WO2022158787A1

WO2022158787A1 - Electronic device, and method for switching communication link with external audio devices

Info

Publication number: WO2022158787A1
Application number: PCT/KR2022/000585
Authority: WO
Inventors: 이욱호; 남장현
Original assignee: 삼성전자 주식회사
Priority date: 2021-01-19
Filing date: 2022-01-12
Publication date: 2022-07-28
Also published as: KR20220104898A

Abstract

According to various embodiments, an electronic device comprises a communication module and a processor, wherein the processor forms a first data transmission link with a first audio device through the communication module in response to a Bluetooth connection request for external audio devices including the first audio device and a second audio device, forms a second data transmission link with the second audio device, transmits a first type audio signal to the first audio device through the first data transmission link in relation to an audio function, transmits a second type audio signal to the second audio device through the second data transmission link, determines the connection state and communication quality of each link on the basis of communication network information related to the first data transmission link or the second data transmission link, releases, in response to satisfying a network configuration change condition according to the determination result, the connection of the second data transmission link of which the connection state and communication quality have deteriorated, and changes a communication parameter of the first data transmission link to control that the first type audio signal and the second type audio signal are transmitted to the first audio device through the first data transmission link.

Description

How to switch communication links with electronic devices and external audio devices

Various embodiments relate to a method of switching a communication link with an electronic device and an external audio device.

The electronic device may be connected to an external audio device through short-range wireless communication (eg, Bluetooth communication).

The topology of the network link between Bluetooth electronic devices is one chipset type (eg one bluetooth chipset base), two independent chipset types (eg two bluetooth chipset base separated into primary/secondary devices), or N independent Although they are separated into devices, they may have a form that operates as a single chipset.

Among them, it is divided into N independent devices, but in the form of operating as one chipset, the first device (right device) forms a first link with the source device, and the second device (left device) has an independent source device A communication method for forming a second link (eg, Audio over BLE (AoBLE), dual audio), one of the first device and the second device forms a first link with the source device, and the other forms the first link While monitoring, it may be operated in a communication method (eg, true wireless stereo (TWS)) for forming another second link between the first device and the second device.

Although it is divided into N independent devices, when an electronic device (or a source device) and an external device provide data by forming an independent link in a Bluetooth network environment operated by a single chipset, each external device is a different external device. It may not be able to recognize a change in the state of the device or a change in the wireless environment. For this reason, it is difficult to respond in real time to changes between independent external devices operating with a single chipset, and thus it may not be possible to provide services of the same quality to each external electronic device.

For example, when the user listens to music through independent links of the first device and the second device, in some cases, the reception quality is deteriorated only in the first device, so that the link quality to the first device is deteriorated, and furthermore, music There may be situations where this doesn't happen at all.

According to various embodiments, the communication link between the electronic device and the external devices is established in consideration of the state of each link in a Bluetooth network environment in which independent external devices and electronic devices that operate as a single chipset form multiple links to provide data services. It is possible to provide a way to variably switch.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device includes a communication module and a processor, wherein the processor responds to a Bluetooth connection request with an external audio device including a first audio device and a second audio device, and the communication module form a first data transmission link with a first audio device through transmit to a first audio device, transmit a second type audio signal to the second audio device through the second data transmission link, and transmit communication network information related to the first data transmission link or the second data transmission link determines the connection state and communication quality of each link based on the determination result, and releases the connection of the second data transmission link in which the connection state and communication quality is deteriorated in response to satisfying the network configuration change condition as a result of the determination, and the first data By changing a communication parameter of a transmission link, the first type audio signal and the second type audio signal may be controlled to be transmitted to the first audio device through the first data transmission link.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device includes a communication module and a processor, wherein the processor performs independent communication with the N independent devices in response to a Bluetooth communication connection request with an external audio device including the N independent devices. Connect to the external audio device based on a first network configuration method for forming a link, and determine the connection state and communication quality of each link based on communication network information related to the independent communication link formed with the N independent devices, In response to satisfying the network configuration change condition, change the communication parameter of any one of the N independent devices capable of communication in order to switch to a second network configuration manner in which only one of the N independent devices forms a communication link, and , it is possible to control to release the connection of the communication link whose connection state and communication quality have deteriorated.

Various embodiments provide a data service by switching to a communication link of a different network configuration method when a change in a connection state or an operation element for any one link is necessary in a Bluetooth network environment in which an electronic device and an external device form an independent communication link. can provide

Various embodiments change the link connection configuration (or topology) according to the state of an independent communication link between the electronic device and the external devices, so that even if the communication situation of one of the external devices is bad, the communication status is good from the other. By acquiring data normally, data can be provided without interruption.

1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to an exemplary embodiment.

2 is a block diagram of an electronic device and an external device according to an exemplary embodiment.

3 is a diagram illustrating a network configuration method between an electronic device and an external device according to an exemplary embodiment.

4 illustrates a method of switching a communication link between an electronic device and an external device according to an exemplary embodiment.

5 illustrates a method of switching a communication link with an external device in an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment.

6 illustrates a method of switching a communication link with an electronic device in an external device according to an embodiment.

The electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may have various types of devices. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (eg, a smart phone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance device. The electronic device according to the embodiment of the present document is not limited to the above-described devices.

1 is a block diagram of an electronic device 101 in a network environment 100 according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 1 , in a network environment 100 , the electronic device 101 communicates with the electronic device 102 through a first network 198 (eg, a short-range wireless communication network) or a second network 199 . It may communicate with the electronic device 104 or the server 108 through (eg, a long-distance wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may communicate with the electronic device 104 through the server 108 . According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 includes a processor 120 , a memory 130 , an input module 150 , a sound output module 155 , a display module 160 , an audio module 170 , and a sensor module ( 176), interface 177, connection terminal 178, haptic module 179, camera module 180, power management module 188, battery 189, communication module 190, subscriber identification module 196 , or an antenna module 197 . In some embodiments, at least one of these components (eg, the connection terminal 178 ) may be omitted or one or more other components may be added to the electronic device 101 . In some embodiments, some of these components (eg, sensor module 176 , camera module 180 , or antenna module 197 ) are integrated into one component (eg, display module 160 ). can be

The processor 120, for example, executes software (eg, a program 140) to execute at least one other component (eg, a hardware or software component) of the electronic device 101 connected to the processor 120. It can control and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of data processing or operation, the processor 120 converts commands or data received from other components (eg, the sensor module 176 or the communication module 190 ) to the volatile memory 132 . may be stored in , process commands or data stored in the volatile memory 132 , and store the result data in the non-volatile memory 134 . According to an embodiment, the processor 120 is a main processor 121 (eg, a central processing unit or an application processor) or a secondary processor 123 (eg, a graphic processing unit, a neural network processing unit) a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor). For example, when the electronic device 101 includes the main processor 121 and the sub-processor 123 , the sub-processor 123 uses less power than the main processor 121 or is set to be specialized for a specified function. can The auxiliary processor 123 may be implemented separately from or as a part of the main processor 121 .

The secondary processor 123 may, for example, act on behalf of the main processor 121 while the main processor 121 is in an inactive (eg, sleep) state, or when the main processor 121 is active (eg, executing an application). ), together with the main processor 121, at least one of the components of the electronic device 101 (eg, the display module 160, the sensor module 176, or the communication module 190) It is possible to control at least some of the related functions or states. According to an embodiment, the coprocessor 123 (eg, an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another functionally related component (eg, the camera module 180 or the communication module 190). have. According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor 123 (eg, a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing an artificial intelligence model. Artificial intelligence models can be created through machine learning. Such learning may be performed, for example, in the electronic device 101 itself on which artificial intelligence is performed, or may be performed through a separate server (eg, the server 108). The learning algorithm may include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but in the above example not limited The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers. Artificial neural networks include deep neural networks (DNNs), convolutional neural networks (CNNs), recurrent neural networks (RNNs), restricted boltzmann machines (RBMs), deep belief networks (DBNs), bidirectional recurrent deep neural networks (BRDNNs), It may be one of deep Q-networks or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the above example. The artificial intelligence model may include, in addition to, or alternatively, a software structure in addition to the hardware structure.

The memory 130 may store various data used by at least one component (eg, the processor 120 or the sensor module 176 ) of the electronic device 101 . The data may include, for example, input data or output data for software (eg, the program 140 ) and instructions related thereto. The memory 130 may include a volatile memory 132 or a non-volatile memory 134 .

The program 140 may be stored as software in the memory 130 , and may include, for example, an operating system 142 , middleware 144 , or an application 146 .

The input module 150 may receive a command or data to be used by a component (eg, the processor 120 ) of the electronic device 101 from the outside (eg, a user) of the electronic device 101 . The input module 150 may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (eg, a button), or a digital pen (eg, a stylus pen).

The sound output module 155 may output a sound signal to the outside of the electronic device 101 . The sound output module 155 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. According to one embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from or as part of the speaker.

The display module 160 may visually provide information to the outside (eg, a user) of the electronic device 101 . The display module 160 may include, for example, a control circuit for controlling a display, a hologram device, or a projector and a corresponding device. According to an embodiment, the display module 160 may include a touch sensor configured to sense a touch or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

The audio module 170 may convert a sound into an electric signal or, conversely, convert an electric signal into a sound. According to an embodiment, the audio module 170 acquires a sound through the input module 150 or an external electronic device (eg, a sound output module 155 ) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device 101 . The electronic device 102) (eg, a speaker or headphones) may output a sound.

The sensor module 176 detects an operating state (eg, power or temperature) of the electronic device 101 or an external environmental state (eg, a user state), and generates an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the sensed state. can do. According to an embodiment, the sensor module 176 may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, It may include a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

The interface 177 may support one or more specified protocols that may be used by the electronic device 101 to directly or wirelessly connect with an external electronic device (eg, the electronic device 102 ). According to an embodiment, the interface 177 may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

The connection terminal 178 may include a connector through which the electronic device 101 can be physically connected to an external electronic device (eg, the electronic device 102 ). According to an embodiment, the connection terminal 178 may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (eg, a headphone connector).

The haptic module 179 may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (eg, vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus that the user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sense. According to an embodiment, the haptic module 179 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

The camera module 180 may capture still images and moving images. According to an embodiment, the camera module 180 may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

The power management module 188 may manage power supplied to the electronic device 101 . According to an embodiment, the power management module 188 may be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

The battery 189 may supply power to at least one component of the electronic device 101 . According to one embodiment, battery 189 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary cell, a rechargeable secondary cell, or a fuel cell.

The communication module 190 is a direct (eg, wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device 101 and an external electronic device (eg, the electronic device 102, the electronic device 104, or the server 108). It can support establishment and communication performance through the established communication channel. The communication module 190 may include one or more communication processors that operate independently of the processor 120 (eg, an application processor) and support direct (eg, wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module 190 is a wireless communication module 192 (eg, a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module 194 (eg, : It may include a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). A corresponding communication module among these communication modules is a first network 198 (eg, a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network 199 (eg, legacy It may communicate with the external electronic device 104 through a cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (eg, a telecommunication network such as a LAN or a WAN). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into one component (eg, a single chip) or may be implemented as a plurality of components (eg, multiple chips) separate from each other. The wireless communication module 192 uses subscriber information (eg, International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module 196 within a communication network such as the first network 198 or the second network 199 . The electronic device 101 may be identified or authenticated.

The wireless communication module 192 may support a 5G network after a 4G network and a next-generation communication technology, for example, a new radio access technology (NR). NR access technology includes high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and access to multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency) -latency communications)). The wireless communication module 192 may support a high frequency band (eg, mmWave band) to achieve a high data rate, for example. The wireless communication module 192 uses various techniques for securing performance in a high-frequency band, for example, beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), all-dimensional multiplexing. It may support technologies such as full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), an array antenna, analog beam-forming, or a large scale antenna. The wireless communication module 192 may support various requirements defined in the electronic device 101 , an external electronic device (eg, the electronic device 104 ), or a network system (eg, the second network 199 ). According to an embodiment, the wireless communication module 192 may include a peak data rate (eg, 20 Gbps or more) for realizing eMBB, loss coverage (eg, 164 dB or less) for realizing mMTC, or U-plane latency for realizing URLLC ( Example: Downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) each 0.5 ms or less, or round trip 1 ms or less) can be supported.

The antenna module 197 may transmit or receive a signal or power to the outside (eg, an external electronic device). According to an embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include an antenna including a conductor formed on a substrate (eg, a PCB) or a radiator formed of a conductive pattern. According to an embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include a plurality of antennas (eg, an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network such as the first network 198 or the second network 199 is connected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module 190 . can be selected. A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module 190 and an external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. According to some embodiments, other components (eg, a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) other than the radiator may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module 197 .

According to various embodiments, the antenna module 197 may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module comprises a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent to a first side (eg, bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high frequency band (eg, mmWave band); and a plurality of antennas (eg, an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent to a second side (eg, top or side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals of the designated high frequency band. can do.

At least some of the components are connected to each other through a communication method between peripheral devices (eg, a bus, general purpose input and output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)) and a signal ( e.g. commands or data) can be exchanged with each other.

According to an embodiment, the command or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 104 through the server 108 connected to the second network 199 . Each of the external

electronic devices

102 or 104 may be the same as or different from the electronic device 101 . According to an embodiment, all or a part of operations executed in the electronic device 101 may be executed in one or more external

electronic devices

102 , 104 , or 108 . For example, when the electronic device 101 needs to perform a function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or other device, the electronic device 101 may perform the function or service itself instead of executing the function or service itself. Alternatively or additionally, one or more external electronic devices may be requested to perform at least a part of the function or the service. One or more external electronic devices that have received the request may execute at least a part of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit a result of the execution to the electronic device 101 . The electronic device 101 may process the result as it is or additionally and provide it as at least a part of a response to the request. For this purpose, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used. The electronic device 101 may provide an ultra-low latency service using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device 104 may include an Internet of things (IoT) device. The server 108 may be an intelligent server using machine learning and/or neural networks. According to an embodiment, the external electronic device 104 or the server 108 may be included in the second network 199 . The electronic device 101 may be applied to an intelligent service (eg, smart home, smart city, smart car, or health care) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

Referring to FIG. 2 , according to an embodiment, the external device 201 includes

microphones

211 and 221 ,

speakers

212 and 222 ,

communication circuits

213 and 223 ,

audio processing circuits

214 and 224 and/or

processors

215 and 225 . can do. Although not shown, the external device 201 further includes sensors (eg, a wear detection sensor, a proximity sensor, a biometric sensor, a grip sensor, a temperature sensor, a gyro sensor, or a geomagnetic sensor), an input device, a memory, and/or a battery. can do.

For example, the external device 201 may include the first device 201a and the second device 201b, but may further include N devices.

The

microphones

211 and 221 may acquire (or acquire) sound from an external (eg, a user or a peripheral device) and transmit it to the

audio processing circuits

214 and 224 . According to an embodiment, the

microphones

211 and 221 may include a plurality of microphones (eg, an outer microphone and an inner microphone), but are not limited thereto.

The

speakers

212 and 222 may output sound converted based on the audio signal obtained through the

microphones

211 and 221 or the

communication circuits

213 and 223 to the outside.

The

communication circuits

213 and 223 may form a communication link with the electronic device (eg, the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 ) and support transmitting/receiving various data, for example, an audio signal, with the Zanji device 101 . The

communication circuits

213 and 223 may support short-range wireless communication. Short-range wireless communication includes Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi), adaptive network topology (ANT+), long term evolution (LTE), 5th generation mobile telecommunication (5G), and/or narrowband (NB-IoT) internet of things). In some embodiments, the

communication circuits

213 and 223 may be connected to an access point (AP) or another network.

According to an embodiment, the external device 201 may be connected to the electronic device 101 in a first network configuration method or in a second network configuration method.

In the case of the first network configuration method, the communication circuit 213 of the first device 210a forms a first communication link (eg, a data transmission link) with the electronic device 101, and through the first communication link, the electronic device and short-distance communication can be performed. The communication circuit 223 of the second device 210b may form a second communication link (eg, a data transmission link) with the electronic device 101 and wirelessly communicate with the electronic device through the second communication link. have. In an embodiment, in the case of the first network configuration method, a third communication link (eg, a synchronization link) is configured between the communication circuit 213 of the first device 201a and the communication circuit 223 of the second device 201b. can form and exchange synchronization information with each other.

In an embodiment, in the case of the second network configuration method, one of the

communication circuits

213 and 223 forms a first communication link (eg, a data transmission link) with the electronic device, and the electronic device 101 through the first communication link. A second communication link (eg, a data transmission link) is formed between the communication circuit 213 of the first device 201a and the communication circuit 223 of the second device 201b while performing wireless communication with the A communication link may communicate with other communication circuitry. In the case of the second network configuration method, the first device 210a connected to the electronic device 101 may provide data transmitted from the electronic device to the second device 210b not connected to the electronic device 101 .

In an embodiment, the

audio processing circuits

214 and 224 may encode the sound acquired through the microphones 311 and 321 , generate an encoded audio signal (or audio packet), and provide it to the

communication circuits

211 and 221 . The

audio processing circuits

214 and 224 may decode audio signals (or audio packets) obtained from the

communication circuits

213 and 223 and provide them to the

speakers

213 and 223 .

According to some embodiments, the

audio processing circuitry

214 , 224 may synchronize sync to control timing for audio playback.

The

processors

215 and 225 may control the overall operation of the external audio device 201 . . The

processors

215 and 225 may control other components (eg, hardware or software components) connected to the

processors

215 and 225 and their operations, and may perform various data processing or operations.

According to an embodiment, the

processors

215 and 225 determine the wearing state of the first device 201a and/or the second device 201b based on sensing information obtained from the sensor and establish a communication connection with the electronic device 101 . can be controlled

According to an embodiment, the

processors

215 and 225 may control the

communication circuits

213 and 223 to transmit and receive voice signals or audio signals (or audio packets) using a communication link.

According to an embodiment, the

processors

215 and 225 may control to switch a link connection configuration with the electronic device 101 and change a communication parameter based on a network configuration change command received from the electronic device 101 . .

According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include a communication module 240 , an audio module 250 , a processor 260 , and/or a memory 270 . The electronic device 101 may further include at least some of the configuration and/or functions of the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 , and may include components overlapping those of FIG. 1 .

The communication module 240 (eg, the communication module 190 of FIG. 1 ) of the electronic device 101 establishes a communication channel with the external audio device 201 , and communicates with the external audio device 201 for various data, for example, audio signals. It can support sending and receiving.

According to an embodiment, the communication module 240 may be connected to the first device 201a through a first communication link, and may be connected to the second device 201b through a second communication link. For example, the communication module 240 may transmit an audio signal (or audio packet) to the second device 201b independently of the first device 201a through the first communication link and the second communication link.

According to another embodiment, the communication module 240 may be connected to one of the first device 201a and the second device 201b through a first communication link. The communication module 240 is the first device 201a. and an audio signal (or an audio packet) to one of the second devices 201b. One device that has received the audio signal from the electronic device 101 may transmit the audio signal to another device.

The audio module 250 may process an audio signal corresponding to an externally acquired sound. The audio module 250 may decode an analog audio signal into a digital audio signal such as pcm (pulse code modulation) data through a codec (eg, a hardware codec) or encode the digital audio signal into an analog audio signal. .

According to an embodiment, the audio module 250 provides a first type audio signal (eg, a first channel signal) to the first device 201a in relation to the audio signal, and provides a second type audio signal (eg, a first channel signal) to the second device 201b. A type audio signal (eg, a second channel signal) may be processed to be provided.

The memory 270 (eg, the memory 130 of FIG. 1 ) may store a program for supporting communication connection with the external audio device 201 through the communication module 240 . The memory 270 may store instructions for performing operations related to components of the electronic device. As another example, the memory 270 may store information related to the external audio device 201 to be paired.

The processor 260 (eg, the processor 120 of FIG. 1 ) may control an overall operation of the electronic device 101 and a signal flow between internal components of the electronic device 101 , and may perform data processing.

According to various embodiments, the processor 260 transmits an audio signal to the external audio device 201 by connecting to the external audio device 201 in a first network configuration method, and in relation to each link connection state or communication quality, the network Based on the occurrence of the configuration change condition, it may be switched to be connected to the external audio device 201 in the second network configuration method. When an audio signal is transmitted to the external audio device 201 connected by the second network configuration method and the first network configuration method is re-connectable, the processor 260 may connect to the first network configuration method.

3 is a diagram illustrating a network configuration method between an electronic device and an external audio device according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the electronic device 301 (eg, the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 ) according to an embodiment and N independent devices operate as if they were one chipset (or a pair of external audio devices). The external audio device that operates as ) 302 (eg, the external audio device 201 of FIG. 2 ) may form a Bluetooth communication network based on the first network configuration method or the second network configuration method. The electronic device 301 may further include at least some of the configuration and/or functions of the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 .

The external audio device 302 is an audio device (eg, an ear wearable device, an ear bud, a true wireless stereo (TWS) device) that operates as if N independent devices are a single chipset, or a plurality of devices. It may include an audio system (eg, Internet of things (IOT) devices) in which two Bluetooth devices work together.

Although illustrated as an ear wearable device operating as a pair in the drawing of FIG. 3 , the present invention is not limited thereto, and the electronic device 301 may additionally form an independent communication link with N independent devices, respectively.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device 301 and the external audio device 302 may be set by default to be connected in the first network configuration method when connecting via Bluetooth.

According to an embodiment, in the case of the first network configuration method, the electronic device 301 may form an independent communication link with the first device 302a and the second device 302b of the external audio device 302 , respectively. The electronic device 301 may form a first data transmission link for data transmission/reception with the first device 302a and may form a second data transmission link with the second device 302b for data transmission/reception. In the first network configuration method, the first device 302a and the second device 302b may form a sync link so that synchronization information can be exchanged with each other. The synchronization link may support the first device 302a and the second device 302b to synchronize with each other.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device 301 acquires link information (eg, BT address, frequency hop synchronization (FHS) packet information, link key information, or serial number), it can be confirmed that the external audio device 302 operates as a pair. In an embodiment, when the electronic device 301 is connected to the external audio device 302 in the first network configuration method, the electronic device 301 transmits an audio signal of the first channel to the first device 302a and the second device 302b to transmit the audio signal of the second channel.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device 301 determines the connection state and/or communication quality of the first data transmission link and the second data transmission link, and when it is determined that any one link is communication impossible, the second network configuration method may decide to switch to

According to an embodiment, in the case of the second network configuration method, the electronic device 301 maintains a first data transmission link connected to the first device 302a and maintains a second data transmission link connected to the second device 302b. can be turned off The electronic device 301 may change a communication parameter corresponding to the second network configuration scheme in relation to the first data transmission link, and instruct the external audio device 302 to switch to the second network configuration scheme. Then, the first device 302a and the second device 302b may switch the synchronization link formed between each other to the third data transmission link, and change the communication parameter according to the link switching. In an embodiment, the second device 302b disconnected from the electronic device 301 may broadcast its own communication context information to the outside.

According to an embodiment, in the case of the second network configuration method, the electronic device 301 maintains a first data transmission link connected to the first device 302a and a second data transmission link connected to the second device 302b. may not be released. In this case, the electronic device 301 may not transmit data through the second data transmission link with the second device 302b.

According to an embodiment, in the second network configuration method, the electronic device 301 transmits both the audio signal of the first channel and the audio signal of the second channel to the first device 302a, and the first device 302a may transmit both the audio signal of the first channel and the audio signal of the second channel to the second device 302b, or transmit only the audio signal of the channel corresponding to the second device 302b.

According to an embodiment, when the first device and the second device are able to communicate, the electronic device 301 connects in the first network configuration method, and then connects one of the first device 302a and the second device 302b. When communication is impossible in any one device, it may be switched to be connected in the second network configuration method. In an embodiment, when the second device 302b is able to communicate based on a signal broadcast from the second device 302b that is not directly connected to the electronic device 301, the electronic device 301 returns to the first network configuration method. It can be switched to be connected. As another example, the electronic device 301 receives information about the communication state of the second device 302b through the first device 302a, and when the second device 302b is able to communicate, the first network again It can be switched to connect in a configurable way.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device 301 and the external audio device 302 automatically switch the network configuration method according to the link condition in the Bluetooth communication environment, so that the audio service executed through the external audio device 302 is not interrupted. You can control it to play.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device 101 includes a communication module (the communication module 192 of FIG. 1 , the communication module 240 of FIG. 2 ) and a processor (the processor 120 of FIG. 1 , the processor 260 of FIG. 2 ). )), wherein the processor forms a first data transmission link with the first audio device through the communication module in response to a Bluetooth connection request with an external audio device including a first audio device and a second audio device and form a second data transmission link with a second audio device, and transmit a first type audio signal to the first audio device through the first data transmission link in relation to an audio function, and the second data transmission link transmits a second type audio signal to the second audio device through As a result of the determination, in response to satisfying the network configuration change condition, the connection of the second data transmission link in which the connection state and communication quality is deteriorated is disconnected, and the first type audio signal and the second type audio signal and the second type are released through the first data transmission link. and control to change a communication parameter of the first data transmission link so that an audio signal is transmitted to the first audio device.

According to an embodiment, in response to satisfying the network configuration change condition, the processor transmits a network configuration change command to the first audio device and the second audio device, wherein the network configuration change command includes: a signal for controlling the synchronization link formed between the first audio device and the second audio device to be switched to a data transmission link and a signal for controlling the second audio device disconnected from the electronic device to broadcast communication status information can do.

According to an embodiment, the processor obtains a broadcasting signal transmitted from a second audio device disconnected from the electronic device, checks a communication quality state of the second audio device, and enables the second audio device to communicate The communication module may be controlled to resume the connection between the second audio device and the second data transmission link based on the condition that the possible range is reached.

According to an embodiment, the first audio device and the second audio device may be linked with the electronic device through one chipset or one audio system.

According to an embodiment, the first type audio signal may be one of a right channel signal and a left channel signal, and the second type audio signal may be the other one of a right channel signal and a left channel signal.

According to an embodiment, the communication network information is information that can be determined based on information obtainable from the electronic device and communication feedback information transmitted from an external audio device, and is received from a received signal strength indication (RSSI) of the audio device and the audio device. Information on the number or rate of ack signals and non-ack signals, retransmission rate of electronic devices, bit error rate (BER), packet error rate (PER), channel quality driven data rate (CQDDR) information of electronic devices, electronic devices It may include at least one of the transmit power (Tx power) of the information.

According to an embodiment, the communication feedback information transmitted from the external audio device includes a received electric field strength measured by the first audio device or the second audio device, a response signal to packet reception (ack), and a clock offset for a link ( clock offset), noise information, and transmit power (Tx power) information measured by the first audio device or the second audio device.

According to an embodiment, the communication parameters are, bitrate (audio bitrate), packet type (packet type), link type (eg, ACL, BLE (Uncoded PHY, Coded PHY)), transmission power (Tx power), audio codec ( audio codec), a sampling rate, and a used channel map.

According to an embodiment, the processor is configured to: When a link that is separated by less than a set threshold range from among the communication network information related to the first data transmission link and the communication network information related to the second data transmission link exists, the network configuration change condition is can be determined to have occurred.

According to an embodiment, the processor is configured to compare the communication network information related to the first data transmission link and the communication network information related to the second data transmission link, and based on a threshold range and an allowable range for the information difference, the information difference When a condition exceeding the allowable range occurs, it may be determined that the network configuration change condition has occurred.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device 101 includes a communication module (the communication module 192 of FIG. 1 , the communication module 240 of FIG. 2 ) and a processor (the processor 120 of FIG. 1 , the processor 260 of FIG. 2 ). ), wherein the processor responds to a Bluetooth communication connection request with an external audio device including N independent devices, based on a first network configuration method for forming independent communication links with N independent devices, respectively. It connects to the audio device, determines the connection state and communication quality of each link based on communication network information related to the independent communication link formed with the N independent devices, and responds to satisfying the network configuration change condition, In order to switch to the second network configuration method in which only one of the devices forms a communication link, the communication parameter of any one of the N independent devices capable of communication is changed, and the connection of the communication link whose connection state and communication quality is deteriorated is changed. You can control it to turn off.

According to various embodiments, the external audio device includes a first audio device including a first communication module and a second audio device including a second communication module, wherein the first audio device and the second audio device are mutually exclusive. 3 are synchronized through a communication link, wherein the first audio device receives an audio signal of a first type through a first communication link with an electronic device, and the second audio device receives a second type audio signal with the electronic device through a second communication link Receive a type 2 audio signal, wherein at least one of the first audio device and the second audio device switches the third communication link into an audio data transmission link based on a network configuration change command received from the electronic device and the first audio device maintained in connection with the electronic device receives the first type audio signal and the second type audio signal from the electronic device, and receives the first type audio signal and the second type audio signal from the electronic device as a second audio device disconnected from the electronic device. All or at least a part of the type audio signal and the second type audio signal may be transmitted.

According to an embodiment, the second audio device disconnected from the electronic device may broadcast information related to its communication status while outputting the audio signal transmitted from the first audio device.

4 illustrates a method of switching a communication link between an electronic device and an external audio device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 4 , according to an embodiment, a first audio device 402a (eg, a first device 201a in FIG. 2 , a first device 302a in FIG. 3 ) and a second audio device 402b ( Example: the external audio device 402 (eg, the external audio device 201 of FIG. 2 , the external audio device of FIG. 3 ) including the second device 201b of FIG. 2 and the second device 302b of FIG. 3 ) In response to the Bluetooth connection request from 302 ), the electronic device 401 (eg, the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 , the electronic device 101 of FIG. 2 , and the electronic device 301 of FIG. 3 ), 410 In operation, a first data transmission link (or a first communication channel) may be formed with the first audio device 402a based on the first network configuration method.

For example, when the electronic device 401 receives an input for communication connection with the external audio device 402 (eg, link connection establishment or Bluetooth connection request), the first audio device 402a based on the Bluetooth communication protocol ) and the first data transmission link may be controlled to form a communication module (eg, the communication module 240 of FIG. 2 ). For example, the first data transmission link may be used to transmit/receive an audio signal (or audio packet) between the electronic device 101 and the first audio device 402a.

Independently or in parallel, in operation 415 , the electronic device 401 responds to a connection request with the external audio device 402 , and communicates with the second audio device 402b and a second data transmission link (or second communication channel). can form.

For example, when the electronic device 401 receives an input for communication connection with the external audio device 402 (eg, link connection establishment or Bluetooth connection request), the electronic device 401 communicates with the first data transmission link based on the Bluetooth communication protocol. The communication module may be controlled to separately form a second data transmission link with the second audio device 402b. For example, the second data transmission link may be used to transmit/receive an audio signal (or audio packet) between the electronic device 101 and the second audio device 402b.

According to an embodiment, when the electronic device 401 is connected to the first audio device 402a or the second audio device 402b, it can be identified as a device including two devices through link information. For example, when the first audio device 402a is assigned to the right channel, the electronic device 401 may determine that the second audio device 402b is a device assigned to the left channel.

In operation 417 , the first audio device 402a and the second audio device 402b connect the first audio device 402a and the second audio device ( 402b) may form a synchronization link between them. In the synchronization link, synchronization information that allows the first audio device 402a and the second audio device 402b to reproduce the same audio in the same time period may be exchanged. For example, the synchronization information may include at least one of slot information, time interval information, and index information, but is not limited thereto.

In operation 420, the electronic device 401 transmits a first type audio signal (or audio packet) related to audio reproduced in response to an audio service execution (eg, a sound source reproduction signal) through a first data transmission link to the first audio device may be forwarded to (402a). The first type audio signal may be, for example, one of a right channel signal and a left channel signal.

The first type audio signal may be output through a speaker of the first audio device 402a.

In operation 425 independently or in parallel, the electronic device 401 transmits a second type audio signal (or audio packet) related to audio reproduced in response to an audio service execution (eg, a sound source reproduction signal) through a second data transmission link. may be transmitted to the second audio device 402b through The second type audio signal may be the other one of a right channel signal and a left channel signal.

The second type audio signal may be output through a speaker of the second audio device 402b.

According to an embodiment, the first audio device 402a and the second audio device 402b may synchronize and output the first type audio signal and the second type audio signal by exchanging synchronization information through a synchronization link. For example, the synchronization link may use at least one of Bluetooth low energy (BLE), near field communication (NFC), or Wifi-direct.

In operation 430 , the first audio device 402a may transmit communication feedback information to the electronic device 401 through the first data transmission link. In operation 435 , the second audio device 402b may transmit communication feedback information to the electronic device 401 through the second data transmission link.

For example, the communication feedback information includes a received electric field strength (RSSI) of an audio device (eg, the first audio device 402a or the second audio device 402b), a response signal to packet reception (ack), and a link. It may include at least one of clock offset, noise information, channel quality driven data rate (CQDDR) information of the audio device, and Tx power information of the audio device, but is not limited thereto.

In operation 440 , the electronic device 401 may determine a link connection state and communication quality in relation to the first data transmission link or the second data transmission link. The electronic device 401 may check whether a network configuration change condition (or topology change condition) is satisfied based on a link connection state and/or communication quality.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device 401 may determine a link connection state and/or channel quality based on communication network information related to the first data transmission link or the second data transmission link. The communication network information may be, for example, information that can be determined based on information obtainable from an electronic device and information transmitted from an external audio device (eg, link information or communication feedback information).

For example, the communication network information includes a received signal strength indication (RSSI) of the audio device, information on the number or ratio of ack signals and non-ack signals received from the audio device, a retransmission rate of the electronic device 401, BER ( It may include at least one of a bit error rate) and a packet error rate (PER). As another example, the communication network information may further include channel quality driven data rate (CQDDR) information or TX power information.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device 401 obtains noise level information of a wireless environment regardless of information received from the external electronic device 402, and based on this, the first data transmission link or the second data transmission link It is also possible to determine a link connection state and communication quality for .

In operation 445 , the electronic device 401 transmits a network configuration change command through the first data transmission link and/or the second data transmission link in response to a network configuration change condition (or topology change condition) being generated. to the device 402a and/or the second audio device 402b.

For example, when it is determined that the communication condition of the second data transmission link is degraded (or impossible), the electronic device 401 determines that the network configuration change condition (or topology change condition) is satisfied, and the second A network configuration change command may be transmitted to the first audio device 402a and/or the second audio device 402b to change the network configuration method.

In operation 450 , the electronic device 401 may release the connection between the second audio device 402b in which the communication status is deteriorated and the formed second data transmission link based on the network configuration change.

In operation 460 , the first audio device 401a and the second audio device 402b synchronize between the first audio device 402a and the second audio device 402b in response to disconnection of the second data transmission link. Links can be converted into data transfer links.

For example, in response to a network configuration change command, the first audio device 402a and the second audio device 402b may convert the synchronization link into a data transmission link form for connection in the second network configuration method. The first audio device 402a and the second audio device 402b may change a communication parameter related to a link in order to switch from a synchronization link to a data transmission link type. For example, the first audio device 402a and the second audio device 402b may modify a portion of a packet to change the audio signal to a format in which it can be exchanged.

In operation 465 , the electronic device 401 may change a communication parameter related to the first data transmission link to switch to the second network configuration method. For example, the electronic device 401 may change the communication parameter related to the first data transmission link so that the first type audio signal and the second type audio signal are transmitted to the first audio device 402a through the first data transmission link. can

For example, communication parameters include bitrate (audio bitrate), packet type (packet type), link type (eg, ACL, BLE (Uncoded PHY, Coded PHY)), transmission power (Tx power), audio codec (audio codec) ), a sampling rate, and at least one of a usable channel map, but is not limited thereto.

In operation 467 , the second audio device 402b from which the communication link with the electronic device 401 has been released may broadcast communication status information after disconnecting from the electronic device 401 .

In an embodiment, the second audio device 402b may broadcast a signal including communication context information at every set time interval. The communication context information may include, for example, received electric field strength (RSSI), noise information, or various information that may guide the network state of the second audio device 402b.

According to an embodiment, the second audio device 402b may use a channel of a link connected to the electronic device 401 as a broadcasting channel.

In operation 470 , the electronic device 401 may transmit the first type audio signal and the second type audio signal to the first audio device 402a through the first data transmission link.

In operation 475, the first audio device 402a transmits the entire audio signal (eg, the first type audio signal and the second type audio signal) or at least a part (eg, the first type audio signal) to the second audio device 402b. and a second type audio signal)).

According to an embodiment, the first audio device 402a transfers the entire audio signal (eg, the first type audio signal and the second type audio signal) to the second audio device 402b, and the second audio device 402b ) of the allocation channel information may be provided. For example, when the first audio device 402a is a right channel, the second audio device 402b may transmit a left channel signal to be reproduced.

According to another embodiment, the first audio device 402a uses only the signal corresponding to the left channel allocated to the second audio device 402b among the first type audio signal and the second type audio signal to the second audio device 402b. can be passed to

In operation 480 , the electronic device 401 may determine reconnection of the second data transmission link based on a signal broadcast from the second audio device 402b.

For example, a broadcasting signal provided by the second audio device 402b may be received by the electronic device 101 . When it is confirmed that the broadcasting signal is provided by the second audio device 402b, the electronic device 101 parses the Vdore casting signal to obtain communication status information for the second audio device 402b. . The electronic device 401 may determine whether the first network configuration method can be changed based on the communication context information of the second audio device 402b.

In an embodiment, when the first network configuration method can be changed, the electronic device 401 may determine reconnection of the second data transmission link.

In operation 485 , the electronic device 401 may form and connect the second data transmission link again with the second audio device 402b based on the determination of reconnection of the second data transmission link. As another example, the first audio device 402a and the second audio device 402b may change the data transmission link type to a synchronization link.

5 illustrates a method of switching a communication link with an external audio device in an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5 , a processor (eg, the processor 260 of FIG. 2 ) of an electronic device (eg, the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 and the electronic device 401 of FIG. 4 ) according to an embodiment is 505 . In operation, a Bluetooth connection request with an external audio device (eg, the external audio device 201 of FIG. 2 and the external audio device 302 of FIG. 3 ) may be received.

For example, the processor 260 may receive a Bluetooth connection signal (eg, a Bluetooth device selection input) or a connection request from a Bluetooth device, and may execute a Bluetooth connection process with an external audio device in response thereto.

In operation 510, the processor 260 performs a first data transmission link (eg, pairing) with a first audio device (eg, the first device 201a of FIG. 2 ) among external audio devices based on Bluetooth communication (eg, pairing). Example: a first communication channel) may be formed. For example, the first data transmission link may be used to transmit/receive an audio signal (or audio packet) between the electronic device 101 and the first audio device 402a.

Independently or in parallel, in operation 515, the processor 260 performs Bluetooth communication (eg, pairing) with a second audio device (eg, the second device 201b of FIG. 2 ) among external audio devices. A second data transmission link (or a second communication channel) may be formed. For example, the second data transmission link may be used to transmit/receive an audio signal (or audio packet) between the electronic device 101 and the second audio device 402b.

In an embodiment, when the first audio device and the second audio device form a first data transmission link and a second data transmission link independent of the electronic device, respectively, in the first network configuration method, the first audio device and the second audio device A synchronization link (eg, a third communication channel) may be formed between audio devices.

In operation 520 , the processor 260 may execute an audio service in response to a request for executing an audio function (eg, playing a sound source).

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may identify that the first audio device and the second audio device are connected in one set or in a pair. For example, when the first audio device is identified in the first channel direction (eg, right), the electronic device may determine that the second audio device is in the second channel direction (eg, left).

In operation 530 , the processor 260 may transmit the first type audio signal (or audio packet) to the first audio device through the first data transmission link in response to the audio service execution in the first network configuration method. Independently or in parallel, in operation 535 , the processor 260 may transmit the second type audio signal (or audio packet) to the second audio device via the second data transmission link in response to the audio service execution.

For example, when the first type audio signal is an audio signal of a first channel (eg, right), the second type audio signal may be an audio signal of a second channel (eg, left).

The first type audio signal may be output through the speaker of the first audio device 402a, and the second type audio signal may be output through the speaker of the second audio device 402b. For example, the first type audio signal and the second type audio signal may be synchronized through a synchronization link and output in the same time period.

In operation 540, the processor 260 may obtain communication feedback information from the first audio device. Independently or in parallel, in operation 545 , the processor may obtain communication feedback information from the second audio device.

The processor 260 may distinguish between the communication feedback information transmitted from the first audio device and the communication feedback information transmitted from the second audio device.

In operation 550, the processor 260 monitors the first data transmission link or the second data transmission link to determine whether a network configuration change condition (eg, a topology change condition) with an external audio device is satisfied.

According to an embodiment, the processor 260 is configured to perform a disconnection condition for any one of the first data transmission link and the second data transmission link, or when the communication quality in any one audio device falls below a set range, It may be determined that a network configuration change condition (eg, transition to the second network configuration method) is satisfied.

According to an embodiment, the processor 260 may determine a link connection state and/or communication quality based on communication network information related to the first data transmission link or the second data transmission link. The communication network information may be, for example, information that can be determined based on information obtainable from an electronic device and information transmitted from an external audio device (eg, link information and communication feedback information).

For example, the communication network information includes a received signal strength indication (RSSI) of each audio device, information on the number or ratio of ack signals and non-ack signals received from each audio device, a retransmission rate of an electronic device, and a bit error (BER). rate) or at least one of a packet error rate (PER). As another example, the communication network information may further include channel quality driven data rate (CQDDR) information of the electronic device or TX power information of the electronic device.

According to an embodiment, the processor 260 may determine a connection condition and communication quality for each data transmission link based on noise level information of a wireless environment, regardless of information received from an external electronic device.

According to an embodiment, the processor 260 satisfies the network change condition when a link that is separated by less than a set threshold range from among the communication network information related to the first data transmission link and the communication network information related to the second data transmission link exists. can decide to do For example, by comparing the RSSI value of the first audio device and the RSSI value of the second audio device, when the critical range of the RSSI value is -75 dBm and the RSSI value of the second audio device is 65 dBm, the information related to the first audio device It may be determined that the connection state and communication quality of the first data transmission link are degraded.

According to an embodiment, the processor 260 compares the communication network information related to the first data transmission link with the communication network information related to the second data transmission link, and based on a threshold range and an allowable range for the information difference, information When a condition in which the difference exceeds the allowable range occurs, it may be determined that the network change condition is satisfied.

According to an embodiment, the processor 260 is configured to configure the RSSI value of the first audio device and the RSSI value of the second audio device to be within a communication threshold range (eg, -70Bm or less), in which the difference between the RSSI values is greater than or equal to a set limit range (eg, : 5 dB or more), it may be determined that a transmission link having a relatively low RSSI value is determined as a link in which the connection state and communication quality are deteriorated, and a network configuration change condition for switching to the second network configuration method may be satisfied. For example, when the RSSI value of the first audio device is -72 dBm and the RSSI value of the second audio device is -69 dBm, the RSSI of the first audio device satisfies the link change condition but the difference from the second audio device is Since the limit range of 5 dBm is not exceeded, it may be determined that the network configuration change condition is not satisfied.

According to another embodiment, the processor 260 determines that the difference between the ACK/NACK ratio related to the first audio device and the ACK/NACK ratio related to the second audio device and the ACK/NACK ratio in the allowable range (eg, 50% or more) is If it is greater than or equal to the set reference range (eg, 10% or more), a communication link having a low ACK/NACK ratio may be determined as a link in which the connection state and/or communication quality is deteriorated, and it may be determined that a network configuration change condition is satisfied.

According to another embodiment, the processor 260 compares the retransmission rate for the first data transmission link and the retransmission rate for the second data transmission link, and when the difference between the retransmission rates is greater than or equal to a set reference range, the retransmission rate is high It may be determined that the communication link is a link in which the connection state and communication quality are deteriorated, and it may be determined that the network configuration change condition is satisfied.

When the network configuration change condition does not occur, the processor 260 may proceed to

operations

530 and 535 .

In operation 560 , the processor 260 may change the communication parameter of the first data transmission link connected to the first audio device having a good communication condition based on the satisfaction of the network configuration change condition.

For example, the processor 260 transmits the first data so that the first type audio signal transmitted to the first audio device and the second type audio signal transmitted to the second audio device are transmitted through the first data transmission link. You can change the communication parameters for the link.

According to an embodiment, when the first data transmission link has a first bit rate in the first network configuration scheme, the processor 260 may change the first data transmission link to the second bit rate when switching to the second network configuration scheme. Communication parameters can be changed to have .

According to an embodiment, the processor 260 uses a codec (eg, LC3 codec), packet type, transmission power, and sampling rate that can be used in the first network configuration method in the second network configuration method (eg, a codec) that can be used in the second network configuration method. : SBC, AAC, SSC, APT codec), packet type, transmission power, or sampling rate can be controlled to be changed.

For example, in the case of the packet type, among 2DH1, 2DH3, 2DH5, 3DH1, 3DH3, or 3DH5, if 3DH3 is used in the first network configuration scheme, the processor 260 changes to use 2DH1 in the second network configuration scheme. can do

As another example, in the case of transmit power, the processor 260 may check the maximum power according to the packet type and change the transmit power level according to the electric field condition. For example, when the electric field is not good, the processor 260 controls to output the maximum power corresponding to the corresponding packet type, or when it is necessary to change the transmission power after switching to the second network configuration method, the transmission power level can be adjusted.

As another example, in the case of a used channel map, the processor 260 may have the channel information determined for the first and second data transmission links in the first network configuration method, but the second network configuration method Since it is not necessary to consider channel information for the second data transmission link that is disconnected after switching to , the channel map for the first data transmission link can be changed.

In operation 565, the processor 260, in response to the generation of the network configuration change condition, sends a change command to the first audio device 402a and/or the second audio device 402b to change the second network configuration manner to the second network configuration manner. can transmit

For example, the processor 260 may instruct to switch the synchronization link between the first audio device 402a and the second audio device 402b into a data transmission link.

In an embodiment, the first audio device 402a and the second audio device 402b change communication parameters to switch the synchronization link between each other into a data transmission link, and the second audio device disconnected from the electronic device communicates Context information can be broadcast.

In operation 570 , the processor 260 may release the connection between the second audio device whose communication status is degraded and the formed second data transmission link in response to satisfying the network configuration change condition.

In operation 580, the processor 260 may provide the first type audio signal and the second type audio signal to the first audio device through the first data transmission link in response to the switching to the second network configuration method. .

According to an embodiment, the processor 260 may transmit the first type audio signal and the second type audio signal to the first audio device through the changed first data transmission link. Then, the first audio device may transmit all or at least a part of the first type audio device and the second type audio signal to the second audio device.

In operation 590 , the processor 260 may monitor a signal broadcast from the second audio device to resume the second data transmission link with the second audio device.

For example, the processor 260 may receive a signal broadcast from the second audio device, and check the network status with the second audio device based on communication context information included in the broadcast signal. , determines whether an audio service is possible in the first network scheme, and in response to determining that switching to the first network configuration scheme is possible, a second data transmission link with the second audio device may be established again.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the processor 260 conversely connects to the second audio device and communicates with the first audio device when the communication state with the second audio device is good and the communication status with the first audio device is bad. In a state in which the connection is released, the first type audio signal and the second audio signal may be transmitted to the second audio device.

6 illustrates a method of switching a communication link with an electronic device in an external audio device according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6 , a first audio device (eg, the first device 201a of FIG. 2 , the first device 302a of FIG. 3 ) and a second audio device (eg, the second audio device of FIG. 2 ) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure An external audio device (eg, the external audio device 201 of FIG. 2 , the external audio device 302 of FIG. 3 ) operates as a pair in which the first device 201b and the second device 302b of FIG. 3 ) operate as a pair. ) of the

processors

215 and 225 in operation 610 with an electronic device (eg, the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 , the electronic device 101 of FIG. 2 , and the electronic device 301 of FIG. 3 ) based on Bluetooth communication in operation 610 . Independent data transmission links can be formed. For example, the two independent data transmission links may include a first data transmission link and a second data transmission link.

In operation 620, the

processors

215 and 225 may establish a synchronization link between the first audio device and the second audio device. For example, in the synchronization link, audio output timing information may be exchanged for synchronization between the first audio device and the second audio device.

In operation 630, the first audio device and the second audio device may each receive an audio signal (or audio packet) from the electronic device through two independent data transmission links.

For example, the first audio device may receive the first type audio signal (eg, the first channel signal) and output the first type audio signal. The second audio device may receive the second type audio signal (eg, the second channel signal) and output the second type audio signal.

In operation 640, the first audio device and the second audio device may transmit communication feedback information on the data transmission link to the electronic device, respectively. For example, the communication feedback information may be one of an ack signal, an RSSI signal measured by an audio device, and/or packet error information, but is not limited thereto.

In operation 650 , the first audio device and/or the second audio device determines whether a network configuration change command is transmitted from the electronic device, and in response to a condition in which the network configuration change command is transmitted, in operation 660 , the synchronization link is set to the audio data It can be switched to a data transmission link for transmission. For example, the first audio device and the second audio device may change communication parameters to enable audio data transmission through a synchronization link connected to each other.

In operation 670, the second audio device disconnected from the electronic device among the external audio devices may broadcast communication context information (eg, RSSI information) to the outside.

For example, the second audio device may use a channel used as the second data transmission link as a broadcasting channel.

In operation 680, a first audio device maintained in connection with the electronic device among external audio devices may receive an audio signal from the electronic device.

The first audio device may receive the first type audio signal and the second type audio signal from the electronic device.

In operation 690, a first audio device among external audio devices may transmit an audio signal to a second audio device.

In an embodiment, the first audio device may transmit all or at least part of the audio data transmitted from the electronic device to another audio device through a data transmission link.

According to an embodiment, the first audio device may transmit both the first type and the second type audio signal transmitted from the electronic device. The first audio device or the second audio device provides an audio service based on audio data (eg, first channel or right channel signal) of a type corresponding to a channel signal assigned to it among the first and second type audio data. can play

According to another embodiment, the first audio device uses only the channel signal (eg, the second channel or the left channel signal) allocated to the second audio device among the first and second type audio signals transmitted from the electronic device. It is provided to the device, and an audio service may be reproduced based on audio data of a type corresponding to a channel signal allocated to the device (eg, a first channel signal or a right channel signal).

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, in a method for switching a communication link between an electronic device and an external audio device, receiving a Bluetooth communication connection request with an external audio device including a first audio device and a second audio device, the communication connection forming a first data transmission link with the first audio device in response to a request, forming a second data transmission link with the second audio device, and transmitting a first type audio signal through the first data transmission link transmitting to a first audio device and transmitting a second type audio signal to the second audio device via the second data transmission link, communication network information related to the first data transmission link or the second data transmission link Based on the operation of determining the connection state and communication quality of each link and the determination result, in response to satisfying the network configuration change condition, the connection of the second data transmission link whose connection state and communication quality is degraded is released, and the second data transmission link is disconnected. and changing a communication parameter of the first data transmission link so that the first type audio signal and the second type audio signal are transmitted to the first audio device through the first data transmission link.

According to an embodiment, the changing of the communication parameter further includes transmitting a network configuration change command to the first audio device and the second audio device in response to satisfying the network configuration change condition, , the network configuration change command includes a signal for controlling a synchronization link formed between the first audio device and the second audio device to be switched to a data transmission link, and a communication situation between the second audio device disconnected from the electronic device It may include a signal controlling to broadcast information.

According to an embodiment, the communication network information is information that can be determined based on information obtainable from the electronic device and communication feedback information transmitted from an external audio device, and includes a received signal strength indication (RSSI) of the audio device and the information from the audio device. Information on the number or rate of received ack and non-ack signals, retransmission rate of the electronic device, bit error rate (BER), packet error rate (PER), channel quality driven data rate (CQDDR) of the electronic device) information, electronic It may include at least one of TX power information of the device.

According to an embodiment, the communication parameters include: a bit rate (audio bitrate), a packet type (packet type), a link type (eg, ACL, BLE (Uncoded PHY, Coded PHY)), transmission power (Tx power), audio codec (audio codec), a sampling rate (sampling rate), may include at least one of a usable channel map (used channel map).

The operation of determining the connection state and communication quality of each link is performed when there is a link that is separated by less than a set threshold range among communication network information related to the first data transmission link and communication network information related to the second data transmission link. , it can be determined that the network configuration change condition has occurred,

According to an embodiment, the determining of the connection state and communication quality of each link may include: a threshold range set by comparing communication network information related to the first data transmission link with communication network information related to the second data transmission link; Based on the permissible range for the information difference, when a condition in which the information difference exceeds the permissible range occurs, it may be determined that the network configuration change condition has occurred.

After changing the communication parameter of the first data transmission link, acquiring a broadcasting signal transmitted from a second audio device disconnected from the electronic device and checking a communication quality state of the second audio device and resuming a connection between the second audio device and a second data transmission link based on a condition in which the communication quality of the second audio device reaches a communicable range.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, in a method for switching a communication link between an electronic device and an external audio device, receiving a Bluetooth communication connection request with an external audio device including a first audio device and a second audio device, the communication connection request forming a first data transmission link with the first audio device and forming a second data transmission link with the second audio device in response to: transmitting a first type audio signal through the first data transmission link transmitting to a first audio device, and transmitting a second type audio signal to the second audio device through the second data transmission link, and communication network information related to the first data transmission link or the second data transmission link. Based on the operation of determining the connection state and communication quality of each link and the determination result, in response to satisfying the network configuration change condition, the connection of the second data transmission link whose connection state and communication quality is deteriorated is released, and the first and changing a communication parameter of the first data transmission link so that the first type audio signal and the second type audio signal are transmitted to the first audio device through the data transmission link.

According to an embodiment, changing the communication parameter further includes transmitting a network configuration change command to the first audio device and the second audio device in response to satisfying the network configuration change condition, The network configuration change command includes a signal for controlling a synchronization link formed between the first audio device and the second audio device to be converted into a data transmission link, and communication status information for a second audio device disconnected from the electronic device. It may include a signal for controlling to broadcast.

According to an embodiment, the determining of the connection state and communication quality of each link may include: communication network information related to the first data transmission link and communication network information related to the second data transmission link falling below a set threshold range. If the link exists, it may be determined that the network configuration change condition has occurred.

According to an embodiment, after the operation of changing the communication parameter of the first data transmission link, a broadcasting signal transmitted from the second audio device disconnected from the electronic device is obtained, and the communication quality of the second audio device is obtained. The method may further include the operation of resuming the connection between the second audio device and the second data transmission link based on the operation of checking the status and the condition that the communication quality of the second audio device reaches a communicable range.

The term “module” used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and is interchangeable with terms such as, for example, logic, logic block, component, or circuit. can be used as A module may be an integrally formed part or a minimum unit or a part of the part that performs one or more functions. For example, according to an embodiment, the module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Various embodiments of the present document include one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (eg, internal memory 136 or external memory 138) readable by a machine (eg, electronic device 101). may be implemented as software (eg, the program 140) including For example, the processor (eg, the processor 120 ) of the device (eg, the electronic device 101 ) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This makes it possible for the device to be operated to perform at least one function according to the called at least one command. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' only means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (eg, electromagnetic wave), and this term is used in cases where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and It does not distinguish between temporary storage cases.

According to various embodiments, each component (eg, a module or a program) of the above-described components may include a singular or a plurality of entities, and some of the plurality of entities may be separately disposed in other components. have. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations among the above-described corresponding components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (eg, a module or a program) may be integrated into one component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each component of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. . According to various embodiments, operations performed by a module, program, or other component are executed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations are executed in a different order, or omitted. , or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

In an electronic device,

communication module; and

including a processor;

The processor is

In response to a Bluetooth connection request with an external audio device including the first audio device and the second audio device, a first data transmission link is formed with the first audio device through the communication module, and the second audio device and the second audio device forming a data transmission link;

In connection with an audio function, a first type audio signal is transmitted to the first audio device through the first data transmission link, and a second type audio signal is transmitted to the second audio device through the second data transmission link; ,

determining a connection state and communication quality of each link based on communication network information related to the first data transmission link or the second data transmission link;

As a result of the determination, in response to satisfying the network configuration change condition, the connection of the second data transmission link whose connection state and communication quality is deteriorated is released;

an electronic device configured to transmit the first type audio signal and the second type audio signal to the first audio device through the first data transmission link by changing a communication parameter of the first data transmission link.
According to claim 1,

The processor is

in response to satisfying the network configuration change condition, transmit a network configuration change command to the first audio device and the second audio device;

The network configuration change command is

A signal for controlling a synchronization link formed between the first audio device and the second audio device to be switched to a data transmission link, and a signal for controlling a second audio device disconnected from the electronic device to broadcast communication status information An electronic device comprising a.
3. The method of claim 2,

The processor is

acquiring a broadcasting signal transmitted from a second audio device disconnected from the electronic device and checking a communication quality state of the second audio device;

an electronic device controlling the communication module to resume a connection between the second audio device and a second data transmission link based on a condition that the second audio device reaches a communicable range.
According to claim 1,

The first audio device and the second audio device are characterized in that one chipset or one audio system is interlocked with the electronic device,

The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the first type audio signal is one of a right channel signal and a left channel signal, and the second type audio signal is the other one of a right channel signal and a left channel signal.
According to claim 1,

The communication network information,

As information that can be determined based on information obtainable from the electronic device and communication feedback information transmitted from an external audio device, a received signal strength indication (RSSI) of the audio device, and the number of ack signals and non-ack signals received from the audio device or rate information, retransmission rate of the electronic device, bit error rate (BER), packet error rate (PER), channel quality driven data rate (CQDDR) of the electronic device, and transmission power (Tx power) information of the electronic device. including one,

Communication feedback information transmitted from the external audio device,

A received electric field strength measured by the first audio device or the second audio device, a response signal to packet reception (ack), a clock offset for a link, noise information, the first audio device or the second audio device An electronic device including at least one of Tx power information measured by the audio device.
According to claim 1,

The communication parameters are

Bit rate (audio bitrate), packet type (packet type), link type (eg ACL, BLE (Uncoded PHY, Coded PHY)), transmission power (Tx power), audio codec (audio codec), sampling rate (sampling rate) ), an electronic device including at least one of a used channel map.
According to claim 1,

The processor is

The electronic device determines that the network configuration change condition has occurred when a link that is separated by less than a set threshold range from among the communication network information related to the first data transmission link and the communication network information related to the second data transmission link exists.
According to claim 1,

The processor is

Based on the threshold range set by comparing the communication network information related to the first data transmission link and the communication network information related to the second data transmission link, and the allowable range for the information difference, the condition that the information difference exceeds the allowable range An electronic device that determines that the network configuration change condition has occurred when it occurs.
In an electronic device,

communication module; and

including a processor;

The processor is

In response to a Bluetooth communication connection request with an external audio device including N independent devices, it connects with the external audio device based on a first network configuration method that forms an independent communication link with the N independent devices,

Determine the connection state and communication quality of each link based on communication network information related to the N independent devices and the formed independent communication link,

In response to satisfying the network configuration change condition, change the communication parameter of any one of the N independent devices capable of communication in order to switch to a second network configuration manner in which only one of the N independent devices forms a communication link, and , an electronic device that controls to disconnect a communication link whose connection state and communication quality have been degraded.
In the external audio device,

a first audio device including a first communication module; and

a second audio device including a second communication module;

the first audio device and the second audio device are synchronized with each other via a third communication link;

The first audio device receives a first type audio signal through a first communication link with the electronic device, and the second audio device receives a second type audio signal through the electronic device and a second communication link,

at least one of the first audio device and the second audio device,

switch the third communication link to an audio data transmission link based on the network configuration change command received from the electronic device;

The first audio device maintained in connection with the electronic device receives the first type audio signal and the second type audio signal from the electronic device, and transmits the first type audio signal to the second audio device disconnected from the electronic device. An external audio device carrying all or at least part of a signal and a second type audio signal.
11. The method of claim 10,

The second audio device disconnected from the electronic device,

An external audio device for broadcasting information related to its own communication status while outputting the audio signal transmitted from the first audio device.
A method for switching a communication link between an electronic device and an external audio device, the method comprising:

receiving a Bluetooth communication connection request with an external audio device including the first audio device and the second audio device;

forming a first data transmission link with the first audio device in response to the communication connection request, and forming a second data transmission link with the second audio device;

transmitting a first type audio signal to the first audio device through the first data transmission link and transmitting a second type audio signal to the second audio device through the second data transmission link;

determining a connection state and communication quality of each link based on communication network information related to the first data transmission link or the second data transmission link; and

As a result of the determination, in response to satisfying the network configuration change condition, the connection of the second data transmission link in which the connection state and communication quality is deteriorated is disconnected, and the first type audio signal and the second type audio signal and the second type are released through the first data transmission link. changing a communication parameter of the first data transmission link such that an audio signal is transmitted to the first audio device.
13. The method of claim 12,

The operation of changing the communication parameter is,

In response to satisfying the network configuration change condition, the method further comprises transmitting a network configuration change command to the first audio device and the second audio device,

The network configuration change command is

A signal for controlling a synchronization link formed between the first audio device and the second audio device to be switched to a data transmission link and a signal for controlling a second audio device disconnected from the electronic device to broadcast communication status information including,

The communication network information,

As information that can be determined based on information obtainable from the electronic device and communication feedback information transmitted from an external audio device, a received signal strength indication (RSSI) of the audio device, and the number of ack signals and non-ack signals received from the audio device or rate information, retransmission rate of the electronic device, bit error rate (BER), packet error rate (PER), channel quality driven data rate (CQDDR) of the electronic device, and TX power information of the electronic device. ,

The communication parameters are

Bitrate (audio bitrate), packet type (packet type), link type (eg ACL, BLE (Uncoded PHY, Coded PHY)), transmission power (Tx power), audio codec (audio codec), sampling rate (sampling rate) ), a method comprising at least one of a used channel map.
13. The method of claim 12,

The operation of determining the connection state and communication quality of each link comprises:

The method of determining that the network configuration change condition has occurred when a link that is separated by less than a set threshold range from among the communication network information related to the first data transmission link and the communication network information related to the second data transmission link exists.
13. The method of claim 12,

The operation of determining the connection state and communication quality of each link comprises:

Based on the threshold range set by comparing the communication network information related to the first data transmission link and the communication network information related to the second data transmission link, and the allowable range for the information difference, the condition that the information difference exceeds the allowable range A method for determining that the network configuration change condition has occurred if it has occurred.