Display device and surround sound system

Technical Field

0001The present disclosure relates to a display device and a surround sound system including the same, and more particularly, to a display device to which at least one external speaker is connected, and a surround sound system including the same.

Background Art

0002With the recent development of not only video technology but also audio technology, the need for general users of TV to listen to good sound audio is gradually increasing.

0003Accordingly, the user may connect an external speaker to the TV, and the TV may provide stereoscopic sound to the user through an internal speaker and an external speaker connected to the TV. That is, the TV outputs sound with two or more channels through an internal speaker and an external speaker, thereby providing a user with an effect that gives the user a sense of realism as if the user were there.

0004In particular, in order to provide an optimal stereoscopic sound to the user, a balance between the sound level of the TV and the sound level of the external speaker needs to be achieved. When a first external speaker for outputting a left surround sound and a second external speaker for outputting a right surround sound are connected to the TV, a balance among the sound level of the TV, the sound level of the first external speaker, and the sound level of the second external speaker needs to be adjusted.

0005It is cumbersome for the user to control the speakers one by one, and there is a limit in adjusting the volume balance for a non-professional user.

0006Meanwhile, in order to adjust the volume balance, the volume of each of the first and second external speakers may be preset according to the set volume of the TV. There is a problem in that the volume balance is not properly adjusted because the volume of the sound that the user hears varies depending on the installation location of the external speaker.

Disclosure

Technical Problem

0007An object of the present disclosure is to provide a display device and a surround sound system which control a volume of an external speaker such that a volume balance is achieved according to a set volume.

0008An object of the present disclosure is to provide a display device and a surround sound system which automatically adjust a sound level of an external speaker such that a volume balance is achieved regardless of output power of the external speaker, an installation environment, and the like.

0009An object of the present disclosure is to provide a display device and a surround sound system that automatically adjusts a sound level of an external speaker such that a volume balance is achieved at a viewing position desired by a user.

0010An object of the present disclosure is to provide a display device and a surround sound system that automatically adjust a volume balance between a main sound and a surround sound.

Technical Solution

0011According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device may include an audio output interface, a wireless communication interface connected to at least one external speaker, and a controller configured to control the audio output interface and the external speaker to output a sound, and the controller may control a volume of the external speaker according to a level of a sound output from the audio output interface.

0012The controller may control a volume of the external speaker according to a set volume.

0013The display device may further include a storage configured to store sound pressure balancing data in which a level of the surround sound are mapped to each of levels of the center sound.

0014The controller may acquire a level of the center sound that is most similar to a sound level of the audio output interface from the sound pressure balancing data, acquire a level of the surround sound mapped to the acquired level of the center sound, and control the external speaker to output sound at the acquired level of the surround sound.

0015The display device may further include a user input interface configured to receive an audio signal from a remote control device, and the controller may acquire at least one of information on the level of the sound output from the audio output interface or information on the level of the sound output from the external speaker based on the audio signal acquired through the user input interface.

0016The controller may control the remote control device to acquire a first audio signal when the audio output interface is being controlled to output a test sound while changing a set volume from a minimum value to a maximum value, and control the remote control device to acquire a second audio signal when the external speaker is being controlled to output the test sound while changing a control volume of the external speaker from a minimum value to a maximum value.

0017The controller may acquire a sound level of the audio output interface for each set volume based on the audio signal obtaining by recording a sound output from the audio output interface.

0018The controller may acquire a sound level of the external speaker for each control volume of the external speaker based on the audio signal obtaining by recording a sound output from the external speaker.

0019The display device may further include a storage configured to store at least one of main sound data in which sound levels of the audio output interface are mapped to set volumes or sub sound data in which sound levels of the external speaker are mapped to control volumes of the external speaker based on the audio signal received from the remote control device.

0020The storage may further store sound pressure balancing data in which levels of the surround sound are mapped to levels of the center sound, and the controller may acquire a first level, which is a sound level of the audio output interface when the set volume is a first volume from the main sound data, acquire a second level, which is a level of the center sound most similar to the first level, from the sound pressure balancing data, acquire a third level, which is a level of the surround sound corresponding to the second level, from the sound pressure balancing data, acquire a fourth level, which is a sound level of the external speaker most similar to the third level, from the sub sound data, acquire a second volume, which is a control volume of the external speaker mapped to the fourth level, from the sub sound data, and adjust a volume of the external speaker to the second volume.

0021The controller may store first main sound data or first sub sound data in the storage based on the audio signal acquired at a first location by the remote control device, and store second main sound data or second sub sound data in the storage based on the audio signal acquired at a second location by the remote control device, and the first main sound data may be different from the second main sound data, and the first sub sound data may be different from the second sub-sound data.

0022The controller may update the main sound data and the sub sound data when receiving a sound optimization command or when the external speaker is initially connected to the wireless communication interface.

0023The controller may change a sound level of the audio output interface when the set volume is changed, and change a control volume of the external speaker when the sound level of the audio output interface is changed.

0024The display device may further include a storage configured to store sound level information of the audio output interface, sound level information of the first external speaker, and the sound level information of the second external speaker when the first external speaker and the second external speaker are connected through the wireless communication interface.

0025According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a surround sound system include a display device, and an external speaker connected to the display device in a wireless manner, the display device may output a center sound, the external speaker may output a surround sound, and a volume of the external speaker may be controlled according to a level of the center sound.

Advantageous Effects

0026According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, since the volume of the external speaker is automatically adjusted such that the volume balance is achieved according to the volume of the display device, there is an advantage that the user does not have to manually adjust the device volume of the external speaker. That is, since the display device automatically adjusts the volume balance by controlling the volume of the external speaker according to the set volume, there is an advantage that the user can easily create a stereoscopic sound environment.

0027According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, since the volume balance is adjusted irrespective of device types and installation environment of the external speakers, reliability can be improved, and simplicity and ease of installation of the surround sound system can be provided.

0028According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, since the volume balance is adjusted according to the viewing position of the user, it is possible to provide a stereoscopic sound suitable for the viewing environment of each user.

0029According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since the volume of the external speaker is controlled according to the level of the center sound and the level of the surround sound stored in advance, an optimal surround sound system can be installed even when the user does not have expert knowledge.

Description of Drawings

0030<ul id="ul0001" list-style="none"><li><figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.</li><li><figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2</figref> is a block diagram of a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.</li><li><figref idref="f0003">FIG. 3</figref> shows an example of an actual configuration of a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.</li><li><figref idref="f0004">FIG. 4</figref> shows an example of using a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.</li><li><figref idref="f0005">FIG. 5</figref> is a diagram showing a surround sound system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.</li><li><figref idref="f0006">FIG. 6</figref> is an exemplary diagram showing various installation environments of a surround sound system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.</li><li><figref idref="f0007">FIG. 7</figref> is a flowchart showing a method of operating a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.</li><li><figref idref="f0007">FIG. 8</figref> is an exemplary diagram of sound pressure balancing data stored by a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.</li><li><figref idref="f0008">FIG. 9</figref> is an exemplary diagram for describing a method of acquiring sound level information at a viewing position in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.</li><li><figref idref="f0009">FIG. 10</figref> is an exemplary diagram of sound level information for each device at a viewing position obtained by a display device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.</li><li><figref idref="f0010 f0011">FIGS. 11 to 13</figref> are exemplary diagrams of sound level information for each device at a viewing position obtained by a display device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.</li></ul>

Mode for Invention

0031Hereinafter, embodiments relating to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The suffixes "module" and "interface" for components used in the description below are assigned or mixed in consideration of easiness in writing the specification and do not have distinctive meanings or roles by themselves.

0032<figref idref="f0001">Fig. 1</figref> is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

0033Referring to <figref idref="f0001">Fig. 1</figref>, a display device 100 can include a broadcast reception module 130, an external device interface 135, a storage 140, a user input interface 150, a controller 170, a wireless communication interface 173, a voice acquisition module 175, a display 180, an audio output interface 185, and a power supply 190.

0034The broadcast reception module 130 can include a tuner 131, a demodulator 132, and a network interface 133.

0035The tuner 131 can select a specific broadcast channel according to a channel selection command. The tuner 131 can receive broadcast signals for the selected specific broadcast channel.

0036The demodulator 132 can divide the received broadcast signals into video signals, audio signals, and broadcast program related data signals and restore the divided video signals, audio signals, and data signals to an output available form.

0037The network interface 133 can provide an interface for connecting the display device 100 to a wired/wireless network including internet network. The network interface 133 can transmit or receive data to or from another user or another electronic device through an accessed network or another network linked to the accessed network.

0038The network interface 133 can access a predetermined webpage through an accessed network or another network linked to the accessed network. That is, it can transmit or receive data to or from a corresponding server by accessing a predetermined webpage through network.

0039Then, the network interface 133 can receive contents or data provided from a content provider or a network operator. That is, the network interface 133 can receive contents such as movies, advertisements, games, VODs, and broadcast signals, which are provided from a content provider or a network provider, through network and information relating thereto.

0040Additionally, the network interface 133 can receive firmware update information and update files provided from a network operator and transmit data to an internet or content provider or a network operator.

0041The network interface 133 can select and receive a desired application among applications open to the air, through network.

0042The external device interface 135 can receive an application or an application list in an adjacent external device and deliver it to the controller 170 or the storage 140.

0043The external device interface 135 can provide a connection path between the display device 100 and an external device. The external device interface 135 can receive at least one of image and audio outputted from an external device that is wirelessly or wiredly connected to the display device 100 and deliver it to the controller. The external device interface 135 can include a plurality of external input terminals. The plurality of external input terminals can include an RGB terminal, at least one High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) terminal, and a component terminal.

0044An image signal of an external device inputted through the external device interface 135 can be outputted through the display 180. A sound signal of an external device inputted through the external device interface 135 can be outputted through the audio output interface 185.

0045An external device connectable to the external device interface 135 can be one of a set-top box, a Blu-ray player, a DVD player, a game console, a sound bar, a smartphone, a PC, a USB Memory, and a home theater system but this is just exemplary.

0046Additionally, some content data stored in the display device 100 can be transmitted to a user or an electronic device, which is selected from other users or other electronic devices pre-registered in the display device 100.

0047The storage 140 can store signal-processed image, voice, or data signals stored by a program in order for each signal processing and control in the controller 170.

0048Additionally, the storage 140 can perform a function for temporarily store image, voice, or data signals outputted from the external device interface 135 or the network interface 133 and can store information on a predetermined image through a channel memory function.

0049The storage 140 can store an application or an application list inputted from the external device interface 135 or the network interface 133.

0050The display device 100 can play content files (for example, video files, still image files, music files, document files, application files, and so on) stored in the storage 140 and provide them to a user.

0051The user input interface 150 can deliver signals inputted from a user to the controller 170 or deliver signals from the controller 170 to a user. For example, the user input interface 150 can receive or process control signals such as power on/off, channel selection, and screen setting from the remote control device 200 or transmit control signals from the controller 170 to the remote control device 200 according to various communication methods such as Bluetooth, Ultra Wideband (WB), ZigBee, Radio Frequency (RF), and IR.

0052Additionally, the user input interface 150 can deliver, to the controller 170, control signals inputted from local keys (not shown) such as a power key, a channel key, a volume key, and a setting key.

0053Image signals that are image-processed in the controller 170 can be inputted to the display 180 and displayed as an image corresponding to corresponding image signals. Additionally, image signals that are image-processed in the controller 170 can be inputted to an external output device through the external device interface 135.

0054Voice signals processed in the controller 170 can be outputted to the audio output interface 185. Additionally, voice signals processed in the controller 170 can be inputted to an external output device through the external device interface 135.

0055Besides that, the controller 170 can control overall operations in the display device 100.

0056Additionally, the controller 170 can control the display device 100 by a user command or internal program inputted through the user input interface 150 and download a desired application or application list into the display device 100 in access to network.

0057The controller 170 can output channel information selected by a user together with processed image or voice signals through the display 180 or the audio output interface 185.

0058Additionally, according to an external device image playback command received through the user input interface 150, the controller 170 can output image signals or voice signals of an external device such as a camera or a camcorder, which are inputted through the external device interface 135, through the display 180 or the audio output interface 185.

0059Moreover, the controller 170 can control the display 180 to display images and control broadcast images inputted through the tuner 131, external input images inputted through the external device interface 135, images inputted through the network interface, or images stored in the storage 140 to be displayed on the display 180. In this case, an image displayed on the display 180 can be a still image or video and also can be a 2D image or a 3D image.

0060Additionally, the controller 170 can play content stored in the display device 100, received broadcast content, and external input content inputted from the outside, and the content can be in various formats such as broadcast images, external input images, audio files, still images, accessed web screens, and document files.

0061Moreover, the wireless communication interface 173 can perform a wired or wireless communication with an external electronic device. The wireless communication interface 173 can perform short-range communication with an external device. For this, the wireless communication interface 173 can support short-range communication by using at least one of Bluetooth^™, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, Near Field Communication (NFC), Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless Universal Serial Bus (USB) technologies. The wireless communication interface 173 can support wireless communication between the display device 100 and a wireless communication system, between the display device 100 and another display device 100, or between networks including the display device 100 and another display device 100 (or an external server) through wireless area networks. The wireless area networks can be wireless personal area networks.

0062Herein, the other display device 100 can be a mobile terminal such as a wearable device (for example, a smart watch, a smart glass, and a head mounted display (HMD)) or a smartphone, which is capable of exchanging data (or interworking) with the display device 100. The wireless communication interface 173 can detect (or recognize) a communicable wearable device around the display device 100. Furthermore, if the detected wearable device is a device authenticated to communicate with the display device 100, the controller 170 can transmit at least part of data processed in the display device 100 to the wearable device through the wireless communication interface 173. Accordingly, a user of the wearable device can use the data processed in the display device 100 through the wearable device.

0063The voice acquisition module 175 can acquire audio. The voice acquisition module 175 may include at least one microphone (not shown), and can acquire audio around the display device 100 through the microphone (not shown).

0064The display 180 can convert image signals, data signals, or OSD signals, which are processed in the controller 170, or images signals or data signals, which are received in the external device interface 135, into R, G, and B signals to generate driving signals.

0065Furthermore, the display device 100 shown in <figref idref="f0001">Fig. 1</figref> is just one embodiment of the present disclosure and thus, some of the components shown can be integrated, added, or omitted according to the specification of the actually implemented display device 100.

0066That is, if necessary, two or more components can be integrated into one component or one component can be divided into two or more components and configured. Additionally, a function performed by each block is to describe an embodiment of the present disclosure and its specific operation or device does not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

0067According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, unlike <figref idref="f0001">Fig. 1</figref>, the display device 100 can receive images through the network interface 133 or the external device interface 135 and play them without including the tuner 131 and the demodulator 132.

0068For example, the display device 100 can be divided into an image processing device such as a set-top box for receiving broadcast signals or contents according to various network services and a content playback device for playing contents inputted from the image processing device.

0069In this case, an operating method of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure described below can be performed by one of the display device described with reference to <figref idref="f0001">Fig. 1</figref>, an image processing device such as the separated set-top box, and a content playback device including the display 180 and the audio output interface 185.

0070The audio output interface 185 receives the audio processed signal from the controller 170 and outputs the sound.

0071The power supply 190 supplies the corresponding power throughout the display device 100. In particular, the power supply 190 supplies power to the controller 170 that can be implemented in the form of a System On Chip (SOC), a display 180 for displaying an image, and the audio output interface 185 for outputting audio or the like.

0072Specifically, the power supply 190 may include a converter for converting an AC power source into a DC power source, and a DC/DC converter for converting a level of the DC source power.

0073Then, referring to <figref idref="f0002">Figs. 2</figref> and <figref idref="f0003">3</figref>, a remote control device is described according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

0074<figref idref="f0002">Fig. 2</figref> is a block diagram illustrating a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and <figref idref="f0003">Fig. 3</figref> is a view illustrating an actual configuration of a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

0075First, referring to <figref idref="f0002">Fig. 2</figref>, a remote control device 200 can include a fingerprint recognition module 210, a wireless communication interface 220, a user input interface 230, a sensor 240, an output interface 250, a power supply 260, a storage 270, a controller 280, and a voice acquisition module 290.

0076Referring to <figref idref="f0002">Fig. 2</figref>, the wireless communication interface 220 transmits/receives signals to/from an arbitrary any one of display devices according to the above-mentioned embodiments of the present disclosure.

0077The remote control device 200 can include an RF module 221 for transmitting/receiving signals to/from the display device 100 according to the RF communication standards and an IR module 223 for transmitting/receiving signals to/from the display device 100 according to the IR communication standards. Additionally, the remote control device 200 can include a Bluetooth module 225 for transmitting/receiving signals to/from the display device 100 according to the Bluetooth communication standards. Additionally, the remote control device 200 can include an NFC module 227 for transmitting/receiving signals to/from the display device 100 according to the Near Field Communication (NFC) communication standards and a WLAN module 229 for transmitting/receiving signals to/from the display device 100 according to the Wireless LAN (WLAN) communication standards

0078Additionally, the remote control device 200 can transmit signals containing information on a movement of the remote control device 200 to the display device 100 through the wireless communication interface 220.

0079Moreover, the remote control device 200 can receive signals transmitted from the display device 100 through the RF module 221 and if necessary, can transmit a command on power on/off, channel change, and volume change to the display device 100 through the IR module 223.

0080The user input interface 230 can be configured with a keypad button, a touch pad, or a touch screen. A user can manipulate the user input interface 230 to input a command relating to the display device 100 to the remote control device 200. If the user input interface 230 includes a hard key button, a user can input a command relating to the display device 100 to the remote control device 200 through the push operation of the hard key button. This will be described with reference to <figref idref="f0003">Fig. 3</figref>.

0081Referring to <figref idref="f0003">Fig. 3</figref>, the remote control device 200 can include a plurality of buttons. The plurality of buttons can include a fingerprint recognition button 212, a power button 231, a home button 232, a live button 233, an external input button 234, a voice adjustment button 235, a voice recognition button 236, a channel change button 237, a check button 238, and a back button 239.

0082The fingerprint recognition button 212 can be a button for recognizing a user's fingerprint. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the fingerprint recognition button 212 can perform a push operation and receive a push operation and a fingerprint recognition operation. The power button 231 can be button for turning on/off the power of the display device 100. The power button 231 can be button for moving to the home screen of the display device 100. The live button 233 can be a button for displaying live broadcast programs. The external input button 234 can be button for receiving an external input connected to the display device 100. The voice adjustment button 235 can be button for adjusting the size of a volume outputted from the display device 100. The voice recognition button 236 can be a button for receiving user's voice and recognizing the received voice. The channel change button 237 can be a button for receiving broadcast signals of a specific broadcast channel. The check button 238 can be a button for selecting a specific function and the back button 239 can be a button for returning to a previous screen.

0083Again, <figref idref="f0002">Fig. 2</figref> is described.

0084If the user input interface 230 includes a touch screen, a user can touch a soft key of the touch screen to input a command relating to the display device 100 to the remote control device 200. Additionally, the user input interface 230 can include various kinds of input means manipulated by a user, for example, a scroll key and a jog key, and this embodiment does not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

0085The sensor 240 can include a gyro sensor 241 or an acceleration sensor 243 and the gyro sensor 241 can sense information on a movement of the remote control device 200.

0086For example, the gyro sensor 241 can sense information on an operation of the remote control device 200 on the basis of x, y, and z axes and the acceleration sensor 243 can sense information on a movement speed of the remote control device 200. Moreover, the remote control device 200 can further include a distance measurement sensor and sense a distance with respect to the display 180 of the display device 100.

0087The output interface 250 can output image or voice signals corresponding to a manipulation of the user input interface 230 or corresponding to signals transmitted from the display device 100. A user can recognize whether the user input interface 230 is manipulated or the display device 100 is controlled through the output interface 250.

0088For example, the output interface 250 can include an LED module 251 for flashing, a vibration module 253 for generating vibration, a sound output module 255 for outputting sound, or a display module 257 for outputting an image, if the user input interface 230 is manipulated or signals are transmitted/received to/from the display device 100 through the wireless communication interface 220.

0089Additionally, the power supply 260 supplies power to the remote control device 200 and if the remote control device 200 does not move for a predetermined time, stops the power supply, so that power waste can be reduced. The power supply 260 can resume the power supply if a predetermined key provided at the remote control device 200 is manipulated.

0090The storage 270 can store various kinds of programs and application data necessary for a control or operation of the remote control device 200. If the remote control device 200 transmits/receives signals wirelessly through the display device 100 and the RF module 221, the remote control device 200 and the display device 100 transmits/receives signals through a predetermined frequency band.

0091The controller 280 of the remote control device 200 can store, in the storage 270, information on a frequency band for transmitting/receiving signals to/from the display device 100 paired with the remote control device 200 and refer to it.

0092The controller 280 controls general matters relating to a control of the remote control device 200. The controller 280 can transmit a signal corresponding to a predetermined key manipulation of the user input interface 230 or a signal corresponding to a movement of the remote control device 200 sensed by the sensor 240 to the display device 100 through the wireless communication interface 220.

0093Additionally, the voice acquisition module 290 of the remote control device 200 can obtain voice.

0094The voice acquisition module 290 can include at least one microphone 291 and obtain voice through the microphone 291.

0095Then, <figref idref="f0004">Fig. 4</figref> is described.

0096<figref idref="f0004">Fig. 4</figref> is a view of utilizing a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

0097<figref idref="f0004">Fig. 4A</figref> illustrates that a pointer 205 corresponding to the remote control device 200 is displayed on the display 180.

0098A user can move or rotate the remote control device 200 vertically or horizontally. The pointer 205 displayed on the display 180 of the display device 100 corresponds to a movement of the remote control device 200. Since the corresponding pointer 205 is moved and displayed according to a movement on a 3D space as show in the drawing, the remote control device 200 can be referred to as a spatial remote controller.

0099<figref idref="f0004">Fig. 4B</figref> illustrates that if a user moves the remote control device 200, the pointer 205 displayed on the display 180 of the display device 100 is moved to the left in correspondence thereto.

0100Information on a movement of the remote control device 200 detected through a sensor of the remote control device 200 is transmitted to the display device 100. The display device 100 can calculate the coordinates of the pointer 205 from the information on the movement of the remote control device 200. The display device 100 can display the pointer 205 to match the calculated coordinates.

0101<figref idref="f0004">Fig. 4C</figref> illustrates that while a specific button in the remote control device 200 is pressed, a user moves the remote control device 200 away from the display 180. Thus, a selection area in the display 180 corresponding to the pointer 205 can be zoomed in and displayed largely.

0102On the other hand, if a user moves the remote control device 200 close to the display 180, a selection area in the display 180 corresponding to the pointer 205 can be zoomed out and displayed reduced.

0103On the other hand, if the remote control device 200 is away from the display 180, a selection area can be zoomed out and if the remote control device 200 is close to the display 180, a selection area can be zoomed in.

0104Additionally, if a specific button in the remote control device 200 is pressed, the recognition of a vertical or horizontal movement can be excluded. That is, if the remote control device 200 is moved away from or close to the display 180, the up, down, left, or right movement can not be recognized and only the back and fourth movement can be recognized. While a specific button in the remote control device 200 is not pressed, only the pointer 205 is moved according to the up, down, left or right movement of the remote control device 200.

0105Moreover, the moving speed or moving direction of the pointer 205 can correspond to the moving speed or moving direction of the remote control device 200.

0106Furthermore, a pointer in this specification means an object displayed on the display 180 in correspondence to an operation of the remote control device 200. Accordingly, besides an arrow form displayed as the pointer 205 in the drawing, various forms of objects are possible. For example, the above concept includes a point, a cursor, a prompt, and a thick outline. Then, the pointer 205 can be displayed in correspondence to one point of a horizontal axis and a vertical axis on the display 180 and also can be displayed in correspondence to a plurality of points such as a line and a surface.

0107<figref idref="f0005">FIG. 5</figref> is a diagram showing a surround sound system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

0108A surround sound system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display device 100 and at least one external speaker 300. The display device 100 may be the display device described with reference to <figref idref="f0001 f0002 f0003 f0004">FIGS. 1 to 4</figref>. The external speaker 300 may be a speaker connected to the display device 100 in a wired or wireless manner.

0109Hereinafter, it is assumed that the external speaker 300 is a speaker connected to the display device 100 through Bluetooth, but this is only an example for convenience of description and is not limited thereto.

0110In addition, hereinafter, it is assumed that the external speaker 300 includes a first external speaker 300a and a second external speaker 300b, but similarly, this is only an example for convenience of description and is not limited thereto. That is, the number of external speakers 300 connected to the display device 100 may vary.

0111When the first external speaker 300a and the second external speaker 300b are connected to the display device 100, the display device 100 may output a center sound through the audio output interface 185 and output a left surround sound, and the second external speaker 300b may output a right surround sound. However, this is also only an example, and devices which respectively outputs a center sound, a left surround sound, and a right surround sound may be changed according to an installation environment of the display device 100, the first external speaker 300a, and the second external speaker 300b.

0112The audio output interface 185 may mean a speaker provided inside the display device 100.

0113The controller 170 may control the audio output interface 185 and the external speaker 300 to output a sound when the external speaker 300 is connected.

0114Meanwhile, in order for the surround sound system to effectively provide a surround sound, it is necessary to achieve a balance between the level of sound output from a speaker provided in the display device 100 and the level of the sound output from the external speaker 300.

0115For example, when one of the level of sound output from the display device 100 and the level of sound output from the external speaker 300 is too large or smaller than the other, the volume balance may not be achieved. Likewise, even when one of the sound level of the first external speaker 300a and the sound level of the second external speaker 300b is too large or small than the other, the volume balance may not be achieved. In this way, when the volume balance is not achieved, there is a problem that the sense of reality is rather deteriorated.

0116However, when the user manually adjusts the volume of the display device 100 and the volume of each of the first and second external speakers 300a and 300b while listening to sound directly, it is troublesome, and there is a limit for a user without expertise to control each volume.

0117In order to solve this problem, the volume of each of the first and second external speakers 300a and 300b corresponding to a set volume of the display device 100 may be set in advance. In this case, there is a problem in that the volume balance is not adjusted as intended due to the output volume of each of the first and second external speakers 300a and 300b, installation environments, or the like.

0118<figref idref="f0006">FIG. 6</figref> is an exemplary diagram showing various installation environments of a surround sound system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

0119When the first and second external speakers 300a and 300b are connected to the display device 100, there is a problem in that it is difficult to adjust the volume balance due to the output volume and the installation environment, or the like. Hereinafter, the above-described problem will be described in detail with reference to the surround sound system shown in (a) and (b) of <figref idref="f0006">FIG 6</figref>.

0120For example, (a) of <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 6</figref> may show installation positions of the display device 100 and the first and second external speakers 300 for providing an optimal surround sound effect. When the surround sound system is installed as shown in (a) of <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 6</figref>, a distance between the user and the display device 100 may be appropriate, and the balance between the first external speaker 300a and the second external speaker 300b may be achieved.

0121However, the output power of the first external speaker 300a and the output power of the second external speaker 300b may be different. For example, in a case where the output power of the first external speaker 300a is 700W and the output power of the second external speaker 300b is 300W, the display device 100 controls the first external speaker 300a and the first external speaker 300b with the same volume, the sound of the first external speaker 300a is output higher than that of the second external speaker 300b, making the volume balance unachievable.

0122As another example, (b) of <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 6</figref> is an exemplary view showing the positions of the display device 100 and the first and second external speakers 300 that are unevenly installed due to the internal structure of the user's house or the like. In a case the surround sound system is installed as shown in (b) of <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 6</figref>, since the distance between the user USER and the first external speaker 300a is too short compared to the distance between the user USER and the display device 100, a right surround sound will sound louder than a center sound, making the volume balance unachievable. In addition, since the distance between the user USER and the first external speaker 300a is different from the distance between the user USER and the second external speaker 300b, the display device 100 is used as the first external speaker 300a, the sound of the first external speaker 300a is output at a sound level less than that of the second external speaker 300b when the display device 100 controls the first external speaker 300a and the second external speaker 300b with the same volume, making the volume balance unachievable. In addition, although only the installation distance is described in (b) of <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 6</figref>, the volume balance may not be achieved even due to an obstacle between the user USER and the external speaker 300.

0123Accordingly, the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure controls the volume of the external speaker 300 such that the volume balance is achieved regardless of the installation condition of the surround sound system.

0124<figref idref="f0007">FIG. 7</figref> is a flowchart showing a method of operating a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

0125The storage 140 may store sound pressure balancing data in which levels of the surround sound are mapped to the levels of the center sound (S10).

0126The storage 140 may store the sound pressure balancing data in advance. For example, the storage 140 may receive and store the sound pressure balancing data when the display device 100 is installed.

0127The sound pressure balancing data may be data in which an appropriate sound level is set for each sound such that an optimal sound effect is provided.

0128<figref idref="f0007">FIG. 8</figref> is an exemplary diagram of sound pressure balancing data stored by a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

0129Referring to the example of <figref idref="f0007">FIG. 8</figref>, the sound pressure balancing data may be data in which levels of the surround sound are mapped to to levels of the center sound.

0130As shown in the example of <figref idref="f0007">FIG. 8</figref>, the sound pressure balancing data may be stored in the storage 140 in a table format, but this is only exemplary.

0131Specifically, the sound pressure balancing data may include data in which when the level of the center sound is 0, the level of a first surround sound and the level of a second surround sound are mapped to 0, when the level of the center sound is 2, the level of the first surround sound and the level of the second surround sound are mapped to 1, when the level of the center sound is 10, the level of the first surround sound and the level of the second surround sound are mapped to 8, ..., when the level of the center sound is 70, the level of the first surround sound and the level of the second surround sound are mapped to 45, when the level of the center sound is 75, the level of the first surround sound and the level of the second surround sound are mapped to 50, and when the level of the center sound is 80, the level of the first surround sound and the level of the second surround sound are mapped to 60.

0132On the other hand, in <figref idref="f0007">FIG. 8</figref>, when the levels of the center sound are 0, 2, 10, ..., 70, 75, and 80, the levels of the first and second surround sounds are mapped to each other, but this is merely an example for convenience of description. That is, the level of the center sound may be more diverse. In addition, the levels of the first and second surround sounds for each of the levels of the center sound are exemplary only and are not limited thereto.

0133In addition, in <figref idref="f0007">FIG. 8</figref>, a sound pressure level (SPL) is used as the unit of the sound level. The SPL represents the sound pressure level, and is an equation obtained by calculating the intensity of sound as a sound pressure, and the unit may be decibels (dB).

0134However, these units are only exemplary. That is, the unit of the sound level of the sound pressure balancing data stored in the storage 140 may be diverse.

0135The storage 140 may store the sound pressure balancing data for each acoustic channel. That is, the controller 170 may store data in which sound levels for each sound type are mapped to sound channels.

0136Here, the sound channels may include 2 channels, 2.1 channels, 3 channels, 3.1 channels, 3.2 channels, 4 channels, 7.1 channels, and the like.

0137The sound pressure balancing data shown in <figref idref="f0007">FIG. 8</figref> may be a table in which levels of a first surround sound (left sound) and a second surround sound (right sound) are mapped with respect to the levels of the center sound, which is a 3-channel sound.

0138The sound pressure balancing data may be sound level information set by an acoustic expert.

0139Again, details will be described with reference to <figref idref="f0007">FIG. 7</figref>.

0140The controller 170 may acquire sound level information of the audio output interface 185 and sound level information of the external speaker 300 (S20).

0141Depending on the installation position of the external speaker 300, the sound level of the external speaker 300 heard by the user may vary.

0142In addition, even when the installation environment of the surround sound system is the same, the level of a sound output from the audio output interface 185 and the level of a sound output from the external speaker 300 may vary according to the viewing position of the user, so that there may be a difference in the stereoscopic sound.

0143Accordingly, the controller 170 may obtain the sound level information of the audio output interface 185 and the sound level information of the external speaker 300 at the user viewing position in advance, and then store the information in the storage 140.

0144When the first external speaker 300a and the second external speaker 300b are connected through the wireless communication interface 173, the controller 170 may store sound level information of the audio output interface 185, sound level information of the first external speaker 300a, and sound level information of the second external speaker 300b. When two or more external speakers, for example, N external speakers are connected through the wireless communication interface 173, the controller 170 may store the sound level information of the audio output interface 185 and the sound level information of each of the N external speakers.

0145<figref idref="f0008">FIG. 9</figref> is an exemplary diagram for describing a method of acquiring a sound level at a viewing position in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

0146Even when the installation location of the first external speaker 300a and the installation location of the second external speaker 300b are equal to each other with respect to the display device 100, a user in a certain house may mainly watch an image at a first location P1, while a user in another house may mainly view an image at the second location P2 according to the structures of the houses. That is, even when the surround sound system has the same installation environment, the viewing positions may be different for users.

0147As shown in the example of <figref idref="f0008">FIG. 9</figref>, when the display device 100 equally control the volumes of the first and second external speakers 300a and 300b, despite the viewing positions being different such as the first position P1 or the second position P2, the user at the first position P1 may feel stereoscopic sound while the user at the second position P2 may not feel stereoscopic sound.

0148Accordingly, the controller 170 may acquire sound level information of the audio output interface 185 and sound level information of the external speaker 300 with respect to the viewing position of a user.

0149For example, the remote control device 200 may be located at the first position P1 or the second position P2. However, the first position P1 and the second position P2 are merely examples for convenience of description.

0150The controller 170 may recognize the location of the remote control device 200 as the user's viewing position Accordingly, the controller 170 may transmit a control command such that the remote control device 200 acquires an audio signal in order to obtain sound level information of each of the audio output interface 185 and the external speaker 300 based on the viewing position of the user.

0151The remote control device 200 may receive an audio signal acquisition command through the user input interface 150. In this case, the remote control device 200 may acquire an audio signal by recording ambient sound through the voice acquisition module 290.

0152The controller 170 may acquire an audio signal by recording sound sequentially output from the audio output interface 185, the first external speaker 300a, and the second external speaker 300b, respectively. In this case, the order of devices that output sound may be changed.

0153The controller 170 may control the audio output interface 185, the first external speaker 300a, and the second external speaker 300b to output a test sound.

0154Specifically, the controller 170 may control the audio output interface 185 to output the test sound while changing a set volume from the minimum value to the maximum value, and when the test sound is being output from the audio output interface 185, the remote control device 200 may acquire a first audio signal.

0155Here, the set volume refers to a volume set in the display device 100, and the minimum value may be 0 and the maximum value may be 100, but they are only exemplary.

0156In addition, the controller 170 may control the first external speaker 300a to output the test sound while changing a control volume of the first external speaker 300a from the minimum value to the maximum value, and when the test sound is being output from the first external speaker 300a, the remote control device 200 may acquire a 2-1 audio signal.

0157Similarly, the controller 170 may control the second external speaker 300b to output the test sound while changing a control volume of the second external speaker 300b from the minimum value to the maximum value, and when the test sound is being output from the second external speaker 300b, the remote control device 200 may acquire a 2-2 audio signal.

0158Here, the control volumes of the external speakers 300a and 300b refer to the volumes of the external speakers 300a and 300b controlled by the display device 100, and the minimum value may be 0 and the maximum value may be 127, and they are merely examples. For example, the control volumes may mean the volume of the external speakers 300a and 300b controlled by the display device 100 through Audio/Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP).

0159AVRCP is a profile included in the Bluetooth specification, and may be a protocol capable of controlling an external speaker connected to the display device 100. In addition, in the first audio signal, the 2-1 audio signal and the 2-2 audio signal as described above, ordinal numbers such as 'first', '2-1', and '2-2' are given for convenience of description and therefore, and are not limited thereto.

0160In this way, the controller 170 may control the remote control device 200 to acquire an audio signal obtained by recording a test sound output from each of the audio output interface 185, the first external speaker 300a, and the second external speaker 300b while controlling the audio output interface 185, the first external speaker 300a, and the second external speaker 300b to output the test sound.

0161The controller 170 may acquire at least one of the sound level information of sound output from the audio output interface 185 or sound level information of sound output from the external speaker 300 based on the audio signal received from the remote control device 200 from the user input interface 150.

0162Specifically, the controller 170 may acquire the sound level of the audio output interface 185 for each set volume based on the audio signal obtained by recording sound output from the audio output interface 185. That is, the controller 170 may acquire a sound level of the audio output interface 185 for each set volume at the location of the remote control device 200 based on the first audio signal.

0163Similarly, the controller 170 may acquire a sound level of the external speaker 300 for each control volume of the external speaker 300 based on an audio signal obtained by recording the sound output from the external speaker 300. Specifically, the controller 170 may acquire a sound level of the first external speaker 300a for each control volume of the first external speaker 300a at the location of the remote control device 200 based on the 2-1 audio signal obtained by recording the sound output from the first external speaker 300a. In addition, the controller 170 may acquire a sound level of the second external speaker 300b for each control volume of the second external speaker 300b at the location of the remote control device 200 based on the 2-2 audio signal obtained by recording the sound output from the second external speaker 300b.

0164According to the above-described method, there is an advantage in that an actual level of sound the user hears with respect to each of the audio output interface 185, the first external speaker 300a, and the second external speaker 300b at the viewing position of the user can be measured more accurately.

0165<figref idref="f0009">FIG. 10</figref> is an exemplary diagram of sound level information for each device at a viewing position obtained by a display device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, and <figref idref="f0010 f0011">FIGS. 11 to 13</figref> are exemplary diagrams of sound level information for each device at a viewing position obtained by a display device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

0166For example, the controller 170 may store, in the storage 140, at least one of main sound data in which a sound level of the audio output interface 185 is mapped to each set volume based on the audio signal received from the remote control device 200 or sub-sound data in which a sound level of the external speaker 300 is mapped to each control volume of the external speaker 300.

0167That is, the sound level information of the audio output interface 185 obtained through step S20 may include the main sound data, and the sound information of the external speaker 300 may include the sub-sound data.

0168According to a first embodiment, the controller 170 may store the sound level of the audio output interface 185 and the sound levels of the external speakers 300a and 300b in the storage 140 in a graph form. That is, according to the first embodiment, the main sound data and the sub-sound data may have a graph form.

0169A graph shown in (a) of <figref idref="f0009">FIG. 10</figref> is a first curve in which sound levels (SPL) are mapped to set volumes of the display device 100, a graph shown in (b) of <figref idref="f0009">FIG. 10</figref> is a second curve in which sound levels (SPL) are mapped to device volumes of the first external speaker 300a, and a graph shown in (c) of <figref idref="f0009">FIG. 10</figref> is a third curve in which sound levels (SPL) are mapped to device volumes of the second external speaker 300b. In this case, the main sound data may include the first curve, and the sub-sound data may include the second curve and the third curve.

0170According to a second embodiment, the controller 170 may store the sound level of the audio output interface 185 and the sound levels of the external speakers 300a and 300b in the storage 140 in a table form. That is, according to the second embodiment, the main sound data and the sub-sound data may have a table form.

0171A table shown in <figref idref="f0010">FIG. 11</figref> is a first table in which sound levels are mapped to set volumes of the display device 100, a table shown in <figref idref="f0010">FIG. 12</figref> is a second table in which sound levels are mapped to device volumes of the first external speaker 300a, and a table shown in <figref idref="f0011">FIG. 13</figref> is a third curve in which sound levels are mapped to device volumes of the second external speaker 300b. In this case, the main sound data may include the first table, and the sub-sound data may include the second table and the third table.

0172Meanwhile, in the first and second embodiments, it is described that the controller 170 stores each of the sound levels of the audio output interface 185 and the sound levels of the external speakers 300a and 300b in a graph form or a table form, but the form of the data is only exemplary and is not limited thereto.

0173On the other hand, when the controller 170 may store first main sound data or first sub-sound data in the storage 140 based on the audio signal obtained by the remote control device 200 at the first position P1, and second main sound data or second sub-sound data in the storage 140 based on the audio signal obtained by the remote control device 200 at the second position P2, the first main sound data may be different from the second main sound data, and the first sub-sound data may be different from the second sub-sound data.

0174In addition, the controller 170 may update the main sound data and the sub-sound data when a sound optimization command is received or when the external speaker 300 is first connected to the wireless communication interface 173.

0175As a specific example, the controller 170 may receive the sound optimization command. The sound optimization command may be a command for updating the main sound data and the sub-sound data. The user may input the sound optimization command through the remote control device 200 for example, in the case of changing the viewing position or changing the installation position of the external speaker 300. Accordingly, the controller 170 updates the main sound data and the sub-sound data through the sound optimization command, thus adaptively responding to the installation environment of the surround sound system.

0176In addition, when the external speaker 300 is first connected to the wireless communication interface 173, the controller 170 automatically detects a change in the installation environment of the surround sound system, and has the advantage of automatically adjusting the volume balance accordingly.

0177Again, details will be described with reference to <figref idref="f0007">FIG. 7</figref>.

0178When the controller 170 acquires sound pressure balance data, the sound level information of the audio output interface 185 and the sound level information of the external speaker 300, the controller 170 may adjust a sound level of the external speaker 300 according to the sound level of the audio output interface 185.

0179That is, the controller 170 may acquire a level of the center sound that is most similar to a sound level of the audio output interface 185 from the sound pressure balancing data, acquire a level of the surround sound mapped to the acquired level of the center sound, and control the external speaker 300 to output sound at the acquired level of the surround sound. Details will be described through steps S30, S40 and S50.

0180The controller 170 may acquire a sound level of the audio output interface 180 according to a set volume (S30).

0181The user may adjust a volume through a button provided on the display device 100 or a button provided on the remote control device 200.

0182A set volume may be changed as a volume control command is received through the button provided on the display device 100 or the button provided on the remote control device 200.

0183The controller 170 may acquire a sound level of the audio output interface 180 according to the current set volume from the main sound data stored in the storage 140. When the set volume is changed, the controller 170 may change the sound level of the audio output interface 185 based on the main sound data.

0184Referring to the example of <figref idref="f0010">FIG. 11</figref>, when the set volume is 2, the controller 170 may acquire the sound level of the audio output interface 180 as 3 (dBSPL), and when the set volume is changed to 98, the controller 170 may change a sound level of the audio output interface 180 to 65 (dBSPL).

0185When the sound level of the audio output interface 185 is changed, the controller 170 may change the control volume of the external speaker 300.

0186Hereinafter, it is assumed that, when the set volume is the first volume (for example, 100), the controller 170 acquires a first level (for example, 70) that is the sound level of the audio output interface 185 from the main sound data shown in <figref idref="f0010">FIG. 11</figref>.

0187The controller 170 may acquire a sound level of the external speaker 300 corresponding to the sound level of the audio output interface 185 based on the sound pressure balancing data (S40).

0188In the previous step, it is assumed that the first level (for example, 70) is acquired as the sound level of the audio output interface 185.

0189The controller 170 may acquire a second level (e.g., 70), which is the level of the center sound most similar to the first level, from the sound pressure balancing data shown in <figref idref="f0007">FIG. 8</figref>.

0190Specifically, the controller 170 may acquire a level of the center sound that matches the first level when there is a level of the center sound that matches the first level in the sound pressure balancing data, and acquire a level of the center sound obtain the size of the center sound having the smallest difference with respect to the first level when there is no level of the center sound matching the first level in the sound pressure balancing data.

0191The controller 170 may acquire a third level, which is a level of the surround sound corresponding to the second level (e.g., 70), which is the level of the center sound most similar to the first level, from the sound pressure balancing data.

0192Depending on types of surround sound, the number of the third levels may be one or two or more.

0193The controller 170 may acquire a 3-1 level (e.g., 45) which is the level of the first surround sound corresponding to the second level (e.g., 70) and a 3-2 level (e.g., 45), which is the level of the second surround sound corresponding to the second level (e.g., 70). The third level may include the 3-1 level and the 3-2 level.

0194The controller 170 may acquire a fourth level, which is the sound level of the external speaker 300 most similar to the third level, from the sub-sound data.

0195Specifically, the controller 170 may acquire a 4-1 level (e.g., 45), which is the sound level of the first external speaker 300a that is most similar to the 3-1 level, from the sub-sound data as shown in <figref idref="f0010">FIG. 12</figref>, and acquire a 4-2 level (e.g., 45), which is the sound level of the second external speaker 300b that is most similar to the 3-2 level, from the sub-sound data as shown in <figref idref="f0011">FIG. 13</figref>. The fourth level may include a 4-1 level and a 4-2 level.

0196The controller 170 may control the external speaker 300 based on the sound level of the external speaker 300 (S50).

0197The controller 170 may control the external speaker 300 by acquiring a control volume of the external speaker 300 based on the sound level of the external speaker 300.

0198The controller 170 may acquire a second volume, which is a control volume of the external speaker 300 mapped to the above-described fourth level, from the sub-sound data.

0199Specifically, the controller 170 may acquire a 2-1 level (e.g., 90), which is the sound volume of the first external speaker 300a mapped to the 4-1 level (e.g., 45) from the sub-sound data as shown in <figref idref="f0010">FIG. 12</figref>, and acquire a 2-2 level (e.g., 50), which is the sound volume of the second external speaker 300b mapped to the 4-2 level from the sub-sound data as shown in <figref idref="f0010">FIG. 12</figref>. The second volume may include a 2-1 volume and a 2-2 volume.

0200The controller 170 may control the first external speaker 300a to output the first surround sound at the 2-1 volume (e.g., 90), and control the second external speaker 300b to output the second surround sound at the 2-2 volume (e.g., 50).

0201In this way, although the controller 170 controls the control volumes of the first external speaker 300a and the second external speaker 300b differently, the first external speaker 300a and the second external speaker 300b may output a first surround sound and a second surround sound at the same sound level.

0202In summary, the controller 170 may control the volume of the external speaker 300 according to the level of the sound output from the audio output interface 185. That is, the controller 170 may control a volume of the external speaker 300 according to the set volume.

0203Through this, the controller 170 may control the volume of the external speaker 300 such that the surround sound is output at an appropriate level according to the level of the main sound output through the audio output interface 185. In this case, since the level of the surround sound is automatically adjusted even when the user adjusts only the set volume, there is an advantage that the user does not have to manually adjust the volume of the external speaker 300 so as to provide stereoscopic sound effect, thus providing convenience to the user.

0204That is, there is an advantage that it is easy to adjust the volume balance between the speaker provided in the display device 100 and the external speaker 300.

0205Meanwhile, the shape of each of the curves illustrated in <figref idref="f0009">FIG. 10</figref> and the numerical values of each of the tables illustrated in <figref idref="f0010 f0011">FIGS. 11 to 13</figref> are provided as examples for convenience of description. Each of the shapes of the curves shown in <figref idref="f0009">FIG. 10</figref> and the numerical values of each of the tables shown in <figref idref="f0010 f0011">FIGS. 11 to 13</figref> may be determined and changed in the case of measurement in step S20.

0206The above description is merely illustrative of the technical idea of the present disclosure, and various modifications and changes may be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the essential characteristics of the present disclosure.

0207Therefore, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not intended to limit the technical spirit of the present disclosure but to illustrate the technical idea of the present disclosure, and the technical spirit of the present disclosure is not limited by these embodiments.

0208The scope of protection of the present disclosure should be interpreted by the appending claims, and all technical ideas within the scope of equivalents should be construed as falling within the scope of the present disclosure.