`a2) Patent Application Publication co) Pub. No.: US 2011/0117851 Al
`
` KIM (43) Pub. Date: May 19, 2011
`
`
`US 20110117851A1
`
`(54) METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REMOTE
`CONTROLLING BLUETOOTH DEVICE
`
`(75)
`
`Inventor:
`
`Wan Gyu KIM,Seoul (KR)
`
`73)
`
`(73)
`
`:
`
`Assi
`
`Assignee
`
`SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO.
`
`LTD., Suwon-si (KR)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`12/944,965
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Nov. 12, 2010
`
`(30)
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`Nov. 18, 2009
`
`(KR) wee eeeeees 10-2009-0111326
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`HO4B 7/00
`(52) US. Ch. eee ccececeeceeeeteneeeeeseeeseecneeeenees 455/413
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`
`Anapparatus anda method forremote control ofa Bluetooth
`
`device are provided. The method includes establishing a
`Bluetooth connection with a Bluetooth headset, generating
`virtual media stream data during execution of an application,
`establishing a virtual media streaming connection with the
`Bluetooth headset based on the generated virtual media
`stream data, recognizing a control signal received from the
`Bluetooth headset as a control eventafter the establishing of
`the virtual media streaming connection, and controlling a
`function of the executed application according to the control
`event.
`
`DEVICE
`
`BLUETOOTH
`
`HEADSET
`
`BLUETOOTH
`
`DEVICE
`
`EXTERNAL OUTPUT
`
`1
`
`APPLE 1029
`
`1
`
`APPLE 1029
`
`
`
`Patent Application Publication May 19,2011 Sheet 1 of 6
`
`US 2011/0117851 Al
`
`FIC
`
`—=E
`
`L
`weer
`
`—c
`
`o—a=f
`
`e —o
`
`ekal
`
`BLUETOOTH
`
`os
`
`at—
`~—
`—heckell
`aaanal
`
`| r
`
`.
`
`2
`
`
`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`May 19, 2011 Sheet 2 of 6
`
`US 2011/0117851 Al
`
`GOld
`
`
`
`
`
`BozUNOAWWSIDnez
`
`
`
`LNTJBVHBLSHITIOHINGD
`
`082"
`
`092OZ
`
`GZ
`
`fAN
`
`
`
`>woSsaooudINIAGcp62"
`
` C)Nibis
`
`
`
`
`
`UNAJOvSHIINIJNAONISSIOOUdOFAN
`
`aae
`OCowyas
`
`3
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`HOSSII0UdWWIULSGaz
`
`COTA
`
`LNASWELWHINIOVIO
`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`May 19, 2011 Sheet 3 of 6
`
`US 2011/0117851 A1
`
`
`
`
`
`ONILUASNWHLVOILINALNOLLVH3d0
` SNLEWHINGO(t8éTWNDISColagL8éc£82
`
`
`nn:
`f]i‘.-
`
`HINA)
`
`4
`
`
`
`
`
`Patent Application Publication May 19,2011 Sheet 4 of 6
`
`US 2011/0117851 Al
`
`FIG. 4
`
`BLUETOOTH DEVICE
`
`7 e0
`
`~
`
`BLUETOOTH HEADSET
`
`100
`
`~
`
`SETTING BLUETOOTH COMMUNICATIONS {301}
`
`803
`EXECLTING APPLICATION©|
`
`
`
`GENERATING VIRTUAL
`MEDIA STREAM DATA
`
`7805
`
`VIRTUAL MEDIA STREAM DATA {307}
`
`MEDIA STREAMING CONNECTION (809)
`
`|
`
`
`
`CONTROL EVENT (3111
`
`eat:
`"
`
`CONTROLUNG APPLICATION
`
`5
`
`
`
`Patent Application Publication May 19,2011 Sheet 5 of 6
`
`US 2011/0117851 Al
`
`FIG. 9
`
`START
`
`SETTING BLUETOOTH COMMUNICATIONS
`
`|.401
`
`EXECUTING APPLICATION
`
`7 408
`
`DISPLAYING SCREEN
`
`GENERATING VIRTUAL MEDIA STREAM DATA
`
`
`
`
`FORMING VIRTUAL MEDIA STREAMING STATE
`[~~
`
`
`AN}
`|
`—— RECEIVING CONTROL EVENTS
`YES
`
`413
`
`M5
`
`
`
`CONTROLLINGAPPLICATIONTHE J817
`
`
`
`
`
`419
`
`END
`
`6
`
`
`
`Patent Application Publication May 19,2011 Sheet 6 of 6
`
`US 2011/0117851 Al
`
`FIG. 6
`
`START
`
`~—sésd
`
`_GENEBATING MEOIA ATTRIBUTE INFORMATION 7804
`
`
`
`PRODUCING OPERATION INFORMATION
`
`~~ 808 GENERATING VIRTUAL MEDIA STREAM DATA
`TRANSMITTING VIRTUAL MEDIA STREAN DATA ACCORDING 10 APERIOD SIGNAL
`
`|-~~ 898
`
`807
`
`7
`
`
`
`US 2011/0117851 Al
`
`May 19, 2011
`
`METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REMOTE
`CONTROLLING BLUETOOTH DEVICE
`
`PRIORITY
`
`[0001] This application claimsthe benefit under 35 U.S.C.
`§119(a) of a Korean patent application filed on Nov. 18, 2009
`in the KoreanIntellectual Property Office and assignedSerial
`No. 10-2009-0111326,
`the entire disclosure of which is
`hereby incorporated by reference.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`[0002]
`[0003] The present invention relates to an apparatus and
`method for remotely controlling a Bluetooth device. More
`particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus and
`methodfor remotely controlling a Bluetooth device executing
`an application function other than a media data playing appli-
`cation based on Audio Video Remote Control Profile
`(AVRCP).
`[0004]
`2. Description of the Related Art
`[0005]
`In recent years, with the rapid developmentofelec-
`tronic technology, more and more advanced functions are
`being provided in a mobile device. For example, mobile
`devices are now provided with a Bluetooth function support-
`ing Bluetooth communication. The mobile device supporting
`the Bluetooth function allows for remotely controlling call
`execution functions as well as listening to music by a Blue-
`tooth headset.
`
`[0006] A conventional Bluetooth Stereo Headsetis able to
`remotely control functions of a media player in a Bluetooth
`device using an Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP)
`and an Audio Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP). For
`example, in a state in which a Bluetooth connection is estab-
`lished between the Bluetooth device and the Bluetooth Stereo
`Headset, the Bluetooth device may play media data. In this
`state, the Bluetooth device may play media data and form a
`streaming audio or video connection state between the Blue-
`tooth device and the Bluetooth stereo headset.
`
`In a state in which the streaming audio or video
`[0007]
`connection is established, an AVRCP control signal, gener-
`ated by the Bluetooth stereo headset, may be transmitted to
`the Bluetooth device. When the Bluetooth device receives the
`AVRCPcontrol signal during the streaming audio or video
`operation, it controls a media playing function based on the
`received control signal. Accordingly, the related art supports
`AVRCPbased remote control with respect to media data
`played in the Bluetooth device during a streaming audio or
`video connection state between the Bluetooth device and the
`Bluetooth headset.
`
`[0008] However, the Bluetooth device of the related art
`cannot support remote control of data that is executed based
`on an application that does not play audio or video data.
`Namely, when the Bluetooth device receives a remote control
`signal from a Bluetooth stereo headset using A2DP and
`AVRCPwhile an application other than an application that
`plays an audio or video streaming operation is executed, it
`disregards the corresponding control signal. Accordingly, the
`Bluetooth stereo headset does not generally transmit an
`AVRCPbasedcontrolsignal to the Bluetooth device although
`auser request occurs when the Bluetooth stereo headsetis not
`in the media streaming connection state. As a result, the
`
`related art does not support AVRCP based remote control
`with respect to another application function of the Bluetooth
`device.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0009] An aspect of the present invention is to address at
`least the above-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages
`and to provide at
`least the advantages described below.
`Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention is to provide
`a method that may support remote control of a Bluetooth
`device using a Bluetooth headset supporting an Audio Video
`Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) remote control function,
`and an apparatus thereof.
`[0010] Another aspect ofthe present inventionis to provide
`a method for setting a virtual media streaming connection
`with a Bluetooth headset supporting an AVRCP remote con-
`trol function, and a Bluetooth device supporting the same.
`[0011] Yet another aspect of the present invention is to
`provide an apparatus and method for remotely controlling a
`Bluetooth device that may form a virtual media streaming
`connection state with a Bluetooth stereo headset to support
`remote control ofthe Bluetooth device during execution of an
`application in which the Bluetooth device does not perform a
`media streaming operation.
`[0012]
`In accordance with an aspect of the present inven-
`tion, a remote control method of a Bluetooth device is pro-
`vided. The methodincludes establishing a Bluetooth connec-
`tion with a Bluetooth headset, generating virtual media
`stream data during execution of an application, establishing a
`virtual media streaming connection with the Bluetooth head-
`set based on the generated virtual media stream data, recog-
`nizing a control signal received from the Bluetooth headset as
`a control event after the establishing of the virtual media
`streaming connection, and controlling a function of the
`executed application according to the control event.
`[0013]
`In accordance with another aspect of the present
`invention, a remote controlling apparatus of a Bluetooth
`device is provided. The method includes a Bluetooth module
`for establishing a Bluetooth connection with a Bluetooth
`headset, and a controller for establishing a virtual media
`streaming connection setting with the Bluetooth headset
`based on a generated virtual media stream data during execu-
`tion of an application, and for processing a control signal
`received in a virtual media streaming connection state as an
`Audio Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) based control
`event.
`
`[0014] Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of
`the invention will become apparentto those skilled in the art
`from the following detailed description, which, taken in con-
`junction with the annexed drawings, discloses exemplary
`embodiments of the invention.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0015] The above and other aspects, features, and advan-
`tages of certain exemplary embodiments ofthe present inven-
`tion will be more apparent from the following description
`taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in
`which:
`
`FIG. 11s a block diagram schematically illustrating
`[0016]
`a configuration of a system according to an exemplary
`embodimentof the present invention;
`
`8
`
`
`
`US 2011/0117851 Al
`
`May 19, 2011
`
`FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating
`[0017]
`a configuration of a Bluetooth device according to an exem-
`plary embodimentof the present invention;
`[0018]
`FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically illustrating
`a configuration of a stream processor according to an exem-
`plary embodimentof the present invention;
`[0019]
`FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating a remote control
`operation of a Bluetooth device in a system according to an
`exemplary embodimentof the present invention;
`[0020]
`FIG. 5isa drawingillustrating an operating method
`for remote control of a Bluetooth device according to an
`exemplary embodimentofthe present invention; and
`[0021]
`FIG. 6 is a drawingillustrating a method for gener-
`ating virtual media stream data in a Bluetooth device accord-
`ing to an exemplary embodimentof the present invention.
`[0022] Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that
`like reference numbersare used to depict the same or similar
`elements, features, and structures.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`[0023] The following description with reference to the
`accompanying drawingsis providedto assist in a comprehen-
`sive understanding of exemplary embodiments of the inven-
`tion as defined by the claims andtheir equivalents. It includes
`various specific details to assist in that understanding but
`these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly,
`those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various
`changes and modifications of the embodiments described
`herein can be made without departing from the scope and
`spirit of the invention. In addition, descriptions of well-
`known functions and constructions may be omittedforclarity
`and conciseness.
`[0024] The terms and wordsused in the following descrip-
`tion and claimsare not limited to the bibliographical mean-
`ings, but, are merely used bythe inventorto enable a clear and
`consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it
`should be apparentto thoseskilled in the art that the following
`description of exemplary embodiments of the present inven-
`tion is provided for illustration purpose only and notfor the
`purposeoflimiting the invention as defined by the appended
`claims andtheir equivalents.
`[0025]
`It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,”
`“an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context
`clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a
`componentsurface”includes reference to one or more of such
`surfaces.
`
`[0026] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention
`relate to an apparatus and method for controlling various
`functions of a Bluetooth device using Advanced Audio Dis-
`tribution Profile (A2DP) and Audio Video Remote Control
`Profile (AVRCP) based profiles among Bluetooth profiles.
`Furthermore, exemplary embodiments of the present inven-
`tion provide for the remote control offunctions of a Bluetooth
`device based on AVRCPthrough a virtual audio or video
`streaming (hereinafter, referred to as ‘media steaming’) con-
`nection between the Bluetooth device and a Bluetooth stereo
`headset.
`
`In an exemplary embodimentofthe present inven-
`[0027]
`tion, although the Bluetooth device is not in a media stream-
`ing operation state, it may virtually set a media streaming
`connection with the Bluetooth headset. The Bluetooth device
`mayalso generate virtual media stream data and periodically
`transmit the generated virtual media stream data to the Blue-
`
`tooth headset according to a preset period, thereby setting the
`virtual media streaming connection. Through this connec-
`tion, the Bluetooth device may receive a remote controlsignal
`based on A2DP and AVRCPfrom the Bluetooth headset, and
`control functions of applications executed in the Bluetooth
`device based on the received remote control signal.
`the
`[0028] Accordingly,
`exemplary embodiments of
`present invention may support remote control with respect to
`various functions of a Bluetooth device not in a media stream-
`
`ing operation state using a Bluetooth stereo headset support-
`ing A2DP and AVRCP.
`[0029]
`For example, an exemplary embodiment of the
`present invention may provide for remotely controlling a
`function such as a screen conversion with respect to an inter-
`nal output screen ofthe Bluetooth device or an external output
`screen of an external output device through a virtual media
`streaming connection between the Bluetooth device and a
`Bluetooth stereo headset. Exemplary embodiments of the
`present invention may enhance the convenience of a user
`based on the ability to remotely control a function executed
`by the Bluetooth device.
`[0030] Hereinafter, a method for remotely controlling a
`Bluetooth device using Bluetooth communication, a Blue-
`tooth device, and a system supporting the same, according to
`exemplary embodiments of the present invention, will be
`described. However, because a device and a control method
`thereof of the present invention are not limited to following
`contents, they are applicable to various embodiments based
`on following description.
`[0031]
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating
`a configuration of a system according to an exemplary
`embodimentof the present invention.
`[0032] Referring to FIG. 1, the system includes a Bluetooth
`headset 100 and a Bluetooth device 200.
`
`[0033] Each ofthe Bluetooth headset 100 and the Bluetooth
`device 200 includes a Bluetooth module and is constructed so
`
`as to provide a Bluetooth Headset Profile, Advanced Audio
`Distribution Profile (A2DP), and Audio Video Remote Con-
`trol Profile (AVRCP). In an exemplary implementation, the
`system of the present invention may further include an exter-
`nal output device 300 accessing the Bluetooth device based
`on a wired or wireless interface.
`
`[0034] The Bluetooth headset 100 may include a Bluetooth
`module, a speaker, a microphone,a display unit, an input unit,
`and the like, none of which are illustrated merely for sake of
`convenience. When a Bluetooth connection is established
`between the Bluetooth headset 100 and the Bluetooth device
`200, the Bluetooth headset 100 may transmit and receive an
`audio signal and a control signal through Bluetooth commu-
`nication with the Bluetooth device 200. For example, the
`Bluetooth headset 100 may output an audio signal received
`from the Bluetooth device 200, and transmit an audio signal
`input through the microphoneto the Bluetooth device 200.
`Further, the Bluetooth headset 100 may generate a control
`signal based on input received via buttons of the input unit,
`and transmit the generated control signal to the Bluetooth
`device 200.
`
`[0035] More particularly, the Bluetooth headset 100 sup-
`ports the A2DP and the AVRCP. Accordingly, the Bluetooth
`headset 100 forms an A2DP and an AVRCP based media
`
`streaming connection based on streaming audio or video data
`(referred to as ‘media stream data’ hereinafter) generated and
`transmitted according to the playing of audio or video data
`(referred to as ‘media data’ hereinafter) by the Bluetooth
`
`9
`
`
`
`US 2011/0117851 Al
`
`May 19, 2011
`
`the Bluetooth headset 100 may
`device 100. Moreover,
`remotely control functions associated with the playing of
`media data by the Bluetooth device 200 according to the
`media streaming connection.
`[0036] The A2DP represents a profile (media streaming
`between Bluetooth devices) for wireless transmission of a
`stereo audio signal, and the AVRCPrepresents a profile for
`remote control of media (e.g., next music/previous music/
`play/pause, etc.).
`[0037]
`In general, a Bluetooth headset can be provided as a
`mono headset or a stereo headset. The mono headset is a
`Bluetooth headset supporting a Headset Profile (HSP) and a
`Hands-Free Profile (HFP), and supports only a general call
`function. The stereo headset is a Bluetooth headset support-
`ing HSP, HFP, A2DP, and AVRCP, supporting a call function,
`and providing an audio signal of high quality. In other words,
`the HSP and HFPare profiles used for playing an audio
`signal, and the A2DP and AVRCPareprofiles used for listen-
`ing to music based on an audio signal of high quality corre-
`spondingto the playing of an audio or a videofile. Hereinaf-
`ter, the stereo headset will be described as a representative
`example of the Bluetooth headset 100 according to an exem-
`plary embodimentof the present invention.
`[0038] The Bluetooth device 200 includes a display means
`for displaying an execution screen based on an application
`executed according to a user request and a Bluetooth module
`for Bluetooth communication. The Bluetooth device 200 may
`includeall kinds of information and communication devices,
`multimedia devices, such as a portable terminal having a
`small display means and a display device having a large
`display means, and application devices with respect thereto.
`[0039]
`Ifthe Bluetooth device 200 includesa portableter-
`minal, the portable terminal may include a Portable Multime-
`dia Player (PMP), a digital broadcast player, a Personal Digi-
`tal Assistant (PDA), a music player (e.g., Moving Picture
`Experts Group (MPEG) Audio Layer IIT (MP3) player), a
`portable game terminal, a wired or wireless telephone, a
`Smart Phone, and applications thereof as well as all mobile
`communication terminals operating based on communication
`protocols corresponding to various communication systems.
`The display device may include devices such as a Television
`(TV), a Large Format Display (LFD), Digital Signage (DS), a
`media pole, a Personal Computer (PC), a Notebook com-
`puter, and the like. Furthermore, the display means may
`include various display devices such as a Liquid Crystal Dis-
`play (LCD), a Plasma Display Panel (PDP), Organic Light
`Emitting Diodes (OLED), andthelike.
`[0040] When the Bluetooth connection is established
`between the Bluetooth device 200 and the Bluetooth headset
`
`100, the Bluetooth device 200 may transmit and receive an
`audio signal, and receive a control signal through Bluetooth
`communication with the Bluetooth headset 100. For example,
`the Bluetooth device 200 may transmit an audio signal
`according to the playing of media data or receipt of an audio
`signal, received from a partner’s device as part of a voice call,
`to the Bluetooth headset 100, and output an audio signal
`received from the Bluetooth headset 200 through an internal
`speaker. Moreover, the Bluetooth device 200 may control
`functions during playback of media data such as the volume
`ofcurrently played media data, the playing ofpreviousor next
`media data, the rewinding,fast forwarding, pausing and play-
`ing of media data, and the like, based on a control signal
`received from the Bluetooth headset 100. The Bluetooth
`
`device 200 may receive an AVRCPbased control signal in a
`
`media streaming connection state with the Bluetooth headset
`100. Namely, when the Bluetooth device 200 is in a media
`streaming operation state, it may receive the control signal
`from the Bluetooth headset 100.
`
`[0041] More particularly, in a state in which a Bluetooth
`connection is established between the Bluetooth device 200
`and the Bluetooth headset 100, when an application that does
`not use an audio or video streaming operation is executed, the
`Bluetooth device 200 generates virtual media stream data.
`The Bluetooth device 200 transmits the virtual media stream
`datato the Bluetooth headset 100 accordingto a preset period.
`Accordingly, the Bluetooth device 200 may set an A2DP
`based media streaming connection with the Bluetooth head-
`set 100 and receive an AVRCP based remote control signal
`from the Bluetooth headset 100. Generation and/or transmis-
`sion of a control signal for remotely controlling an applica-
`tion other than a media data execution application is referred
`to as a ‘control event’ that is described below in moredetail.
`Further, the Bluetooth device 200 may control functions of
`the other application in response to the control event.
`[0042]
`For example, a conventional Bluetooth headset can-
`not transmit an AVRCPbasedcontrol signalif it is not in a
`media streaming state. Accordingly, the Bluetooth device 200
`may not remotely control, as an example, conversion ofimage
`data, provided according to execution of an album applica-
`tion, using the Bluetooth headset 100. However, an exem-
`plary embodimentofthe present invention mayset the virtual
`media streaming connection so as to provide the ability to
`remotely control the conversion of a screen output from the
`Bluetooth device 200. That is, the functions of the Bluetooth
`device 200 may be remotely controlled, such as the conver-
`sion of album application based image data, the presentation
`ofapplication based page conversion, the continuous viewing
`of image data or pages, and the like, according to a control
`event received from the Bluetooth headset 100 through the
`virtual media streaming connection.
`[0043] The external output device 300 mayaccess the Blue-
`tooth device 200 based on a wired or wireless interface, so
`that the Bluetooth device 200 outputs a screen of certain data
`(e.g., image data, documentdata, photograph data, broadcast-
`ing data, etc.) to be transmitted. The external output device
`300 may include a display device for performing a screen
`output based on data provided from the Bluetooth device 200.
`For example, the external output device 300 may include a
`TV, a DS, an LFD, a monitor, and the like. A more detailed
`description ofthe external output device 300 is omitted herein
`for sake of convenience.
`
`[0044] The Bluetooth device 200 may include an interface
`unit based on a wired or wireless interface for accessing the
`external output device 300. When the Bluetooth device 200
`includes an arrangement such as a project module with an
`external output function, the interface unit and the external
`output device 300 can be omitted from the system of the
`present invention.
`[0045] As mentioned above, exemplary embodiments of
`the present invention mayset a virtual media streaming con-
`nection between Bluetooth devices (e.g., Bluetooth headset
`100 and Bluetooth device 200). Moreover, exemplary
`embodiments of the present invention may provide for the
`remote control of functions with respect to applications
`executed by the Bluetooth device 200 through the virtual
`media streaming connection using a Bluetooth headset 100
`supporting an AVRCP based RCP. For example, exemplary
`embodiments of the present invention may support remote
`10
`
`10
`
`
`
`US 2011/0117851 Al
`
`May 19, 2011
`
`control with respect to screen conversion output through a
`display unit in the Bluetooth device 200 or the external output
`device 300.
`
`[0046] Aconfiguration ofthe Bluetooth device 200 accord-
`ing to an exemplary embodiment of the present will be
`described when the Bluetooth device 200 is a portable termi-
`nal. However, because a configuration of the Bluetooth
`device 200 of the present invention is not limited to the
`following,
`it should be understood that the configuration
`thereof is applicable to various embodiments based on fol-
`lowing description.
`[0047] Hereinafter, a general description of a Bluetooth
`device is omitted and only a configuration of the Bluetooth
`device 200 necessary for an exemplary operation of the
`present invention will be described. Namely, when a Blue-
`tooth connectionis established between the Bluetooth device
`200 and the Bluetooth headset 100, the Bluetooth device 200
`may perform a general Bluetooth communication operation
`with the Bluetooth headset 100. For example, the Bluetooth
`device 200 may transmit an audio signal according to playing
`media data to the Bluetooth headset 100. Further, when the
`Bluetooth device 200 supports a mobile communication
`function, it may transmit an audio signal, received based on a
`voice call from a partner device,to the Bluetooth headset 100,
`and may transmit an audio signal, received from the Blue-
`tooth headset 100, to the partner device. A detailed descrip-
`tion of a general operation and construction based on Blue-
`tooth communication between the Bluetooth device 200 and
`the Bluetooth headset 100 is omitted for convenience.
`
`FIG.2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating
`[0048]
`a configuration of a Bluetooth device according to an exem-
`plary embodimentof the present invention.
`[0049] Referring to FIG. 2,
`the Bluetooth device 200
`includes a Bluetooth module 210, an input unit 220, a display
`unit 230, an audio processing unit 240, a storage unit 250, an
`interface unit 260, and a controller 270. The audio processing
`unit 240 may include a speaker (SPK) and a microphone
`(MIC). The controller 270 includes a stream processor 280
`and an event processor 290.
`[0050] The Bluetooth module 210 supports Bluetooth com-
`munication ofthe Bluetooth device 200. The Bluetooth mod-
`ule 210 forms a Bluetooth communication channel, for
`example with the Bluetooth headset 100, according to the
`control of the controller 270 to process transmission and
`reception of various data signals. The Bluetooth module 210
`may perform Bluetooth communication according to Blue-
`tooth protocols with another Bluetooth device through a
`Bluetooth antenna. The Bluetooth module 210 stores a host
`
`stack for processing Bluetooth communication, a Bluetooth
`profile, and an application selectable according to functions
`or conditions of an external Bluetooth device that is a com-
`
`munication target. To do this, the Bluetooth module 210 may
`further include a storage unit, independentof the storage unit
`250 of the Bluetooth device 200. In another exemplary
`embodiment, the Bluetooth module 210 maystore the host
`stack, Bluetooth profile, and selectable application in the
`storage unit 250. The Bluetooth profile may selectively use
`HFPsupporting hands free operation, HSP supporting head-
`set operation, or Cordless Telephone Profile (CTP) support-
`ing wireless telephone operation according to an external
`Bluetooth device.
`
`the Bluetooth headset 100. When the Bluetooth module 210 is
`not in a media streaming connection state with the Bluetooth
`headset 100, it periodically transmits virtual media stream
`data to the Bluetooth headset 100 under the control of the
`
`controller 270. Accordingly, a virtual media streaming con-
`nection state is formed between the Bluetooth device 200 and
`the Bluetooth headset 100, and the Bluetooth module 210
`may receive an AVRCPbased control event from the Blue-
`tooth headset 100.
`
`[0052] The input unit 220 sends an input signal for input-
`ting any ofvarious numbersand character information, and an
`input signal associated with setting and control of respective
`functions of the Bluetooth device 200 to the controller 270.
`The input unit 220 includes an input key for inputting an input
`signal of the Bluetooth device 200 and function keys. The
`function keys mayinclude arrow keys, side keys, and hot keys
`(e.g., a key capable of activating a Bluetooth function) set to
`execute specific functions. The input unit 220 can be config-
`ured by a touch pad, a touch screen, a key pad of general key
`arrangement, a Qwerty key pad, and a combination thereof
`accordingto a providing pattern of the Bluetooth device 200.
`Moreparticularly, the input unit 220 may generate and pro-
`vide an input signal corresponding to a menuselection asso-
`ciated with a Bluetooth communication function and a Blue-
`
`tooth communication connection request to the controller
`270. The input signal can be generated in one of a key signal
`according to operation of the input unit 220 or a touch signal
`according to contact of the touch screen.
`[0053] The display unit 230 outputs a screen activated
`according to an executed function of the Bluetooth device
`200. For example, the display unit 230 may output a boot
`screen, an idle screen, a menuscreen,a list screen, a media
`data play screen, an application execution screen, a Bluetooth
`communication screen, and the like. Namely, the display unit
`230 may display all kinds of screens associated with a state
`and an operation of the Bluetooth device 200. An LCD, an
`OLED,and the like are applicable as the display unit 230.
`Further, the display unit 320 can be implemented in a touch
`screen scheme. In this case, the display unit may simulta-
`neously perform input and output functions. When the dis-
`play unit 230 is implemented as a touch screen to perform an
`input function, the input unit 200 can be omitted according to
`a form of the Bluetooth device 200. The display unit 230 may
`display a menu screen and a peripheral device searching
`screen associated with a Bluetooth connection of the Blue-
`tooth device 200 under the control of the controller 270.
`
`[0054] The audio processing unit 240 may include a
`speaker (SPK) for playing an audio signal of the Bluetooth
`device 200, and a microphone (MIC)for collecting an audio
`signal such as a user’s voice. The audio processing unit 240
`converts an audio signal received from the microphoneinto
`data, and outputs the data to the controller 270. The audio
`processing unit 240 outputs an audio signal input from the
`controller 270 through the speaker. In addition, the audio
`processing unit 240 may output various audio components
`(e.g., audio signal according to playing of media data, audio
`signal for effect alarm at the time of executing a function, and
`the like) generated in the Bluetooth device 200 according to a
`user’s selection.
`
`[0055] The storage unit 250 stores various data generated
`and used in the Bluetooth device 200. The data includes data
`
`[0051] More particularly, the Bluetooth module 210 may
`receive an AVRCPbased control signal from the Bluetooth
`headset 100 while in a media streaming connection state with
`
`(e.g., media data, broadcasting data, photograph data, mes-
`sage data, document data, menu data, and the like) generated
`accordingto a function executed by the Bluetooth device 200,
`
`11
`
`11
`
`
`
`US 2011/0117851 Al
`
`May 19, 2011
`
`all types of storage data generated using the Bluetooth device
`200 or received from an external device (e.g., external device,
`PC, Bluetooth headset, and the like), and applications for
`direct execution of corresponding function/menu set among
`support functions of the Bluetooth device 200. Moreover, the
`storage unit 250 maystore software associated with a remote
`control function ofthe Bluetooth device 200 supported by the
`present invention. The storage unit 250 mayalso store various
`sets of information associated with Bluetooth communica-
`tion of the Bluetooth device 200. The various sets of infor-
`mation may contain information used for determining a Blue-
`tooth execution mode,
`identification information, and a
`mapping table mapped to an internal control event corre-
`sponding to BD_ADDR and AVRCPcontrol events.
`[0056]
`Furthermore, the storage unit 250 may include at
`least one buffer for temporarily storing data created during
`function execution ofthe Bluetooth device 200. For example,
`the storage unit 250 may buffer virtual media stream data
`generated underthe control ofthe controller 270. The storage
`unit 250 may be configured either internally or externally of
`the Bluetooth device 200. For example, the storage unit 250
`may be configured as a smart card and may includeall inter-
`nal/external storage media ofthe device. The storage unit 250
`may include a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read Only
`Memory (ROM), a flash memory, and the like. The storage
`unit 250 can be configured by a RAM, a ROM,a flash
`memory, an integrated memory, a plurality of integrated
`memories like a Multi Chip Package (MCP) memory, and the
`like.
`
`[0057] The interface unit 260 supports access through
`wired or wireless communication with