed on the screen of the display device100, and a packet related to the movement of the mouse may be transmitted to the display device100at a packet period of 10 ms. In addition, when the remote control device200is in a non-operating state, for example, when the remote control device200is not operated by a user and is lifted from the floor, it may not transmit packet to the display device100. Therefore, when a search function for searching the location of the remote control device200is activated, it is necessary to set a packet period so that the remote control device200can broadcast a predetermined packet at a predetermined packet period.

Accordingly, the display device100may set a packet period so that the remote control device200can broadcast a predetermined packet at a predetermined packet period (S703).

For example, the display device100may set a packet period so that the remote control device200broadcasts packet at a period of 10 ms.

Also, the display device100may transmit device information about the remote control device200to the mobile terminal300(S704).

For example, the device information may include a MAC address (Media Access Control Address) of the remote control device200as device identification information. The MAC address may be a unique identifier assigned to a network interface for communication in a data link layer of a network segment. The mobile terminal300may receive a signal transmitted by the remote control device200based on the MAC address of the remote control device200received from the display device100.

Also, the device information may include a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) value of the remote control device200. For example, when the display device100is paired with the remote control device200through Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication, the display device100may obtain RSSI value on the strength of a signal received from the remote control device200. Accordingly, the display device100may transmit the obtained RSSI value to the mobile terminal300.

Also, the display device100may transmit a search function start notification to the remote control device200(S705). Accordingly, the remote control device200may perform an operation of emitting a predetermined signal and packet from the display device100in a situation where the user is not manipulating it.

Also, the display device100may transmit information about the set packet period to the remote control device200. Accordingly, the remote control device200may emit predetermined packet at set packet period.

Meanwhile, the remote control device200may broadcast a predetermined packet signal at a set packet period (S706).

For example, the remote control device200may transmit a predetermined packet signal to all nearby devices in a broadcast mode through Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication without designating a specific device. In this case, the predetermined packet signal may include a non-connectable advertising packet as a broadcasting type signal.

Accordingly, the remote control device200may broadcast the predetermined packet signal to the display device100at set packet period (S707). Also, the remote control device200may broadcast the predetermined packet signal to the mobile terminal300at a set packet period (S708).

The mobile terminal300may receive the packet signal transmitted from the remote control device200through the communication unit310(S708).

Also, the processor380of the mobile terminal300may determine whether the device information matches based on the data packet signal received through the communication unit310(S709).

The processor380may determine whether the device information about the remote control device200received from the display device and the packet signal received from the remote control device200matches. For example, the processor380may determine whether the MAC address included in the packet signal received from the remote control device200matches the MAC address received from the display device100. Also, for example, the processor380may compare the device identification information included in the packet signal received from the remote control device200with the device identification information received from the display device100to determine whether they match.

Therefore, even if other devices other than the remote control device200broadcast data packet signal in broadcast mode through Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication, the mobile terminal300may specify a packet signal broadcasted from the remote control device200. In addition, the mobile terminal300may identify a remote control device that is a target of a search command.

Also, the processor380of the mobile terminal300may acquire the signal strength of the received packet signal (S710).

For example, the processor380may obtain a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) for the received packet signal. Also, the processor380may obtain information about transmit power (TxPower) of the received packet signal. The processor380may obtain the signal strength of the received packet signal based on the received signal strength identifier (RSSI) and the transmit power (Tx Power).

Meanwhile, the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) is an index indicating the strength of a received signal. The higher the RSSI value, the stronger the signal strength. In addition, transmit power (TX Power) may be a value representing the power at which the remote control device200transmits a signal based on a predetermined distance (for example, 1 m).

Meanwhile, the processor380may measure the distance between the mobile terminal300and the remote control device200based on the signal strength of the received packet signal.

However, although the remote control device200broadcasts a packet signal at a preset packet cycle, noise may occur in the packet signal due to various reasons. When noise is generated in a packet signal, the signal strength may greatly exceed or fall below the average value of the strength of packet signal received for a predetermined time. Therefore, there is a need to deal with noise generation.

The processor380of the mobile terminal300may process a packet signal with noise based on whether the packet pattern changes.

For example, when a packet signal broadcast by the remote control device200is normally received by the display device100or the mobile terminal300, the packet signal is received at a preset packet period and a normal packet reception pattern may be generated. On the other hand, when some or all of the packet signals broadcast by the remote control device200are lost and received by the display device100or the mobile terminal300, an abnormality packet reception pattern may be generated if the packet signals are received differently from the preset packet period. A packet reception pattern may be created. Accordingly, a normal packet pattern may be change to the abnormal packet pattern or the abnormal packet pattern may be change to the normal packet pattern according to the network environment.

Meanwhile, whether or not the packet pattern changes may be determined by the display device100or the mobile terminal300.

The display device100may receive a packet signal broadcast from the remote control device200. The processor170of the display device100may determine a lost packet signal based on a preset packet period (S711). For example, if the preset packet period is 10 ms, the processor170may determine whether a packet is received in units of 10 ms, determine a normal packet reception pattern if the packet is received in 10 ms, and determine the abnormal packet reception pattern if packet loss occurs. The processor170may determine that the packet pattern is changed if the packet pattern is changed from the normal packet reception pattern to the abnormal packet reception pattern or from the abnormal packet reception pattern to the normal packet reception pattern (S712).

Also, the mobile terminal300may receive a packet signal broadcast from the remote control device200. The processor380of the mobile terminal300may determine a lost packet signal based on a preset packet period. For example, when the preset packet period is 10 ms, the processor380may determine whether a packet is received in units of 10 ms, determine the normal packet reception pattern if the packet is received in 10 ms, and determine the abnormal packet reception pattern if packet loss occurs. The processor380may determine that the packet pattern is changed if the packet pattern is changed from the normal packet reception pattern to the abnormal packet reception pattern or from the abnormal packet reception pattern to the normal packet reception pattern.

Meanwhile, when a packet pattern change occurs, the display device100may transmit a packet pattern change notification to the mobile terminal300(S713).

In addition, the display device100may transmit packet pattern information including information on whether the packet pattern is the normal packet reception pattern or the abnormal packet reception pattern to the mobile terminal300.

When a packet pattern change occurs, the processor170of the display device100may transmit packet pattern change information to the mobile terminal300using BLE communication through the communication unit110.

Meanwhile, the mobile terminal300may determine the distance to the remote control device200based on whether the packet pattern changes and the signal strength of the received packet signal (S714).

The mobile terminal300may use the abnormal packet signal strength that exceeds or falls short of a predetermined reference value based on the average packet signal strength for a predetermined time as information for determining the distance to the remote control device200or process the abnormal packet signal strength as packet signal strength with noise.

FIG.8is a diagram illustrating packet signal strength and packet pattern information for a packet signal broadcast at a predetermined packet period (10 ms) for a predetermined time (190 ms).

The processor380of the mobile terminal300may obtain an average packet signal strength (Avg) based on the packet signal strength of packet signal received for a predetermined time.

Based on the average packet signal strength (Avg), the processor380may determine an abnormal packet signal strength that exceeds or falls short of a predetermined reference value. The processor380may determine a first abnormal packet signal strength801and a second abnormal packet signal strength802as the abnormal packet signal strength.

Meanwhile, the processor380may determine whether a section in which the first abnormal packet signal strength801occurs corresponds to the packet loss occurrence section803based on the packet pattern information.

The processor380may determine the packet loss occurrence section803based on the packet pattern information received from the display device100.

The processor380may process the first abnormal packet signal strength801generated in the packet loss occurrence section803as information for determining a distance to the remote control device200. For example, when the packet loss occurs as the distance between the mobile terminal300and the remote control device200increases, the processor380may process the abnormal packet signal strength as information for determining the distance to determine the abnormal packet signal as the signal strength generated as the distance increases.

Meanwhile, the processor380may process the second abnormal packet signal strength802generated in the packet loss non-occurrence section804as the noise-generating packet signal strength. The processor380may process the abnormal packet signal strength as a noise signal that may occur in a network environment when packet is normally received at a predetermined period. Accordingly, the processor380may not use the second abnormal packet signal strength802when determining the distance to the remote control device200.

Meanwhile, the processor380of the mobile terminal300may determine that the distance to the remote control device200is getting closer when the signal strength of the packet signal received for a predetermined time increases.

In addition, the processor380of the mobile terminal300may determine that the distance from the remote control device200is increased when the signal strength of the received packet signal is weakened for a predetermined time.

Meanwhile, the processor380of the mobile terminal300may determine whether or not a packet period reset is necessary (S715).

When the processor380may determine that a packet cycle reset is unnecessary if the processor380can determine whether the distance from the remote control device200increases or decreases within a predetermined time based on the packet signal strength.

When resetting the packet cycle is not required, the processor380may display information about the distance to the remote control device200through the display unit351of the output unit350or output sound notification through the audio output unit352(S716).

The processor380may display the signal strength of the received packet signal through the display unit351to provide an interface through which the user can determine the distance to the remote control device200. For example, the processor380may output the changed strength of the packet signal through the display unit351if the strength of the packet signal is changed more than a predetermined reference value and the distance can be determined. In addition, the processor380may output a sound notification through the audio output unit352when the intensity of the packet signal is changed more than a predetermined reference value and the distance can be determined. In this case, the sound notification may include sounds of different types or volumes depending on the distance from the remote control device200.

Therefore, the user can easily know information about whether the distance to the remote control device200is getting closer or farther by looking at the sound notification output from the audio output unit352or the packet signal strength output through the display, and can search the location of the remote control device200using the mobile terminal300.

Meanwhile, the processor380of the mobile terminal300reads information about the packet signal strength to determine the distance to the remote control device200when the variation range of the packet signal strength for a predetermined time is less than or equal to the preset variation range. In order to obtain more, it may be determined that a shorter packet period needs resetting.

In addition, the processor380may determine that a longer packet period reset with the remote control device200is required when a noise packet signal is generated more than a predetermined reference value for a predetermined time.

Meanwhile, the processor330may request a packet period reset from the display device100through the communication unit110(S717).

The display device100may reset the packet period in response to the received packet period reset (S718).

Also, the display device100may transmit information about the reset packet period to the remote control device200(S719). Accordingly, the remote control device200may emit a predetermined packet at set packet period.

Meanwhile, the remote control device search system of the present disclosure may be applied to a mobile device supporting a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication function. For example, the search system10may also be applied to search for a wireless earphone or wearable device supporting a BLE communication function. For example, when the display device100and a wearable device (not shown) are paired through BLE communication and the mobile terminal300and a wearable device (not shown) are paired through BLE communication, the user can search a location of the wearable device (not shown), by executing the search function provided by the search system10in the mobile terminal300.

FIG.9is a flowchart illustrating a method for searching for a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The mobile terminal300may receive predetermined packet signals from external devices through BLE communication (S901).

The mobile terminal300may compare the device information included in each packet signal received from each external device with the device information of the remote control device200received from the display device100, and specify the remote control device200of the search target among the external devices (S902).

Meanwhile, the mobile terminal300may acquire the signal strength of the packet signal received from the remote control device200(S903).

In addition, the mobile terminal300may receive information about a packet period broadcast by the remote control device200from the display device100and determine a lost packet signal based on the received packet period (S904).

Meanwhile, the mobile terminal300may determine a packet pattern of a packet signal received from the remote control device200(S905).

The mobile terminal300can determine a normal packet reception pattern if the packet signal broadcast by the remote control device200is normally received by the mobile terminal300at a predetermined packet period. In addition, when some or all of the packet signals broadcast by the remote control device200are lost and received by the mobile terminal300, the mobile terminal300may determine the packet reception pattern as the abnormal packet reception pattern received differently from a preset packet period.

The mobile terminal300may determine the distance to the remote control device200based on the packet reception pattern and the packet signal strength (S906).

The mobile terminal300may determine whether or not the packet signal corresponds to an abnormal packet signal that exceeds or falls short of a predetermined reference value than the average packet signal strength, and whether or not to process the abnormal packet signal as a noise packet signal based on the packet reception pattern. The mobile terminal300may determine the distance to the remote control device based on the signal strength of a packet signal that does not correspond to a noise packet signal among packet signals received for a predetermined time.

In addition, the mobile terminal300may display information about the distance to the remote control device200through the display unit351of the output unit350or output a sound notification through the audio output unit352(S907).

The above description is merely an example of the technical idea of the present invention, and various modifications and variations can be made to those skilled in the art without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention.

Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical idea of the present invention, but to explain, and the scope of the technical idea of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments.

Protection scope of the present invention should be construed according to the claims below, and all technical ideas within the equivalent range should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention.