KR102491649B1 - Method for controlling print function and electronic device thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus and method for providing a print service in an electronic device. In this case, the operating method of the electronic device includes an operation of checking a property and a connection state of at least one external device connected to the electronic device, and at least one supportable by the electronic device based on the property and connection state of the at least one external device. An operation of determining one print mode and an operation of controlling at least one external device to print data based on any one of the at least one print mode may be included. Other embodiments may also be possible.

Description

Method for controlling printing function and electronic device therefor

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a device and method for providing a printing function in conjunction with an external device in an electronic device.

A printing device (eg, a printer) may output information (eg, text or image) processed by an electronic device functionally connected through wired or wireless communication to a medium such as paper.

A printing device may output information to media in various forms to satisfy various needs of users. For example, the printing device may output information processed by the electronic device to media in various forms such as braille, label, barcode, photo, and receipt.

The printing device may be classified into a braille printing device, a label printing device, a barcode printing device, a photo printing device, a receipt printing device, and the like according to a type of outputting information on a medium. In other words, the printing device may output information provided from the electronic device to a medium according to an output type set in the printing device.

Accordingly, there is a constraint that the electronic device must be functionally connected to various printing devices having different output types in order to satisfy users' various desires to output information processed by the electronic device to media in various forms.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an apparatus and method for providing various types of printing methods in an electronic device.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device includes a connection interface and a processor, wherein the processor checks properties and a connection state of at least one external device connected through the connection interface, and determines the connection state of the at least one external device. At least one print mode supportable by the electronic device is determined based on device properties and a connection state, and at least one external device is controlled to print data based on any one of the at least one print mode. can be set to

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device includes a display, a connection interface, and a processor, and the processor is capable of interworking with the external device when a connection of at least one external device is detected through the connection interface. At least one print mode is set to determine at least one print mode, display the at least one print mode information through the display, and at least one print mode that can be interlocked with the external device corresponds to at least one print mode that can be supported through the external device. It may include at least one print mode that can be supported through the external device only when the print mode and another external device are additionally connected.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a method of operating an electronic device may include an operation of checking properties and a connection state of at least one external device connected to the electronic device and based on the properties and connection state of the at least one external device. An operation of determining at least one print mode supportable by the electronic device and an operation of controlling at least one external device to print data based on any one of the at least one print mode. .

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a method of operating an electronic device includes determining at least one print mode interoperable with the external device when a connection of at least one external device is detected, and selecting the at least one print mode. It includes an operation of displaying information, and the at least one print mode that can be interlocked with the external device cannot be supported through the external device until at least one print mode that can be supported through the external device and another external device are additionally connected. It may include at least one print mode.

An electronic device and an operating method thereof according to various embodiments of the present disclosure provide various types of electronic devices based on attributes of at least one external device functionally or physically connected to the electronic device and connection state information (eg, connection location and order) with the external device. By supporting the print mode of the user, it is possible to easily provide various types of print modes required by the user.

An electronic device and an operating method thereof according to various embodiments may interwork based on attributes of at least one external device functionally or physically connected to the electronic device and connection state information (eg, connection location and order) with the external device. By providing additional external device information, a user can easily use a required print mode using an electronic device.

1 illustrates electronic devices in a network environment in various embodiments of the present invention.
2 shows a block diagram of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention.
3 shows a block diagram of program modules according to various embodiments of the present invention.
4 shows a block diagram of an electronic device for controlling printing according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
5A to 5C illustrate configurations of electronic devices for controlling printing according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
6 is a flowchart for controlling printing using at least one external device in an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
7 is a flowchart for determining a print mode corresponding to an external device in an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
8 illustrates a configuration for transmitting identification information of an external device according to various embodiments of the present invention.
9A to 9D illustrate configurations for providing various print modes to correspond to connection states of external devices according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
10 is a flowchart for selecting a print mode using a print list supportable by an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
11A to 11D illustrate screen configurations for selecting a print mode using a print list supportable by an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
12 is a flowchart for controlling an external device to correspond to a print mode in an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
13A and 13B illustrate configurations for controlling an external device to correspond to a print mode in an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
14 is a flowchart for providing a print mode list corresponding to an external device in an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
15A to 15E illustrate screen configurations for providing a print mode list corresponding to an external device in an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of this document will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the technology described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and/or alternatives of the embodiments of this document. . In connection with the description of the drawings, like reference numerals may be used for like elements.

In this document, expressions such as "has", "may have", "includes", or "may include" refer to the presence of a corresponding feature (eg, numerical value, function, operation, or component such as a part). , which does not preclude the existence of additional features.

In this document, expressions such as "A or B", "at least one of A and/and B", or "one or more of A or/and B" may include all possible combinations of the items listed together. . For example, "A or B", "at least one of A and B", or "at least one of A or B" includes (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, Or (3) may refer to all cases including at least one A and at least one B.

Expressions such as "first", "second", "first", or "second" as used herein may modify various elements, in any order and/or importance, and may refer to one element as another. It is used to distinguish from components, but does not limit the components. For example, a first user device and a second user device may represent different user devices regardless of order or importance. For example, without departing from the scope of rights described in this document, a first element may be called a second element, and similarly, the second element may also be renamed to the first element.

A component (e.g., a first component) is "(operatively or communicatively) coupled with/to" another component (e.g., a second component); When referred to as "connected to", it should be understood that any of the above-mentioned elements may be directly connected to the above-mentioned other elements or may be connected through another element (eg, a third element). On the other hand, when an element (eg, a first element) is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly connected” to another element (eg, a second element), a component and other elements It may be understood that there are no other components (eg, a third component) between the elements.

As used in this document, the expression "configured to" means "suitable for", "having the capacity to", depending on the situation. ", "designed to", "adapted to", "made to", or "capable of" can be used interchangeably. The term "configured (or set) to" may not necessarily mean only "specifically designed to" hardware. Instead, in some contexts, the phrase "device configured to" may mean that the device is "capable of" in conjunction with other devices or components. For example, the phrase "a processor configured (or configured) to perform A, B, and C" may include a dedicated processor (eg, embedded processor) to perform the operation, or by executing one or more software programs stored in a memory device. , may mean a general-purpose processor (eg, CPU or application processor (AP)) capable of performing corresponding operations.

Terms used in this document are only used to describe a specific embodiment, and may not be intended to limit the scope of other embodiments. Singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the technical field described in this document. Among the terms used in this document, terms defined in a general dictionary may be interpreted as having the same or similar meaning as the meaning in the context of the related art, and unless explicitly defined in this document, an ideal or excessively formal meaning. not be interpreted as In some cases, even terms defined in this document cannot be interpreted to exclude the embodiments of this document.

Electronic devices according to various embodiments of the present document include a smartphone including a display, a tablet personal computer (PC), a mobile phone, a video phone, an e-book reader, Desktop personal computer, laptop personal computer, netbook computer, workstation, server, personal digital assistant (PDA), portable multimedia player (PMP), MP3 player, mobile medical It may include at least one of a device, a camera, or a wearable device. According to various embodiments, the wearable device may be an accessory (eg, watch, ring, bracelet, anklet, necklace, glasses, contact lens, or head-mounted-device (HMD)), fabric or clothing integrated ( For example, it may include at least one of an electronic clothing), a body attachment type (eg, a skin pad or tattoo), or a living body implantable type (eg, an implantable circuit).

In some embodiments, the electronic device may be a home appliance. For example, home appliances include televisions including displays, digital video disk (DVD) players, audio devices, refrigerators, air conditioners, vacuum cleaners, ovens, microwave ovens, washing machines, air purifiers, set-top boxes, and home autos. Home automation control panel, security control panel, TV box (e.g. Samsung HomeSync™, Apple TV™, or Google TV™), game console (e.g. Xbox™, PlayStation™), electronic dictionary, electronic It may include at least one of a key, a camcorder, or an electronic photo frame.

In another embodiment, the electronic device may include various types of medical devices (e.g., various portable medical measuring devices (such as blood glucose meter, heart rate monitor, blood pressure monitor, or body temperature monitor), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), CT (computed tomography), imager, or ultrasonicator, etc.), navigation device, GNSS (global navigation satellite system), EDR (event data recorder), FDR (flight data recorder), automotive infotainment ) devices, marine electronics (e.g. marine navigation systems, gyrocompasses, etc.), avionics, security devices, automotive head units, industrial or home robots, automatic teller's machines (ATMs) of financial institutions , point of sales (POS) in stores, or internet of things devices (e.g. light bulbs, sensors, electric or gas meters, sprinklers, smoke alarms, thermostats, street lights, toasters) , Exercise equipment, hot water tank, heater, boiler, etc.) may include at least one.

According to some embodiments, the electronic device is a piece of furniture or a building/structure, an electronic board, an electronic signature receiving device, a projector, or various measuring devices (eg, Water, electricity, gas, radio wave measuring devices, etc.) may include at least one. In various embodiments, the electronic device may be a combination of one or more of the various devices described above.

An electronic device according to some embodiments may be a flexible electronic device. In addition, the electronic device according to the embodiment of this document is not limited to the above-described devices, and may include new electronic devices according to technological development.

Hereinafter, an electronic device according to various embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this document, the term user may refer to a person using an electronic device or a device using an electronic device (eg, an artificial intelligence electronic device).

The following description describes a technology for providing at least one print mode in an electronic device by interworking with at least one external device functionally or physically connected to the electronic device. Here, the print mode is a method of printing content on a medium such as paper, and may include a method of processing data to obtain a final print result. For example, the print mode may include a photo print mode in which a photo is printed using photo paper, a braille print mode in which data is printed in a braille form, and a barcode print mode in which data is printed in a barcode form.

1 illustrates an electronic device 101 within a network environment 100 in various embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1 , an electronic device 101 may include a bus 110, a processor 120, a memory 130, an input/output interface 150, a display 160, and a communication interface 170. In some embodiments, the electronic device 101 may omit at least one of the components or may additionally include other components.

The bus 110 may include, for example, circuitry that connects the components 120 to 170 to each other and communicates (eg, control messages and/or data) between the components.

The processor 120 may include one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), or a communication processor (CP). The processor 120 may, for example, execute calculations or data processing related to control and/or communication of at least one other component of the electronic device 101 .

According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may provide at least one print mode using at least one external device functionally or physically connected to the electronic device 101 . For example, the processor 120 may determine at least one print mode supportable by the electronic device 101 based on the property of the external device connected to the electronic device 101 and the connection state information with the external device. For example, the properties of the external device may include an output type (print type) supported by the external device. The connection state with the external device may include at least one of a coupling position with the external electronic device and a coupling sequence of at least one external device.

According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may provide information on another additionally connectable external device based on at least one external device functionally or physically connected to the electronic device 101 . For example, when the electronic device 101 and the external device are connected, the processor 120 outputs other external device information that can be interlocked with the external device and print mode information that can be supported through interworking with the other external device. 160) can be controlled.

Memory 130 may include volatile and/or non-volatile memory. The memory 130 may store, for example, commands or data (eg, a reference distance) related to at least one other component of the electronic device 101 . For example, the memory 130 may store a table including at least one print mode information supportable by the electronic device 101 in association with at least one external device connectable to the electronic device 101 .

According to one embodiment, memory 130 may store software and/or programs 140 . For example, a program may include a kernel 141, middleware 143, an application programming interface (API) 145, or an application (or “application program”) 147. At least a part of the kernel 141, middleware 143, or API 145 may be referred to as an operating system (OS).

The input/output interface 150 may serve as an interface capable of transferring commands or data input from a user or other external device to other component(s) of the electronic device 101 . Also, the input/output interface 150 may output commands or data received from other element(s) of the electronic device 101 to a user or other external device. According to one embodiment, the input/output interface 150 may include a touch panel that detects a touch input using an electronic pen or a part of a user's body or a hovering input. According to one embodiment, the input/output interface 150 may receive a gesture or proximity input using an electronic pen or a part of a user's body.

The display 160 may display, for example, various types of content (eg, text, image, video, icon, symbol, etc.) to the user.

The communication interface 170 may establish communication between the electronic device 101 and an external device, for example. For example, the communication interface 170 may be connected to the network 162 through wireless or wired communication to communicate with an external device (eg, the second external electronic device 104 or the server 106). For example, the communication interface 170 may communicate with an external device (eg, the first external electronic device 102) through short-distance communication 164 or wired communication. According to one embodiment, the network 162 may include at least one of a telecommunications network, a computer network (eg, a LAN or WAN), the Internet, or a telephone network.

According to one embodiment, the touch panel of the input/output interface 150 and the display 160 may be configured as a single module and referred to as a touch screen.

2 is a block diagram of an electronic device 201 according to various embodiments. In the following description, the electronic device 201 may include all or part of the electronic device 101 shown in FIG. 1 . The electronic device 201 includes one or more processors (eg, an application processor (AP)) 210, a communication module 220, a subscriber identification module 224, a memory 230, a sensor module 240, and an input device 250. ), display 260, interface 270, audio module 280, camera module 291, power management module 295, battery 296, indicator 297, and motor 298. there is.

The processor 210 may control a plurality of hardware or software components connected to the processor 210 by driving, for example, an operating system or an application program, and may perform various data processing and calculations. The processor 210 may be implemented as, for example, a system on chip (SoC). According to one embodiment, the processor 210 may further include a graphic processing unit (GPU) and/or an image signal processor. The processor 210 may include at least some of the components shown in FIG. 2 (eg, the cellular module 221). The processor 210 loads and processes commands or data received from at least one of the other components (eg, non-volatile memory) into the volatile memory, and stores various data in the non-volatile memory. there is.

According to an embodiment, the processor 210 selects at least one print mode supportable by the electronic device 201 based on attributes of an external device functionally or physically connected to the electronic device 201 and connection state information with the external device. can decide

According to an embodiment, the processor 210 may provide information on another additionally connectable external device based on at least one external device functionally or physically connected to the electronic device 201 .

The communication module 220 may have the same or similar configuration as the communication interface 170 of FIG. 1 . The communication module 220 includes, for example, a cellular module 221, a WiFi module 223, a Bluetooth module 225, a GNSS module 227 (eg, a GPS module, a Glonass module, a Beidou module, or a Galileo module) , an NFC module 228 and a radio frequency (RF) module 229.

The cellular module 221 may provide, for example, an application call, a video call, a text service, or an Internet service through a communication network. According to one embodiment, the cellular module 221 may identify and authenticate the electronic device 201 within a communication network using the subscriber identity module (eg, SIM card) 224 . According to one embodiment, the cellular module 221 may perform at least some of the functions that the processor 210 may provide. According to one embodiment, the cellular module 221 may include a communication processor (CP).

Each of the WiFi module 223, the Bluetooth module 225, the GNSS module 227, or the NFC module 228 may include, for example, a processor for processing data transmitted and received through the corresponding module. According to some embodiments, at least some (eg, two or more) of the cellular module 221, the WiFi module 223, the Bluetooth module 225, the GNSS module 227, or the NFC module 228 are one IC ( integrated chip) or IC package.

The RF module 229 may transmit and receive communication signals (eg, RF signals), for example. According to another embodiment, at least one of the cellular module 221, the WiFi module 223, the Bluetooth module 225, the GNSS module 227, or the NFC module 228 transmits and receives an RF signal through a separate RF module. can

The subscriber identification module 224 may include, for example, a card and/or an embedded SIM including a subscriber identification module, and unique identification information (eg, an integrated circuit card identifier (ICCID)) or Subscriber information (eg, international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) may be included.

The memory 230 (eg, the memory 130) may include, for example, an internal memory 232 or an external memory 234. The external memory 234 may be functionally and/or physically connected to the electronic device 201 through various interfaces.

The sensor module 240 may, for example, measure a physical quantity or detect an operating state of the electronic device 201 and convert the measured or sensed information into an electrical signal. The sensor module 240 includes, for example, a gesture sensor 240A, a gyro sensor 240B, an air pressure sensor 240C, a magnetic sensor 240D, an acceleration sensor 240E, a grip sensor 240F, and a proximity sensor ( 240G), color sensor (240H) (e.g. RGB (red, green, blue) sensor), bio sensor (240I), temperature/humidity sensor (240J), light sensor (240K), or UV (ultra violet) ) may include at least one of the sensors 240M. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor module 240 may include, for example, an olfactory sensor (E-nose sensor), an EMG sensor (electromyography sensor), an EEG sensor (electroencephalogram sensor), an ECG sensor (electrocardiogram sensor) , an infrared (IR) sensor, an iris sensor, and/or a fingerprint sensor. The sensor module 240 may further include a control circuit for controlling one or more sensors included therein. In some embodiments, the electronic device 201 further includes a processor configured to control the sensor module 240, either as part of the processor 210 or separately, so that while the processor 210 is in a sleep state, The sensor module 240 may be controlled.

The input device 250 may include, for example, a touch panel 252, a (digital) pen sensor 254, a key 256, or an ultrasonic input device ( 258) may be included. The touch panel 252 may use any one of, for example, an electrostatic method, an infrared method, or an ultrasonic method. Also, the touch panel 252 may further include a control circuit. The touch panel 252 may further include a tactile layer to provide a tactile response to the user.

The (digital) pen sensor 254 may be, for example, part of a touch panel or may include a separate recognition sheet. Keys 256 may include, for example, physical buttons, optical keys, or keypads. The ultrasonic input device 258 may detect ultrasonic waves generated from an input tool through a microphone (eg, the microphone 288) and check data corresponding to the detected ultrasonic waves.

The display 260 (eg, the display 160 ) may include a panel 262 , a hologram device 264 , or a projector 266 . The panel 262 may include the same or similar configuration as the display 160 of FIG. 1 . The panel 262 may be implemented to be flexible, transparent, or wearable, for example. The panel 262 and the touch panel 252 may be configured as one module. The hologram device 264 may display a 3D image in the air using interference of light. The projector 266 may display an image by projecting light onto a screen. The screen may be located inside or outside the electronic device 201 , for example. According to one embodiment, the display 260 may further include a control circuit for controlling the panel 262 , the hologram device 264 , or the projector 266 .

The interface 270 may be, for example, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) 272, a universal serial bus (USB) 274, an optical interface 276, or a D-subminiature (D-sub). ) (278). Interface 270 may be included in, for example, communication interface 170 shown in FIG. 1 . Additionally or alternatively, interface 270 may be, for example, a mobile high-definition link (MHL) interface, a secure digital (SD) card/multi-media card (MMC) interface, or an infrared data association (IrDA) standard interface. can include

The audio module 280 may, for example, convert a sound and an electrical signal in both directions. At least some components of the audio module 280 may be included in the input/output interface 145 shown in FIG. 1 , for example. The audio module 280 may process sound information input or output through, for example, the speaker 282, the receiver 284, the earphone 286, or the microphone 288.

The camera module 291 is, for example, a device capable of capturing still images and moving images. According to one embodiment, the camera module 291 includes one or more image sensors (eg, a front sensor or a rear sensor), a lens, and an image signal processor (ISP). , or a flash (eg, LED or xenon lamp, etc.).

The power management module 295 (eg, the power management module 180) may manage power of the electronic device 201, for example. According to one embodiment, the power management module 295 may include a power management integrated circuit (PMIC), a charger integrated circuit (IC), or a battery or fuel gauge.

Battery 296 (eg, battery 190 ) may include, for example, a rechargeable battery and/or a solar battery. According to one embodiment, the battery 296 may include a plurality of cells connectable in series or parallel.

The indicator 297 may indicate a specific state of the electronic device 201 or a part thereof (eg, the processor 210), for example, a booting state, a message state, or a charging state. The motor 298 may convert electrical signals into mechanical vibrations and generate vibrations or haptic effects.

Each of the components described in this document may be composed of one or more components, and the name of the corresponding component may vary depending on the type of electronic device. In various embodiments, an electronic device may include at least one of the components described in this document, and some components may be omitted or additional components may be further included. In addition, some of the components of the electronic device according to various embodiments are combined to form a single entity, so that the functions of the corresponding components before being combined can be performed the same.

3 is a block diagram of program modules according to various embodiments. According to one embodiment, the program module 310 (eg, the program 140) is an operating system (OS) that controls resources related to an electronic device (eg, the electronic device 101 or 201) and/or Alternatively, it may include various applications (eg, the application 147) running on the operating system. The operating system may be, for example, Android, iOS, Windows, Symbian, Tizen, or bada.

The program module 310 may include a kernel 320 , middleware 330 , an application programming interface (API) 360 , and/or an application 370 . At least a part of the program module 310 can be preloaded in an electronic device or downloaded from an external device (eg, external electronic devices 102 and 104, server 106, etc.).

The kernel 320 (eg, the kernel 141 ) may include, for example, a system resource manager 321 and/or a device driver 323 . The system resource manager 321 may control, allocate, or recover system resources.

The middleware 330, for example, provides a function commonly required by the application 370 or uses various APIs 360 so that the application 370 can efficiently use limited system resources inside the electronic device. Functions may be provided to the application 370 . According to one embodiment, the middleware 330 (eg, the middleware 143) includes a runtime library 335, an application manager 341, a window manager 342, and a multimedia manager. ) 343, resource manager 344, power manager 345, database manager 346, package manager 347, connectivity manager ) 348, a notification manager 349, a location manager 350, a graphic manager 351, or a security manager 352. can do.

The runtime library 335 may include a library module used by a compiler to add new functions through a programming language while the application 370 is being executed. The application manager 341 may manage the life cycle of at least one of the applications 370 . The window manager 342 may manage GUI resources used in the screen. The multimedia manager 343 may determine a format necessary for reproducing various media files, and encode or decode the media file using a codec suitable for the format. The resource manager 344 may manage resources such as source code, memory, or storage space of at least one of the applications 370 .

The power manager 345 may operate together with a basic input/output system (BIOS) to manage a battery or power and provide power information required for operation of the electronic device. According to one embodiment, the power manager 345 may control charging and discharging of the battery to provide at least one of wired and wireless methods.

The database manager 346 may create, search, or change a database to be used by at least one of the applications 370 . The package manager 347 may manage installation or update of applications distributed in the form of package files. The connection manager 348 may manage wireless connections such as WiFi or Bluetooth. The notification manager 349 may display or notify the user of events such as arrival messages, appointments, and proximity notifications in a non-intrusive manner. The location manager 350 may manage location information of an electronic device. The graphic manager 351 may manage graphic effects to be provided to users or user interfaces related thereto. The security manager 352 may provide various security functions necessary for system security or user authentication. According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (eg, the electronic device 101) includes a phone function, the middleware 330 further includes a telephony manager for managing an application or video call function of the electronic device. can do.

The middleware 330 may include a middleware module that forms a combination of various functions of the aforementioned components. The middleware 330 may provide modules specialized for each type of operating system in order to provide differentiated functions. Also, the middleware 330 may dynamically delete some existing components or add new components.

The API 360 (eg, the API 145) is, for example, a set of API programming functions, and may be provided in different configurations depending on the operating system. For example, in the case of Android or iOS, one API set can be provided for each platform, and in the case of Tizen, two or more API sets can be provided for each platform.

The application 370 (eg, the application 147) includes, for example, a home 371, a dialer 372, an SMS/MMS 373, an instant message (IM) 374, a browser 375, and a camera. (376), alarm (377), contact (378), application dial (379), email (380), calendar (381), media player (382), album (383), or clock (384), health management ( health care) (eg, measuring exercise or blood sugar) or providing environment information (eg, providing atmospheric pressure, humidity, or temperature information).

According to one embodiment, the application 370 may include a preloaded application or a third party application downloadable from a server. Names of components of the program module 310 according to the illustrated embodiment may vary depending on the type of operating system.

According to various embodiments, at least a portion of the program module 310 may be implemented as software, firmware, hardware, or a combination of at least two or more of these. At least part of the program module 310 may be implemented (eg, executed) by, for example, a processor (eg, the processor 210). At least some of the program modules 310 may include, for example, modules, programs, routines, sets of instructions, or processes for performing one or more functions.

4 is a block diagram of an electronic device for controlling printing according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In the following description, the electronic device 400 may include all or part of the electronic device 101 shown in FIG. 1 or the electronic device 201 shown in FIG. 2 .

Referring to FIG. 4 , the electronic device 400 includes a processor 410, a connection interface 420, a print management module 430, a display 440, a memory 450, an input interface 460, and a communication interface 470. ) may be included.

The processor 410 (eg, the processor 120 of FIG. 1 or the processor 210 of FIG. 2 ) may control overall operations of the electronic device 400 . For example, processor 410 may perform various functions. To this end, the processor 410 may control elements of the electronic device 400 . Also, the processor 410 may receive and process commands or data from components of the electronic device 400 .

According to an embodiment, when at least one external device is connected through the connection interface 420, the processor 410 extracts properties of the at least one external device and information on a connection state with the external device to print the print management module 430. ) can be provided.

According to one embodiment, the processor 410 may control to provide print guide information interworking with at least one external device functionally or physically connected to the electronic device 400 through the connection interface 420 . For example, when an external device is connected through the connection interface 420, the processor 410 may generate print guide information based on attributes and connection state information of the external device. For example, the print guide information may include at least one of other external device information capable of interworking with an external device coupled with the electronic device 400 and print mode information supportable in association with the other external device.

The connection interface 420 may functionally or physically connect at least one external device and the electronic device 400 . For example, the connection interface 420 may recognize physical coupling between the electronic device 400 and at least one external device using at least one of a magnetic sensor (eg, a hall sensor) and a pressure sensor. . For example, the connection interface 420 may recognize physical coupling between the electronic device 400 and at least one external device by using contact information of an electrical terminal included in the connection interface 420 .

The print management module 430 may control the print service of the electronic device 400 . For example, the print management module 430 may process (convert) content to be printed through the electronic device 400 or at least one external device to correspond to the print mode.

According to an embodiment, the print management module 430 may provide a print service by interworking with at least one external device functionally or physically connected to the electronic device 400 through the connection interface 420 . For example, the print management module 430 may determine at least one print mode supportable by the electronic device 400 based on the attributes of the external device and connection state information with the external device provided from the processor 410 . . The print management module 430 may determine, as the print mode of the electronic device 400, one print mode selected by user input information from among at least one print mode supportable by the electronic device 400. The print management module 430 may control at least one external device to provide a print service based on the print mode of the electronic device 400 . For example, the attribute of the external device may include an output type (print type) supported by the external device mapped to identification information of the external device. The connection state with the external device may include at least one of a coupling position of the external electronic device to the electronic device 400 and a coupling order of at least one external device. Here, the identification information of the external device may represent print information (type of print) that can be provided through the external device.

According to one embodiment, the print management module 430 performs a basic print function (eg, text) set in the electronic device 400 when there is no external device coupled to the electronic device 400 through the connection interface 420. print, image print) to provide a print service.

The display 440 may output display data for driving the electronic device 400 . For example, the display 440 may be driven using a self-luminous phenomenon. The display 440 may include an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display and an active matrix light emitting diode (AMOLED) display. According to one embodiment, the display 440 may be implemented as a touch screen by being combined with the input interface 460 (eg, a touch panel).

According to an embodiment, when the processor 410 detects the occurrence of a print event, the display 440 may display at least one print mode information supportable by the electronic device 400 .

According to an embodiment, the display 440 may display print guide information provided from the processor 410 when a connection between at least one external device and the electronic device 400 is detected through the connection interface 420. there is.

The memory 450 may store commands or data related to components constituting the electronic device 400 . For example, the memory 450 may store information on an external device that can be combined with the electronic device 400 through a print service and print mode information that can be provided by the electronic device 400 in conjunction with the external device. For example, the memory 450 may store external device information and print mode information in a table format.

The input unit 460 may transfer a command or data for operation control of the electronic device input from a user or other external device to other component(s) of the electronic device. For example, the input unit 412 may include a key pad, a dome switch, a physical button, a touch panel, a jog & shuttle, and a sensor. For example, the physical button may include a power key of the electronic device 400.

The communication interface 470 may communicate with an external electronic device (not shown). For example, the communication interface 470 may perform wired or wireless communication with an external electronic device. To this end, the communication interface 470 may include at least one antenna. The communication interface 470 may access at least one of a mobile communication network and a data communication network through an antenna. Alternatively, the communication interface 470 may perform short-range communication. For example, the communication method is LTE (long term evolution), WCDMA (wideband code division multiple access), GSM (global system for mobile communications), WiFi (wireless fidelity), wireless LAN (wireless LNA; wireless local area network), Bluetooth ( bluetooth), bluetooth low energy (BLE), and near field communications (NFC).

According to one embodiment, the communication interface 470 may connect a communication link with at least one external device for providing a print service. In this case, the processor 410 may determine that the external device to which the communication link is connected through the communication interface 470 is coupled with the electronic device 400 for the print service.

According to one embodiment, the processor 410 shown in FIG. 4 may provide at least some functions of the print service provided by the print management module 430 .

5A to 5C illustrate configurations of electronic devices for controlling printing according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 5A , an electronic device 500 may be composed of one body 502 . For example, the electronic device 500 may include a display 504 displaying information related to a print service on one side of the body 502 .

According to one embodiment, the body 502 of the electronic device 500 may include a device coupler 506 to which an external device for printing service is connected. For example, the body 502 of the electronic device 500 may include device couplers 506 for physical coupling with the external device on upper and lower sides to be coupled with the external device in a vertical structure.

According to an embodiment, the body 502 of the electronic device 500 may include a paper inlet 508 for inputting printing paper and a paper outlet (not shown) for discharging printing paper.

According to one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5B , when an external device for printing service is not coupled, the electronic device 500 prints content information on printing paper input through the paper inlet 508 and discharges it through the paper outlet. can do. For example, the electronic device 500 may print content information on printing paper based on a basic printing function (eg, text printing, image printing) provided by the electronic device 500 .

According to one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5C, when the external device 510 for print service is coupled, the electronic device 500 has a paper inlet to correspond to a print mode that can be provided in conjunction with the external device 510. Content information can be printed on the input printing paper through step 508 and discharged through the paper outlet. For example, when the external device 510 is coupled, the electronic device 500 may transmit content for printing to the external device 510 . The external device 510 may convert the content provided from the electronic device 500 to correspond to the print mode and print it on printing paper. For example, printing paper on which content is printed may be discharged to the outside through a paper outlet of the external device 510 . For example, when the external device 510 is coupled, the electronic device 500 may convert content to be printed to correspond to a print mode provided by the external device 510 and transmit the content to the external device 510 . The external device 510 may print the content provided from the electronic device 500 on printing paper and discharge the contents to the outside through a paper outlet of the external device 510 . For example, when the external device 510 is coupled, the electronic device 500 may print content to be printed on printing paper. The external device 510 may process the printing paper printed by the electronic device 500 to correspond to the printing mode and discharge it to the outside through a paper outlet of the external device 510 .

According to various embodiments, when an external device is not coupled to the electronic device 400, a print service may be limited. In this case, the electronic device 400 may omit a paper inlet 508 and a paper outlet for inserting and discharging printing paper in the configuration of the electronic device as shown in FIG. 5A.

6 is a flowchart for controlling printing using at least one external device in an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In the following description, the electronic device may include the electronic device 101 shown in FIG. 1 , the electronic device 201 shown in FIG. 2 , or the electronic device 400 shown in FIG. 4 .

Referring to FIG. 6 , in operation 601, the electronic device may execute a print mode in which at least a portion of content is printed on a medium such as paper under control of the electronic device. For example, the processor 410 may execute an application providing a printing function based on input information detected through the input interface 460 . For example, execution of the print mode may include a situation in which power is applied to an electronic device providing a print function.

In operation 603, the electronic device may check whether an external device supporting a print function is connected. For example, the processor 410 may determine whether an external device supporting a print function exists among at least one external device connected through communication through the communication interface 470 . For example, the processor 410 may determine whether an external device supporting a print function is coupled with the electronic device 400 based on the sensor value collected by the connection interface 420 . For example, the connection interface 420 may determine whether an external device is coupled using at least one of a magnetic sensor, a pressure sensor, and a proximity sensor. For example, the connection interface 420 may determine whether or not the external device is coupled by checking whether or not noise generated by connection with the external device is detected through a noise sensor (eg, a microphone, etc.).

In operation 605, the electronic device may determine a print mode based on the external device when an external device supporting a print function is connected to the electronic device. For example, the processor 410 may determine a print mode for providing a print service in the electronic device based on the attributes of the external device and connection state information of the external device. For example, the processor 410 may detect at least one print mode supported by the electronic device based on the attributes of the external device and connection state information of the external device. The processor 410 may determine one print mode selected by a user input from among at least one print mode supportable by the electronic device as a print mode for providing a print service. For example, the processor 410 may obtain attributes of the external device based on identification information of the external device.

In operation 607, the electronic device may control the content printing service by controlling the external device to correspond to the printing mode. For example, when at least one external device is coupled through the connection interface 420, the processor 410 may transmit content to be printed to the external device corresponding to the print mode. If a plurality of external devices are linked based on the print mode determined in operation 605, the processor 410 outputs content for printing to the first external device closest to the electronic device 400 based on the connection order of the external devices. can transmit. Accordingly, the external device can convert the content provided from the electronic device 400 to correspond to the print mode and print it on printing paper. For example, when at least one external device is coupled through the connection interface 420, the processor 410 may convert content for printing to correspond to a print mode and transmit the converted content to the external device. Accordingly, the external device may print the converted content provided from the electronic device 400 on printing paper and discharge it to the outside. For example, when at least one external device is coupled through the connection interface 420, the processor 410 may print content to be printed on printing paper. In this case, the external device may process the printing paper printed by the electronic device 400 to correspond to the printing mode and discharge it to the outside.

According to one embodiment, when an external device for a print service is not coupled, the electronic device prints content information on printing paper based on a basic printing function (eg, text printing, image printing) provided by the electronic device to externally can be output as

7 is a flowchart for determining a print mode corresponding to an external device in an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. 8 illustrates a configuration for transmitting identification information of an external device according to various embodiments of the present invention. The following description will explain the operation of determining the print mode in operation 605 of FIG. 6 using FIG. 8 . In the following description, the electronic device may include the electronic device 101 shown in FIG. 1 , the electronic device 201 shown in FIG. 2 , or the electronic device 400 shown in FIG. 4 .

Referring to FIG. 7 , in operation 701, the electronic device may check identification information of the external device if there is an external device functionally or physically connected to the electronic device (operation 603 of FIG. 6). For example, the processor 410 may receive identification information of a corresponding external device from at least one external device coupled to the electronic device 400 through the connection interface 420 . For example, the processor 410 may identify an external device based on a sensor value for determining connection of the external device through the connection interface 420 . For example, the processor 410 may identify the type of external device based on a magnetic sensor value obtained through a magnetic sensor. For example, the processor 410 may identify the type of external device based on the type of electrical terminal to which the external device is in contact.

In operation 703, the electronic device may check connection state information with the external device. For example, the connection state information with the external device may check the position of the electronic device to which the external device is coupled and the connection order of the external device. For example, the processor 410 may check the connection order of external devices based on the order in which the connection with the electronic device 400 is detected through the connection interface 420 . For example, the processor 410 may check the connection order of external devices based on the identification information received from the external devices. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8 , when a plurality of external devices are connected to the electronic device 400, the external devices may sequentially generate packets containing identification information of the external devices and transmit the packets to the electronic device. For example, when a plurality of sub-output devices 810, 820, and 830 are connected to an electronic device (main output device 800), each sub-output device 810, 820, or 830 includes its own identification information. packets may be transmitted to the electronic device. If the sub output device 3 (830) is connected to an electronic device (main output device 800) through the sub output device 2 (820), the sub output device 2 (820) is connected to the sub output device 3 (830). A packet including identification information (ID (#3)) of the output device 3 (830) may be received. The sub output device 2 (820) sequentially sends the identification information (ID (#2)) of the sub output device 2 (820) to the packet including the identification information (ID (#3)) of the sub output device 3 (830). It can be inserted and transmitted to an electronic device. Accordingly, the electronic device (the main output device 800) can check the connection order of the external devices based on the identification information included in the packet from the external devices.

In operation 705, the electronic device may determine a print mode for providing a print service based on at least one of identification information of the external device and connection state information of the external device. For example, the processor 410 may determine a print mode for providing a print service based on at least one of a property (type) of the external device corresponding to identification information of the external device and connection state information of the external device.

9A to 9D illustrate configurations for providing various print modes to correspond to connection states of external devices according to various embodiments of the present invention. The following description will describe an operation of providing a print mode corresponding to the properties and connection state information of the external device in the electronic device, like operations 701 to 705 of FIG. 7 .

Referring to FIG. 9A , the electronic device 900 may operate in a fax transmission mode when a scanning device (scanner) 910 is coupled to the top and a communication device 920 is coupled to the bottom. For example, the electronic device 900 may control content scanned through the upper scan device 910 to be externally transmitted through the lower communication device 920 . At this time, the electronic device 900 may display the user interface 902 for the fax transmission function on the display. For example, the user interface 902 for a fax transmission function may include at least one of fax transmission status information and a control menu of a fax transmission mode.

Referring to FIG. 9B , when the communication device 920 is coupled to the top, the electronic device 900 may operate in a fax reception mode. For example, the electronic device 900 may print the content received through the upper communication device 920 on printing paper and output the content to the outside. At this time, the electronic device 900 may display the user interface 904 for the fax receiving function on the display. For example, the user interface 904 for a fax reception function may include at least one of fax reception status information and a control menu for a fax reception mode.

Referring to FIG. 9C , when a card reader 930 and a point of sales (POS) 940 are sequentially coupled at the top, the electronic device 900 may provide a POS function combined with a receipt printing function. For example, the electronic device 900 may scan card information for payment through the card reader 930 coupled to the top and pay for the purchased product through the POS 940 . The electronic device 900 may print a receipt of a purchased item for which payment has been made using the card reader 930 and the POS 940 on printing paper and output the output to the outside. At this time, the electronic device 900 may display the user interface 906 for the POS function on the display. For example, the user interface 906 for the POS function may include at least one of payment status information and a control menu of the POS function.

Referring to FIG. 9D , the electronic device 900 may provide a Polaroid camera function when a camera device 950 is coupled to the top and a Polaroid device 960 is coupled to the bottom. For example, the electronic device 900 converts an image captured through the camera device 950 at the top into a Polaroid form through the Polaroid device 960 at the bottom, and prints it on printing paper (eg, Polaroid printing paper) to externally It can be controlled to output as . At this time, the electronic device 900 may display the user interface 908 for the camera function on the display. For example, the user interface 908 for a camera function may include at least one of an image acquired through the camera device 950 and a camera control menu.

10 is a flowchart for selecting a print mode using a print list supportable by an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. 11A to 11D illustrate screen configurations for selecting a print mode using a print list supportable by an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The following description will explain the operation of determining the print mode in operation 605 of FIG. 6 using FIGS. 11A to 11D. In the following description, the electronic device may include the electronic device 101 shown in FIG. 1 , the electronic device 201 shown in FIG. 2 , or the electronic device 400 shown in FIG. 4 .

Referring to FIG. 10 , in operation 1001, when an external device functionally or physically connected to the electronic device exists (operation 603 of FIG. 6), the electronic device may check identification information of the external device. For example, the processor 410 may check identification information of each external device through a packet received from at least one external device coupled to the electronic device 400 through the connection interface 420 .

In operation 1003, the electronic device may check connection state information of the external device to the electronic device. For example, the connection state information with the external device may check the position of the electronic device to which the external device is coupled and the connection order of the external device. For example, the processor 410 may check the connection order of the external devices based on the identification information of the external devices included in the packet received from the external devices.

In operation 1005, the electronic device may determine a print mode list of the electronic device based on at least one of attribute information corresponding to identification information of the external device and connection state information of the external device. For example, the processor 410 may determine at least one print mode supportable by the electronic device 400 based on attribute information and connection state information of at least one external device connected to the electronic device 400 . That is, the processor 410 may detect a print mode corresponding to each combination generated by the electronic device 400 and at least one external device connected to the electronic device 400 .

In operation 1007, the electronic device may output a print mode list of the electronic device to a display. For example, as shown in FIG. 11A , in the electronic device 1100 , a photo printing device (eg, a Polaroid device) 1110 and a music sheet printing device 1120 may be sequentially coupled to each other. The electronic device 1100 may provide a "photo print function", a "music print function", and a "photo print sheet music function" in conjunction with the photo print device 1110 and the sheet music print device 1120. Accordingly, the electronic device 1100 may display a print mode list of the electronic device 1100 including a "photo print function", a "music print function", and a "photo print sheet music function" on the display (1102 ). For example, the electronic device 1100 may display information on an external device connected to the electronic device 1100 as a print mode list on the display as shown in FIG. 11B (1104).

In operation 1009, the electronic device checks whether a selection input for the print mode list of the electronic device output on the display is detected. For example, the processor 410 checks whether a touch input corresponding to the print mode list 1102 displayed on the display 440 is detected through the input interface 460 (eg, a touch panel).

In operation 1011, the electronic device may select a print mode corresponding to the selection input from the print mode list of the electronic device when a selection input for the print mode list of the electronic device outputted on the display is detected. In this case, the electronic device may determine a print mode corresponding to the selection input as a print mode for providing a print service.

According to one embodiment, the electronic device may output a user interface to the display to control an external device functionally or physically connected to the electronic device. For example, when a device setting event occurs, the electronic device 1100 may display a list of devices controllable by the electronic device 1100 on the display as shown in FIG. 11C (1106). When the electronic device 1100 detects a selection input for “sub device #1” from the device list, it may display a menu for device setting of sub device #1 on the display as shown in FIG. 11D (1108). The electronic device may control the sub device #1 based on the menu for setting the device of the sub device #1.

12 is a flowchart for controlling an external device to correspond to a print mode in an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The following description describes the operation of controlling the print service in operation 607 of FIG. 6 . In the following description, the electronic device may include the electronic device 101 shown in FIG. 1 , the electronic device 201 shown in FIG. 2 , or the electronic device 400 shown in FIG. 4 .

Referring to FIG. 12 , in operation 1201, the electronic device may determine whether to perform printing corresponding to the print mode of the electronic device. For example, the processor 410 may check whether an input for “printing” is detected through the input interface 460 . For example, the processor 410 may check whether a control signal for “printing” is received through the communication interface 470 .

In operation 1203, when it is determined that printing is to be performed, the electronic device may check content to be printed on printing paper. For example, the processor 410 may extract data (eg, documents or images) for printing from among data stored in the electronic device 400 . For example, the processor 410 may receive data (eg, documents or images) for printing through the communication interface 470 .

In operation 1205, the electronic device may convert content to correspond to the print mode. For example, when the score print mode is selected (eg, operation 605 of FIG. 6 ), the processor 410 may convert content (eg, a music file) into a score. For example, when the Polaroid print mode is selected (eg, operation 605 of FIG. 6 ), the processor 410 may convert content (eg, a photo file) into Polaroid film. For example, when the braille printing mode is selected (eg, operation 605 of FIG. 6 ), the processor 410 may convert content (eg, a document) into a braille form.

In operation 1207, the electronic device may transmit the content converted to correspond to the print mode to an external device for a print service. For example, when a plurality of external devices are connected to the electronic device 400, the processor 410 may transmit content converted to correspond to the print mode from at least one external device corresponding to the print mode. For example, the processor 410 may control an external device not used for a print service to be switched to an inactive state based on a print mode.

According to one embodiment, the external device may print the content converted to correspond to the print mode provided from the electronic device on printing paper and discharge it to the outside. Additionally, the external device may process the printing paper to correspond to the printing mode and discharge it to the outside. For example, processing the printing paper may include physical changes to the printing paper, such as cutting and coding the printing paper.

According to one embodiment, the electronic device may convert content to correspond to the print mode using an external device corresponding to the print mode. For example, the processor 410 may transmit content for printing to an external device corresponding to a print mode among at least one external device through the connection interface 420 . Accordingly, the external device can convert the content provided from the electronic device 400 to correspond to the print mode and print it on printing paper.

13A and 13B illustrate configurations for controlling an external device to correspond to a print mode in an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The following description describes an operation of printing content according to the control of the electronic device, like operations 1201 to 1207 of FIG. 12 .

According to one embodiment, the electronic device 1300 has a storage medium 1310 coupled to the top, a sheet music printer (eg, a sheet music printing device) 1320 and a photo printer (eg, a photo printing device) 1330 at the bottom. can be sequentially combined. The electronic device 1300 interworks with the sheet music printer 1320 and the photo printer 1330 to transfer data stored in the storage medium 1310 among "photo print function", "music print function" and "photo print sheet music function". You can print with either function.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device 1300 may convert music content stored in the storage medium 1310 into a sheet music form when a “music print function” is selected for the print service. The electronic device 1300 transmits the music content converted into a sheet music form to the sheet music printer 1320 and can control to print the content in the form of a sheet music on printing paper. As shown in FIG. 13A , the music score printer 1320 may print the content in the form of music provided from the electronic device 1300 on printing paper and discharge the contents to the outside (1340).

According to one embodiment, the electronic device 1300 may transmit music contents stored in the storage medium 1310 to the sheet music printer 1320 when a “music print function” is selected for the print service. Accordingly, the sheet music printer 1320 may convert the music content into a sheet music form and print it on printing paper. As shown in FIG. 13A, the music score printer 1320 may discharge the printing paper on which the content in the form of music score is printed to the outside (1340).

According to an embodiment, the electronic device 1300 may transmit the music contents stored in the storage medium 1310 to the sheet music printer 1320 when a “photo print sheet music function” is selected for the print service. The sheet music printer 1320 may convert music content into a sheet music form and transmit it to the photo printer 1330 . The photo printer 1330 may convert content in the form of a musical score into a photo form and print it on printing paper. As shown in FIG. 13B, the photo printer 1330 may output sheet music printed in the form of a photo to the outside (1350).

14 is a flowchart for providing a print mode list corresponding to an external device in an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. 15A to 15E illustrate screen configurations for providing a print mode list corresponding to an external device in an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The following description describes an operation of providing print guide information using FIGS. 15A to 15E. In the following description, the electronic device may include the electronic device 101 shown in FIG. 1 , the electronic device 201 shown in FIG. 2 , or the electronic device 400 shown in FIG. 4 .

Referring to FIG. 14 , in operation 1401, the electronic device may determine whether an external device supporting a print function is connected. For example, the processor 410 may determine whether communication is connected with at least one external device supporting a print function through the communication interface 470 . For example, the processor 410 may check whether at least one external device coupled to the electronic device 400 exists through the connection interface 420 . For example, the processor 410 may determine whether a connection sound of an external device is detected through a noise sensor.

In operation 1403, the electronic device may determine a printable list interoperable with the external device when at least one external device supporting a print function is connected to the electronic device. For example, the processor 410 may perform at least one information provided by the electronic device 400 through interworking with at least one external device based on attribute information and connection state information of at least one external device connected to the electronic device 400 . One print mode can be determined. For example, the processor 410 may extract all print modes corresponding to at least one external device connected to the electronic device 400 from a table stored in the memory 450 .

In operation 1405, the electronic device may output a printable list of the electronic device to the display. For example, the electronic device 1500 may have a scan device 1510 coupled to the lower end as shown in FIG. 15A. As shown in FIG. 15B , the electronic device 1500 may display a printable list 1520 corresponding to the scan device 1510 coupled to the bottom on the display. For example, the printable list 1520 may include function information 1520 that can be provided by the scan device 1510 and recommended function information 1522 that can be linked with the scan device 1510 . Additionally, the purchase icon 1524 in the recommendation function information 1522 that can be linked with the scan device 1510 of the electronic device 1500 may be linked to a device purchase site of the corresponding recommendation function. Accordingly, when the selection input of the purchase icon 1524 is detected, the electronic device 1500 may display the device purchase site of the corresponding recommendation function on the display. For example, when the electronic device 1500 has the scan device 1510 coupled to the bottom as shown in FIG. 15A, the printable list 1530 corresponding to the scan device 1510 coupled to the bottom as shown in FIG. 15C can be displayed on the display. For example, the printable list 1530 may set different graphic elements so that function information that can be provided by the scan device 1510 and recommended function information that can be interlocked with the scan device 1510 are distinguished. Here, the graphic element may include components for displaying an object on a display, such as color, shade, and illuminance.

In operation 1407, the electronic device checks whether a selection input for the printable list of the electronic device output on the display is detected. For example, the processor 410 determines whether a touch input corresponding to the printable list 1102 displayed on the display 440 is detected through the input interface 460 (eg, a touch panel).

When a selection input for the printable list of the electronic device outputted on the display is detected, in operation 1409, the electronic device may determine whether a print mode corresponding to the selection input from the printable list of the electronic device can be used. For example, the processor 410 may determine whether a print mode corresponding to a selection input can be provided through an external device connected to the electronic device 400 .

In operation 1411, when the print mode corresponding to the selection input from the printable list of the electronic device can be used, the electronic device may determine the print mode corresponding to the selection input as a print mode for providing a print service.

In operation 1413, the electronic device may output guide information on a print mode corresponding to the selection input when the print mode corresponding to the selection input is unavailable from among the printable list of the electronic device. For example, when “CUT”, which is a recommended function that can be interlocked with the scan device 1510, is selected in FIG. 15C, the processor 410 may display an example screen using the “CUT” function on the display as shown in FIG. 15D (1540). ). For example, when "CUT", which is a recommended function that can be interlocked with the scan device 1510, is selected in FIG. 15C, the processor 410 requires additional coupling of the "CUTTER" device to perform the "CUT" function as shown in FIG. 15E. A guide message may be displayed on the display (1550).

According to one embodiment, when the electronic device displays a purchase icon 1524 for recommendation function information 1522 that can be interlocked with the scan device 1510 as shown in FIG. 15B, the recommended function information for which a previous purchase history exists For this, the display of the purchase icon 1524 can be restricted.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device may receive attribute information of a corresponding external device from at least one external device functionally or physically connected to the electronic device.

The term "module" used in this document may refer to a unit including one or a combination of two or more of, for example, hardware, software, or firmware. “Module” may be used interchangeably with terms such as, for example, unit, logic, logical block, component, or circuit. A “module” may be a minimum unit or part of an integrally formed part. A “module” may be a minimal unit or part thereof that performs one or more functions. A “module” may be implemented mechanically or electronically. For example, a "module" is any known or future developed application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chip, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or programmable-logic device that performs certain operations. may contain at least one.

At least some of the devices (eg, modules or functions thereof) or methods (eg, operations) according to various embodiments may be stored on computer-readable storage media in the form of, for example, program modules. It can be implemented as a command stored in . When a command is executed by a processor (eg, the processor 120), one or more processors may perform a function corresponding to the command. The computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, the memory 130 .

Computer-readable recording media include hard disks, floppy disks, magnetic media (eg magnetic tape), optical media (eg CD-ROM (compact disc read only memory), DVD ( digital versatile disc), magneto-optical media (such as floptical disk), hardware devices (such as read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), or flash memory, etc.) ), etc. In addition, the program command may include not only machine code generated by a compiler, but also high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc. The above-described hardware device may include various It may be configured to act as one or more software modules to perform the operations of an embodiment, and vice versa.

A module or program module according to various embodiments may include at least one or more of the aforementioned components, some may be omitted, or additional other components may be included. Operations performed by modules, program modules, or other components according to various embodiments may be executed in a sequential, parallel, repetitive, or heuristic manner. Also, some actions may be performed in a different order, omitted, or other actions may be added. In addition, the embodiments disclosed in this document are presented for explanation and understanding of the disclosed technical content, and do not limit the scope of the technology described in this document. Therefore, the scope of this document should be construed as including all changes or various other embodiments based on the technical idea of this document.

And the embodiments disclosed in this document are presented for explanation and understanding of the disclosed technical content, and do not limit the scope of various embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of various embodiments of the present invention should be construed as including all changes or various other embodiments based on the technical spirit of various embodiments of the present invention.

Claims (20)

in electronic devices,
connection interface; and
contains a processor;
the processor,
A property and a connection state of at least one external device connected through the connection interface are checked, the property of the external device includes a type of the at least one external device, and the connection state determines whether the at least one external device is connected to the at least one external device. Including the position coupled to the electronic device and the order of coupling of the external device,
At least one print mode supportable by the electronic device is determined based on the type of the at least one external device, a coupled position of the external device in the electronic device, and a coupling order of the external device, and the at least one printing mode is determined. The mode corresponds to the format in which the content will be printed on the printed matter;
identify data containing content for printing;
Converting the identified data based on any one of the at least one print mode;
set to control at least one external device to print the content based on the converted data;
The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein an order in which the external devices are coupled corresponds to an order in which the external devices are arranged in a state in which the electronic device and the external devices are coupled.
delete According to claim 1,
The processor receives identification information of a corresponding external device from the at least one external device;
An electronic device configured to detect a type of an external device corresponding to the identification information of the external device.
According to claim 1,
further comprising a display;
the processor,
An electronic device configured to display at least one print mode supported by the electronic device through the display.
According to claim 1,
The connection interface is configured to recognize physical coupling of the external device using at least one of at least one sensor and an electrical terminal.
in electronic devices,
display;
connection interface; and
contains a processor;
the processor,
When the connection of at least one external device is detected through the connection interface, properties and a connection state of the at least one external device are checked, the property of the external device includes a type of the at least one external device, The connection state includes a position at which the at least one external device is coupled to the electronic device and a coupling sequence of the external devices,
determine at least one print mode interoperable with the external device based on the type of the at least one external device, a coupled position of the external device in the electronic device, and a coupling order of the external device; The mode corresponds to the format in which the content will be printed on the printed matter;
set to display the at least one print mode information through the display;
The at least one print mode interoperable with the external device includes at least one print mode that can be supported through the external device and at least one print mode that can be supported through the external device only when another external device is additionally connected, and ,
The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein an order in which the external devices are coupled corresponds to an order in which the external devices are arranged in a state in which the electronic device and the external devices are coupled.
delete According to claim 6,
The processor receives identification information of a corresponding external device from the at least one external device;
An electronic device configured to detect a type of an external device corresponding to the identification information of the external device.
According to claim 6,
The connection interface is configured to recognize physical coupling of the external device using at least one of at least one sensor and an electrical terminal.
In the method of operating an electronic device,
checking properties and a connection state of at least one external device connected to the electronic device;
determining at least one print mode supportable by the electronic device based on the type of the at least one external device, a position where the external device is coupled to the electronic device, and an order in which the external device is coupled; and
identifying data including content to be printed, and converting the identified data based on one of the at least one print mode;
Controlling at least one external device to print the content based on the converted data;
The property of the external device includes a type of the at least one external device, and the connection state includes a location where the at least one external device is coupled to the electronic device and a coupling order of the external devices,
The at least one print mode corresponds to a format in which content is to be printed on a printed matter;
The coupling order of the external devices corresponds to the arrangement order of each of the external devices in a state in which the electronic device and the external devices are coupled.
delete According to claim 10,
The type of the external device is determined based on identification information of the external device received from the at least one external device.
◈Claim 13 was abandoned when the registration fee was paid.◈ According to claim 10,
The method further comprising displaying at least one print mode supportable by the electronic device on a display of the electronic device.
◈Claim 14 was abandoned when the registration fee was paid.◈ According to claim 10
The method further comprising determining whether the at least one external device is connected using at least one of the at least one sensor and the electrical terminal.
In the method of operating an electronic device,
When a connection of at least one external device is detected, an operation of checking properties and a connection state of the at least one external device,
determining at least one print mode interoperable with the external device based on the type of the at least one external device, a coupled position of the external device in the electronic device, and a coupling order of the external device; at least one print mode corresponds to a format in which the content will be printed on the printed matter;
An operation of displaying the at least one print mode information;
The at least one print mode interoperable with the external device includes at least one print mode that can be supported through the external device and at least one print mode that can be supported through the external device only when another external device is additionally connected, and ,
The property of the external device includes a type of the at least one external device, and the connection state includes a location where the at least one external device is coupled to the electronic device and a coupling order of the external devices,
The coupling order of the external devices corresponds to the arrangement order of each of the external devices in a state in which the electronic device and the external devices are coupled.
delete ◈Claim 17 was abandoned when the registration fee was paid.◈ According to claim 15,
The type of the external device is determined based on identification information of the external device received from the at least one external device.
◈Claim 18 was abandoned when the registration fee was paid.◈ According to claim 15,
The method further comprising determining whether the at least one external device is connected using at least one of the at least one sensor and the electrical terminal. delete delete

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