IoT device interfacing device and system and method thereof

Abstract

This invention provides an IoT device configuration service device, including an interfacing device and a configuration server. The interfacing device can access a local area network (LAN) to provide mobile hotspot functionality. The configuration server can be installed on a computer device connected to the LAN, and upon startup, can detect and communicate with the interfacing device. Most IoT devices have initial settings that can communicate with the configuration service device. The configuration server communicates with these IoT devices via the interfacing device to reset or change the settings of these IoT devices. This invention also discloses a system using this IoT device configuration service device and a method for configuring IoT devices.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an Internet of Things (IoT) device setting service device, system, and method, and particularly to an IoT device setting service device for resetting or changing the original settings of a majority of IoT devices. The invention also discloses a system and method for setting up IoT devices using this IoT device setting service device. Prior Technology

[0002] The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the concept of connecting various devices, including mechanical devices, sensors, electronic devices, and other functional devices, to a communication network. The network connected is not limited to the Internet. Devices capable of accessing the Internet are called IoT devices. Each IoT device is assigned a uniquely unique identifier (UUID). This UUID is almost never repeated with the UUIDs of other devices. IoT devices must be able to announce their UUIDs to the outside world.

[0003] The most common way for IoT devices to access the internet is via Wi-Fi. To meet this requirement, IoT devices must have the ability to automatically connect to Wi-Fi routers. That is, they must be able to identify available Wi-Fi routers and provide them with the router's network name (e.g., Service Set Identifier, SSID) and password to request a connection. In typical internet-connected devices, such as tablets, smartphones, and game consoles, this Wi-Fi connection is done manually by the user. In this case, the internet-connected device must provide a display to show available Wi-Fi routers for the user to choose from. Additionally, a keyboard is needed for the user to enter the Wi-Fi router's SSID and password.

[0004] However, IoT devices are typically very simple in function. For example, a sensor used to detect a single event, so they must be very small, inexpensive, and energy-efficient. Such devices cannot have displays and can only offer a very few buttons and indicators.

[0005] The most common way for IoT devices to connect to the internet is through smartphones. This involves the IoT device manufacturer or supplier providing an application installed on the smartphone. When the IoT device needs to connect, the mobile app is opened. It typically detects the IoT device's UUID via a non-WiFi channel, such as Bluetooth, and then detects available networks via a WiFi channel. The app then displays a user interface for modifying settings, showing the IoT device's UUID or other identification identifier, as well as fields for entering the modified network name (SSID) and password. The user obtains the available network's SSID and password through any means; the password is usually written on the WiFi router's casing. The user then enters the SSID and password into the fields and presses the modify button. The app then instructs the IoT device via this communication channel to modify the default SSID and password. The IoT device's firmware, after modifying the SSID and password, automatically shuts down and resets, automatically searches for available networks, provides the SSID and password, and connects to the target website after a successful connection. This completes the internet connection.

[0006] While this conventional technology allows IoT devices to connect individually to the internet, it has several drawbacks. First, the operator must be physically present near the IoT device during connection. This requires a smartphone capable of short-range wireless communication with the device, making remote operation impossible. This is particularly inconvenient when setting up connections for a large number of IoT devices. Second, once the SSID and password are changed, the IoT device is no longer under the app's control. The operator cannot verify the accuracy of the entered data or whether the connection was successful. Typically, the target website must manually check each device to identify those failing to connect, requiring repeated steps. Furthermore, IoT device manufacturers must develop two apps: one for the device's functionality and another for changing the SSID and password. This latter app must be developed for different operating systems, making development and maintenance extremely cumbersome.

[0007] Aside from setting the network name and password for the aforementioned connectable networks, the situation is very similar when configuring other parameters for most IoT devices. This is extremely inconvenient.

[0008] To address the difficulty of configuring conventional IoT devices for internet access, various solutions have been proposed. Among them, US Patent 11,469,941 B2 discloses a configuration method for setting up IoT devices. The configuration process includes: 1) An intermediary device (e.g., a smartphone) receives a configuration profile from a server (e.g., a cloud computing system) for configuring the IoT device. This configuration profile contains an identifier (e.g., SSID) and password for the first wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi and / or WLAN network). 2) The intermediary device establishes a connection to the IoT device. 3) The intermediary device provides the configuration profile to the IoT device so that the IoT device can configure the settings itself. 4) The IoT device automatically establishes a connection to the first wireless network.

[0009] In this patent, the intermediary device can also be a user device, the first wireless network includes a Wi-Fi network provided by a WiFi router, and the connection between the intermediary device and the IoT device can be a connection established via another IoT device.

[0010] In the aforementioned patent, the technical challenge lies in how the intermediary device and the IoT device establish a connection, and even how to modify the previously set SSID and password. Furthermore, the patent does not remove the technical restriction that the user must operate the device on-site. Its convenience is not significantly improved.

[0011] Furthermore, US 9,241,270 B1, entitled "In-field smart device updates," also provides a method for enabling an IoT device to join a local network. This method includes using an auxiliary device. The device to join the local network receives a device ID provided by the auxiliary device, allowing the device to join the network to which the auxiliary device is connected. The auxiliary device authenticates the device and receives network credentials from the network, which it then uses to join the network.

[0012] Taiwan Patent Application No. 113127238, filed by the inventor, discloses a system and method for remotely deploying multiple Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The method utilizes a setting device and at least one intermediary device. The intermediary device can communicate with a control device and with the multiple IoT devices. The IoT devices communicate with the intermediary device using a preset first set of network names and passwords, and then communicate with the control device. The IoT device generates a set of plaintext. The intermediary device uses this plaintext to instruct the control device to send a change command to the IoT device, specifying the network name, password, and / or other parameters. Summary of the Invention

[0013] The purpose of this invention is to provide an Internet of Things (IoT) device (IoT device) setting service device and method.

[0014] The present invention also aims to provide a convenient device, system and method for connecting a variety of Internet of Things (IoT) devices to the Internet or other networks.

[0015] The present invention also aims to provide an IoT device setting service device and method that is not limited by location.

[0016] The IoT device setting service device according to the present invention includes an intermediary device and a setting server, or an intermediary device and a computer device on which the setting server has been installed. The intermediary device can access a local area network (LAN) to provide mobile hotspot functionality. The setting server can be installed on the computer device connected to the LAN, and after startup, it can detect and communicate with the intermediary device via the LAN. The system of the present invention also includes a plurality of IoT devices with initial settings that can communicate with the setting service device, serving as a preset communication connection request to the intermediary device. The setting server communicates with the plurality of IoT devices via the intermediary device to reset or change the setting values ​​of the plurality of IoT devices. The setting parameters for resetting or changing the settings may include network parameters for accessing the internet via a specific network hotspot, such as the network name and associated password, or other control parameters, functional parameters, etc. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the LAN is communicatively connected to the Internet. When the setting parameters for resetting or changing the settings are network parameters, the resetting or changing the settings enables the plurality of IoT devices to communicate with the Internet via the LAN.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the interfacing device provides a physical interface for insertion into a corresponding interface of a network sharer on the local area network (LAN) to establish a communication connection with the LAN. In other embodiments, the interfacing device connects to the LAN wirelessly, for example, via a wireless channel to the network sharer. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the computer device can be any computer device with network communication capabilities, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktop computers, terminals, etc. The computer device can communicate with the LAN via wired or wireless means, including connecting to the LAN via the Internet. In most embodiments of the invention, the LAN is communicatively connected to the Internet.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, most of the IoT devices are connected to the interfacing device via a short-range wireless communication channel, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc., with Wi-Fi being preferred because most IoT devices are equipped with Wi-Fi communication capabilities.

[0019] The interfacing device provides network hotspot functionality, configured to establish a communication connection with a local area network (LAN) after being plugged into a shared device. Upon receiving a preset communication connection request (initial settings) from an IoT device, the interfacing device then connects to the LAN. To achieve this, the interfacing device is configured to broadcast its own announcement signal for a specific period or continuously after connecting to the LAN, and the IoT device is configured to provide the initial settings to the interfacing device upon detecting the announcement signal. In a preferred embodiment, the initial settings are typically a set of network name and password, preferably the network name and password of the LAN to which the interfacing device has already connected. Upon receiving the initial settings, the interfacing device immediately connects the IoT device to the LAN. In a preferred embodiment, in addition to sending the initial settings to the interfacing device, the IoT device also sends its own identification code. This identification code is preferably unique, such as a UUID.

[0020] In a particular preferred embodiment of the invention, the interfacing device can also be any device that provides network connectivity, such as a smartphone, a network-connected tablet, or a personal computer. In such examples, the interfacing device wirelessly connects to the local area network and provides a network hotspot function for communication connections between the majority of IoT devices. The interfacing device must be preset with initial settings to allow the majority of IoT devices to establish communication connections.

[0021] The configuration server can be built into a computer device, utilizing the computer device's powerful computing, memory, and communication capabilities to communicate with the majority of IoT devices and send control commands to the majority of IoT devices, requesting the reset or change of the configuration parameters of individual or majority of IoT devices. In other words, after the configuration server is built, the computer device becomes a parameter setting device.

[0022] The parameter setting device is configured to, upon receiving a communication connection request from an IoT device via the IoT device setting service device and the IoT device's identification code, such as the aforementioned SSID, provide a modification page for inputting a second set of setting parameters and / or a password associated with the identification code. After the user selects / enters a specific identification code and the second set of setting parameters and password, the device provides the second set of setting parameters and password to the corresponding IoT device. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second set of setting parameters may be the network name and password of the local area network, or any parameters suitable for establishing a connection with a specific network, or any control parameter or functional parameter of the IoT device. The IoT device is also configured to, upon receiving the second set of setting parameters and password from the parameter setting device, use the password to reset or modify the relevant control parameters and setting parameters to the second set of setting parameters. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the modification page may be a webpage.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the initial settings of the IoT device are the network name and password of the IoT device setting service device, and the second set of settings parameters and password are the network name and password of the local area network. The IoT device is further configured to, upon receiving the second set of settings parameters and password, automatically change the initial settings to the second set of settings parameters and password, interrupt the communication connection with the IoT device setting service device, and provide the second set of settings parameters and password to the local area network to establish a communication connection with the local area network, thereby further establishing a communication connection to the Internet.

[0024] In various embodiments of the present invention, the initial settings preset by most of the Internet of Things (IoT) devices are the same, namely, the network name and Internet password of the IoT device are set.

[0025] In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the IoT device configures the service device to display a device, a light, or a buzzer, and is configured to send a connection success signal when establishing a communication connection with any IoT device. This signal can also be configured to be sent by the IoT device itself.

[0026] The IoT device setting service method of the present invention includes the following steps: IoT devices are preset with initial settings, including the first set of network name and password; After the interfacing device is plugged into the network sharing device of the local area network, it broadcasts its device identification code: After detecting the identification code of the interfacing device, the IoT device determines that it is a preset network hotspot based on the known communication protocol, and provides the preset initial settings and its own identification code, such as SSID, to the interfacing device as a preset communication connection request command; The IoT device establishes a communication connection with the local area network; A computer device that sets up a configuration server connects to the local area network (LAN) and detects that at least one IoT device has initially established a communication connection with the LAN. It then provides a configuration webpage, which displays an identification code captured from the at least one IoT device, along with corresponding configuration fields. This identification code can be a unique code representing the IoT device, such as an SSID. The computer device that sets up the configuration server receives the second set of configuration parameters and password entered by the user in the configuration field, and provides the second set of configuration parameters and password to the corresponding IoT device; The corresponding IoT device receives the second set of setting parameters and password, and fills the second set of setting parameters and password into the corresponding setting parameters to replace the original setting values. The method may also include the following steps: The IoT device was restarted and, upon restarting, used the changed setting parameter values ​​to communicate and connect to the local network; and The IoT device connects to the Internet via the local area network; The settings parameters include the network name and password of the local area network.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include the step of displaying signals receivable by human senses by a display device equipped with the at least one Internet of Things (IoT) device after the IoT device establishes a communication connection with the local area network; the display device may be at least one of a display, a light, and a buzzer.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include the step of causing the display device equipped with the IoT device to display a signal that can be received by human senses when the user clicks on the corresponding field of a specific IoT device on the webpage of the computer device that sets up the configuration server; the display device may be at least one of a display, a light, and a buzzer.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the step of the Internet of Things device detecting the identification code of the interfacing device includes: the Internet of Things device responding to the operation of a pressed switch and starting to detect the identification code of the interfacing device.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes the following steps: after the Internet of Things (IoT) device establishes a communication connection with the local area network, it generates a set of plaintext and displays it on the display of the IoT device; and after the setting server provides the webpage, it displays the plaintext in the corresponding field of the webpage.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second set of setting parameters and password is the network name and internet password used for networking.

[0032] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the second set of setting parameters and password can be parameters unrelated to the network connection.

[0033] The objectives and advantages of the present invention described above will become clearer from the following detailed description and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0034] Figure 1 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of the IoT device setting service device of the present invention. Figure 2 shows a flowchart of one embodiment of the IoT device setting service method of the present invention. Figure 3 shows a sequence diagram of a preferred application example of the present invention. Implementation

[0035] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, illustrates the IoT device setting service apparatus and method of the present invention. However, it should be noted that the description of the embodiments is merely to illustrate several aspects and important features of the invention. The scope of the invention is not limited to the embodiments. The description of practical application examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0036] Figure 1 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of the IoT device setting service device of the present invention. As shown, the IoT device setting service device of the present invention includes an interfacing device 10 and a setting server 20. The setting server 20 can be software-built into a computer device 30, enabling the computer device 30 to provide setting services for a majority of IoT devices. In a preferred embodiment, the setting server 20 can be a standalone machine. The setting server 20 can be independently or communicatively connected to a local area network via the computer device 30.

[0037] The intermediary device 10 can access the local area network 40, providing mobile hotspot functionality. Therefore, the configuration server 20 can be a computer device 30 installed on the local area network 40, which, upon startup, can detect and communicate with the intermediary device 10 via the local area network 40. Most of the IoT devices 51, 52, and 53 to be configured / reconfigured have initial settings that allow them to communicate with the configuration intermediary device 10. For example, the initial settings may include a first set of configuration parameters and a password, preferably a first set of network name and password. This first set of network name and password is the network name and password for the intermediary device 10 as a network hotspot. According to known communication protocols, when one of the IoT devices 51, 52, and 53 provides the first set of network name and password to the intermediary device 10, the intermediary device 10 provides the capability to intermediate the IoT device to the local area network 40 and establish a communication connection with the local area network 40.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the interfacing device 10 provides a physical interface 11 for insertion into the corresponding interface 42 of the network sharer 41 of the local area network (LAN) to establish a communication connection with the LAN and receive power from the network sharer 41. In other embodiments, the interfacing device 10 is wirelessly connected to the LAN 40, for example, via a wireless channel to the network sharer 41. In this case, the interfacing device 10 can still provide a network hotspot function. However, this may increase the size of the interfacing device 10 and require a power storage device. The former is more suitable in both embodiments because it reduces the device size and provides plug-and-play functionality.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the initial internet settings of the majority of IoT devices 51, 52, and 53 to be configured / reconfigured are all set to the same value. For example, the initial settings are all set to the first set of network name and password. The advantage of this type of embodiment is that no special configuration is required; most IoT devices 51, 52, and 53 can automatically establish a communication connection with the interfacing device 10. Furthermore, manufacturers can use these initial settings to distinguish the target configuration service device to which IoT devices 51, 52, and 53 wish to establish a communication connection, thereby avoiding confusion.

[0040] In the preferred embodiment where the interfacing device 10 is wirelessly connected to the local area network 40, as described above, the interfacing device 10 can also be any communication device capable of providing network switching functionality. Suitable examples include smartphones, internet-connected tablets, personal computers, etc. In such examples, the interfacing device 10 must be preset with initial settings to allow multiple IoT devices 51, 52, 53 to establish communication connections.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the majority of IoT devices 51, 52, and 53 can establish a communication connection with the interfacing device 10 through any short-range wireless communication channel. Applicable channels include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc., with Wi-Fi being preferred because most IoT devices are equipped with Wi-Fi communication capabilities and do not require additional short-range wireless communication capabilities.

[0042] As previously described, the interfacing device 10 provides a network hotspot function, configured to establish a communication connection with the local area network 40 after being plugged into the sharing device 41. Upon receiving a preset communication connection request from the IoT device, i.e., the initial setting value, the interfacing device connects the IoT device to the local area network 40. To achieve the above objective, the interfacing device 10 is preferably configured to broadcast its own announcement signal for a specific period or continuously after connecting to the local area network 40. According to various known communication protocols, the announcement signal includes a description of the device attributes and the device's own identification code, such as the network name. Furthermore, the majority of IoT devices 51, 52, and 53 are configured to recognize the content of the announcement signal when they detect it from the interfacing device 10. Upon determining that the announcement signal represents a transmitting device that is compatible (supported) with the interfacing device, the device provides the preset communication connection request to the interfacing device 10, which includes the initial setting value. The IoT devices 51, 52, and 53 make their judgments by identifying the attributes of the transmitting device and its identification code.

[0043] Upon receiving the initial setting value, the interfacing device 10 establishes a communication connection with the corresponding IoT devices 51, 52, and 53, and connects the IoT devices to the local area network 40. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, in addition to sending the initial setting value to the interfacing device 10, the IoT devices 51, 52, and 53 also send their own identification code. This identification code is preferably a unique code, such as a UUID. The identification code can be sent along with the initial setting value, or it can be sent after confirming the establishment of a communication connection with the local area network 40.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the IoT devices 51, 52, and 53 may also be configured to display signals receptive to human senses via display devices 51a, 52a, and 53a after establishing a communication connection with the interfacing device 10. These signals may be light signals, displayed text symbols, sounds, etc. Therefore, the display device may be at least one of a display, a light signal, and a buzzer.

[0045] After the setting server 20 is built on the computer device 30, it can utilize the computing, storage, and communication capabilities of the computer device 30 to perform operations such as locating IoT devices 51, 52, and 53, setting / resetting parameters, and so on. In other words, after the setting server 20 is built, the computer device 30 becomes a parameter setting device. The computer device 30 that builds the setting server 20 establishes a communication connection with the local area network 40, thereby connecting to the same local area network as the intermediary device 10. In other words, the computer device 30 that builds the setting server 20 establishes a communication connection with the intermediary device 10. Thereby, the computer device 30 that builds the setting server 20 further communicates with at least one IoT device that has already established a communication connection with the intermediary device 10 via the intermediary device 10, for resetting or changing the setting parameters of the majority of IoT devices. According to the present invention, the purpose of resetting or changing the settings includes changing the usage environment (resetting Wi-Fi) or modifying functional parameters. These settings can include network parameters such as the network name and password when accessing the internet via a specific hotspot, or other control and function parameters. Applicable examples include: modifying the temperature display to select Celsius (C) or Fahrenheit (F); setting a high-temperature alarm trigger temperature (Tem-hi) to trigger a buzzer when the temperature reaches Tem-hi; setting a high-temperature alarm release temperature (Tem-hi-release) to stop the buzzer when the temperature drops back to the Tem-hi-release temperature, etc. Other modifications to IoT device settings can be achieved through the IoT device setting service device and method of this invention.

[0046] In other embodiments, the setting server 20 is a standalone machine. The setting server 20 provides internet access, can detect the interfacing device 10 and establish a communication connection with it, thereby establishing a communication connection with the local area network 40. The setting server 20 also provides computing functions, running a setting server function to locate IoT devices 51, 52, and 53, and perform setting / resetting parameters and other operations. Alternatively, the setting server 20 can be integrated into a smartphone (not shown), utilizing the smartphone's powerful computing, communication, and memory functions to execute a setting server function to locate IoT devices 51, 52, and 53, and perform setting / resetting parameters and other operations. All of the above embodiments are readily achievable by those skilled in the art based on existing technology. Their technical details are not required here.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the local area network 40 is communicatively connected to the Internet 50. When the setting parameters are reset or changed to network parameters, the reset or change of settings can enable the majority of IoT devices 51, 52, and 53 to directly communicate with the Internet 50 via the local area network 40. However, the operation of the present invention does not actually require communication via or through the Internet.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the computer device 30 can be any computer device with network communication capabilities, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktop computers, terminals, etc. The computer device 30 can communicate with the local area network 40 via wired or wireless means, including connecting to the local area network 40 via the Internet 50.

[0049] The computer device 30 of the configuration server 20 is configured to continuously send queries to the interfacing device 10 or continuously receive event signals from the interfacing device 10, and to provide a configuration page 31 after detecting that any IoT device has established a communication connection with the interfacing device 10. After obtaining the identification code of the connected IoT device, such as the aforementioned SSID, the computer device 30 of the configuration server 20 provides a field on the display corresponding to the identification code for inputting a second set of configuration parameters and / or a password associated with the identification code. The configuration server 20 also provides a model / type identification function, configured to only provide configuration fields for supported models / types. Since many communication protocols require wireless devices to include a description of device attributes when broadcasting their announcement signals, the configuration server 20 can directly determine and identify the models of the IoT devices 51, 52, and 53 to be connected, and whether they are supported models. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the setting server 20 determines that any IoT device is a supported model and provides a corresponding setting field on the display, the IoT device sends a display signal, such as a built-in buzzer emitting a specific tune or flashing lights.

[0050] Furthermore, the computer device 30 that establishes the configuration server 20 is configured to provide the second set of configuration parameters and password to the corresponding IoT device after the user selects / types a specific identification code field and enters the second set of configuration parameters and password. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second set of configuration parameters may be the network name and password of the local area network. The second set of configuration parameters may also be any parameter suitable for connecting to a specific network, or any control parameter or function parameter of the IoT device. The configuration server 20 may provide a specific parameter configuration field by default, and provide a description of the types of parameters that can be configured for the user to select or enter. The specific parameter configuration field is displayed after the user selects it.

[0051] The IoT devices 51, 52, and 53 are configured to, upon receiving a second set of setting parameters and a password from the computer device 30 that hosts the setting server 20, reset or modify the relevant control parameters and setting parameters to the second set of setting parameters using the password. Using a webpage to provide fields for setting, resetting, and modifying settings of another device connected to the same local area network is a technique easily mastered by those in the industry. Details are unnecessary to elaborate on here.

[0052] In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the computer device 30 that sets up the setting server 20 may also be configured to send a control signal to the corresponding Internet of Things (IoT) device when the user clicks on a specific field of the setting page 31, so that the display device of the IoT device displays signals that can be received by human senses, such as flashing lights, displaying text symbols, emitting sounds, etc.

[0053] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the IoT devices 51, 52, and 53 are configured to only begin detecting the identification code of the interfacing device 10 after a switch is pressed. This reduces the number of IoT devices displayed on the setup page 31 when setting up a large number of devices.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the IoT devices 51, 52, and 53 are further configured to automatically change the initial settings to the second set of settings and password after receiving the second set of settings and password. A common practice includes restarting the device. This operation can be preset in the firmware or performed by the user via, for example, a long press of a button. After completion, the IoT devices 51, 52, and 53 have severed their communication connection with the interfacing device 10, and therefore provide the second set of settings and password to the local area network 40's sharing device 41, or to sharing devices, hotspots, etc., of other target networks, to establish a communication connection with the local area network 40, and further, to establish a communication connection with the Internet 50.

[0055] After this setting / resetting, most of the IoT devices 51, 52, and 53 will have the ability to access the Internet via the local area network 40. In addition, if the second set of setting parameters and password are other control parameters unrelated to Internet access, after this setting / resetting, most of the IoT devices 51, 52, and 53 will start operating with the new setting values.

[0056] Based on the above description, the IoT device setting service method of the present invention will be illustrated below with reference to FIG2. FIG2 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of the IoT device setting service method of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the IoT device setting service method of the present invention includes the following steps: The IoT devices 51, 52, and 53 are preset with initial settings. These initial settings are preferably a first set of network name and password, that is, the network name and password corresponding to the interfacing device 10 of the present invention, so as to enable the IoT devices 51, 52, and 53 to establish a communication connection with the interfacing device 10, and further connect the IoT devices 51, 52, and 53 to the local area network 40.

[0057] In step 202, after the interfacing device 10 is plugged into the network sharing device 41 of the local area network 40, it broadcasts its device identification code. As mentioned above, the device identification code preferably includes a device attribute description and a device identification code.

[0058] In step 203, after detecting the identification code of the interfacing device 10, at least one IoT device determines it to be a preset network hotspot according to the known communication protocol. Then, the at least one IoT device provides the preset initial settings and its own identification code, such as an SSID, to the interfacing device 10. In step 204, the interfacing device 10 establishes a communication connection with the IoT device according to the communication protocol. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the IoT devices 51, 52, and 53 can be configured with switches, and the initial preset values ​​are provided only after the user presses the switch.

[0059] In step 205, the computer device 30 that sets up the configuration server 20 connects to the local area network 40 and detects via the local area network 40 that at least one IoT device has initially established a communication connection with the interfacing device 10. In step 206, the computer device 30 that sets up the configuration server 20 determines the model of the IoT device and whether it is supported. If the determination result is true, in step 207, a configuration page 31 is provided. As mentioned above, this page 31 displays an identification code captured from the at least one IoT device, and the corresponding configuration fields. This identification code can be a unique code representing the IoT device, such as an SSID.

[0060] In step 208, the computer device 30 of the configuration server 20 receives the second set of configuration parameters and password entered by the user in the configuration field, and then provides the second set of configuration parameters and password to the corresponding IoT device. In step 209, the corresponding IoT device receives the second set of configuration parameters and password, and fills them into the corresponding configuration parameters to replace the original configuration values. This completes the setting, resetting, and modification of the relevant parameter settings. In a preferred embodiment, the resetting step includes restarting the device.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, after the setting is completed, the method may further include the following steps: In step 210, after the IoT device restarts, it uses the changed settings to communicate with the local area network 40. In step 211, the IoT device connects to the Internet 50 via the local area network 40. In this embodiment, the second set of settings and password includes the network name and access password of the local area network 40.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, after the at least one IoT device establishes a communication connection with the setting server 20, it can also display signals that can be received by human senses, such as light signals, text symbols, sounds, etc., on the display device 51a equipped with the IoT device 51. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the computer device 30 that sets up the setting server 20 can also be configured to send control signals to the corresponding IoT devices 51, 52, and 53 when the user clicks on the corresponding field of the webpage, causing the display devices 51a, 52a, and 53a equipped with the IoT devices 51, 52, and 53 to display signals that can be received by human senses, such as flashing lights, flashing text symbols, sounds, etc.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second set of network name and password is the network name and access password of the local area network. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the second set of network name and password may also be other control parameters, functional parameters, etc. Applicable examples include: modifying the temperature display to select Celsius (C) or Fahrenheit (F), setting the high temperature alarm trigger temperature (Tem-hi) of the temperature display, triggering a buzzer when the temperature reaches Tem-hi; setting the high temperature alarm release temperature (Tem-hi-release), stopping the buzzer when the temperature drops back to the high temperature alarm release temperature (Tem-hi-release), etc. Other modifications to IoT device setting parameters can be achieved through the IoT device setting service device and method of the present invention.

[0064] The following example illustrates a preferred application scenario of the IoT device setup service device and method of the present invention. Figure 3 shows a sequence diagram of a preferred application example of the present invention. As shown in the figure, in step 301, one or more newly purchased IoT devices are prepared to be set up using the IoT device setup service device and method of the present invention. The IoT device is compatible with the IoT device setup service device of the present invention and has the same SSID and password set by the interfacing device.

[0065] In step 302, the interfacing device is activated. The interfacing device broadcasts its SSID. In step 303, the compatible IoT device is activated. The IoT device detects the interfacing device, sends its default SSID and password, and completes the connection with the interfacing device. In step 304, the configuration server detects the IoT device, determines it to be an unconfigured IoT device, and displays its graphic and code on the screen, awaiting user configuration. In step 305, the user manually completes the required configuration input and submits it. In step 306, the IoT device receives the new configuration values ​​and changes the settings. This completes the configuration of the newly purchased IoT device.

[0066] If the IoT device prepared in step 301 is already configured, in step 304 the configuration server determines it is a configured IoT device and displays its graphic and code on the screen, waiting for the user to change the settings. In step 305, the user can manually enter the desired settings. In another scenario, the user can also press the "Return to Factory Settings" button. In this case, the configuration server will fill in the default SSID and Password in the corresponding fields and send it out. After this configuration, the IoT device becomes the aforementioned newly purchased IoT device.

[0067] 10: Interfacing device 11: Entity Interface 20: Configure the server 30: Computer devices 31: Settings Page 40: Local Area Network 41: Network Sharing Device 42: Corresponding interface 50: Internet 51: Internet of Things (IoT) devices 51a: Display device 52: Internet of Things (IoT) devices 52a: Display device 53: Internet of Things (IoT) devices 53a: Display device

Claims

1. An Internet of Things (IoT) device setting service device, comprising: Interfacing device, which can access local area network and provide mobile hotspot function, allows IoT devices that are pre-connected to the interfacing device to establish communication connections; The system also includes a setting server, which is connected to the local area network to communicate with the IoT device via the interfacing device, for resetting or changing the setting parameters of the IoT device. The setting server provides a user interface to provide users with setting fields corresponding to the IoT device. After the user enters the setting parameter name and setting value in the field, the server sends a control command to the IoT device to request the resetting or changing of the setting parameters of the IoT device.

2. As in the IoT device setting service device of claim 1, wherein, The configuration server is built into a computer device that is connected to the local area network. After being started, it can detect and connect to the interfacing device via the local area network.

3. Such as the IoT device setting service device as described in claim 2, wherein, The computer device communicates with the local area network via wired or wireless means.

4. Such as the IoT device setting service device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The settings parameters that are reset or changed include one of the following: network name and related password, control parameters, and function parameters.

5. Such as the IoT device setting service device as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The setting parameters include one of the following: modifying the temperature display to select Celsius (C) or Fahrenheit (F), setting the high temperature alarm trigger temperature (Tem-hi) of the temperature display, triggering the buzzer when the temperature reaches Tem-hi, setting the high temperature alarm release temperature (Tem-hi-release), and stopping the buzzer when the temperature drops back to the high temperature alarm release temperature (Tem-hi-release).

6. Such as the IoT device setting service device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The interfacing device provides a physical interface for insertion into the corresponding interface of a network sharer in the local area network to establish a communication connection with the local area network.

7. Such as the IoT device setting service device as claimed in claim 3, wherein, The interfacing device is configured to establish a communication connection with the local area network after being plugged into a sharer, and to connect the IoT device to the local area network after receiving a preset communication connection request from the IoT device.

8. Such as the IoT device setting service device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The interfacing device connects wirelessly to the local area network.

9. The Internet of Things device setting service device as described in claim 6, wherein, The preset communication connection request includes the network name and network password of the local area network to which the interfacing device has already communicated, and the interfacing device is configured to connect the IoT device to the local area network after receiving the preset communication connection request.

10. Such as the IoT device setting service device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The interfacing device is configured to broadcast its own announcement signal for a specific period or continuously after being connected to the local area network.

11. The IoT device setting service device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The user interface is a webpage that includes this settings field.

12. The IoT device setting service device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, further includes a display device for displaying a signal indicating successful connection when establishing a communication connection with any IoT device.

13. Such as the IoT device setting service device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The server is configured to issue a command when establishing a communication connection with any IoT device, causing the IoT device to display a signal indicating a successful connection.

14. An Internet of Things (IoT) device setting service system, comprising an IoT device setting service device as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, and a plurality of IoT devices; wherein, The IoT device is configured to provide a preset communication connection request to the interfacing device when the interfacing device is detected. The preset communication connection request is a set of initial settings for establishing a communication connection with the local area network.

15. The Internet of Things (IoT) device setting service system as described in claim 14, wherein, The initial settings are a set of network name and password.

16. The Internet of Things (IoT) device setting service system as described in claim 15, wherein, The initial settings are the network name and password of the local area network to which the interfacing device is already connected.

17. Such as the IoT device setting service system described in claims 14, 15, or 16, wherein, The IoT device also sends out its own identification code.

18. Such as the Internet of Things (IoT) device setting service system as claimed in claims 14, 15, or 16, wherein, Most of these IoT devices have the same initial settings.

19. Such as the Internet of Things (IoT) device setting service system as claimed in claims 14, 15, or 16, wherein, Most IoT devices connect to the interfacing device via short-range wireless communication channels.

20. A method for setting up an Internet of Things (IoT) device, comprising the following steps: The IoT device presets initial settings, including a first set of network name and internet password; After an intermediary device is plugged into a network sharing device in a local area network (LAN), it broadcasts its device identification code; Upon detecting the identification code of the intermediary device, the IoT device determines it to be a preset network hotspot based on known communication protocols, and provides the preset initial settings and its own identification code to the intermediary device; The intermediary device enables the IoT device to establish a communication connection with the LAN; A computer device that sets up a setting server connects to the LAN and detects that at least one IoT device has initially established a communication connection with the LAN, and provides a setting webpage containing setting fields; The computer device that sets up the setting server receives a second set of setting parameters and a password entered by the user in the setting fields, and provides the second set of setting parameters and the password to the corresponding IoT device; The corresponding IoT device receives the second set of setting parameters and the password, and fills the second set of setting parameters and the password into the corresponding setting parameters to replace the original settings.

21. The method of claim 20 further includes the following steps: the IoT device is restarted, and after restarting, it uses the changed setting parameter values ​​to communicate and connect to the local area network; and the IoT device connects to the Internet via the local area network; wherein, This setting parameter value includes the network name and internet password of the local area network.

22. The method of claim 20 or 21 further includes the following steps: after the at least one Internet of Things device establishes a communication connection with the local area network, a display device equipped with the Internet of Things device displays a signal that can be received by human senses.

23. The method of claim 20 or 21 further includes the following steps: when a user clicks on a field corresponding to a specific Internet of Things (IoT) device on a webpage of a computer device that sets up the server, the display device equipped with the IoT device displays a signal that can be received by human senses.

24. The method as claimed in claim 20 or 21, wherein, The steps for the IoT device to detect the identification code of the interfacing device include: the IoT device responding to the operation of a pressed switch and initiating the detection of the identification code of the interfacing device.

25. The method of claim 20 or 21 further includes the following steps: after the Internet of Things device establishes a communication connection with the local area network, it generates a set of plaintext and displays it on the display of the Internet of Things device; and after the setting server provides the webpage, it displays the plaintext in the corresponding field of the webpage.

26. The method as claimed in claim 20 or 21, wherein, The second set of settings and passwords includes the network name and associated password used for internet access.

27. The method as claimed in claim 20 or 21, wherein, The second set of settings includes one of the control parameters and the function parameters.

28. The method as claimed in claim 27, wherein, The second set of settings includes one of the following: modifying the temperature display to Celsius (C) or Fahrenheit (F), setting the high temperature alarm trigger temperature (Tem-hi) of the temperature display, triggering the buzzer when the temperature reaches Tem-hi, setting the high temperature alarm release temperature (Tem-hi-release), and stopping the buzzer when the temperature drops back to the high temperature alarm release temperature (Tem-hi-release).

29. An Internet of Things (IoT) device, the IoT device having preset initial settings, including a first set of network names and internet passwords; the IoT device is configured to: upon detecting a device identification code of an interfacing device, provide the preset initial settings to the interfacing device to establish a communication connection with a local area network; upon receiving a communication connection request from a setting server, establish a communication connection with the setting server; and upon receiving a second set of setting parameters and a password from the setting server, collect the second set of setting parameters and the password, and fill the second set of setting parameters and the password into the corresponding setting parameters to replace the original settings.

30. The Internet of Things (IoT) device of claim 29, wherein the IoT device is configured to: after replacing the original settings with the second set of settings and password, restart the device and then use the changed settings to communicate with the local area network after restarting.

31. The Internet of Things device of claim 30, wherein the Internet of Things device is further configured to: after being restarted and connected to the local area network, connect to the Internet via the local area network.

32. The Internet of Things (IoT) device of claim 31, further configured such that, after establishing a communication connection between the IoT device and the local area network, a display device equipped with the IoT device displays signals that are perceptible to human senses.

33. The Internet of Things (IoT) device of claim 29 or 30, wherein the IoT device is further configured to display a signal receptible to human senses on a display device equipped with the IoT device when the device receives a selection signal from the setting server corresponding to the IoT device.

34. Such as the Internet of Things (IoT) device claimed in claim 29 or 30, wherein, The IoT device is equipped with a push-button switch and is configured to detect the identification code of the interface device when the push-button switch is activated.

35. The Internet of Things (IoT) device of claim 29 or 30, further configured to: after establishing a communication connection with the local area network, generate a set of plaintext and display it on the display of the IoT device; and provide the plaintext information to the setting server.

36. Such as the Internet of Things device in claim 29 or 30, wherein, The second set of settings and passwords includes the network name and associated password used for internet access.

37. An Internet of Things (IoT) device, such as that described in claim 29 or 30, wherein... The second set of settings includes one of the control parameters and the function parameters.

38. The Internet of Things (IoT) device as claimed in claim 37, wherein, The second set of settings includes one of the following: modifying the temperature display to Celsius (C) or Fahrenheit (F), setting the high temperature alarm trigger temperature (Tem-hi) of the temperature display, triggering the buzzer when the temperature reaches Tem-hi, setting the high temperature alarm release temperature (Tem-hi-release), and stopping the buzzer when the temperature drops back to the high temperature alarm release temperature (Tem-hi-release).

39. The Internet of Things device of claim 29 or 30, wherein the Internet of Things device is further configured to send out its own identification code after establishing a communication connection with the local area network.

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