Device and method for configuring group in home network system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device and method for configuring a group in a home network system. The method for configuring a group in a home network system according to an embodiment of the present invention is an operation method of two or more home appliances and a user terminal that constitute the home network system, and comprises the steps in which: the user terminal configures a group for the two or more home appliances, transmits, to a master apparatus among the home appliances, a first message for notifying that the master apparatus is a master apparatus of the group, and transmits, to slave apparatuses among the home appliances, a second message for notifying that the slave apparatuses are slave apparatuses of the group; the master apparatus and the slave apparatuses receive the first message and the second message, respectively, and then transmit and receive a message of an internet protocol (IP) layer in order to perform a discovery process; and the master apparatus and the slave apparatuses transmit and receive a message of an application layer in order to perform a grouping process after the discovery process.

Description

Device and method for setting up a group in a home network system

[0001] The present invention relates to a device and method for setting up a group in a home network system.

[0002] As communication capabilities are added to numerous home appliances, specific technologies are required to manage each device. By establishing a home network with communication capabilities, each appliance can be controlled in a variety of ways.

[0003] However, home appliances may not be able to provide complex communication functions like computers or mobile phones, and the way they provide services may also vary depending on the function of the home appliance.

[0004] Therefore, this specification examines a method for enabling home appliances to communicate efficiently.

[0005] This specification is intended to solve the aforementioned problems and enables efficient communication by setting up home appliances in groups.

[0006] Additionally, the present specification enables a home appliance to perform group creation and group joining by using a Wi-Fi module built into the home appliance.

[0007] In addition, this specification aims to increase the convenience of group setting of home appliances.

[0008] The objectives of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above. Other objectives and advantages of the present invention not mentioned above can be understood through the following description and will be more clearly understood through the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the objectives and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims.

[0009] A user terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a terminal communication unit that performs communication with two or more home appliances, a terminal control unit that processes group settings of home appliances, and a terminal interface unit that displays information related to group settings of home appliances or receives a selection, wherein the terminal control unit generates a first message notifying a master device belonging to a group that it is a master device of the group and a second message notifying a slave device belonging to the group that it is a slave device of the group, and the terminal communication unit transmits the first message to the master device and transmits the second message to the slave device.

[0010] A master device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a device communication unit that performs communication with a user terminal and a slave device, and a device control unit that generates a message to be transmitted to the user terminal and the slave device. After the device communication unit receives a message from the user terminal notifying that it is the master device of a group, the device communication unit transmits and receives an IP layer (Internet Protocol Layer) message with the slave device to perform a discovery process with the slave device, and the device control unit controls the device communication unit to transmit and receive an application layer (Application Layer) message with the slave device to perform a grouping process with the slave device.

[0011] A slave device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a device communication unit that performs communication with a user terminal and a master device, and a device control unit that generates a message to be transmitted to the user terminal and the master device, and after the device communication unit receives a message from the user terminal notifying that the device is a slave device of a group, the device control unit transmits and receives an IP layer (Internet Protocol Layer) message to and from the master device to perform a discovery process with the master device, and the device control unit controls the device communication unit to transmit and receive an application layer (Application Layer) message to and from the master device to perform a grouping process with the master device and the group.

[0012] A method for setting up a group in a home network system according to one embodiment of the present invention is an operation method of two or more home appliances and a user terminal constituting a home network system, the method comprising the steps of: a user terminal setting up a group for two or more home appliances, transmitting a first message notifying a master device among the home appliances that it is the master device of the group, and transmitting a second message notifying a slave device among the home appliances that it is the slave device of the group; a step in which the master device and the slave device transmit and receive messages of an IP layer (Internet Protocol Layer) to perform a discovery process after receiving the first message and the second message, respectively; and a step in which the master device and the slave device transmit and receive messages of an application layer to perform a grouping process after the discovery process.

[0013] When the present invention is applied, efficiency can be improved by setting up home appliances in groups.

[0014] When the present invention is applied, the home appliance can perform group creation and group joining using the Wi-Fi module built into the home appliance.

[0015] When the present invention is applied, the convenience of group setting of home appliances can be improved.

[0016] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and various effects of the present invention can be easily derived from the configuration of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a home network configuration in which a user terminal and a plurality of home appliances are set as a group according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an initialization and discovery process according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 is a drawing showing a grouping process according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a router information request message that can be used in the configuration of IPv4 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of a router advertisement message that can be used in the configuration of IPv4 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of a router information request message that can be used in the configuration of IPv6 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of a router advertisement message that can be used in the configuration of IPv6 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of a master group information request message transmitted by a slave device to a master device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of a master group information response message transmitted by a master device to a slave device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a group registration request message transmitted by a slave device to a master device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of a group registration response message transmitted by a master device to a slave device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the configuration of a group registration cancellation request message transmitted by a master device to a slave device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 13 is a master group registration cancellation response message transmitted by a slave device to a master device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 14 is a slave group registration cancellation request message transmitted by a slave device to a master device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 15 is a slave group registration cancellation response message transmitted by a master device to a slave device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Fig. 16 is a drawing showing components of a device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the operation between a master device and slave devices forming a group using a Wi-Fi protocol according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a process in which home appliances belonging to a group according to one embodiment of the present invention provide a service for recommending today's menu or checking my recipe.

[0035] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a configuration in which a slave device according to one embodiment of the present invention performs the role of a relay agent for another slave device.

[0036] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a configuration in which a master device performs the role of a relay agent for a slave device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Fig. 21 is a diagram showing the configuration of a user terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. The present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0039] In order to clearly explain the present invention, parts that are not related to the description have been omitted, and the same or similar components are designated by the same reference numerals throughout the specification. In addition, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. When adding reference numerals to components in each drawing, the same components may have the same numerals as much as possible even if they are shown in different drawings. In addition, when explaining the present invention, if it is determined that a specific description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0040] When describing components of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are only intended to distinguish the components from other components, and the nature, order, sequence, or number of the components are not limited by the terms. When it is described that a component is "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but that other components may also be "interposed" between each component, or that each component may be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" through another component.

[0041] In addition, in implementing the present invention, components may be described in detail for convenience of explanation, but these components may be implemented in one device or module, or one component may be implemented by being divided into multiple devices or modules.

[0042] In this specification, home appliances may belong to one or more groups. A home appliance belonging to a group may belong to either a master device or a slave device.

[0043] A master device can provide specific services to slave devices or control them. Slave devices can receive specific services from the master device.

[0044] User devices can set up groups for multiple home appliances and configure master and slave devices within the groups. For this purpose, user devices can be equipped with a specific application (e.g., the ThinQ app).

[0045]

[0046] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a home network configuration in which a user terminal and multiple home appliances are grouped according to one embodiment of the present invention. The user terminal (100) and home appliances can form a single home network system.

[0047] The user terminal (100) uses the installed application to perform master device and slave device settings for a number of home appliances (which may be referred to as devices for short). For convenience of explanation, the master device of the first group is indicated as G1-M, and the slave devices of the first group are indicated as G1-S1, G1-S2, etc.

[0048] The user terminal (100) creates a G1 group and sets a master device (200a) and slave devices (200b, 200c) in each group. Similarly, the user terminal (100) creates a G2 group and sets a master device (200d) and slave devices (200e, 200f) in each group. 200z is a new device or a device that has withdrawn from an existing group, and the user terminal (100) can assign a new group to 200z or assign an existing group (G1, G2).

[0049] Each device may be included in multiple groups depending on its purpose. For example, a G1-M device (200a) may be a master in the G1 group but may participate as a slave device in other groups.

[0050] In the configuration of Figure 1, a home network can be built, where each device belongs to a specific group, to provide user services. The first step in building a home network is the automatic grouping process, which automatically groups each home appliance. This process creates a home private network comprised of home appliances, allowing a single appliance to simultaneously control multiple appliances or provide specific services within a single group network.

[0051] Additionally, a single appliance can simultaneously join multiple groups for different purposes. Through the home network, appliances can provide various user services. For example, appliances within a cooking group can provide menu recommendations or recipe registration services. Appliances within a specific group can also provide relay services, relaying data between each other.

[0052] In a configuration like Figure 1, a home network can be built through a process that notifies each device whether it is a master or slave, or that a group has been assigned. This specification examines the process of building a home network using network technology between devices. More specifically, an initialization process is performed, in which a user terminal creates a group and configures the home appliances as master and slave devices.

[0053] Afterwards, the discovery process, which identifies the groups that make up the home network or provides information about them, is conducted using IP (Internet Protocol). Furthermore, the grouping process, which involves joining or leaving a group that makes up the home network, is performed at the application layer.

[0054] The user terminal (100) and home appliances (200a to 200z) of FIG. 1 can form a single home network system. The home network system can include one or more groups. The creation of these groups is set by the user terminal (100), and the process of forming groups by master devices and slave devices within the groups can proceed without the intervention of the user terminal (100).

[0055]

[0056] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an initialization and discovery process according to one embodiment of the present invention. A user terminal (100) creates a group using an application (e.g., LG ThinQ app). In FIG. 2, the user terminal (100) creates a group called "G1" (S1). Group creation is to group home appliances for a specific purpose, and groups can be created according to the types of functions provided by the home appliances. Alternatively, groups can be created according to the locations of the home appliances. To this end, the user terminal (100) lists each home appliance, and when two or more home appliances are selected, the user terminal (100) can output detailed information about the group according to the types or locations of the selected home appliances.

[0057] For example, if a refrigerator and an oven are selected on the touch screen of the user terminal (100), the user terminal (100) may display group information called "cooking group." In another embodiment, if an air conditioner and a TV are selected on the touch screen of the user terminal (100) and both of these appliances are located in the living room, the user terminal (100) may display group information called "living room group."

[0058] Thereafter, the user terminal (100) sets the master device and slave devices to belong to the created G1 group (S2). Then, the user terminal (100) designates the first device (G1-M1) (200a) as the master device of the G1 group (S3). Similarly, the user terminal (100) designates the second device (G1-S1) (200b) as the slave device of the G1 group (S4), and designates the n-th device (G1-Sn) (200n) as the slave device of the G1 group (S5).

[0059] S1 to S5 are the initialization process.

[0060] Afterwards, after the second device (G1-S1) (200b) and the n-th device (G1-Sn) (200n) designated as slave devices start a Wi-Fi connection (S11, S15), the second device (G1-S1) (200b) and the n-th device (G1-Sn) (200n) transmit a router information request message (Router Solicitation Message) requesting the IP address of the master device (200a) (S12, S16). At this time, the slave devices (200b, 200n) can operate as Wi-Fi stations and the master device (200a) can operate as a soft AP.

[0061] The master device (200a) transmits a router advertisement message including the IP address of the master device (200a), which is the group master, to the slave devices (200b, 200n) (S13, S17).

[0062] Steps S11 to S17 are the discovery process. Using the IP router discovery protocol, each slave device (200b, 200n) can obtain the master device's IP address (e.g., IPv4 address or IPv6 address). During the discovery process, the master device (200a) and slave devices send and receive IP layer (Internet Protocol Layer) messages.

[0063] In S12 and S16, an IPv4 or IPv6 router information request message (Router Solicitation Message) may be transmitted depending on the specific type of IP protocol. For example, in an IPv4 embodiment, an IPv4-based router information request message (IPv4 Router Solicitation Message) may be transmitted, and in an IPv6 embodiment, an IPv6-based router information request message (IPv6 Router Solicitation Message) may be transmitted.

[0064] However, for the operation of the master-slave device of the present invention, the slave devices (200b, 200n) can set the code value in the message to a pre-agreed value.

[0065] Additionally, in S13 and S17, an IPv4 or IPv6 Router Advertisement Message may be transmitted depending on the specific type of IP protocol. For example, in an IPv4 embodiment, an IPv4-based Router Advertisement Message may be transmitted, and in an IPv6 embodiment, an IPv6-based Router Advertisement Message may be transmitted. The Router Advertisement Message may include a Group ID List and a Master IP Address List.

[0066] For the operation of the master-slave device of the present invention, the master device (200a) may set the code value within the message to a predetermined value and include additional information. At this time, depending on the specific type of IP protocol, the master's IPv4 address list (Master IPv4 address list) or the master's IPv6 address list (Master IPv6 address list) may be included in the router advertisement message.

[0067] In an embodiment where IPv4 is applied among the IP protocols, the master device (200a) becomes an IPv4 host router, and the slave devices (200b, 200n) become IPv4 hosts.

[0068] In an embodiment where IPv6 is applied among the IP protocols, the master device (200a) becomes an IPv6 host router, and the slave devices (200b, 200n) become IPv6 hosts.

[0069]

[0070] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a grouping process according to one embodiment of the present invention. After performing the initialization and discovery processes of FIG. 2, each device can transmit a message for performing grouping at the application layer. More specifically, each device can perform a Wi-Fi connection procedure, and then perform a router discovery procedure, which is a discovery process of S12, S13, S16, and S17 of FIG. 2. That is, each slave device can perform a router discovery procedure with the master device.

[0071] The slave devices (200b, 200n) that have received the router advertisement messages of S13 and S17 of FIG. 2 transmit a master group information request message (Master_Group_Info_Rquest Message) requesting group information about a group managed by the master to the master device (200a) (S21a, S21n).

[0072] The master device (200a) that receives the request message transmits a master group information response message (Master_Group_Info_Response Message) containing information about the group it manages to the slave devices (200b, 200n) (S22a, S22n).

[0073] Thereafter, the slave devices (200b, 200n) that have confirmed information about the group transmit a group registration request message (Slave_Group_Registration_Request Message) to the master device (200a) to participate in the group managed by the master device (200a) (S23a, S23n).

[0074] The master device (200a) that receives the request message registers the slave devices (200b, 200n) as a group and then transmits the corresponding results to the slave devices (200b, 200n) (S24a, S24n). The transmitted message is a group registration response message (Slave_Group_Registration_Response Message).

[0075] Thereafter, the slave devices (200b, 200n) included in the group can communicate with the master device (200a) and perform a predetermined function. Meanwhile, the master device (200a) can transmit a master group deregistration request message (Master De-registration Request Message) to the slave device (200b) to deregister the first device, the slave device (200b), from the group (S26). The slave device (200b) that receives this can transmit a master group deregistration response message (Master De-registration Response Message) including the result thereof to the master device (200a) (S27).

[0076] Conversely, a second device, a slave device (200n), may transmit a slave group deregistration request message (Slave De-registration Request Message) to the master device (200a) to withdraw from the group (S28). Upon receiving this, the master device (200a) may transmit a slave group deregistration response message (Slave De-registration Response Message) containing the result thereof to the slave device (200n) (S29).

[0077] The message flow in Figure 3 is summarized as follows.

[0078] The slave device transmits a master group information request message (Master_Group_Info_Rquest Message) to the master device (S21a, S21n). The master device transmits a master group information response message (Master_Group_Info_Response Message) to the slave device (S22a, S22n).

[0079] The slave device transmits a group registration request message (Slave_Group_Registration_Request Message) to the master device (S23a, S23n). The master device transmits a group registration response message (Slave_Group_Registration_Response Message) to the slave device (S24a, S24n).

[0080] The master device transmits a master group deregistration request message (Master De-registration Request Message) to the slave device (S26). The slave device transmits a master group deregistration response message (Master De-registration Response Message) to the master device (S27).

[0081] The slave device transmits a slave group deregistration request message (Slave De-registration Request Message) to the master device (S28). The master device transmits a slave group deregistration response message (Slave De-registration Response Message) to the slave device (S29).

[0082] Conditions for a slave device to leave a group can be set during the initialization process. These conditions can include time-related conditions (such as leaving the group after a certain amount of time has elapsed), communication-related conditions (such as leaving the group when the data transmission / reception volume exceeds or falls below a certain amount), or other conditions (such as leaving the group when the number of slave devices in the group exceeds or falls below a certain threshold).

[0083] After grouping home appliances through the processes of FIGS. 2 and 3 and completing the provision of services through the group, slave devices can withdraw from the group. Withdrawal from the group can be divided into cases where the master device (200a) requests it (S26) and cases where the slave device (200n) requests it (S28).

[0084] The process of operating the home network system in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 3 is as follows. In two or more home appliances and user terminals constituting the home network system, the user terminal (100) sets up a group for two or more home appliances and transmits a first message notifying a master device (200a) among the home appliances that it is the master device of the group (S3 in FIG. 2), and transmits a second message notifying a slave device (200b, 200n) among the home appliances that it is a slave device of the group (S4, S5 in FIG. 2).

[0085] And, after the master device (200a) and slave devices (200b, 200n) receive the first message and the second message, respectively, they transmit and receive messages of the IP layer (Internet Protocol Layer) to perform a discovery process (S11 to S17 of FIG. 2).

[0086] And, the master device (200a) and slave devices (200b, 200n) transmit and receive messages of the application layer to perform a grouping process after the discovery process (see Fig. 3).

[0087] We will examine the detailed structure of the messages transmitted by each device during the process of building a home network through the processes of FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0088] Each message structure, as an example, is divided into specific fields based on octets. "Reserved" refers to a reserved field. To distinguish each message type, the value of the Type, Code, or Type field of the Options field can be set appropriately for the message type.

[0089] The messages described below utilize existing Wi-Fi technology built into each home appliance, and messages between home appliances can utilize the data transmission physical layer. The IP Router Discovery Protocol can be used to group individual devices. For example, for IPv4, the message structure of RFC 1256 (ICMP Router Discovery Messages) can be used with some modifications. For IPv6, the message structure of RFC 4861 (Neighbor Discovery for IP version 6) can be used with some modifications.

[0090] Furthermore, various services can be provided using TCP / IP technology. Furthermore, individual devices can be grouped and provide services by applying the new protocol of the present invention implemented at the application layer.

[0091] One embodiment of the present invention can utilize AI technology built into home appliances (e.g., LG UP appliances) to provide various services to users.

[0092] First, let's look at the messages sent and received during the discovery process.

[0093] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a router information request message that can be used in an IPv4 configuration according to one embodiment of the present invention. The type value is set to a value indicating the type of the message (e.g., 0x0A).

[0094] Meanwhile, a slave device according to an embodiment of the present invention sets the code value of an IPv4 Router Solicitation Message to a predetermined value (e.g., 0x01) as illustrated in 31a. A slave device included in an embodiment of the present invention transmits a router information request message by setting the code value to a predetermined value (e.g., 0x01).

[0095] On the other hand, other devices not included in the embodiment of the present invention may transmit a router information request message by setting the code value to a different value (e.g., 0x00) as shown in 31b.

[0096] Accordingly, the master device included in one embodiment of the present invention can transmit a router advertisement message only when the code value of the router information request message is set to a pre-agreed value (e.g., 0x01).

[0097] The Router Information Request message in IPv4 may further include a Checksum field and a Reserved field to check for errors in the message following the code value.

[0098] The 31a message in FIG. 4 may be indicated as a Master IPv4 Address Request message of the Internet Control Message Protocol version 4 (ICMPv4) of the IPv4 layer.

[0099]

[0100] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of a router advertisement message that can be used in the IPv4 configuration according to one embodiment of the present invention. The master device sets the code value of the IPv4 router advertisement message to a predetermined value (e.g., 0x01, etc.). The master device included in the embodiment of the present invention sets the code value to a predetermined value (e.g., 0x01) and transmits a router advertisement message including the number of all groups (Group Number), identifiers of the groups, and address information (Group Id[1], Master IPv4 Address, Group Id[2], Master IPv4 Address, ...) as indicated at 32. On the other hand, other devices that are not included in the embodiment of the present invention can transmit a router advertisement message by setting the code value to a different value (e.g., 0x00).

[0101] The router advertisement message of IPv4 may further include a checksum field to check for errors in the message, a number of addresses (Num Addrs) field, an entry size (Addr Entry Size) field, a lifetime field, and each router address and preference level (Router Address[1], Preference Level[1], Router Address[2], Preference Level[2], ...) following the code value.

[0102] A slave device included in one embodiment of the present invention can check group information included in a router advertisement message only when the code value of the advertisement message is set to a pre-agreed value (e.g., 0x01).

[0103] The message in FIG. 5 can be indicated as a Master IPv4 Address Response message of the Internet Control Message Protocol version 4 (ICMPv4) of the IPv4 layer.

[0104]

[0105] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of a router information request message that can be used in the configuration of IPv6 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a slave device sets the Type value of an option field, which is a variable size area of ​​an IPv6 Router Solicitation Message, to a predetermined value (e.g., 0x10, etc.) as illustrated in 33. Then, a slave device included in the embodiment of the present invention transmits a router information request message by setting the Type value of the option field to a predetermined value (e.g., 0x10). On the other hand, other devices not included in the embodiment of the present invention can transmit a router information request message by setting the Type value to a different value (e.g., 0x00).

[0107] In addition, the option field of the router information request message according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a field (Length) of 8 octet units indicating length information, a reserved field, and a field containing all "0" thereafter.

[0108] A master device included in one embodiment of the present invention can transmit a router advertisement message only when the type value of the option field of the router information request message is set to a pre-agreed value (e.g., 0x10).

[0109] The message in FIG. 6 can be indicated as a Master IPv6 Address Request message of the Internet Control Message Protocol version 6 (ICMPv6) of the IPv6 layer.

[0110]

[0111] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a router advertisement message that can be used in an IPv6 configuration according to one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 34, the master device sets the Type value of the option field, which is a variable size area of ​​an IPv6 router advertisement message, to a predetermined value (e.g., 0x11).

[0112] A master device included in an embodiment of the present invention sets the Type value of the option field to a predetermined value (e.g., 0x11) and transmits a router advertisement message including the number of all groups (Group Number), information about the identifiers and addresses of the groups (Group Id[1], Master IPv6 Address, Group Id[2], Master IPv6 Address, ...) as indicated in 34. On the other hand, other devices not included in the embodiment of the present invention can transmit a router advertisement message by setting the Type value to a different value (e.g., 0x00).

[0113] In more detail, the option field of the IPv6 router advertisement message according to the embodiment of the present invention may include, as shown in 34, a type field set to a pre-arranged value (e.g., 0x11), and subsequently a field (Length) in units of 8 octets indicating the length of the message, and a field for the total number of groups (Group Number).

[0114] A slave device included in one embodiment of the present invention can check group information included in the advertisement message only when the type value of the option field of the router advertisement message is set to a pre-determined value (e.g., 0x11).

[0115] The message in FIG. 7 can be indicated as a Master IPv6 Address Response message of the Internet Control Message Protocol version 6 (ICMPv6) of the IPv6 layer.

[0116] The message structure for performing the grouping process after the initialization process and the discovery process through the transmission process of the router information request message and the advertisement message described in FIGS. 4 to 7 is examined in FIGS. 8 to 15. The initialization and discovery processes are described in FIG. 2, and the grouping process is described in FIG. 3. During the grouping process, each device can transmit a message in the application layer.

[0117] Figures 8 through 15 may include the same header structure. Here, the header portion is designated as "Header." The "Code" field in the header portion may include a pre-determined value to distinguish the type of each message.

[0118] For example, depending on the type of message, the "Code" field has a value from 0x00 to 0x07.

[0119] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of a master group information request message transmitted by a slave device to a master device according to one embodiment of the present invention. The master group information request message (Master_Group_Info_Rquest Message) is a message in which a slave device requests group information from the master device, and the slave device can use the group identifier (group ID) or group name (group name) acquired in the previous discovery process.

[0120] As shown in Fig. 8, the value of the "Code" field is set to 0x00 as an exemplary value. The "Group ID" field contains the identifier of the group from which the slave device wants to obtain information, and the "Group Name" field contains the name of the group from which the slave device wants to obtain information. The name can be stored in the message as a string type of variable size. The "Slave Source Id" is the identifier of the slave device requesting information.

[0121]

[0122] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a master group information response message transmitted by a master device to a slave device according to one embodiment of the present invention. The master group information response message (Master_Group_Info_Response Message) is a message containing group information transmitted by the master device to the slave device, and includes information about the group requested in the process of FIG. 8.

[0123] As shown in Fig. 9, the value of the "Code" field is set to 0x01 as an exemplary value. The "Group ID" field contains the identifier of the group when the master device provides group information to the slave device, and the "Group Name" field contains the name of the group when the master device provides group information to the slave device. The name can be stored in the message as a string type with a variable size.

[0124] Additionally, the "Master Source Id" identifies the master device of the group, and the "Master IPv4 / IPv6 Address" is the IP address (IPv4 or IPv6) of the master device. The "Group Information" field contains information related to the group. The "Group Information" field contains a list of slave devices currently belonging to the group (Slave Device List).

[0125] The "Group Information" field contains fields related to the length and number of devices (Device Name), and also lists the types (types of home appliances) for each device, such as Device 1 Type, Device 2 Type, etc.

[0126]

[0127] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a group registration request message transmitted by a slave device to a master device according to one embodiment of the present invention. The group registration request message (Slave_Group_Registration_Request Message) includes content in which the slave device requests the master device to register with a specific group and provides its own information to the master device.

[0128] As shown in Fig. 10, the value of the "Code" field is set to 0x02 as an exemplary value. The "Group ID" field is the identifier of the group to be registered. The "Slave Source ID" is the identifier of the slave device requesting registration in the group. The "Slave IPv4 / IPv6 Address" is the IP address (IPv4 or IPv6) of the slave device. The "Slave Device Type" indicates what type of home appliance the slave device requesting registration in the group is.

[0129]

[0130] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the structure of a group registration response message transmitted by a master device to a slave device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The group registration response message (Slave_Group_Registration_Response Message) includes the result of the registration request from the master device to the slave device. The value of the "Code" field is set to 0x03 as an exemplary value. The "Master Device Type" field indicates what type of home appliance the master device is. The same fields as in FIG. 10 are replaced with the description of FIG. 10.

[0131] "Result" contains the processing result of the group registration request message of FIG. 10, and "Fail Cause" contains information related to the failure reason in case group registration fails. The failure reason may be pre-coded information, in which case the slave device and master device may share the coded information.

[0132]

[0133] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a group deregistration request message transmitted by a master device to a slave device according to one embodiment of the present invention. The Master Deregistration Request Message is a message that allows a master device to deregister a specific slave device from a group.

[0134] The value of the "Code" field is set to 0x04 as an example. The "Group ID" field is the identifier of the group from which the slave device is to be deregistered. The "Master Source Id" is the identification information of the group's master device. The "Slave Source ID" field is the identifier of the slave device from which the registration is to be deregistered from the group.

[0135] FIG. 13 illustrates a master group deregistration response message transmitted by a slave device to a master device according to one embodiment of the present invention. The master group deregistration response message is a message transmitted by the slave device to the master device in response to the message of FIG. 12.

[0136] The value of the "Code" field is set to 0x05 as an example. The "Group ID" field is the identifier of the group from which the slave device is to be deregistered. The "Master Source Id" is the identification information of the group's master device. The "Slave Source ID" field is the identifier of the slave device from which the registration is to be deregistered from the group.

[0137] A slave device (200b in FIG. 3) that receives the message of FIG. 12 from a master device (200a in FIG. 3) leaves the group and transmits a response message for the withdrawal (FIG. 13) to the master device (200a in FIG. 3).

[0138]

[0139] Figure 14 illustrates a slave group deregistration request message transmitted by a slave device to a master device according to one embodiment of the present invention. The group deregistration request message (Slave De-registration Request Message) is a message transmitted by a slave device to the master device to deregister from a group to which it belongs.

[0140] The value of the "Code" field is set to 0x06 as an example. The "Group ID" field is the identifier of the group to be deregistered. The "Master Source Id" is the identification information of the group's master device. The "Slave Source ID" field is the identifier of the slave device to be deregistered from the group.

[0141]

[0142] FIG. 15 is a slave group deregistration response message transmitted by a master device to a slave device according to one embodiment of the present invention. The slave group deregistration response message is a message transmitted by the master device to the slave device in response to the message of FIG. 14.

[0143] The value of the "Code" field is set to 0x07 as an example. The "Group ID" field is the identifier of the group from which the slave device is to be deregistered. The "Master Source Id" is the identification information of the group's master device. The "Slave Source ID" field is the identifier of the slave device from which the registration is to be deregistered from the group.

[0144] The master device (200a in FIG. 3) that receives the message of FIG. 14 from the slave device (200n in FIG. 3) withdraws the slave device (200n in FIG. 3) from the group and transmits a response message (FIG. 15) for withdrawal to the slave device (200n in FIG. 3).

[0145]

[0146] The device type (Device Type) of a home appliance can be set as shown in the table below. These settings can vary depending on the implementation method. Device Types can also be set for each detailed model within a product family.

[0147] Device TypeDescription0x01Tumbler Washing Machine0x02Drum Washing Machine0x03Front Door Refrigerator0x04Compact Refrigerator......0xF1Microwave Oven0xF2Robot Vacuum Cleaner

[0148] Fig. 16 is a diagram showing components of a device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 16 shows components according to one embodiment of a master device or components according to one embodiment of a slave device.

[0149] The home appliance (200) includes a device control unit (250), a device communication unit (290), and a function control unit (210), and the home appliance (200) may further include other components necessary for the home appliance to provide a certain function.

[0150] The device control unit (250) can provide operating services for the home appliance (200) and can be implemented as hardware such as a single chip or PCB. When implemented as hardware, the device control unit (250) can be designated as an OSP (OS Service PCB) or an OSC (OS Service Chip). The device control unit (250) can include learning models or inference models for artificial intelligence services or store data related thereto. In this case, the device control unit (250) can provide artificial intelligence services.

[0151] The device communication unit (290) provides the functions necessary for the home appliance (200) to communicate with other servers or devices. For example, the device communication unit (290) may be implemented as hardware, such as a chip or PCB that performs communication according to a specific communication protocol. When implemented as hardware, the device communication unit (290) may be implemented as a Wi-Fi chip.

[0152] The function control unit (210) can control the unique functions of the home appliance (200) and can be implemented as hardware such as a single chip or PCB. When implemented as hardware, the function control unit (210) can be directed to an LCP (Load Control PCB) or LCC (Load Control Chip).

[0153] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the device control unit (250) and the device communication unit (290) may be implemented as hardware such as a single chip or PCB. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the device control unit (250), the device communication unit (290), and the function control unit (210) may be implemented as hardware such as a single chip or PCB. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the device control unit (250), the device communication unit (290), and the function control unit (210) may each be implemented as software modules.

[0154] When the device of FIG. 16 operates as a master device, each component according to an embodiment of the present invention is described as follows.

[0155] The device communication unit (290) communicates with the user terminal and slave devices. The device control unit (250) generates messages to be transmitted to the user terminal and slave devices. After the device communication unit (290) receives a message from the user terminal notifying that it is the master device of the group (S3 of FIG. 2), the device communication unit (290) can transmit and receive IP layer (Internet Protocol Layer) messages with the slave device to perform a discovery process with the slave device (see S11 to S17 of FIG. 2).

[0156] During the discovery process, the device communication unit (290) can transmit and receive IP layer messages with the slave device under the control of the device control unit (250). Alternatively, during the discovery process, the device communication unit (290) can automatically transmit and receive IP layer messages with the slave device using information provided by the device control unit (250) without additional control by the device control unit (250).

[0157] Meanwhile, the device control unit (250) can control the device communication unit (250) to transmit and receive messages between the slave device and the application layer to perform a grouping process for the slave device and the group.

[0158] In the discovery process performed from the standpoint of the master device, the device control unit (250) controls the device communication unit (290) to perform the discovery process, receives an IP layer router information request message from the slave device, and then transmits a router advertisement message to the slave device.

[0159] Here, in the case where the router information request message is an IPv4 router information request message (IPv4 Router Solicitation Message), an embodiment in which the value of the Code field is set to a pre-determined value was previously examined in FIG. 4.

[0160] Meanwhile, in the case where the router information request message is an IPv6 router information request message (IPv4 Router Solicitation Message), an embodiment in which the value of the Type field is set to a pre-determined value was previously examined in FIG. 6.

[0161] Additionally, router advertisement messages may include identifying information for one or more groups and the IP address of the master device for each group.

[0162] Here, in the case where the router advertisement message is an IPv4 router advertisement message, an embodiment in which the device control unit (250) or the device communication unit (290) sets the value of the code field of the router advertisement message to a pre-arranged value was previously examined in FIG. 5.

[0163] Meanwhile, in the case where the router advertisement message is an IPv6 router advertisement message, an embodiment in which the device control unit (250) or the device communication unit (290) sets the value of the Type field in the Option of the router advertisement message to a pre-arranged value was previously examined in FIG. 7.

[0164] As illustrated in FIG. 3, application layer messages transmitted and received by the master device can be classified into messages transmitted and messages received during the grouping process.

[0165] In one embodiment, the device control unit (250) may control the device communication unit (290) to transmit any one of a master group information response message, a slave group registration response message, a master group registration cancellation request message, and a slave group registration cancellation response message to a slave device to perform a grouping process.

[0166] In another embodiment, the device communication unit (290) may receive any one of a master group information request message, a slave group registration request message, a master group registration cancellation response message, and a slave group registration cancellation request message from the slave device.

[0167]

[0168] When the device of FIG. 16 operates as a slave device, each component according to an embodiment of the present invention is described as follows.

[0169] The device communication unit (290) communicates with the user terminal and the master device. The device control unit (250) generates a message to be transmitted to the user terminal and the master device. After the device communication unit (290) receives a message from the user terminal notifying that it is a slave device of the group (S4, S5 of FIG. 2), the device communication unit (290) can transmit and receive IP layer (Internet Protocol Layer) messages with the master device to perform a discovery process with the master device (see S11 to S17 of FIG. 2).

[0170] During the discovery process, the device communication unit (290) can transmit and receive IP layer messages with the master device under the control of the device control unit (250). Alternatively, during the discovery process, the device communication unit (290) can automatically transmit and receive IP layer messages with the master device using information provided by the device control unit (250) without additional control by the device control unit (250).

[0171] Meanwhile, the device control unit (250) can control the device communication unit (250) to transmit and receive messages between the master device and the application layer to perform a grouping process for the master device and the group.

[0172] In the discovery process performed from the perspective of a slave device, the device control unit (250) controls the device communication unit (290) to perform the discovery process, transmits an IP layer router information request message to the master device, and then receives a router advertisement message from the master device.

[0173] Here, in the case where the router information request message is an IPv4 router information request message (IPv4 Router Solicitation Message), an embodiment in which the device control unit (250) or the device communication unit (290) sets the value of the code field to a pre-determined value was previously examined in FIG. 4.

[0174] Meanwhile, in the case where the router information request message is an IPv6 router information request message (IPv4 Router Solicitation Message), an embodiment in which the device control unit (250) or the device communication unit (290) sets the value of the Type field to a pre-determined value was previously examined in FIG. 6.

[0175] Additionally, router advertisement messages may include identifying information for one or more groups and the IP address of the master device for each group.

[0176] Here, in the case where the router advertisement message is an IPv4 router advertisement message, an embodiment in which the value of the code field of the router advertisement message is set to a pre-arranged value was previously examined in FIG. 5.

[0177] Meanwhile, in the case where the router advertisement message is an IPv6 router advertisement message, an embodiment in which the value of the Type field in the Option of the router advertisement message is set to a pre-arranged value was previously examined in FIG. 7.

[0178] As illustrated in Figure 3, application layer messages transmitted and received by slave devices can be classified into messages transmitted and messages received during the grouping process.

[0179] In one embodiment, the device control unit (250) may control the device communication unit (290) to transmit any one of a master group information request message, a slave group registration request message, a master group registration cancellation response message, and a slave group registration cancellation request message to the master device to perform a grouping process.

[0180] In another embodiment, the device communication unit (290) may receive any one of a master group information response message, a slave group registration response message, a master group registration cancellation request message, and a slave group registration cancellation response message from the master device.

[0181]

[0182] When applying the above-described embodiment, communication can be performed between the master device and the slave device using data of the data transmission physical layer or messages of the IP layer by using the communication protocol (e.g., Wi-Fi protocol) of the device communication unit (290) built into the home appliance. In one embodiment, the router discovery protocol can be applied in the discovery process, and the home appliance can perform grouping in the application layer and provide services based on artificial intelligence and grouping.

[0183] When applying the aforementioned embodiment, multiple home appliances can form a group. The group comprises one master device and one or more slave devices. The master device can operate as a Wi-Fi soft AP. Additionally, the slave devices can operate as Wi-Fi stations.

[0184] The master device can provide specific services to slave devices and control them. The slave devices can receive specific services from the master device.

[0185] The services provided by the master device to the slave devices may vary depending on the functions provided by the devices, and an example of a service using artificial intelligence-based technology is provided.

[0186] The configuration of the master device and slave devices is done through the user terminal.

[0187]

[0188] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating operations between a master device and slave devices forming a group using a Wi-Fi protocol according to one embodiment of the present invention. A G1 group created in an IPv4 or IPv6 network includes one master device (G1-M) (200a) and multiple slave devices (200b, 200c, 200j, 200m, 200n). The slave devices are respectively indicated as G1-S1, G1-S2, G1-S3, G1-Sm, and G1-Sn.

[0189] The master device (200a) and slave devices (200b, 200c, 200j, 200m, 200n) can transmit and receive data generated from device control (Control data) and user data generated by each device (User data).

[0190] When applying an embodiment of the present invention, wireless resources can be efficiently used to provide various services by grouping home appliances using Wi-Fi wireless technology.

[0191] That is, through a grouping process that includes each appliance in a specific group, a home appliance (e.g., a master device) can simultaneously control multiple appliances (e.g., slave devices). To achieve this, groups can be automatically created for the appliances. That is, groups can be automatically created based on the capabilities provided by each appliance.

[0192] Alternatively, multiple groups can be created within a single home network for different purposes, and a single home appliance can join multiple groups simultaneously.

[0193] Furthermore, applying embodiments of the present invention allows for efficient use of wireless resources. This minimizes signaling overhead, as group information is transmitted and received only when sharing between devices is required.

[0194] Furthermore, applying embodiments of the present invention can improve the quality of user data. For example, by minimizing signaling for group maintenance, the communication protocols of home appliances can be adapted to maximize the use of wireless resources for transmitting and receiving user data.

[0195] In addition, it is designed to be adaptable to future networks, so that embodiments of the present invention can be continuously applied even when networks change in the future. For example, the group configuration of the present invention can be used not only in IPv4 networks but also in IPv6 networks. Furthermore, by utilizing Wi-Fi technology, a universal communication protocol can be applied. That is, by partially modifying the message structures of IPv4 router discovery technology (RFC1256) and IPv6 router discovery technology (RFC4861), the advantages of grouping technology can be utilized while using Wi-Fi technology.

[0196] Additionally, AI modules installed in the device control unit (250) of home appliances can be used to provide users with diverse and useful services. In other words, home appliances that comprise a group can provide users with a variety of services. In particular, various services can be provided by linking with AI technology embedded within the home appliances.

[0197] Next, we will look at an example in which home appliances included in a group provide group services.

[0198] Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating a process in which home appliances belonging to a group according to one embodiment of the present invention provide a service for recommending today's menu or checking My Recipes. According to one embodiment of the present invention, when a user requests a menu recommendation from an oven (200j), the oven (200j) can output various menu recommendation information through the group.

[0199] In one example, the air conditioner (200a) is the master device, and the refrigerator (200b), kimchi refrigerator (200c), and oven (200j) are slave devices.

[0200] A user can request a menu recommendation from an oven (200j) by voice or text, or by pressing a button. That is, the user inputs a menu recommendation request message (Request Message) into the oven (200j) (S51). The oven (200j) transmits a request related to ingredients (ingredient list request message) to an air conditioner (200a), which is a master device (S52). The air conditioner (200a) transmits a message requesting information on ingredients (ingredient information request message) to a refrigerator (200b) and a kimchi refrigerator (200c), which are home appliances related to ingredients (S53a, S53b).

[0201] And the air conditioner (200a) receives a response message (food information response message) related to food information from the refrigerator (200b) and the kimchi refrigerator (200c) (S54a, S54b). The air conditioner (200a) generates an ingredient list from the received message and transmits the ingredient list response message to the oven (200j) (S57). And the oven (200j) outputs a menu recommendation response message using the ingredients included in the ingredient list response message (S58).

[0202] In the embodiment of Fig. 18, the master device, an air conditioner (200a), and slave devices, a refrigerator (200b), a kimchi refrigerator (200c), and an oven (200j), form a group and can transmit and receive necessary information. As a result, when a user requests a menu recommendation from the oven (200j), the oven (200j) requests a list of ingredients remaining in the refrigerator (200b) / kimchi refrigerator (200c) from the master device, an air conditioner (200a).

[0203] An air conditioner (200a), which is a home appliance that does not contain food, routes a message requesting food information to a refrigerator (200b) and a kimchi refrigerator (200c). The air conditioner (200a) then provides the received information to an oven (200j), and the oven (200j) can recommend a menu to the user based on the remaining ingredients in the refrigerator (200b).

[0204] In this way, information about home appliances can be checked through groups, which improves convenience for users.

[0205] The embodiment of Fig. 18 can also be applied to a process of checking whether a specific menu can be cooked.

[0206] The user stores the menus he or she usually enjoys cooking in the oven. In addition, he or she can input a list of main ingredients for each menu. For example, the user can input recipes and ingredients through the "Register My Menu Recipe" process provided by the oven (200j). Alternatively, the oven (200j) can download recipe information from the Internet or the user terminal (100). When the user selects one of the "My Menu Recipe Lists," the master device (200a) of the group can check whether the corresponding ingredient is in the refrigerator or kimchi refrigerator.

[0207] Let's take a closer look. It is assumed that the user has entered his / her recipe information into the oven (200j) in advance.

[0208] In one embodiment, a user can input multiple recipes into an oven (200j). For example, the user may input ingredients 1, 2, and 3 as the first recipe information, ingredients 1, 3, and 4 as the second recipe information, and ingredients 5, 6, and 1 as the third recipe information.

[0209] Then, the user inputs a menu confirmation request message of S61 instead of S51 of Fig. 18 into the oven (200j). This is an embodiment in which the user selects one of the recipes registered in the oven (200j).

[0210] The process of S52 to S57 after S61 is as shown in FIG. 18. Alternatively, a process of checking whether the ingredients of the selected recipe are in the refrigerator / kimchi refrigerator (200b / 200c) by the master device, the air conditioner (200a), may be performed instead of S52 to S57.

[0211] After receiving the list of ingredients or whether there are ingredients, the oven (200j) can output a menu confirmation response message (S68).

[0212] To summarize the above explanation, it is as follows.

[0213] The oven (200j) requests the master device, the air conditioner (200a), for a list of ingredients remaining in the refrigerator / kimchi refrigerator (200b / 200c) (S52). If the master device is neither the refrigerator (200b) nor the kimchi refrigerator (200c), the request message is routed to the refrigerator (200b) and the kimchi refrigerator (200c). As a result, the air conditioner (200a) receives the ingredient information.

[0214] The oven (200j) outputs whether the menu selected by the user is currently available for cooking based on the ingredients remaining in the refrigerator (200a) (S68). If there are no ingredients for the menu, a list of ingredients not currently available in the refrigerator (200b) or kimchi refrigerator (200c), or conversely, ingredients currently stored in the refrigerator (200b) or kimchi refrigerator (200c), can be output. As a result, the oven (200j) outputs whether the user's favorite menu is currently available for cooking, and if not, outputs which ingredients are currently missing.

[0215] The embodiment of FIG. 18 can be applied to an embodiment in which a first slave device (e.g., 200b, 200c) and a second slave device (200j) are registered in a group, and the first slave device (200b, 200c) is an appliance that stores food ingredients and the second slave device (200j) is an appliance that cooks food ingredients.

[0216] The master device (200a) can collect food information stored in the first slave device (200b, 200c) in response to a menu recommendation or menu confirmation message received from either the first slave device (200b, 200c) or the second slave device (200j) and transmit the same to the second slave device (200j).

[0217]

[0218] An embodiment of implementing a relay agent service is described in FIGS. 19 and 20.

[0219] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a configuration in which a slave device according to one embodiment of the present invention performs the role of a relay agent for another slave device.

[0220] The indoor air conditioner units (200e, 200f, 200g) placed in the bedroom, the indoor air conditioner unit (200h) placed in the basement, a communication shadow area, and the dryer (200i) are all slave devices. They are included in the group managed by the outdoor air conditioner unit (200d). Each slave device can be controlled by the master device, the outdoor air conditioner unit (200d).

[0221] That is, an outdoor unit and multiple indoor units of an air conditioner can communicate using wireless Wi-Fi instead of wired RS485. In this case, when a specific indoor unit (200h) is located in a Wi-Fi shadow area for the master device and cannot normally communicate with the master device, the air conditioner outdoor unit (200d), the indoor unit (200h) can use the dryer (200i), a slave device positioned between the master device and the indoor unit (200h), as a relay agent appliance to communicate with the air conditioner outdoor unit (200d). Here, the dryer (200i) acts as a relay agent.

[0222] In summary, the indoor air conditioner unit (200h) in the basement is located in a communication shadow area, and therefore has limitations in directly communicating with the master device, the outdoor air conditioner unit (200d). Therefore, the indoor air conditioner unit (200h) in the basement can communicate with the master device, the outdoor air conditioner unit (200d), through the dryer (200i) as a relay agent.

[0223] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a configuration in which a master device performs the role of a relay agent for a slave device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0224] If a washing machine (200k) included in a group managed by an air conditioner outdoor unit (200d) is placed in a Wi-Fi shadow area, the washing machine (200k) cannot communicate with an external server (300). The air conditioner outdoor unit (200d), which is a master device, transmits data transmitted by the washing machine (200k) included in the group to an AP (Access Point) (10) so that the server (300) can receive data from the washing machine (200k). Similarly, data transmitted by the server (300) to the washing machine (200k) can also be received by the air conditioner outdoor unit (200d) from the AP (10) and transmitted to the washing machine (200k).

[0225] As shown in Figures 19 and 20, when a specific slave device is in a shaded area with respect to the home AP (10), the slave device can communicate with an external server (300) through the “relay agent service.”

[0226] In the case of FIG. 19, when a first slave device (200h) and a second slave device (200i) are registered in a group and the first slave device (200h) is placed in a communication shadow area, the first slave device (200h) can set the second slave device (200i) as a relay and transmit data to the master device (200a) through the second slave device (200i).

[0227] In the case of FIG. 20, when the first slave device (200k) is registered in a group and the first slave device (200k) is placed in a communication shadow area, the first slave device (200k) can set the master device (200a) as a relay and transmit data to the access point (10) through the master device (200a).

[0228] In large homes like the US or Europe, where it's difficult to provide coverage throughout the home with a single Wi-Fi AP, a "relay agent service" can be used to provide a variety of services to users. This allows for the expansion of the physical reach of the group.

[0229]

[0230] Fig. 21 is a diagram showing the configuration of a user terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0231] A user terminal (100) can create a group of multiple home appliances in a home network system. The user terminal (100) includes a terminal control unit (150), a terminal communication unit (190), and a terminal interface unit (110), and may further include other components necessary for the operation of the user terminal (100).

[0232] The terminal communication unit (190) communicates with two or more home appliances. The terminal control unit (150) processes group settings for home appliances. The terminal interface unit (110) displays information related to group settings for home appliances or receives selections.

[0233] In addition, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the terminal control unit (150) generates a first message notifying the master device belonging to the group that it is the master device of the group. In addition, the terminal control unit (150) generates a second message notifying the slave device belonging to the group that it is the slave device of the group. In addition, the terminal communication unit (190) transmits the first message to the master device and the second message to the slave device. See S3 to S5 of FIG. 2.

[0234] In the process of setting up a group, the terminal control unit (150) displays a list of multiple home appliances on the terminal interface unit (110), and provides the terminal interface unit (110) with recommended group information that recommends these home appliances as a group based on various criteria, so that the terminal interface unit (110) can display the recommended group information.

[0235] For example, the terminal control unit (150) can create a recommendation group based on the physical location of the home appliances. Alternatively, the terminal control unit (150) can create a recommendation group based on the distance between the home appliances. For example, home appliances located in specific spaces (rooms, living rooms, kitchens, etc.) can be individually grouped. If the terminal interface unit (110) displays information recommending home appliances in the room and living room as one group and home appliances in the kitchen and laundry room as another group, the user can more easily set up the groups. In addition, the terminal control unit (150) can set home appliances that are physically close together as one recommendation group.

[0236] In addition, the terminal control unit (150) may set the first home appliance and the second home appliance as a recommended group so that the first home appliance in the shaded area can communicate with the second home appliance that is located nearby and not in the shaded area according to the communication range of the home appliances. In addition, the terminal control unit (150) may set the home appliances and the second home appliance as a recommended group according to the functions they provide.

[0237] When such recommended group information is displayed on the terminal interface unit (110), the user can easily set up a group.

[0238] After setting up a group, the user terminal (100) can release the group. For example, the terminal control unit (150) can generate a group release message to release the group, and the terminal communication unit (190) can transmit the group release message to the master device. In this case, the master device can transmit a master group registration cancellation request message (S26 of FIG. 3) to all slave devices included in the group.

[0239] Additionally, the user terminal (100) can generate condition information for canceling the registration of a slave device. For example, the terminal control unit (150) can generate condition information such as time information for canceling the registration of a slave device after maintaining registration in a group (e.g., after 50 hours have passed since registration) or communication conditions that make it impossible to maintain registration (e.g., when the size or number of data transmitted and received exceeds a certain standard).

[0240] And the terminal communication unit (190) transmits condition information to the master device or slave device. As a result, the master device or slave device can transmit a master group registration cancellation request message (S26 of FIG. 3) or a slave group registration cancellation request message (S28 of FIG. 3) if the cancellation condition information is met after group registration.

[0241] When applying embodiments of the present invention, any home appliance can form a group centered around that appliance, and any home appliance can become a master. In this case, the master device can perform Wi-Fi Soft AP operations. While conventionally, only one network was formed centered around a single Wi-Fi AP, embodiments of the present invention allow various groups to form their own networks, and the configuration of these networks can also be dynamically controlled.

[0242] In particular, by designating specific home appliances as master or slave using user terminals, a group is automatically created, which can increase user convenience.

[0243] Additionally, multiple groups can be created using the same appliances based on their purpose, location, or specific grouping principles. A single appliance can join multiple groups simultaneously. In other words, a single appliance can participate in multiple groups.

[0244] Additionally, a new, efficient protocol can be applied to the discovery and grouping processes for home network grouping of home appliances. This new protocol eliminates the need for periodic broadcast messages to create groups, allowing for more efficient use of Wi-Fi resources during group creation.

[0245] Additionally, various services using AI can be provided to users centered on groups.

[0246] When applying an embodiment of the present invention, home appliances (e.g., LG UP home appliances) can be automatically grouped and various user services can be provided to home appliance users through a home network. Since groups can be formed in various ways for multiple devices, the limitation of forming only one network centered around one Wi-Fi AP in the home is overcome.

[0247] In particular, any home appliance can become a master and function as a soft AP (Wi-Fi Soft AP). Therefore, when a user terminal designates a master device and slave devices using a specific app (e.g., the ThinQ app), a group is automatically created.

[0248] The user terminal (100) can create multiple groups using specific home appliances according to purpose, location, or specific grouping principles, and can implement an efficient and flexible home network by allowing one home appliance to join multiple groups simultaneously.

[0249] Additionally, a single Wi-Fi chip within a home appliance can support both Station mode and Soft AP mode simultaneously and can operate as a master device or a slave device.

[0250] Furthermore, even when each device is connected to a network, a slave device can leave the group due to a timeout under certain conditions. Furthermore, if a specific device is in a network shadow area, it can communicate with the outside world by using another master device or slave device as a relay.

[0251] Although all components constituting the embodiments of the present invention have been described as being combined or operating in combination, the present invention is not necessarily limited to these embodiments, and within the scope of the present invention, all components may be selectively combined and operated one or more times. In addition, although all of the components may be implemented as individual independent hardware, some or all of the components may be selectively combined and implemented as a computer program having program modules that perform some or all of the functions combined in one or more hardware pieces. The codes and code segments constituting the computer program may be easily inferred by those skilled in the art of the present invention. Such a computer program may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium and read and executed by a computer, thereby implementing the embodiments of the present invention. Storage media for computer programs include magnetic recording media, optical recording media, and storage media including semiconductor recording elements. In addition, a computer program implementing an embodiment of the present invention includes a program module that is transmitted in real time through an external device.

[0252] While the above description focuses on specific embodiments of the present invention, various modifications and variations can be made within the scope of those skilled in the art. Therefore, it should be understood that such modifications and variations are within the scope of the present invention, as long as they do not depart from its scope.

[0253]

[0254] -Explanation of the symbol-

[0255] 10: Access Point 100: User Terminal

[0256] 200: Home appliances 300: Servers

[0257]

Claims

1. A terminal communication unit that performs communication with two or more home appliances; A terminal control unit that processes group settings of the above home appliances; and Includes a terminal interface unit that displays information related to group settings of the above home appliances or receives selection input, The terminal control unit generates a first message notifying a master device belonging to a group that it is a master device of the group and a second message notifying a slave device belonging to the group that it is a slave device of the group, A user terminal, wherein the terminal communication unit transmits the first message to the master device and the second message to the slave device.

2. In paragraph 1, A user terminal, wherein the terminal control unit displays a list of a plurality of home appliances on the terminal interface unit, and controls the terminal interface unit so that recommended group information is displayed on the terminal interface unit based on at least one of the physical locations of the home appliances, the distance between the home appliances, the communication range of the home appliances, or the functions provided by the home appliances.

3. In paragraph 1, A user terminal in which the terminal control unit generates a group release message for releasing the group, and the terminal communication unit transmits the group release message to the master device.

4. In paragraph 1, The terminal control unit generates condition information for the slave device registered in the group to cancel the registration, The terminal communication unit is a user terminal that transmits the condition information to the master device or the slave device.

5. Device communication unit that performs communication with user terminals and slave devices; and A device control unit that generates a message to be transmitted to the user terminal and the slave device, After receiving a message from the user terminal notifying that the device communication unit is the master device of the group, the device transmits and receives an IP layer (Internet Protocol Layer) message to and from the slave device to perform a discovery process with the slave device. The above device control unit is a master device that controls the device communication unit to transmit and receive messages between the slave device and the application layer to perform a grouping process for the slave device and the group.

6. In paragraph 5, The above device control unit controls the device communication unit to perform the discovery process, receives an IP layer router information request message from the slave device, and then transmits a router advertisement message to the slave device. If the above router information request message is an IPv4 router information request message (IPv4 Router Solicitation Message), the value of the code field is set to a pre-agreed value, A master device characterized in that, when the above router information request message is an IPv6 router information request message (IPv4 Router Solicitation Message), the value of the Type field is set to a pre-agreed value.

7. In paragraph 6, The above router advertisement message includes identification information for one or more groups and an IP address for the master device of each group, If the above router advertisement message is an IPv4 router advertisement message, the device control unit sets the value of the code field of the router advertisement message to a pre-agreed value. A master device, wherein, if the above router advertisement message is an IPv6 router advertisement message, the device control unit sets the value of the Type field in the Option of the router advertisement message to a pre-agreed value.

8. In paragraph 5, A master device, wherein the device control unit controls the device communication unit to perform the grouping process and transmits to the slave device any one of a master group information response message, a slave group registration response message, a master group registration cancellation request message, and a slave group registration cancellation response message.

9. In paragraph 5, A master device, wherein the above device communication unit receives any one of a master group information request message, a slave group registration request message, a master group registration cancellation response message, and a slave group registration cancellation request message from the slave device.

10. Device communication unit that performs communication with the user terminal and master device; and A device control unit that generates a message to be transmitted to the user terminal and the master device, After the above device communication unit receives a message from the user terminal notifying that it is a slave device of the group, it transmits and receives IP layer (Internet Protocol Layer) messages with the master device to perform a discovery process with the master device. A slave device, wherein the device control unit controls the device communication unit to transmit and receive messages between the master device and the application layer to perform a grouping process for the master device and the group.

11. In paragraph 10, The above device control unit controls the device communication unit to perform the discovery process, transmits an IP layer router information request message to the master device, and then receives a router advertisement message from the master device. If the above router information request message is an IPv4 router information request message (IPv4 Router Solicitation Message), the device control unit sets the value of the Code field to a pre-agreed value. A slave device in which, if the above router information request message is an IPv6 router information request message (IPv4 Router Solicitation Message), the device control unit sets the value of the Type field to a pre-agreed value.

12. In paragraph 11, The above router advertisement message includes identification information for one or more groups and an IP address for the master device of each group, If the above router advertisement message is an IPv4 router advertisement message, the value of the code field of the router advertisement message is set to a pre-agreed value, A slave device characterized in that, when the above router advertisement message is an IPv6 router advertisement message, the value of the Type field in the Option of the above router advertisement message is set to a pre-agreed value.

13. In paragraph 10, A slave device, wherein the above device communication unit receives any one of a master group information response message, a slave group registration response message, a master group registration cancellation request message, and a slave group registration cancellation response message from the master device.

14. In paragraph 10, A slave device, wherein the device control unit controls the device communication unit to transmit any one of a master group information request message, a slave group registration request message, a master group registration cancellation response message, and a slave group registration cancellation request message to the master device in order to perform the grouping process.

15. In the operation method of two or more home appliances and user terminals constituting a home network system, A step in which the user terminal sets up a group for the two or more home appliances and transmits a first message notifying a master device among the home appliances that it is the master device of the group, and transmits a second message notifying a slave device among the home appliances that it is the slave device of the group; A step of transmitting and receiving IP layer (Internet Protocol Layer) messages to perform a discovery process after the master device and the slave device receive the first message and the second message, respectively; and A method for setting up a group in a home network system, comprising a step of transmitting and receiving an application layer message to the master device and the slave device to perform a grouping process after the discovery process.

16. In paragraph 15, A method for setting up a group in a home network system, further comprising the step of generating a group release message for releasing the group by the user terminal and transmitting the message to the master device.

17. In paragraph 15, A method for setting up a group in a home network system, further comprising a step of generating condition information for canceling the registration of the slave device registered by the user terminal to the group and transmitting the condition information to the master device or the slave device.

18. In paragraph 15, If a first slave device and a second slave device are registered in the above group, and the first slave device is an appliance that stores food ingredients and the second slave device is an appliance that cooks food ingredients, A method for setting up a group in a home network system, wherein the master device further comprises a step of collecting food information stored in the first slave device in response to a menu recommendation or menu confirmation message received from either the first slave device or the second slave device.

19. In paragraph 15, If the first slave device and the second slave device are registered in the above group, and the first slave device is placed in a communication shaded area, A method for setting up a group in a home network system, further comprising the step of setting the first slave device as a relay and transmitting data to the master device or access point through the second slave device.

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