Device connection method, system, and corresponding terminal device and server

Abstract

A device connection method, system, and corresponding terminal device and server are disclosed. The device connection method includes: a second device obtaining connection request information of a first device; based on the connection request information, the second device obtaining connection information of the first device; and the second device connecting with the first device based on the connection information. For example, the second device can obtain device information and network configuration information of the first device from an external server, and especially implement direct connection and subsequent operation for various first devices.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the Internet of Things (IoT) field, and more particularly to a device connection method, system, and corresponding terminal devices and servers. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, the Internet of Things (IoT) technology, which enables the connection of various devices or objects, has received widespread attention. Bluetooth devices can connect to terminal devices (e.g., network configuration) to facilitate the connection of Bluetooth devices to the IoT, enable centralized control of connected devices by terminal devices, or leverage the powerful computing capabilities of smart terminals to achieve various complex functions. Here, network configuration refers to the process of IoT devices connecting to a network, which is typically achieved through the connection between the IoT device and a terminal device (or, for example, a home IoT central node such as a smart speaker).

[0003] In existing technologies, although terminal devices can use installed apps to connect to devices such as smart speakers and peripheral IoT devices, these devices lack the ability to automatically discover devices. In practice, users need to select the device to connect within the app, and both the app and the device need to be in network configuration mode simultaneously, thus increasing the complexity of device connection operations. Furthermore, the connection entry points for different devices within the app are inconsistent, further increasing the inconvenience of connection operations.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a convenient solution for connecting devices. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One technical problem this disclosure aims to solve is to provide a device connectivity solution that enables terminal devices to discover IoT devices to connect to and directly perform network configuration with IoT devices by obtaining connection information from external sources.

[0006] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a device connection method is provided, comprising: a second device acquiring connection request information of a first device; based on the connection request information, the second device acquiring connection information of the first device; and the second device connecting to the first device based on the connection information. This enables a fast and direct connection between the first device and the first device.

[0007] Optionally, based on the content contained in the first data packet, the second device obtaining the connection information of the first device includes: based on the content contained in the first data packet, the second device obtaining relevant connection information of the first device from an external source, such as obtaining the connection information of the first device from a server. The obtained connection information of the first device may include: device information of the first device; and network configuration information of the first device.

[0008] Furthermore, the server can update the status information of the first device based on the identifier of the first device contained in the first data packet.

[0009] Optionally, based on the connection information, the second device may provide a connection option with the first device; and after the connection option is selected, the second device connects to the first device. Specifically, the second device displays the model information of the first device included in the connection information on a display screen; and / or the second device provides a voice prompt to connect to the first device.

[0010] Optionally, the second device displays the model information of the first device included in the connection information on the display screen, including: the second device displays the model information of the first device in a pop-up box, and the pop-up box also displays at least one of the following: an image of the first device; a unique identifier of the first device.

[0011] Optionally, the method may further include: a first device broadcasting a first data packet, the first data packet including the connection request information mentioned above, wherein the second device obtaining the connection request information of the first device includes: the second device receiving the first data packet, and based on the connection request information, the second device obtaining the connection information of the first device includes: based on the content contained in the first data packet, the second device obtaining the connection information of the first device.

[0012] The first device broadcasting the first data packet includes: multiple first devices simultaneously broadcasting their respective first data packets; the second device receiving the first data packet includes: the second device receiving the first data packet from at least one of the multiple first devices; the second device obtaining the connection information of the first device based on the content contained in the first data packet includes: the second device obtaining the connection information of at least one of the multiple first devices based on the content contained in the obtained first data packet; and the second device connecting to the first device based on the connection information includes: the second device connecting to at least one of the multiple first devices based on the connection information.

[0013] Optionally, the second device connecting to at least one of the plurality of first devices based on the connection information includes: the second device displaying connection options for the plurality of first devices on the same page; and after a connection option is selected, the second device connecting to the selected first device.

[0014] Optionally, the second device receiving a first data packet from at least one of the plurality of first devices includes: the second device filtering out first data packets from at least one first device that conform to a predetermined connection standard.

[0015] Optionally, the method may further include: enabling the scanning function of the second device before the second device receives the first data packet.

[0016] Optionally, the connection information can be sent for connection with other devices. Therefore, the method may further include: the second device sending the connection information to a terminal device; and the terminal device connecting to the first device based on the connection information. The terminal device may be one of the following: one of a plurality of first devices, used to connect to other first devices among the plurality of first devices based on the connection information; or other devices besides the plurality of first devices.

[0017] Optionally, the method may further include: setting the first device to a connection-ready state so that the first device broadcasts a first data packet; or setting the first device to a connection-ready state after the second device obtains the connection information of the first device.

[0018] Optionally, the method may further include: receiving a user's instruction to change the status of the connected first device, and changing the current status of the connected first device. Changing the current status of the connected first device includes at least one of the following: disconnecting the first device from the second device; turning off the first device; turning off a specific function of the first device; modifying the status of the first device for a specific user; or changing the operating status of the first device. Receiving the user's instruction to change the status of the connected first device includes: displaying status change options to the user and receiving the user's selection of the corresponding option; and / or receiving a voice input instruction from the user to change the status of the connected first device.

[0019] Optionally, the method may further include: changing the current state of the first device based on current scene information, wherein the first device is a device that has been connected and authenticated with the second device. The current scene information includes scene information determined based on at least one of the following: the user's current location; the current time; the current weather; and the user's current state. The scene information may be determined in the cloud or by the second device or an edge computing device connected to the second device.

[0020] Optionally, the method may further include: the second device performing facial recognition on the user; and, based on the result of the facial recognition, performing interactive operations with the user on the first device.

[0021] Optionally, the method may further include: displaying recommendation information to the user, the recommendation information being generated based on at least one of the following: connection information of the first device; input instructions from the user; and current scene information.

[0022] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a device connection system is provided, including a first device and a second device, wherein the first device is configured to: broadcast a first data packet; and complete a connection operation with the second device, and the second device is configured to: receive the first data packet; obtain connection information of the first device based on the content contained in the first data packet; and connect with the first device based on the connection information.

[0023] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, a method for a terminal device to connect to an Internet of Things (IoT) device is provided, comprising: receiving a first data packet from the IoT device; obtaining connection information of the IoT device from an external source based on the content contained in the first data packet; and connecting to the IoT device based on the connection information.

[0024] According to a fourth aspect of this disclosure, a terminal device is provided, comprising: a first communication device for receiving a first data packet from an Internet of Things (IoT) device; a second communication device for obtaining connection information of the IoT device from an external source based on the content contained in the first data packet; and a processor for connecting to the IoT device based on the connection information.

[0025] According to a fifth aspect of this disclosure, a server is provided for: receiving the content of a first data packet acquired by a second device, wherein the first data packet is a data packet received by the second device and broadcast by the first device; searching for connection information of the first device based on the content of the first data packet; and sending the connection information of the first device to the second device for connection between the second device and the first device.

[0026] According to a sixth aspect of this disclosure, a device connectivity method is provided, comprising: displaying a device connectivity page in an application for making device connectivity; and, in response to selecting connectivity options for a device, scanning connectivity broadcast packets of an Internet of Things (IoT) device and displaying connectivity options of the IoT device described thereto, wherein the connectivity options include device information of the IoT device queried based on the connectivity broadcast packets.

[0027] Based on the selection of the connection options, the IoT device is configured using the configuration information and the configuration results are displayed, wherein the configuration options are obtained based on the connection broadcast packet query.

[0028] Therefore, the device connection scheme of this application can discover the connection information of IoT devices through external scanning, thereby achieving efficient network configuration for IoT devices. Specifically, the terminal device can display information on one or more IoT devices to be connected based on the acquired connection information, and directly complete the network configuration at the user's selection. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The above and other objects, features and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the more detailed description of exemplary embodiments thereof taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals generally denote like parts.

[0030] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of device access authentication is shown.

[0031] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates a device connecting to the Internet of Things (IoT).

[0032] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates a device connected to the IoT as a node.

[0033] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates device access authentication involving cloud participation.

[0034] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates device access to IoT involving cloud participation.

[0035] Figure 6 A schematic flowchart of a device connection method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0036] Figure 7 An example of the connection process involved in the device connection system according to the present invention is shown.

[0037] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating a method for a terminal device to connect to an Internet of Things (IoT) device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0038] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a terminal device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0039] Figure 10A -C illustrates a multi-device connectivity application example according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0041] Internet of Things (IoT) devices (e.g., smart IoT devices) need to connect to the internet via a network configuration process. Here, network configuration refers to the process by which IoT devices connect to internet-enabled terminal devices or IoT nodes (e.g., a smart speaker acting as a central node) to achieve internet access. For this purpose, IoT devices need to connect to already networked devices.

[0042] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of device access authentication is shown. (For example...) Figure 1 As shown, the IoT device 100, as the first device, needs to be connected to the terminal device 200, as the second device. In this invention, "first" and "second" are intended to distinguish different objects of the same kind, rather than implying any temporal or spatial order or importance.

[0043] The Internet of Things (IoT) device 100 can connect and communicate with the terminal device 200 via short-range data transmission (e.g., a few centimeters to hundreds of meters) based on technologies such as Bluetooth, WiFi, and infrared. For example, the Bluetooth scale 100 connects to the smartphone 200 via the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol.

[0044] Figure 1 The connection between the first and second devices shown can simply be a connection between the IoT device 100 and the terminal device 200, such as the connection between the Bluetooth scale and the smartphone in the example above. In other embodiments, this connection can also be a connection for accessing an existing IoT network.

[0045] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates the connection of devices to the Internet of Things (IoT). For example... Figure 2 As shown, IoT includes multiple networked nodes, where node 200 is, for example, the central intelligent node of this home IoT, which can act as a central device for connecting other IoT devices and function as an edge computing or cloud communication relay station. Figure 2 In the example, node 200 could be a smart speaker that is already connected (e.g., via Bluetooth) to a TV, rice cooker, and smart doorbell. It should be understood that... Figure 2 This is merely an illustrative example for ease of understanding. In other embodiments, node 200 could also be... Figure 1The smart mobile terminal shown is, for example, a mobile phone; however, this invention is not limited thereto. Similarly, other connection methods can be used between nodes within an IoT, and this invention is also not limited thereto. For an IoT device (e.g., the Bluetooth light 100 shown in the figure) to connect to an existing IoT network, it needs to complete the authentication process for joining the IoT through short-range data transmission with node 200 (e.g., a few centimeters to several hundred meters), and ultimately achieve... Figure 3 The result shown is that it has been connected as a node. Figure 3 This diagram illustrates a device connected to the IoT network as a node. Figure 3 As shown, the Bluetooth light 100 has passed access certification and has been connected as a node in the IoT. Here, devices already connected to the IoT are referred to as "nodes," and devices that wish to join the IoT (e.g., the Bluetooth light 100) are referred to as "devices to be connected" or "IoT devices." Existing IoT can be IoT with a specific scope, for example... Figure 2 The example illustrates the Internet of Things (IoT) in a home, a building, or even a campus. In one embodiment, the IoT device 100 can be a Bluetooth mesh device, and the IoT is an existing Bluetooth mesh network. A smart device that is a node 200 in the Bluetooth mesh network can be used as a provisioning device to connect the IoT device 100 to the existing Bluetooth mesh network in accordance with the Bluetooth mesh specification.

[0046] The process of device access usually also involves the cloud. Figure 4 This diagram illustrates device access authentication involving cloud participation. Figure 5 This diagram illustrates device access to the IoT involving cloud participation. (For example...) Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, unlike authentication directly with a terminal device or a terminal device acting as a node in the IoT, IoT device 100 needs to authenticate with terminal device 200 (e.g., ...). Figure 4 The smart mobile devices shown are Figure 5 The connection between device 100 and terminal device 200 is achieved through short-range data transmission of the smart speaker shown, and remote data transmission between terminal device 200 and remote server 300, or by adding to the existing IoT authentication process. Figure 5 The elliptical dashed box in the image represents the objects involved in the operation when device 100 connects to the IoT, and ultimately achieves connection and data transmission with terminal device 200, or... Figure 3 The result shown is that the device has been connected to the IoT as a node. The remote server 300 can be a server cluster used to implement specific functions, such as a cloud-based authentication platform when a device connects to the IoT or connects to a smart device.

[0047] It should be understood that, at this point, the device to be connected 100 is an IoT device with short-range communication capabilities (e.g., via Bluetooth or a local area network), and the terminal or node 200 is an IoT device based on short-range communication capabilities and the ability to communicate with a remote server. Other devices in the IoT can be either of these. Figure 2 , 3 Figure 5 shows an example of node connection in IoT, but it should be understood that nodes can also be connected in other ways, and in the case of short-range communication via WiFi, node 200 can also communicate with the device 100 to be connected via a router.

[0048] As described above Figure 1-5 An example of connecting IoT devices is given. In existing technologies, multiple IoT devices typically require individual selection, scanning, and authentication before they can be connected, and different IoT devices have different connection entry points on the terminal device. Specifically, the terminal device can use an app installed on it to connect to devices such as smart speakers and other peripheral IoT devices. However, the terminal device does not have the ability to automatically discover devices. In practice, the user needs to select the device to connect in the app, and both the app and the device to be connected need to be in network configuration mode simultaneously, which increases the complexity of device connection operations. In addition, the inconsistent connection entry points in the app for different devices further increase the inconvenience of connection operations.

[0049] For example, when user A purchases both a new smart speaker B and a new Bluetooth light C, configuring them for network pairing requires complex and repetitive steps. For instance, user A needs to install an IoT management app on their device, open the app, go to the "Add Device" page, first select the corresponding smart speaker model on the smart speaker page, put smart speaker B into network pairing mode, and then follow the app's prompts to complete the connection authentication process for smart speaker B. Next, user A needs to go to the lighting / electrical sub-page on the app's "Add Device" page, select the corresponding Bluetooth light model, put Bluetooth light C into network pairing mode, and then follow the app's prompts to complete the connection authentication process for Bluetooth light C. When user A purchases more IoT devices, they will need to select the corresponding devices on different device sub-pages and complete the repetitive authentication process to achieve device access.

[0050] The above operations are inconvenient and prone to errors. To address this, this application proposes a device connection scheme that enables terminal devices to discover IoT devices to be connected and directly perform network configuration with IoT devices using connection information obtained from external sources.

[0051] Figure 6 A schematic flowchart illustrating a device connection method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. This method is applicable to situations where a terminal device connects to an IoT device based on various short-range communication methods (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth and Bluetooth mesh, infrared, etc.), and is particularly applicable to connection authentication between a Bluetooth device (as a first device) and a smart terminal (as a second device), i.e., where the first and second devices connect according to the Bluetooth protocol. For example, this method can be applied to connection authentication where a Bluetooth device (as a first device) joins an existing Bluetooth mesh network as a node to be accessed via a second device (smart terminal) acting as an authentication initiator, i.e., where the first and second devices connect according to the Bluetooth mesh protocol. Here, the smart terminal used to access the IoT device can be, for example, a smartphone with an IoT management app installed, which can be used for accessing conventional IoT devices and smart speakers typically used as central nodes. In other embodiments, the smart terminal used to access the IoT device can be the smart speaker itself. The present invention does not limit this.

[0052] In step S610, the second device (e.g.) Figure 1-5 Terminal device 200) obtains the first device (e.g., Figure 1-5 The connection request information of the IoT device 100 to be connected is obtained. In step S620, based on the connection request information, the second device obtains the connection information of the first device. In step S630, the second device connects to the first device based on the connection information.

[0053] Therefore, the second device can directly obtain the connection information of the first device to complete the connection upon receiving a connection request from the first device. In other words, the connection information of the first device is automatically obtained by the second device after receiving the connection request, rather than after the user selects the specific model option of the first device. Thus, the connection solution of this application avoids the user from actively selecting the corresponding option of the first device on the second device to initiate the connection, improving the convenience of the first device's access.

[0054] In different embodiments, the second device can obtain the connection request information of the first device in different ways. For example, the first device can make a network configuration request via WiFi, Bluetooth, or even QR code scanning. In one embodiment, the first device can issue a network configuration request by actively broadcasting a first data packet. Here, the first data packet may include the aforementioned connection request information. Therefore, in step S610, the second device can receive the first data packet to obtain the connection request information of the first device. Before the second device receives the first data packet, its scanning function can be enabled. Subsequently, in step S620, based on the content contained in the first data packet, the second device obtains the connection information of the first device.

[0055] Here, the first device broadcasting the first data packet can be a regular broadcast for connection authentication or a silent broadcast automatically performed by the first device based on predetermined rules. Here, "regular broadcast" can refer to the act of sending a broadcast packet conforming to a prescribed format in accordance with existing broadcast discovery rules. IoT devices perform regular broadcast behavior when set to a connectable state, such as when powered on or activated for discovery. To ensure discovery, regular broadcasts are performed at a high frequency of, for example, 40ms every 100ms for a period of time after the device is operated (e.g., 1-10 minutes). Other devices (e.g., terminal device 200), upon receiving the aforementioned broadcast, can begin the connection authentication process with the IoT device. In contrast, "silent broadcast" can refer to the act of sending a broadcast packet other than regular broadcast behavior. Here, "silent" means silent to the user, that is, the IoT device sends a broadcast packet automatically according to predetermined rules without user intervention. Silent broadcasts can be automatically initiated by an IoT device that has not connected to any other device (or is not connected to the network) after the regular broadcast time has expired. Since silent broadcasts are initiated by IoT devices to await discovery by terminal devices, they need to be broadcast continuously, for example, continuously while the IoT device is powered on. Therefore, for energy conservation, the intervals between silent broadcasts are relatively long. For example, regular broadcasts send broadcast packets at a high frequency within a predetermined time period (e.g., broadcasting 40ms every 100ms within the first 10 minutes of power-on), while silent broadcasts send broadcast packets continuously at a lower frequency (e.g., broadcasting 100ms every 60s if there is no connection after 10 minutes of power-on). Because silent broadcasts are initiated by the device itself, to prevent accidental connections, after the second device obtains the connection information of the first device, it can set the first device to a pending connection state, for example, upon power-on or activation.

[0056] In embodiments of the present invention, the second device can directly obtain the connection information of the first device to complete the connection upon receiving a connection request from the first device. When the second device supports a limited number of device models, it can locally store the connection information of all available devices, for example, by including it in the installation package of an IoT device management app installed on the second device. Therefore, after determining the model of the first device, for example, based on a first data packet, the second device can locally retrieve the connection information of that model and complete the connection with that device.

[0057] In broader application scenarios, the second device preferably obtains the connection information of the first device from an external source. In one embodiment, the second device can obtain the connection information of the first device from, for example, a router or a central node of a local area network. For instance, when configuring IoT devices for a building, the building's central node can be pre-loaded with the connection information of various IoT devices to be installed, thereby allowing the second device to obtain the connection information of the corresponding model of the first device from the local area network connection for subsequent connection.

[0058] As an alternative or supplement, the second device can also obtain the connection information of the first device from a server (e.g., a cloud service platform). To this end, the second device can upload the contents of the first data packet to the server and obtain the connection information used to connect the first and second devices. To obtain the connection information of the first device, the server needs to know the model information of the first device. In one embodiment, the identifier of the first device contained in the first data packet can be sent to the server. This identifier can be a network configuration identifier, for example, an identifier used to determine which network configuration file the device is associated with. In other embodiments, the first data packet may also include the manufacturer code of the first device, so that the second device knows the server it wants to connect to (e.g., a manufacturer's server, or a cloud service platform compatible with that manufacturer's products). In other embodiments, device information (e.g., a unique identifier) ​​contained in the first data packet can also be sent to the server, for which the server can return information specific to the device itself (not just the device model), such as the device's MAC address. In this case, the server can maintain a device list. This list may contain the unique identifier of each manufactured device and other relevant information, such as confidential data used for authentication between the device and the cloud, and protected from over-the-air transmission. If the second device includes the first device's unique identifier in the information it sends to the server, the server can also update the first device's status information based on the current status of the first device reported by the second device. For example, from "factory certified" to "connected to XXX".

[0059] Here, the connection information of the first device obtained by the second device from an external source (e.g., a server) can refer to information used to enable the first device to connect to the second device, such as network configuration information required for network configuration. Alternatively or supplementarily, the connection information may also include device information of the first device itself, such as a picture, model name, unique identifier, or MAC address of the first device. The network configuration information can be used by the second device for connection authentication with the first device, while the device information can be used for user confirmation. Therefore, the connection between the second device and the first device based on the connection information may include: the second device providing a connection option to the first device based on the connection information; and the second device connecting to the first device after the connection option is selected. For example, the model information of the first device included in the connection information can be displayed on the display screen of the second device. Preferably, the second device can display the model information of the first device in a pop-up window, and the pop-up window may also display other relevant information of the first device, such as a picture of the first device, and the unique identifier and / or MAC address of the first device.

[0060] The device connection scheme of the present invention is particularly suitable for situations where connection authentication between multiple first devices and second devices is initiated simultaneously (e.g., network configuration operation). For this purpose, multiple first devices can simultaneously broadcast their respective first data packets. Subsequently, the second device can receive a first data packet from at least one of the multiple first devices. Based on the content of the acquired first data packet, the second device obtains connection information from at least one of the multiple first devices. Then, based on the connection information, the second device connects to at least one of the multiple first devices.

[0061] Specifically, a user can typically set multiple IoT devices (the first device) to a network configuration state, such as by powering on or activating discovery. Simultaneously (or before or after this), a second device can be set to a scanning discovery state, i.e., its scanning function can be enabled. The second device can then filter out first data packets from at least one of the first devices that conform to predetermined connection criteria; for example, a regular broadcast packet from three IoT devices. The second device can then obtain the network configuration identifiers of these three IoT devices from the broadcast packet, retrieve the corresponding three network configuration files from the cloud, and perform subsequent network configuration operations accordingly.

[0062] Specifically, the second device can prompt the user for connection options for the first device and establish a connection upon user confirmation. In one embodiment, the connection options can be announced via voice, such as, "Bluetooth devices A, B, and C are now requesting a connection, please confirm." Alternatively, the options can be displayed on a screen. For example, the second device can display multiple connection options for the first device on the same page of the corresponding app, such as connection information for Bluetooth devices A, B, and C. After a connection option is selected, the second device can automatically connect to the selected first device without additional user intervention. In some embodiments, the connection to the first device can be further established based on information stored on the second device. For example, an IoT management app can save the WiFi connection information of the second device and automatically populate the WiFi connection information required for the first device to connect using the saved WiFi connection information.

[0063] In the device connection scheme of this invention, the second device can be a smart terminal such as a smartphone, which may have an app installed for managing IoT devices. Thus, the second device can connect to the first device through the corresponding interface of the app, i.e., perform network configuration operations on the first device. Here, the first device is an IoT device, a device that needs to access the internet through connection authentication via the first device. It can include conventional IoT devices such as Bluetooth lights, and can also include smart speaker devices, which are typically used as IoT central nodes. Therefore, after completing the connection operation with the first device, including the smart speaker, the second device (e.g., a smartphone) can send connection information to the smart speaker. The smart speaker can then connect to the first device based on the aforementioned connection information, for example, to other devices within the first device besides itself.

[0064] In other embodiments, the second device may also be a smart speaker, capable of connecting to other IoT devices (as the first device). For example, a user can configure multiple IoT devices to be connected and input the voice command "Xiao X, find teammates" into the smart speaker. At this time, the smart speaker can activate its scanning function, receive broadcast packets from the IoT devices, retrieve the corresponding network configuration information and device information from the cloud, display and broadcast the device information, and complete the connection with these IoT devices with the user's permission.

[0065] In embodiments of the present invention, operations can be performed on a first device that is already connected to the second device (currently in a connected state) or a first device that has completed connection authentication with the second device (currently not necessarily in a connected state). For example, users can directly perform operations on connected or previously connected devices within an app used for device connection management.

[0066] Therefore, the connection method of the present invention may further include: receiving a user's command to change the status of the connected first device, and changing the current status of the connected first device. The method may display status change options for the connected first device to the user and receive the user's selection of the corresponding option, or it may directly receive a user's voice input command to change the status of the connected first device.

[0067] Changing the current state of the connected first device includes at least one of the following: disconnecting the first device from the second device; turning off the first device; turning off a specific function of the first device; modifying the state of the first device for a specific user; or changing the working state of the first device. For example, a user can directly input the command "turn off the Bluetooth light in the kitchen" into the second device, thereby turning off the first device; a user can set the cooling temperature of, for example, a smart air conditioner; or a user can enter a youth management mode to turn off the entertainment system for children in the home with one click.

[0068] As an alternative or supplement, the connection method of the present invention may further include: changing the current state of the first device according to the current scenario information, wherein the first device is a device that has performed connection authentication with the second device.

[0069] The current scene information may include scene information determined according to at least one of the following: the user's current location; the current time; the current weather; and the user's current state. In practical applications, the scene information may be determined by the second device or an edge computing device connected to the second device (e.g., a home router, a building's central node, etc.).

[0070] The second device can determine the user's current location based on LSB (Local Subsystem for Internet of Things) and control Bluetooth devices in the home. For example, if the user is traveling or on vacation, the second device can turn off unnecessary appliances or set them to energy-saving mode, such as turning off the heating function of the smart toilet seat. For more granular control, the second device can adjust home lighting and temperature based on the user's current location, such as entering a garage, apartment complex, or elevator. For example, it can turn on the smart lights at the front door when the user enters the elevator. Additionally, it can intelligently adjust settings based on the current time and weather, such as brightening the indoor lighting system on a cloudy afternoon.

[0071] Furthermore, the second device performs facial recognition on the user and can interact with the user on the first device based on the results of the facial recognition. The facial recognition can first be used to determine the user's identity, which is particularly useful when multiple people live in the home. In other embodiments, the second device can also determine the user's identity through voiceprint. This allows for the determination of control permissions granted to the current user (e.g., restricted permissions in a youth mode) and enhances the security of automated control. The facial recognition information can be used as part of the user's current state or emotional information, thereby providing corresponding control over the first device. For example, the second device can determine that the user is currently fatigued through facial recognition and reading the user's vital signs (and / or analyzing the user's tone of voice) using a wearable device, and therefore accordingly set the corresponding first devices in the home (e.g., lighting, voice broadcasting, and music playback devices) to a "warm and caring" state to provide an environment that allows the user to fully relax.

[0072] It should be understood that the aforementioned scenario-based device operations can be performed with user confirmation (e.g., via a pop-up or notification bar) or directly through user settings. Furthermore, multiple acquisition parameters are typically required to determine the current scenario.

[0073] Additionally, the method of the present invention may further include: displaying recommendation information to the user. The recommendation information is generated based on at least one of the following: connection information of the first device, the user's input command, and current scene information. For example, if a user leaves a certain first device idle for a long time, the user can be notified of this idleness and asked if they wish to sell the device, for example, on a second-hand marketplace like Xianyu. Furthermore, recommendations can be made based on the user's input command or scene information; for example, if existing devices cannot meet the user's requirements for air humidity, a humidifier or dryer can be recommended; in cases of severe air pollution, an air purifier can be recommended.

[0074] This invention can also be implemented as a device connection system, including a first device and a second device. The first device can be used to: broadcast a first data packet; and complete a connection operation with the second device. The second device can be used to: receive the first data packet; obtain connection information of the first device based on the content contained in the first data packet; and connect with the first device based on the connection information.

[0075] Preferably, the system may further include a server. The server may be used to: obtain the identifier of the first device contained in the first data packet from the second device; and send connection information of the first device to the second device. Further, the server may also be used to: update the status information of the first device based on the identifier of the first device contained in the first data packet.

[0076] Accordingly, the second device can be used to: provide a connection option with the first device based on the connection information obtained from the server; and connect with the first device after the connection option is selected.

[0077] Similarly, the first device may include a plurality of first devices, and the second device is used to connect simultaneously to at least one first device that conforms to a predetermined connection standard.

[0078] As described above Figure 1-3 The connection systems shown can all be considered as device connection systems capable of implementing the solutions of this invention. This includes systems involving the cloud (or server). Figure 4 and 5 The system shown can be considered as a more preferably device connection system capable of implementing the solution of the present invention.

[0079] Figure 7 An example of a connection process involved in the device connection system according to the present invention is shown. Device 1 in the figure corresponds to the IoT device to be networked (first device). App 2 corresponds to the IoT device management App installed on the terminal device (second device). Cloud device center 3 corresponds to the server.

[0080] First, in step 1.1, the user sets device 1 to network pairing mode. In step 1.2, the user opens App 2 and turns on Bluetooth on the phone to begin scanning. There is no strict order requirement for steps 1.1 and 1.2.

[0081] In step 2.1, Device 1 continuously sends network configuration broadcasts, and App 2 scans for Bluetooth broadcasts from all surrounding devices via its mobile phone's Bluetooth. Then, in step 2.2, App 2 filters out Bluetooth broadcasts that conform to the Phantom Protocol standard and retrieves the network configuration identifier from the broadcasts according to the protocol. In step 2.3, App 2 uses the network configuration identifier to query Device 1 in the cloud-based device center 3.

[0082] In step 3.1, App 2 retrieves relevant network configuration information from the cloud. After obtaining the network configuration information, in step 3.2, the device appears in App 2, including the device icon, device name, and device MAC address. Then, in step 3.3, the user can directly click the device icon, and from there, in step 3.4, proceed with subsequent network configuration operations.

[0083] Therefore, after entering network configuration mode, IoT devices begin sending Bluetooth BLE or Bluetooth Mesh broadcasts. The app on the terminal device, upon scanning a broadcast conforming to the protocol specifications, can obtain the network configuration identifier from it, retrieve the corresponding device information from the cloud, and proactively notify the user via pop-up windows or other interactive methods. This allows for an automatic discovery process regardless of device type or quantity, without requiring the user to select any device. In other embodiments, IoT devices can also utilize WiFi and QR codes for network configuration.

[0084] The present invention can also realize a method for connecting a terminal device to an Internet of Things (IoT) device.

[0085] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating a method for a terminal device to connect to an Internet of Things (IoT) device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The terminal device can be considered as executing... Figure 8 The action subject of the method shown.

[0086] like Figure 8 As shown, in step S810, a first data packet is received from an IoT device.

[0087] In step S820, based on the content contained in the first data packet, the connection information of the IoT device is obtained from the outside.

[0088] In step S830, a connection is established with the IoT device based on the connection information.

[0089] In order to receive data packets, a scan for the IoT device can also be initiated, and at least one first data packet that conforms to a predetermined connection standard can be filtered and received.

[0090] To obtain connection information, the connection information of the IoT device can be obtained from the server based on the identifier of the first device contained in the first data packet (e.g., a network configuration identifier). This connection information includes the device information and network configuration information of the IoT device. Subsequently, based on the device information, connection options for the IoT device can be provided; and after the connection option is selected, a connection is established with the IoT device according to the network configuration option.

[0091] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a terminal device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. This terminal device can be used as... Figure 1-5 The terminal 200 shown, and the execution Figure 8 The device described in the method.

[0092] like Figure 9 As shown, the terminal device 900 may include a first communication device 910, a second communication device 920, and a processor 930.

[0093] A first communication device 910 is used to receive a first data packet from an IoT device. A second communication device 920 is used to obtain connection information of the IoT device from an external source based on the content contained in the first data packet. A processor 930 is used to connect to the IoT device based on the connection information. Preferably, the first communication device 910 can be a Bluetooth communication module, and the second communication device can be a WiFi communication module.

[0094] Specifically, the second communication device 920 can be used to obtain the connection information of the IoT device from the server based on the identifier contained in the first data packet. The connection information includes the device information of the IoT device and the network configuration information of the IoT device.

[0095] Preferably, the device may further include: a display device for: displaying connection options of the IoT device based on device information of the IoT device, and the processor 930 may be configured to: connect to the IoT device according to the configuration option after the connection option is selected.

[0096] The present invention can also be implemented as a GUI operation method. To this end, a device connection method may include: displaying a device connection page in an application for device connection; in response to the selection of a connection option for the device, scanning connection broadcast packets of IoT devices and displaying the connection options described for the IoT devices, wherein the connection options include device information of the IoT devices queried based on the connection broadcast packets; and, based on the selection of the connection options, configuring the IoT devices using configuration information and displaying the configuration results, wherein the configuration options are obtained based on the connection broadcast packets.

[0097] The device connection method can display connection options for multiple IoT devices on the same page when scanning and querying multiple IoT devices simultaneously, and perform network configuration for the multiple IoT devices based on the user's selection of the connection options on the page, and display the network configuration results on the same page.

[0098] The method may further include: displaying status change options for connected devices; and changing and displaying the current status of the device based on the selection of the status change options.

[0099] Figure 10A -C illustrates a multi-device connectivity application example according to the present invention. In the example of FIG10, the terminal device 200 is a smartphone with an IoT device management app installed. Figure 10AAs shown, a user purchased five IoT devices at once: a smart speaker, a smart TV, a smart rice cooker, a Bluetooth doorbell, and a Bluetooth light. The user can simultaneously make all five IoT devices 100 discoverable, and each device then sends its own broadcast packet. Simultaneously, the user opens the corresponding app on the terminal device 200 and clicks the "Discover Devices" button.

[0100] Subsequently, device 200 scans the Bluetooth broadcasts of all surrounding devices and filters out those that conform to the Phantom protocol standard. According to the protocol, device 200 obtains the network configuration identifier from the broadcast. Then, device 200 uploads the network configuration identifiers of these five devices to the cloud 300. The cloud 300 then sends the found connection information to device 200. The connection information includes the device's own device information and the network configuration information used for network configuration with terminal devices.

[0101] Device 200 can then display connection options for these five devices in a pop-up window within the app. Figure 10B shows an example of the connection options. As shown, the connection options include images and model information of the devices, as well as checkboxes. In other embodiments, the connection information may also include, for example, a unique identifier for the device to help the user distinguish between multiple similar devices connected simultaneously. The user can choose to check all five devices.

[0102] Subsequently, without any further user intervention, device 200 can automatically complete the network configuration with these five devices using the acquired network configuration information, thus enabling... Figure 10C As shown, five IoT devices—a smart speaker, a smart TV, a smart rice cooker, a Bluetooth doorbell, and a Bluetooth light—are connected to the IoT network.

[0103] The present invention can also be implemented as a server for: receiving the content contained in a first data packet obtained by a second device, wherein the first data packet is a data packet received by the second device and broadcast by the first device; searching for the connection information of the first device based on the content contained in the first data packet; and sending the connection information of the first device to the second device for connection between the second device and the first device.

[0104] In one embodiment, the content of the first data packet received by the second device includes: the network identifier of the first device contained in the first data packet received by the second device.

[0105] In one embodiment, the connection information of the first device found includes: device information of the first device, for display on the second device; and network configuration information of the first device, for the second device to connect with the first device.

[0106] Furthermore, the server can also be used to update the usage status of the first device based on the connection between the second device and the first device.

[0107] The device connection scheme according to the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. The device connection scheme of this application can discover the connection information of IoT devices through external scanning, thereby achieving efficient network configuration for IoT devices. Specifically, the terminal device can display information on one or more IoT devices to be connected based on the acquired connection information, and directly complete network configuration at the user's selection.

[0108] Furthermore, the method according to the present invention can also be implemented as a computer program or computer program product, which includes computer program code instructions for performing the steps defined in the above-described method of the present invention.

[0109] Alternatively, the present invention can also be implemented as a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium (or computer-readable storage medium, or machine-readable storage medium) storing executable code (or computer program, or computer instruction code) thereon, which, when executed by a processor of an electronic device (or computing device, server, etc.), causes the processor to perform the various steps of the method described above according to the present invention.

[0110] Those skilled in the art will also understand that the various exemplary logic blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the disclosure herein can be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both.

[0111] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems and methods according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code containing one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions marked in the blocks may occur in a different order than those marked in the drawings. For example, two consecutive blocks may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each block in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, can be implemented using a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or operation, or using a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0112] The various embodiments of the present invention have been described above. These descriptions are exemplary and not exhaustive, nor are they limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein is chosen to best explain the principles, practical application, or improvement of the technology in the market, or to enable others skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A method for device connection, comprising: a second device obtaining connection request information of a first device; based on the connection request information, the second device obtaining connection information of the first device; and the second device connecting with the first device based on the connection information, wherein the second device obtaining connection information of the first device based on the connection request information comprises: the second device obtaining the connection information of the first device from a server based on an identity of the first device contained in the connection request information, the connection information comprising device information and commissioning information of the first device, wherein the commissioning information is used by the second device to perform connection authentication with the first device, the method further comprising: a plurality of first devices simultaneously broadcasting respective first data packets, and the second device obtaining connection request information of the first device comprises: the second device screening first data packets from at least one first device that meet predetermined connection criteria, the first data packets comprising the connection request information, wherein the connection authentication is a connection authentication for the first device as a Bluetooth device to join a Bluetooth mesh network as a node to be accessed by the second device as a starting authentication device. 2.The method of claim 1, further comprising: the server updating state information of the at least one first device based on an identity of the at least one first device contained in the first data packets. the second device connecting with the first device based on the connection information comprises:

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, the second device giving connection options with the first device based on the connection information; and after the connection options are selected, the second device connecting with the first device. the second device giving connection options with the first device based on the connection information comprises:

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, the second device displaying model information of the first device contained in the connection information in a display screen; and / or the second device giving voice prompts for connecting the first device. the second device displaying model information of the first device contained in the connection information in a display screen comprises:

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, the second device displaying the model information of the first device in a pop-up box, and at least one of the following is also displayed in the pop-up box: a picture of the first device; a unique identifier of the first device. the second device connecting with at least one first device of the plurality of first devices based on the connection information comprises:

6. The method of claim 1, wherein, the second device displaying connection options of the plurality of first devices in the same page; after the connection options are selected, the second device connecting with the selected first device. 7.The method of claim 1, further comprising: before the second device receives the first data packets, starting a scanning function of the second device. 8.The method of claim 1, further comprising: the second device sending the connection information to a terminal device; and the terminal device connecting with the first device based on the connection information. the terminal device is one of the following: ​ 9. The method of claim 8, wherein, ​ one of the plurality of first devices, and configured to connect with other first devices of the plurality of first devices based on the connection information; and a device other than the plurality of first devices.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising: setting the first device to a to-be-connected state, so that the first device broadcasts a first data packet; or setting the first device to the to-be-connected state after the second device acquires the connection information of the first device.

11. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving a state change instruction of a connected first device from a user, and changing a current state of the connected first device.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein, The changing of the current state of the connected first device comprises at least one of: disconnecting the first device from the second device; turning off the first device; turning off a specific function of the first device; modifying a state of the first device for a specific user; changing an operating state of the first device.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein, The receiving of the state change instruction of the connected first device from the user comprises: displaying state change options of the connected first device to the user and receiving a selection of a corresponding option from the user; and / or receiving a voice input instruction of the state change of the connected first device from the user.

14. The method of claim 1, further comprising: changing a current state of the first device according to current scene information, the first device being a device that has performed connection authentication with the second device.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, The current scene information comprises scene information determined according to at least one of: a current location of the user; a current time; current weather; a current state of the user.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein, The current scene information is determined by the second device or an edge computing device connected to the second device.

17. The method of claim 1, further comprising: the second device performing face recognition on the user; and performing an interactive operation with the user for the first device according to a result of the face recognition.

18. The method of claim 1, further comprising: displaying recommendation information to the user, the recommendation information being generated according to at least one of: connection information of the first device; an input instruction of the user; current scene information.

19. A device connection system comprising a plurality of first devices, a second device, and a server, wherein: the plurality of first devices are each configured to: broadcast a first data packet; and complete a connection operation with the second device, the second device is configured to: filter out the first data packet from at least one first device that meets a predetermined connection standard; acquire connection information of the at least one first device based on content contained in the first data packet; and connect with the at least one first device based on the connection information, the server is configured to: acquire an identifier of the at least one first device contained in the first data packet from the second device; and issue connection information of the at least one first device to the second device, the connection information comprising device information and commissioning information of the first device, wherein the commissioning information is used by the second device to perform connection authentication with the first device by itself, ​ ​ ​ The connection authentication is a connection authentication for joining a Bluetooth mesh network by the second device as a Bluetooth device of the first device as a node to be accessed by the second device as a starting authentication device.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein, The second device is further configured to: give a connection option with the at least one first device based on the connection information obtained from the server; and connect with the first device after the connection option is selected.

21. The system of claim 19, wherein, The second device changes a current state of the first device according to a user instruction and / or a current scenario, the first device being a device with which the connection authentication has been performed.

Images