KR102224156B1 - Mobile terminal and method for controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a mobile terminal and a control method thereof. A mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a display unit for outputting a touch area for inputting identification information related to an external device to be connected to the terminal body; A wireless communication unit performing low power wireless communication (BLE) for recognizing an external device corresponding to the identification information based on the identification information input to the touch area; As a result of the low power wireless communication, when the external device corresponding to the identification information exists within a preset range based on the main body, a control unit for connecting the main body and the external device corresponding to the identification information through a first wireless communication. . Here, when the main body enters the sleep mode after the main body and the external device corresponding to the identification information are connected through the first wireless communication, the connection between the main body and the external device corresponding to the identification information is It is controlled to be maintained through the low power wireless communication (BLE).

Description

Mobile terminal and its control method {MOBILE TERMINAL AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME}

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal capable of wireless communication with at least one external device and a control method thereof.

Mobile terminals can be divided into mobile/portable terminals and stationary terminals depending on whether they can be moved. Again, mobile terminals can be divided into handheld terminals and vehicle mount terminals, depending on whether the user can directly carry them.

As the functions are diversified, such a terminal is implemented in the form of a multimedia player with complex functions such as, for example, taking photos or videos, playing music or video files, receiving games, and broadcasting. have. Further, in order to support and increase the function of the terminal, it may be considered to improve the structural and software parts of the terminal.

In order to support and increase the function of the terminal, it may be considered to improve the structural part and/or the software part of the terminal.

In addition, thanks to these improvements, it has become possible for a terminal to perform wireless communication with other terminals or external devices existing in a short distance. For example, the terminal can perform Bluetooth communication by inquiring, pairing, and paging an external device existing in a short distance.

Specifically, the terminal broadcasts a search signal to generate a list of external devices capable of wireless communication with the terminal through an inquiry process, and when the external device that has received the search signal transmits a response signal, Wireless communication between two devices is allowed through a pairing process in which authentication is performed using a Personal Identification Number (PIN) code or the like. Then, a paging process for connecting communication is performed based on information about an external device obtained through an inquiry and pairing process.

As described above, in order to connect a terminal and an external device in the related art, various processes were required, and in particular, there was an inconvenience of having to enter a PIN (Personal Identification Number) code for pairing and undergo an authentication procedure for an external device. .

In addition, even after the terminal is connected to an external device, if the distance increases, the signal is weakened or cut off, so that data transmission/reception is stopped, or the paging process has to be repeated again.

Accordingly, it is an object of the embodiments of the present invention to provide a mobile terminal and a control method thereof in which a user can intuitively perform an input related to a pairing with an external device to which a connection is desired.

In addition, embodiments of the present invention have another object to provide a mobile terminal capable of maintaining a connected state even if the separation distance between the two devices increases after the terminal and an external device are connected, and a control method thereof.

Accordingly, a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object includes: a main body; A display unit outputting a touch area for inputting identification information related to an external device to be connected to the main body; A wireless communication unit performing low power wireless communication (BLE) for recognizing an external device corresponding to the identification information based on the identification information input to the touch area; And, as a result of the low-power wireless communication, if the external device corresponding to the identification information exists within a preset range based on the main body, a control unit for connecting the main body and the external device corresponding to the identification information through a first wireless communication. Including. Here, the control unit is, when the main body enters the sleep mode after the main body and the external device corresponding to the identification information are connected through the first wireless communication, the main body and the external device corresponding to the identification information It characterized in that the control so that the connection between devices is maintained through the low power wireless communication (BLE).

In one embodiment, the first wireless communication is characterized in that the Bluetooth (BT) or Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi) communication.

In one embodiment, the identification information may be any one of a phone number, an ID, and a preset speed dial number corresponding to the external device stored in the main body.

In one embodiment, the control unit identifies the connection information related to the main body and the external device when an external device corresponding to the identification information exists within a preset range based on the main body as a result of the low-power wireless communication. The information is transmitted to an external device, and when a response signal corresponding to the connection information is received from the external device, authentication for the external device is processed.

In one embodiment, the control unit is characterized in that when a connection release signal is received from an external device connected through the first wireless communication, the control unit controls the touch area to be output again to the display unit.

In one embodiment, in response to the input of identification information corresponding to the other external device to the touch area, the control unit releases the connection with the external device corresponding to the previously input identification information, and the newly inputted identification And controlling the wireless communication unit to perform low-power wireless communication based on information.

In one embodiment, when an event related to data transmission occurs during the sleep mode, the control unit changes the connection between the main body and an external device corresponding to the identification information from the low-power wireless communication back to the first wireless communication. It is characterized in that it is controlled to be.

In one embodiment, the wireless communication unit performs low-power wireless communication (BLE) to receive corresponding connection information from a device within a range of a connectable distance to the main body, and the control unit, the received connection information It characterized in that the control to output the visual information related to the plurality of devices corresponding to the touch area to be distinguished from.

In one embodiment, the body is connected to a first external device recognized through the low power wireless communication (BLE) through the first wireless communication, and the first external device communicates with a second external device and a second wireless communication. When connected through the first wireless communication, the control unit transmits a control command to the first external device so that the application corresponding to the screen information executed in the main body is also executed in the second external device through the first wireless communication. It is characterized.

In one embodiment, the second external device is a low power wireless communication (BLE) dedicated device.

In one embodiment, the wireless communication unit monitors a separation distance between the connected main body and an external device through the low power wireless communication (BLE) even while the first wireless communication is maintained, and the control unit, wherein the separation distance is When it is out of a preset range based on the main body, the first wireless communication is automatically changed to a second wireless communication capable of remote access.

In an embodiment, the control unit includes at least one of a first image representing a recognition state of an external device corresponding to the identification information recognized through the low power wireless communication (BLE) and a second image representing the recognized external device. Is output to the display unit.

In one embodiment, the control unit determines whether to switch tethering between the main body connected through the low-power wireless communication (BLE) and the external device based on whether the screen of the external device is activated, and when the tethering is switched , It characterized in that the control so that the tethering switch is performed through the low power wireless communication (BLE).

In one embodiment, when the screen of the external device is switched from inactive to active, the controller converts Bluetooth tethering to Wi-Fi tethering through the low power wireless communication (BLE), and the screen of the external device When switching from the activated state to the deactivated state, the Wi-Fi tethering is switched to the Bluetooth tethering through the low power wireless communication (BLE).

The effects of the mobile terminal and the control method thereof according to the present invention will be described as follows.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention have the advantage of making the connection between the two devices easy and intuitive by allowing the user to directly input intuitive identification information related to the external device to which the user wants to connect to be paired.

In addition, embodiments of the present invention independently perform low-power wireless communication even after a terminal and an external device are connected to continuously monitor the separation distance or data transmission between the two devices, and accordingly, a suitable communication method for connection between the two devices. By switching to, even if the user moves, the connection can be maintained seamlessly. In addition, since the low-power wireless communication is independently performed even after the terminal and the external device are connected, power consumption is reduced in the sleep mode and the speed is further improved when reconnected.

On the other hand, the effects obtainable in the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from the following description. I will be able to.

1A is a block diagram illustrating a mobile terminal related to the present invention.
1B is a diagram showing a state in which a mobile terminal related to the present invention communicates wirelessly with at least one external device.
2 is a diagram showing an example of a watch type mobile terminal 300 related to the present invention.
3 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating a method of connecting a mobile terminal related to the present invention with at least one external device.
FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the flowchart of FIG. 3.
5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method of disconnecting an existing connection and connecting another external device by a mobile terminal according to the present invention.
6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method of switching a wireless communication method with an external device according to a sleep mode/active mode in a mobile terminal according to the present invention.
7 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method of connecting a plurality of external devices using different communication methods by using a mobile terminal related to the present invention as a relay device.
8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method of switching tethering by monitoring whether data is transmitted from an external device connected to a mobile terminal according to the present invention.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the same or similar components are assigned the same or similar reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. The suffixes "module" and "unit" for constituent elements used in the following description are given or used interchangeably in consideration of only the ease of writing the specification, and do not themselves have a distinct meaning or role from each other. In addition, in describing the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, when it is determined that a detailed description of related known technologies may obscure the subject matter of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the accompanying drawings are for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, and the technical idea disclosed in the present specification is not limited by the accompanying drawings, and all changes included in the spirit and scope of the present invention It should be understood to include equivalents or substitutes.

Terms including ordinal numbers such as first and second may be used to describe various elements, but the elements are not limited by the terms. The above terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another component.

When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it is understood that it may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but other components may exist in the middle. It should be. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there is no other component in the middle.

Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

In this application, terms such as "comprises" or "have" are intended to designate the presence of features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but one or more other features. It is to be understood that the presence or addition of elements or numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof does not preclude in advance.

Mobile terminals described herein include mobile phones, smart phones, laptop computers, digital broadcasting terminals, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), navigation systems, and slate PCs. , Tablet PC, ultrabook, wearable device, for example, smartwatch, smart glass, head mounted display (HMD), etc. have.

However, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the configuration according to the embodiment described in the present specification may also be applied to fixed terminals such as digital TVs, desktop computers, and digital signage, except when applicable only to mobile terminals. will be.

Mobile terminals described herein include mobile phones, smart phones, laptop computers, digital broadcasting terminals, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), navigation systems, and slate PCs. , Tablet PC, ultrabook, wearable device, for example, smartwatch, smart glass, head mounted display (HMD), etc. have.

However, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the configuration according to the embodiment described in the present specification may also be applied to fixed terminals such as digital TVs, desktop computers, and digital signage, except when applicable only to mobile terminals. will be.

Hereinafter, prior to examining various embodiments implemented through the mobile terminal 100 described above, the above-listed components will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 1A.

First, referring to the wireless communication unit 110, the broadcast receiving module 111 of the wireless communication unit 110 receives a broadcast signal and/or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast management server through a broadcast channel. The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel and a terrestrial channel. Two or more of the broadcast reception modules may be provided to the mobile terminal 100 for simultaneous broadcast reception or broadcast channel switching of at least two broadcast channels.

The mobile communication module 112 includes technical standards or communication methods for mobile communication (for example, GSM (Global System for Mobile communication), CDMA (Code Division Multi Access), CDMA2000 (Code Division Multi Access 2000)), EV -DO (Enhanced Voice-Data Optimized or Enhanced Voice-Data Only), WCDMA (Wideband CDMA), HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access), HSUPA (High Speed Uplink Packet Access), LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced), etc.), transmits and receives radio signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server.

The wireless signal may include a voice call signal, a video call signal, or various types of data according to transmission and reception of text/multimedia messages.

The wireless Internet module 113 refers to a module for wireless Internet access, and may be built-in or external to the mobile terminal 100. The wireless Internet module 113 is configured to transmit and receive wireless signals in a communication network according to wireless Internet technologies.

Examples of wireless Internet technologies include WLAN (Wireless LAN), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) Direct, DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), WiBro (Wireless Broadband), WiMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A), and the like, and the wireless Internet module ( 113) transmits and receives data according to at least one wireless Internet technology in a range including Internet technologies not listed above.

From the point of view that wireless Internet access by WiBro, HSDPA, HSUPA, GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE, LTE-A, etc. is made through a mobile communication network, the wireless Internet module 113 performs wireless Internet access through the mobile communication network. ) May be understood as a kind of the mobile communication module 112.

The short range communication module 114 is for short range communication, and includes Bluetooth™, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, and NFC. Near field communication may be supported using at least one of (Near Field Communication), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless USB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus) technologies. The short-distance communication module 114 is, between the mobile terminal 100 and a wireless communication system, between the mobile terminal 100 and another mobile terminal 100, or a mobile terminal 100 through a wireless area network (Wireless Area Networks). ) And a network in which another mobile terminal 100 or an external server is located may support wireless communication. The local area wireless communication network may be a wireless personal area network (Wireless Personal Area Networks).

Here, the other mobile terminal 100 is a wearable device (for example, a smartwatch, smart glasses) capable of exchanging data with the mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention (or interlocking). (smart glass), HMD (head mounted display)). The short-range communication module 114 may detect (or recognize) a wearable device capable of communicating with the mobile terminal 100 around the mobile terminal 100. Furthermore, when the sensed wearable device is a device that is authenticated to communicate with the mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention, the controller 180 transmits at least part of the data processed by the mobile terminal 100 to the short-range communication module ( 114) can be transmitted to the wearable device. Accordingly, a user of the wearable device can use data processed by the mobile terminal 100 through the wearable device. For example, according to this, when a call is received by the mobile terminal 100, the user performs a phone call through the wearable device, or when a message is received by the mobile terminal 100, the user receives the received call through the wearable device. It is possible to check the message.

The location information module 115 is a module for obtaining a location (or current location) of a mobile terminal, and representative examples thereof include a GPS (Global Positioning System) module or a WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) module. For example, if the mobile terminal utilizes a GPS module, it can acquire the location of the mobile terminal by using a signal transmitted from a GPS satellite. As another example, when the mobile terminal utilizes the Wi-Fi module, the mobile terminal may acquire the location of the mobile terminal based on information of the Wi-Fi module and a wireless access point (AP) that transmits or receives a wireless signal. If necessary, the location information module 115 may perform any function among other modules of the wireless communication unit 110 in order to obtain data on the location of the mobile terminal as a substitute or additionally. The location information module 115 is a module used to obtain the location (or current location) of the mobile terminal, and is not limited to a module that directly calculates or obtains the location of the mobile terminal.

Next, the input unit 120 is for inputting image information (or signal), audio information (or signal), data, or information input from a user. Alternatively, a plurality of cameras 121 may be provided. The camera 121 processes 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 unit 151 or stored in the memory 170. Meanwhile, a plurality of cameras 121 provided in the mobile terminal 100 may be arranged to form a matrix structure, and through the camera 121 forming a matrix structure as described above, various angles or focuses may be applied to the mobile terminal 100. A plurality of image information may be input. In addition, the plurality of cameras 121 may be arranged in a stereo structure to obtain a left image and a right image for implementing a stereoscopic image.

The microphone 122 processes an external sound signal into electrical voice data. The processed voice data may be utilized in various ways according to a function (or an application program being executed) being executed by the mobile terminal 100. Meanwhile, the microphone 122 may be implemented with various noise removal algorithms for removing noise generated in the process of receiving an external sound signal.

The user input unit 123 is for receiving information from a user, and when information is input through the user input unit 123, the controller 180 can control the operation of the mobile terminal 100 to correspond to the input information. . Such, the user input unit 123 is a mechanical (mechanical) input means (or a mechanical key, for example, a button located on the front, rear or side of the mobile terminal 100, a dome switch (dome switch), a jog wheel, Jog switch, etc.) and a touch-type input means. As an example, the touch input means is composed of a virtual key, a soft key, or a visual key displayed on a touch screen through software processing, or a portion other than the touch screen It may be made of a touch key (touch key) arranged in the. On the other hand, the virtual key or the visual key can be displayed on the touch screen while having various forms, for example, graphic, text, icon, video, or these It can be made of a combination of.

Meanwhile, the sensing unit 140 senses at least one of information in the mobile terminal, information on a surrounding environment surrounding the mobile terminal, and user information, and generates a sensing signal corresponding thereto. The controller 180 may control driving or operation of the mobile terminal 100 or perform data processing, functions, or operations related to an application program installed in the mobile terminal 100 based on such a sensing signal. Representative sensors among various sensors that may be included in the sensing unit 140 will be described in more detail.

First, the proximity sensor 141 refers to a sensor that detects the presence or absence of an object approaching a predetermined detection surface or an object existing in the vicinity using the force of an electromagnetic field or infrared rays without mechanical contact. In the proximity sensor 141, the proximity sensor 141 may be disposed in an inner area of the mobile terminal surrounded by the touch screen described above or near the touch screen.

Examples of the proximity sensor 141 include a transmission type photoelectric sensor, a direct reflection type photoelectric sensor, a mirror reflection type photoelectric sensor, a high frequency oscillation type proximity sensor, a capacitive type proximity sensor, a magnetic type proximity sensor, an infrared proximity sensor, and the like. When the touch screen is a capacitive type, the proximity sensor 141 may be configured to detect the proximity of the object by a change in the electric field according to the proximity of the conductive object. In this case, the touch screen (or touch sensor) itself may be classified as a proximity sensor.

On the other hand, for convenience of explanation, the action of allowing an object to be located on the touch screen without being in contact with the object to be recognized as being positioned on the touch screen is named "proximity touch", and the touch The act of actually touching an object on the screen is called "contact touch". A position at which an object is touched in proximity on the touch screen means a position at which the object is vertically corresponding to the touch screen when the object is touched in proximity. The proximity sensor 141 may detect a proximity touch and a proximity touch pattern (eg, a proximity touch distance, a proximity touch direction, a proximity touch speed, a proximity touch time, a proximity touch position, a proximity touch movement state, etc.). have. Meanwhile, as above, the controller 180 processes data (or information) corresponding to the proximity touch operation and the proximity touch pattern sensed through the proximity sensor 141, and further, provides visual information corresponding to the processed data. It can be output on the touch screen. Furthermore, the controller 180 may control the mobile terminal 100 to process different operations or data (or information) according to whether a touch to the same point on the touch screen is a proximity touch or a touch touch. .

The touch sensor detects a touch (or touch input) applied to the touch screen (or the display unit 151) by using at least one of various touch methods such as a resistive film method, a capacitive method, an infrared method, an ultrasonic method, and a magnetic field method. do.

As an example, the touch sensor may be configured to convert a pressure applied to a specific portion of the touch screen or a change in capacitance generated at a specific portion into an electrical input signal. The touch sensor may be configured to detect a location, an area, a pressure when a touch, a capacitance when a touch is touched, and the like at which a touch object applied to the touch screen is touched on the touch sensor. Here, the touch object is an object that applies a touch to the touch sensor, and may be, for example, a finger, a touch pen, a stylus pen, or a pointer.

In this way, when there is a touch input to the touch sensor, the signal(s) corresponding thereto is transmitted to the touch controller. The touch controller processes the signal(s) and then transmits the corresponding data to the controller 180. Accordingly, the controller 180 can know which area of the display unit 151 has been touched. Here, the touch controller may be a separate component from the controller 180 or may be the controller 180 itself.

Meanwhile, the controller 180 may perform different controls or perform the same control according to the type of the touch object by touching the touch screen (or a touch key provided in addition to the touch screen). Whether to perform different controls or the same control according to the type of the touch object may be determined according to an operating state of the mobile terminal 100 or an application program being executed.

Meanwhile, the touch sensor and the proximity sensor described above are independently or in combination, and a short (or tap) touch, a long touch, a multi touch, and a drag touch on the touch screen. ), flick touch, pinch-in touch, pinch-out touch, swipe touch, hovering touch, etc. You can sense the touch.

The ultrasonic sensor may recognize location information of a sensing target by using ultrasonic waves. Meanwhile, the controller 180 may calculate the location of the wave generator through information sensed from the optical sensor and the plurality of ultrasonic sensors. The location of the wave generator may be calculated by using a property that the light is much faster than that of the ultrasonic wave, that is, the time that the light reaches the optical sensor is much faster than the time that the ultrasonic wave reaches the ultrasonic sensor. More specifically, the position of the wave generator may be calculated using a time difference between a time when the ultrasonic wave arrives using light as a reference signal.

On the other hand, the camera 121, as viewed as the configuration of the input unit 120, includes at least one of a camera sensor (eg, CCD, CMOS, etc.), a photo sensor (or image sensor), and a laser sensor.

The camera 121 and the laser sensor are combined with each other to detect a touch of a sensing target for a 3D stereoscopic image. The photosensor may be stacked on the display device, and the photosensor is configured to scan the motion of a sensing object close to the touch screen. More specifically, the photo sensor scans the contents placed on the photo sensor by mounting a photo diode and a transistor (TR) in a row/column and using an electrical signal that changes according to the amount of light applied to the photo diode. That is, the photosensor may calculate the coordinates of the sensing object according to the amount of light change, and through this, the location information of the sensing object may be obtained.

The display unit 151 displays (outputs) information processed by the mobile terminal 100. For example, the display unit 151 may display execution screen information of an application program driven in the mobile terminal 100, or UI (User Interface) and GUI (Graphic User Interface) information according to such execution screen information. .

In addition, the display unit 151 may be configured as a three-dimensional display unit that displays a three-dimensional image. A three-dimensional display method such as a stereoscopic method (glasses method), an auto stereoscopic method (no glasses method), and a projection method (holographic method) may be applied to the stereoscopic display unit.

The sound output unit 152 may output audio data received from the wireless communication unit 110 or stored in the memory 170 in a call signal reception, a call mode or a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, and the like. The sound output unit 152 also outputs sound signals related to functions (eg, a call signal reception sound, a message reception sound, etc.) performed by the mobile terminal 100. The sound output unit 152 may include a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, and the like.

The haptic module 153 generates various tactile effects that a user can feel. A typical example of the tactile effect generated by the haptic module 153 may be vibration. The intensity and pattern of the vibration generated by the haptic module 153 may be controlled by a user's selection or setting by a controller. For example, the haptic module 153 may synthesize and output different vibrations or sequentially output them.

In addition to vibration, the haptic module 153 is designed to respond to stimuli such as a pin arrangement that moves vertically with respect to the contact skin surface, a blowing force or suction force of air through a jet or inlet, grazing against the skin surface, contact of an electrode, and electrostatic force. It can generate various tactile effects, such as an effect by the effect and an effect by reproducing the feeling of cooling and warming using an endothermic or exothermic element.

The haptic module 153 may not only deliver a tactile effect through direct contact, but may also be implemented so that a user can feel the tactile effect through muscle sensations such as a finger or an arm. Two or more haptic modules 153 may be provided depending on the configuration aspect of the mobile terminal 100.

The light output unit 154 outputs a signal for notifying the occurrence of an event using light from a light source of the mobile terminal 100. Examples of events occurring in the mobile terminal 100 may include message reception, call signal reception, missed call, alarm, schedule notification, e-mail reception, and information reception through an application.

The signal output from the light output unit 154 is implemented as the mobile terminal emits a single color or a plurality of colors of light to the front or rear. The signal output may be terminated when the mobile terminal detects the user's event confirmation.

The interface unit 160 serves as a passage for all external devices connected to the mobile terminal 100. The interface unit 160 receives data from an external device or receives power and transmits it to each component inside the mobile terminal 100, or transmits data inside the mobile terminal 100 to an external device. For example, a wired/wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired/wireless data port, a memory card port, a port for connecting a device equipped with an identification module. (port), an audio input/output (I/O) port, a video input/output (I/O) port, an earphone port, and the like may be included in the interface unit 160.

Meanwhile, the identification module is a chip that stores various types of information for authenticating the right to use the mobile terminal 100, and includes a user identification module (UIM), a subscriber identity module (SIM), and universal user authentication. It may include a module (universal subscriber identity module; USIM), and the like. A device equipped with an identification module (hereinafter referred to as'identification device') may be manufactured in the form of a smart card. Accordingly, the identification device may be connected to the terminal 100 through the interface unit 160.

In addition, the interface unit 160 serves as a path through which power from the cradle is supplied to the mobile terminal 100 when the mobile terminal 100 is connected to an external cradle, or is input from the cradle by a user. It may be a path through which various command signals are transmitted to the mobile terminal 100. Various command signals or power input from the cradle may be operated as signals for recognizing that the mobile terminal 100 is correctly mounted on the cradle.

The memory 170 may store a program for the operation of the controller 180 and may temporarily store input/output data (eg, a phone book, a message, a still image, a video, etc.). The memory 170 may store data related to vibrations and sounds of various patterns output when a touch input on the touch screen is performed.

The memory 170 is a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a solid state disk type, an SDD type, a multimedia card micro type. ), card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read (EEPROM) -only memory), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. The mobile terminal 100 may be operated in connection with a web storage that performs a storage function of the memory 170 over the Internet.

Meanwhile, as described above, the controller 180 controls an operation related to an application program and, in general, an overall operation of the mobile terminal 100. For example, when the state of the mobile terminal satisfies a set condition, the controller 180 may execute or release a lock state limiting input of a user's control command to applications.

In addition, the controller 180 performs control and processing related to voice calls, data communication, and video calls, or performs pattern recognition processing capable of recognizing handwriting input or drawing input performed on the touch screen as characters and images, respectively. I can. Furthermore, in order to implement various embodiments described below on the mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention, the controller 180 may control any one or a combination of a plurality of the above-described components.

The power supply unit 190 receives external power and internal power under the control of the controller 180 and supplies power necessary for the operation of each component. The power supply unit 190 includes a battery, and the battery may be a built-in battery configured to be rechargeable, and may be detachably coupled to a terminal body for charging or the like.

In addition, the power supply unit 190 may have a connection port, and the connection port may be configured as an example of an interface 160 to which an external charger supplying power for charging a battery is electrically connected.

As another example, the power supply unit 190 may be configured to charge the battery in a wireless manner without using the connection port. In this case, the power supply unit 190 uses at least one of an inductive coupling method based on a magnetic induction phenomenon or a magnetic resonance coupling method based on an electromagnetic resonance phenomenon from an external wireless power transmitter. Power can be delivered.

Meanwhile, hereinafter, various embodiments may be implemented in a recording medium that can be read by a computer or a similar device using, for example, software, hardware, or a combination thereof.

1B is a diagram illustrating a state in which the mobile terminal 100 communicates wirelessly with at least one external device 200.

1B, the mobile terminal 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention may be a watch type mobile terminal. In addition, the external device 300 may include a display unit and all electronic devices capable of transmitting and receiving various data. In addition, the external device 300 may include all electronic devices capable of Bluetooth communication or Wi-Fi communication.

The external device 200 may be in the form of, for example, a TV, a smart phone, a navigation device, or a tablet (but is not limited thereto), or other devices including the configurations described with reference to FIG. 1A. It may be in the form of a mobile terminal.

In addition, the wireless communication unit 110 of the mobile terminal 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a Bluetooth module, a Wi-Fi module, and a low power (BLE) communication module. Accordingly, the mobile terminal 100 may perform one or more wireless communication among Bluetooth communication, Wi-Fi communication, and low-power wireless communication by accessing the external device 200 recognized in the vicinity.

In an embodiment according to the present invention, the mobile terminal 100 and the at least one external device 200 include Bluetooth™, Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless Universal Serial (USB). Bus), or the like, can be used to perform short-range communication. When the mobile terminal 100 and at least one external device 200 are connected (or connected) by performing such short-range communication, the mobile terminal 100 transmits data or a control command to the external device 200 or It is possible to receive data transmitted from the device 200 and execute at least one corresponding function.

In addition, the controller 180 of the mobile terminal 100 may control the wireless communication unit 110 to be paired with the external device 200 using a communication protocol other than the communication protocol used to recognize the external device 200. I can. In addition, the controller 180 of the mobile terminal 100 may switch communication protocols differently according to the amount and type of data transmitted and received with the external device 200.

For example, when the mobile terminal 100 shares voice or image data with the external device 200 or exchanges small amount of data, the controller 180 of the mobile terminal 100 It is possible to control the wireless communication unit 110 to access through Bluetooth communication. In addition, when the mobile terminal 100 shares audio, video, video, or other large-capacity files with the external device 200 or selectively shares data, the controller 180 of the mobile terminal 100 The wireless communication unit 110 may be controlled to access the device 200 through Wi-Fi communication.

Meanwhile, the mobile terminal 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be implemented in the form of a wearable device formed to be mounted on a specific part of the user's body. The wearable device is capable of exchanging (or interworking with) data with other mobile terminals 100. Specifically, the short-range communication module 114 may detect (or recognize) a wearable device capable of communicating in the vicinity. Furthermore, when the detected wearable device is a device that is authenticated to communicate with the mobile terminal 100, the controller 180 transmits at least part of the data processed by the mobile terminal 100 to the wearable device through the short-range communication module 114. Can be transferred to. Accordingly, the user can use data processed by the mobile terminal 100 through the wearable device. For example, it is possible to perform a phone call through a wearable device when a call is received from the mobile terminal 100, or to check the received message through the wearable device when a message is received by the mobile terminal 100. .

In this regard, Figure 2 relates to the present invention Watch It is a diagram showing an example of a type of mobile terminal 300.

Referring to FIG. 2, a watch-type mobile terminal 300 includes a main body 301 having a display unit 351, and a band 302 connected to the main body 301 and configured to be worn on a wrist. Can be done. In general, the mobile terminal 300 may include features of the mobile terminal 100 of FIG. 1A or similar features.

The body 301 includes a case forming an exterior. As illustrated, the case may include a first case 301a and a second case 301b that provide an inner space for accommodating various electronic components. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a single case may be configured to provide the inner space so that the unibody mobile terminal 300 may be implemented.

The watch-type mobile terminal 300 is configured to enable wireless communication, and an antenna for the wireless communication may be installed in the main body 301. On the other hand, the antenna can extend its performance by using a case. For example, a case including a conductive material may be configured to be electrically connected to an antenna to expand a ground region or a radiation region.

In addition, a display unit 351 may be disposed on the front surface of the main body 301 to output information, and a touch sensor may be provided on the display unit 351 to be implemented as a touch screen. As shown, the window 351a of the display unit 351 may be mounted on the first case 301a to form the front surface of the terminal body together with the first case 301a.

The main body 301 may include an audio output unit 352, a camera 321, a microphone 322, a user input unit 323, and the like. When the display unit 351 is implemented as a touch screen, it may function as a user input unit 323, and accordingly, a separate key may not be provided on the main body 301.

The band 302 is worn on the wrist to surround the wrist, and may be formed of a flexible material to facilitate wearing. As such an example, the band 302 may be formed of leather, rubber, silicone, synthetic resin material, or the like. In addition, the band 302 is configured to be detachable from the main body 301, and may be configured to be replaceable with various types of bands according to the user's taste.

Meanwhile, the band 302 may be used to expand the performance of the antenna. For example, a ground extension unit (not shown) that is electrically connected to an antenna and expands a ground area may be incorporated in the band.

The band 302 may be provided with a fastener 302a. The fastener 302a may be implemented by a buckle, a hook structure capable of snap-fit, or velcro (trade name), and may include an elastic section or material. . In this drawing, an example in which the fastener 302a is implemented in the form of a buckle is shown.

Among the configurations described above, at least the mobile terminal 300 outputs a touch region for inputting identification information related to an external device to be connected on the screen, and when predetermined identification information is input to the touch region, corresponding to the identification information. Performs low-power wireless communication (BLE, Bluetooth Low Energy) to recognize external devices. As a result of performing low-power wireless communication, when an external device corresponding to the input identification information is recognized, and the recognized external device is within a preset range based on the main body of the mobile terminal 300, the mobile terminal 300 is recognized It is automatically connected using Bluetooth (BT) or Wi-Fi communication with external devices.

That is, the mobile terminal 300, through BLE communication, the input identification information of the target device and identification information of the mobile terminal 300 (e.g., ID (UUID) connected to the mobile terminal 300, BD address information, When the connection information including the MAC address, the manager application URL address, etc.) is transmitted, the target device corresponding to the inputted identification information detects it and performs a connection to the mobile terminal 300 based on the received connection information. do. Then, the mobile terminal 300 performs automatic authentication based on the connection request and status information received from the target device, that is, the external device 200, thereby performing pairing.

Here, the identification information related to the external device to be connected is not a unique PIN number used for authentication for pairing, but a number, symbol, character, or number that can distinguish the external device from other electronic devices and are easy for the user to remember. It means a combination of these. For example, the identification information may be any one of a phone number corresponding to an external device stored in an address book or the like in the mobile terminal 300, a user ID, a preset shortcut number, and a number assigned through other user input. In addition, the identification information may have different properties or configurations according to the type of the external device 200 to be connected.

That is, in the embodiment according to the present invention, in order to pair the mobile terminal 300 and the specific external device 200, the identification information to be input by the user is more intuitive and minimized, and a separate PIN code for authentication is required. There is no.

In addition, in the embodiment according to the present invention, since BLE communication is used for connection between the mobile terminal 300 and a specific external device 200, low power (e.g., Bluetooth communication standard) while maintaining stability and security, which are advantages of Bluetooth. Wireless communication can be performed with about 1 to 5% of power).

Hereinafter, a method of connecting a mobile terminal related to the present invention with at least one external device will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

First, the mobile terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention described below has been described with a watch-type mobile terminal 300 as an example, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the mobile terminal 300 includes a smart phone, a laptop computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, a personal digital assistants (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), a navigation system, and a slate PC. ), tablet PC, ultrabook, other types of wearable devices, smart glass, HMD (head mounted display), and other mobile terminals, as well as fixed terminals.

The watch type mobile terminal 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention may enter an external device connection mode through a user input. Here, the external device connection mode may be performed in an external device to be connected. For example, the user may enter the external device connection mode by activating the Bluetooth function in the mobile terminal 300 or the external device 200.

When entering the external device connection mode as described above, for example, visual information corresponding to the external device connection mode is output on the display unit 351 as shown in FIG. 4A. The visual information may be output in the form of a pop-up message 401 indicating an external device connection mode on the front surface or a region of the display unit 351 or in the form of an icon indicating a wireless communication enabled state.

And, when entering the external device connection mode as described above, the display unit 351 of the mobile terminal 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention displays a touch area for inputting identification information related to the external device 200 to be connected to the terminal body. Output (S310).

The touch area includes a virtual keyboard area 410b and an output area 410a in which a number corresponding to a touch applied to the virtual keyboard area 410b is output, as shown in FIG. 4B. can do. Meanwhile, although not shown, the touch area may be implemented as an area in which identification information can be input through a user's direct handwriting input.

In addition, here, the identification information is not unique identification information such as a PIN code for pairing, but is formed in a form that is easy for the user to remember and can intuitively input. That is, the identification information may be any one of a phone number, an ID, and a preset shortcut number corresponding to the external device 200 previously stored in the terminal body.

For example, if the external device 200 to be connected is an electronic device including a call function, a part of the phone number corresponding to the external device 200 (eg, the last four digits of the phone number) is identified as the above. Can be used as information. In addition, when the external device 200 to be connected is an electronic device without a call function, a user ID linked to the external device 200 or a shortcut number previously stored in the terminal body may be used as the identification information.

Subsequently, when identification information related to an external device to be connected to the touch area is input through a user input, the wireless communication unit 110 (see FIG. 1A) of the mobile terminal 300 identifies the identification information based on the input identification information. Low-power wireless communication (BLE) for recognizing an external device corresponding to the information is performed (S320).

Low-power wireless communication (BLE) maintains stability and security, which are the advantages of Bluetooth, and uses a low-power Bluetooth standard that improves a relatively high power consumption in the existing Bluetooth. BLE can be divided into a data channel and a broadcasting channel. In an embodiment according to the present invention, connection information and data for connection with the external device 200 are used using a broadcasting channel. It is implemented to transmit a radio signal for a trigger during transmission.

For example, referring to FIG. 4(c), the watch-type mobile terminal 300 includes identification information of an external device input through the display unit 351 in FIG. 4(b). Four digits), connection information of the terminal body (e.g., ID (UUID) linked to the body, BD address information, MAC address, administrator application URL address information, etc.) to the surrounding electronic devices (200a, 200b, 200c, 200d) By sending to, an external device corresponding to the input identification information, for example, a smart phone 200a may be recognized.

As a result of such low-power wireless communication, when it is determined that the external device 200 corresponding to the input identification information exists within a preset range based on the terminal body, the mobile terminal 300 corresponds to the body and the identification information. The external device to be connected is automatically connected to the first wireless communication (S330).

Here, the first wireless communication refers to Bluetooth (BT) or Wi-Fi communication capable of transmitting and receiving data between the mobile terminal 300 and the external device 200. And, whether to connect the mobile terminal 300 and the external device 200 through Bluetooth (BT) communication or Wi-Fi communication, the mobile terminal 300 and the external device measured through low-power wireless communication It may be determined based on the separation distance between the devices 200. This will be described in more detail below.

In addition, in the embodiment according to the present invention, even when the mobile terminal 300 and the external device 200 are connected for the first time, a separate authentication procedure such as input of a PIN code (or BDADDR code) for pairing is performed. no need. That is, the identification information input through the mobile terminal 300 serves as a means for recognizing the external device 200 to be connected and a means for authenticating the external device 200.

For example, in (c) of FIG. 4, the smart phone 200a to be connected to the watch-type mobile terminal 300 is received through the identification information of the external device and the connection information for the mobile terminal 300, The mobile terminal 300 requesting connection may be recognized. In addition, the watch-type mobile terminal 300 receives status information corresponding to the connection operation (eg, manager application URL address information received from the mobile terminal 300) and a connection request from the recognized external device 200, Automatic authentication for the external device 200 requesting connection may be performed without inputting a PIN code or the like.

Accordingly, as shown in (d) of FIG. 4, the mobile terminal 300 and an external device, that is, a smart phone 200a, are automatically connected through Bluetooth (BT) or Wi-Fi communication. In this case, an alarm indicating that at least one of the paired mobile terminal 300 and the smart phone 200a is automatically connected, for example, a pop-up message 430 or a sound effect 420 indicating authentication completion may be output.

In addition, in an embodiment according to the present invention, when the mobile terminal 300 and the external device 200 are initially connected, the external device 200 corresponding to the identification information according to the execution of the low-power wireless communication (BLE) is It may be requested to satisfy a pairing condition that must exist within a preset range based on.

For example, referring again to (c) of FIG. 4, the mobile terminal 300 recognizes external devices 200a, 200b, 200c, and 200d within the range (A) where low power wireless communication (BLE) is possible. However, the external device 200e existing outside the range A cannot be recognized as low power wireless communication (BLE). Here, the range A may be defined as, for example, a radius of about 9 to 10 m from the main body.

Meanwhile, once the mobile terminal 300 and the external device 200 are connected, it is possible to maintain the connection even if the external device 200 is out of the range (A). This will be described in more detail below.

When the pairing condition is satisfied, the mobile terminal 300 performs an automatic authentication procedure. Specifically, the control unit 180 of the mobile terminal 300 (refer to FIG. 1A) transmits connection information (including identification information corresponding to the external device) related to the terminal body and the external device to an external device corresponding to the identification information. Transfer to. In addition, the controller 180 receives a response signal corresponding to the connection information from the external device 200 (i.e., connection request and status information such as installation and execution of a manager application) to the external device 200 Automatic authentication can be performed.

In addition, the controller 180 displays a first image (eg, a dot image indicating recognition) indicating a recognition state of an external device corresponding to the identification information recognized through low power wireless communication (BLE). ) Can be printed in one area. In addition, the controller 180 may output a second image representing the recognized external device (eg, a thumbnail image of the recognized external device) to a region of the display unit 351.

Meanwhile, in an embodiment according to the present invention, the input of identification information corresponding to the external device to which the low power wireless communication (BLE) is to be connected, and the process of recognizing and connecting the external device corresponding to the identification information are performed independently.

First, if the external device connection mode is executed according to a predetermined input to the mobile terminal 300 or the external device 200 to be connected to the terminal body, the Corresponding connection information may be received from the electronic device.

Then, the controller 180 of the mobile terminal 300 may output visual information related to a plurality of electronic devices corresponding to the received connection information to a region distinguished from the touch region. Here, the visual information may be implemented in the form of a representative image representing each electronic device (eg, a thumbnail image representing each device) or in the form of a list including identification information (415 of FIG. 4C ). On the other hand, in the case of the watch-type mobile terminal 300, the size of the display unit 351 is small and the amount of information that can be output is limited. When a flicking touch input in one direction) is applied, the time information may be output by replacing the touch area.

In addition, the wireless communication unit 110 (refer to FIG. 1A) of the mobile terminal 300 is connected to the terminal body and the external device 200 while maintaining the first wireless communication, the low power wireless communication (BLE). Through this, the distance between the connected main body and the external device can be continuously monitored.

BLE's distance measurement (RSSI) technology is stable and relatively accurate. In addition, by accumulating the communication speed for each distance in m measured using the BLE distance measurement (RSSI) technology, a range in which a specific communication protocol is in a state in which communication is impossible may be calculated.

As a result of such monitoring, when the separation distance between the terminal body and the external device 200 is out of a preset range, the controller 180 of the mobile terminal 300 converts the first wireless communication to a second wireless communication capable of remote access. Can be changed automatically. For example, if the distance between the terminal body and the external device 200 is separated by more than 9 to 10 m, wireless communication between the two devices can be automatically switched from Bluetooth (BT) wireless communication to Wi-Fi wireless communication. have.

Accordingly, even if the distance between the terminal body and the external device 200 increases due to a user's movement or the like, the connection between the terminal body and the external device 200 can be maintained seamlessly. In addition, a phenomenon in which data cannot be transmitted/received while Bluetooth (BT) communication is maintained may be solved according to such switching of a suitable communication protocol. Furthermore, since the monitoring of the separation distance is independently performed through low-power wireless communication (BLE), unnecessary power consumption can be reduced.

In addition, in an embodiment according to the present invention, by performing a monitoring function through such low-power wireless communication (BLE), it is possible to calculate accumulated information on the speed of the wireless communication protocol being used for each distance between the connected terminal body and an external device. have. Accordingly, the mobile terminal 300 may update the optimal communication range and the non-communicable range for each of various communication protocols, and may switch to an appropriate communication protocol in advance before disconnection of the connection state.

In this way, when conversion of a communication protocol is required according to a monitoring function by low power wireless communication (BLE), the mobile terminal 300 may output a warning or an alarm corresponding to the conversion in the form of sound, vibration, or message. have.

In addition, in an embodiment according to the present invention, by performing a monitoring function through such low power wireless communication (BLE), cumulative information on a service being used for each distance between a connected terminal body and an external device may be further calculated. Accordingly, the mobile terminal 300 can determine in advance the types of applications mainly used for each distance, the average data transmission size for each application, and the like. For example, when the battery voltage of the mobile terminal 300 is low, an update or notification for an application that is mainly used for each distance may be controlled to be processed preferentially. In addition, such accumulated information may be calculated differently for each type of the mobile terminal 300 and the external device.

As described above, by directly inputting intuitive identification information related to an external device to which a user wants to connect and making a payment, the connection between the two devices can be made easily and intuitively. In addition, even after the terminal and the external device are connected, low-power wireless communication is performed independently, and the separation distance between the two devices is continuously monitored, and the connection is maintained seamlessly by switching to an appropriate communication method according to the separation degree in advance. Do it. In addition, since low power wireless communication (BLE) is used, such a monitoring function can be performed with minimum power.

Hereinafter, FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method of disconnecting an existing connection and connecting another external device by a mobile terminal according to the present invention.

Disconnection of the connection may be performed by the external device 200 or by the mobile terminal 300. For example, when a connection release request signal is received from the external device 200, the controller 180 of the mobile terminal 300 inputs identification information related to the external device so that connection with another external device can be performed. The touch area for may be output to the display unit 351 again.

When identification information corresponding to another external device is input to the output touch area as described above, the controller 180 disconnects the connection with the external device corresponding to the previously input identification information, and based on the newly input identification information. Controls the wireless communication unit 110 to perform low-power wireless communication.

For example, in FIG. 5, when a connection disconnection request is input through the screen of the connected smart phone 200a (FIG. 5(a)), a watch type that received the connection disconnection request as shown in FIG. 5(b) A touch area 502 for inputting identification information corresponding to another external device to the mobile terminal 300 is output. On the other hand, when new identification information, for example, an ID related to a smart TV is input to the output touch area 502, the existing connection is released as shown in Fig. 5(c), and the smart TV 200b uses low-power wireless communication. ) And the connection is performed.

Meanwhile, as already described above, in the embodiment according to the present invention, the mobile terminal 300 and the external device 200 continuously perform low power wireless communication (BLE) independently of the connection process. Accordingly, an embodiment in which power consumption is further reduced while maintaining an existing connection state may be implemented as follows.

In this regard, FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method of switching a wireless communication method with an external device according to a sleep mode/active mode in the mobile terminal according to the present invention.

The connected mobile terminal 00 and the external device 200 may transmit signaling for initiating data transmission through low power wireless communication (BLE). That is, even if the mobile terminal 300 and the external device 200 are connected, at least one of the mobile terminal 300 and the external device 200 is in the sleep mode in order to prevent unnecessary power consumption after a certain period of time elapses. Enter.

In this way, when the terminal body and the external device corresponding to the identification information enter the sleep mode after being connected through the first wireless communication (eg, Bluetooth (BT) communication or Wi-Fi communication), The controller 180 of the mobile terminal 300 may control the connection between the main body and the external device corresponding to the identification information to be maintained through low-power wireless communication. In this way, when the first wireless communication is turned off and the connection state is maintained through low-power wireless communication, the standby current is minimized.

And, when it is detected that an event related to data transmission has occurred during the sleep mode, the controller 180 changes the connection between the main body and the external device corresponding to the identification information from low-power wireless communication back to the first wireless communication. It can be controlled as much as possible.

For example, as shown in (a) of FIG. 6, in a state in which the connected watch-type mobile terminal 300 and an external device, for example, a smart phone 200a, are in sleep mode and are connected through BLE communication, FIG. 6 When it is detected that a message is received in the connected mobile terminal 300 as shown in (b) of, the mobile terminal 300 and the smart phone 200a are again connected through BT/Wi-FI communication to transmit and receive data.

In this case, power consumption is greatly reduced (eg, power reduction effect of 2mA or more), but there is no difference from the user's point of view that the BT/Wi-FI connection is maintained continuously.

Meanwhile, a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention may be connected to N peripheral devices using low-power wireless communication. That is, it is possible to access N external devices in the vicinity by using a wireless signal transmitted through BLE communication as a trigger signal.

In addition, a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention may be used as a relay device connecting a plurality of external devices using different communication protocols. In this regard, FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method of connecting a plurality of external devices using different communication methods by using the mobile terminal related to the present invention as a relay device.

First, in a state in which a mobile terminal body according to an embodiment of the present invention is connected to a first external device recognized through low power wireless communication (BLE) through a first wireless communication, the first external device is connected through a second wireless communication. It can be connected to a second external device.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the mobile terminal may include a BT (Bluetooth) device having a BLE function, and may be, for example, a watch-type mobile terminal 300. In addition, the first external device may be a desktop, a laptop computer, a tablet PC, etc. that perform a role as a master device. In addition, the second external device is a low-power wireless communication (BLE)-only device, and may be an electronic device incapable of BT communication. In addition, the second external device may function as a slave device, and may be provided in a plurality 200b-N.

In such a case, the control unit 180 of the mobile terminal 300 controls the application corresponding to the screen information executed in the main body to be executed in the second external device connected to the first external device through the first wireless communication. A command may be transmitted to the first external device.

For example, in FIG. 7, the mobile terminal 300 and the smart phone 200a connected through low power wireless communication (BLE) perform wireless communication through BT communication. In addition, the smart TV 200b, which cannot perform BT communication with the mobile terminal 300, performs wireless communication through Wi-Fi communication. In this case, the smart phone 200a becomes a master device. When the user controls the smart TV 200b through the smart phone 200a, the input control command is actually a mobile terminal ( 300), the control command received from the mobile terminal 300 is converted to conform to the Wi-Fi communication protocol standard and transmitted to the smart TV 200b, thereby performing control.

On the other hand, although not shown, if the smart phone 200a, which is the master device, also includes a Wi-Fi module, it is difficult to receive a large amount of data in the mobile terminal 300 performing BT communication. , It is possible to transmit and receive data by being paired with the smart TV 200b directly through the Wi-Fi module.

8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method of switching tethering by monitoring whether data is transmitted from an external device connected to a mobile terminal according to the present invention.

The wireless communication unit 110 (refer to FIG. 1A) of the mobile terminal 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention provides low-power wireless communication (BLE) even while the connection with the external device 200 is maintained through the first wireless communication. Through this, it is possible to continuously monitor whether the screen is activated as well as the separation distance between the main body and external devices.

When the connected external device 200 is equipped with a tethering function, the controller 180 of the mobile terminal 300 switches the tethering between the connected main body and the external device based on whether the screen is activated or not. You can decide whether or not.

In addition, when the tethering switch is determined, the controller 180 may control the tethering switch to be performed through low power wireless communication (BLE).

Specifically, when the screen of the external device is switched from inactive to active, the controller 180 automatically switches Bluetooth tethering to Wi-Fi tethering through the low power wireless communication (BLE). In addition, when the screen of the external device is switched from the activated state to the deactivated state, the control unit 180 automatically switches the Wi-Fi tethering to the Bluetooth tethering through the low power wireless communication (BLE). Accordingly, power consumption can be minimized while maintaining tethering.

For example, when the watch-type mobile terminal 300 and the smart phone 200a connected as shown in FIG. 8A are in a sleep mode, they are switched to Bluetooth tethering through BLE communication. In this state, when the user performs an operation through the screen of the mobile terminal 300 and activates the screen of the mobile terminal 300 and the smart phone 200a as shown in FIG. 8(b), Wi-Fi It automatically switches to tethering.

In this way, by switching the communication method of tethering according to whether the screen is activated, power consumption can be further reduced when the screen is inactive, and when the screen is activated, it is possible to respond immediately to applications including push alarm functions. By making it possible, it provides user convenience.

As described above, according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the user directly inputs intuitive identification information related to the external device to which the user wants to connect and makes the pairing, so that the connection between the two devices is made easy and intuitive. In addition, even after the terminal and the external device are connected, low-power wireless communication is performed independently, continuously monitoring the separation distance or data transmission between the two devices, and switching the connection between the two devices to an appropriate communication method accordingly. It allows the connection to remain uninterrupted even when moving. In addition, since the low-power wireless communication is independently performed even after the terminal and the external device are connected, power consumption is reduced in sleep mode and speed is improved when reconnecting.

It is apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit and essential features of the present invention.

In addition, the present invention described above can be implemented as a computer-readable code on a medium on which a program is recorded. The computer-readable medium includes all types of recording devices that store data that can be read by a computer system. Examples of computer-readable media include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical data storage device, etc., and also implemented in the form of a carrier wave (for example, transmission over the Internet). Includes things. In addition, the computer may include the control unit 180 of the terminal.

Therefore, the detailed description above should not be construed as restrictive in all respects and should be considered as illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims (14)

main body;
A display unit for outputting a touch area for inputting identification information related to an external device to be connected to the main body;
A wireless communication unit performing low power wireless communication (BLE) for recognizing an external device corresponding to the identification information based on the identification information input to the touch area; And
As a result of the low-power wireless communication, when the external device corresponding to the identification information exists within a preset range based on the main body, a control unit for connecting the main body and the external device corresponding to the identification information through first wireless communication, and ,
The control unit,
When the main body enters the sleep mode after the main body and the external device corresponding to the identification information are connected through the first wireless communication, the connection between the main body and the external device corresponding to the identification information is connected to the low-power wireless communication (BLE). ) To be maintained through
When the main body is connected to a first external device recognized through the low power wireless communication (BLE) through the first wireless communication, and the first external device is connected to a second external device through a second wireless communication,
Through the first wireless communication, a control command for causing an application corresponding to the screen information to be executed in the main body to be executed in the second external device is transmitted to the first external device,
The second external device is a mobile terminal, characterized in that the low power wireless communication (BLE) dedicated device. The method of claim 1,
The first wireless communication is characterized in that the Bluetooth (BT) or Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi) communication,
The identification information is a mobile terminal, characterized in that any one of a phone number, an ID, and a preset speed dial number corresponding to the external device stored in the main body. delete The method of claim 1,
The control unit,
As a result of the low power wireless communication, when an external device corresponding to the identification information exists within a preset range based on the main body,
Transmitting connection information related to the main body and the external device to an external device corresponding to the identification information, and processing authentication for the external device when a response signal corresponding to the connection information is received from the external device. Mobile terminal. The method of claim 1,
The control unit,
And when a connection release signal is received from an external device connected through the first wireless communication, the touch region is controlled to be output again to the display unit. The method of claim 1,
The control unit,
In response to the input of identification information corresponding to the other external device to the touch area, the connection with the external device corresponding to the previously input identification information is released, and low-power wireless communication is performed based on the newly input identification information. And controlling the wireless communication unit to be performed. The method of claim 1,
The control unit,
A mobile terminal, characterized in that when an event related to data transmission occurs during the sleep mode, a connection between the main body and an external device corresponding to the identification information is controlled to change from the low-power wireless communication back to the first wireless communication . The method of claim 1,
The wireless communication unit performs low power wireless communication (BLE) to receive corresponding connection information from a device existing within a range of a connectable distance with the main body,
And the control unit controls to output visual information related to a plurality of devices corresponding to the received connection information to an area distinct from the touch area. delete delete The method of claim 1,
The wireless communication unit,
Even while the first wireless communication is maintained, a separation distance between the connected main body and an external device is monitored through the low-power wireless communication (BLE),
The control unit,
When the separation distance is out of a preset range based on the main body, the first wireless communication is automatically changed to a second wireless communication capable of remote access, and
By performing a monitoring function through low-power wireless communication (BLE), by calculating accumulated information on the speed of the wireless communication protocol being used for each distance between the connected main body and an external device, the optimal communication range and communication impossible for each wireless communication protocol. Update the range,
When it is necessary to switch to an appropriate wireless communication protocol before disconnection of the connection state, a mobile terminal, characterized in that for outputting an alarm corresponding thereto. The method of claim 1,
The control unit,
Outputting at least one of a first image representing a recognition state of an external device corresponding to the identification information recognized through the low power wireless communication (BLE) and a second image representing the recognized external device to the display unit Mobile terminal. The method of claim 1,
The control unit,
Based on whether the screen of the external device is activated, it is determined whether to switch tethering between the main body and the external device connected through the low-power wireless communication (BLE),
When the tethering is switched, the tethering is controlled to be switched through the low-power wireless communication (BLE),
When the screen of the external device is switched from inactive to active, Bluetooth tethering is switched to Wi-Fi tethering through the low-power wireless communication (BLE),
When the screen of the external device is switched from the activated state to the deactivated state, the mobile terminal, characterized in that for switching the Wi-Fi tethering to the Bluetooth tethering through the low power wireless communication (BLE). delete

Images