Electronic device for providing internet of things-based service and operating method thereof

Abstract

According to one embodiment, an electronic device can receive, from a server, information about a connection state of at least one external electronic device related to the electronic device, and the electronic device, which has received the information on the connection state of the at least one external electronic device, is capable of performing at least one operation corresponding to the connection state of the at least one external electronic device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to electronic devices for providing Internet of Things (IoT) based services and methods of operating thereof. Background Technology

[0002] The internet, a human-centric network for generating and consuming information, is now evolving into the Internet of Things (IoT) network, in which distributed entities (such as things) exchange and process information. The Internet of Everything (IoE) technology can be seen as an example of combining big data processing technologies with IoT technologies through connections to cloud servers.

[0003] The realization of IoT technology already requires technological elements such as sensing technology, wired / wireless communication and network infrastructure, service interface technology and security technology, and various technologies for connecting things such as sensor networks, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, machine-type communication (MTC) and so on have recently been studied.

[0004] Such an IoT environment can provide intelligent Internet of Things (IT) services, creating new value for human life by collecting and analyzing data generated between connected things. Through the integration and combination of existing IT technologies with various industrial applications, IoT technology can be applied to a wide range of services, such as smart home services, smart building services, smart city services, smart car services or connected car services, smart grid services, healthcare services, smart appliance services, and advanced medical services.

[0005] With the development of IoT-based services that control and / or manage external electronic devices (e.g., IoT devices) based on IoT technology (e.g., Samsung...), TM Smart IoT services have been actively used in servers providing IoT-based services (e.g., Samsung). TM The number of external electronic devices registered in smart IoT servers has grown exponentially. At least some of the external electronic devices registered in the server can be used at least once during a set period (e.g., one month). The remaining external electronic devices registered in the server can maintain a connection to the server, but can be left unused for extended periods or disconnected from the server.

[0006] With the introduction of smooth loading technology into IoT services, the loading process has been simplified, and the number of external electronic devices registered in the server continues to increase based on this simplified loading process.

[0007] To maintain connectivity between the server and registered external electronic devices, these devices may need to periodically send messages to the server and notify it of changes in their state so the server can update the status of the external devices. Therefore, if the number of registered external electronic devices increases, the number of messages sent from these devices to the server may also increase, potentially increasing the server costs associated with maintaining these connections. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical solution

[0009] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device (102; 104; 220; 1100; 1110) may include communication circuitry (452), one or more processors (454) including processing circuitry, and memory (456) storing instructions.

[0010] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when executed individually or jointly by one or more processors, instructions can enable an electronic device to obtain information related to periods of inactivity based on the last usage time of the electronic device.

[0011] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when executed individually or jointly by one or more processors, instructions can enable an electronic device to determine its operating state based on the information obtained.

[0012] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when executed individually or jointly by one or more processors, the instructions can cause the electronic device to: maintain the connection between the server (108; 230) and the electronic device based on the determined operating state being a first state, send information related to the operation and / or operating state of the electronic device to the server via a communication circuit, and send a keep-alive message to the server via a communication circuit at a first time interval.

[0013] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when instructions are executed individually or jointly by one or more processors, the instructions can cause an electronic device to change from a first state to a second state based on a determined operating state: maintaining the connection between the server and the electronic device, sending a signal to the server via a communication circuit indicating that the operating state of the electronic device has changed to the second state, and avoiding sending information related to the operation and / or operating state of the electronic device to the server via a communication circuit.

[0014] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when instructions are executed individually or jointly by one or more processors, the instructions can cause an electronic device to change from a second state to a third state based on a determined operating state: sending a signal to a server via a communication circuit indicating that the operating state of the electronic device has changed to the third state.

[0015] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a first state may correspond to a service unused time less than a first time period, a second state may correspond to a service unused time greater than the first time period and less than or equal to the second time period, and a third state may correspond to a service unused time greater than the second time period.

[0016] According to embodiments of this disclosure, unused periods can be reset based on the occurrence of events related to the use of the service.

[0017] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the server (108; 230) may include communication circuitry (402), one or more processors (404) including processing circuitry, and a memory (406) storing instructions.

[0018] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when executed individually or jointly by one or more processors, the instructions can cause the server to send information about a first state, a second state, and a third state to an electronic device (102; 104; 220; 1100; 1110) via a communication circuit. The first state corresponds to an unused period of service shorter than a first time period, the second state corresponds to an unused period of service longer than the first time period but shorter than or equal to the second time period, and the third state corresponds to an unused period of service longer than the second time period.

[0019] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, when executed by one or more processors individually or jointly, the instructions may cause the server to receive a signal from the electronic device via a communication circuit indicating that the operating state of the electronic device is a first state: receive a signal from an external electronic device (101) via a communication circuit requesting to reset the unused period of the electronic device, and after receiving the signal requesting to reset the unused period of the electronic device, send a signal to the electronic device via the communication circuit requesting the electronic device to reset the unused period of the electronic device.

[0020] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when executed individually or jointly by one or more processors, the instructions may cause the server to receive, via a communication circuit, a signal indicating that the operating state of the electronic device is a second state from the electronic device: receiving via a communication circuit a signal from an external electronic device requesting a reset of the unused period of the electronic device; after receiving the signal requesting a reset of the unused period of the electronic device, sending via a communication circuit a signal to the electronic device requesting a reset of the unused period of the electronic device; and receiving via a communication circuit a signal from the electronic device indicating that the operating state of the electronic device has changed to a first state.

[0021] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when executed individually or jointly by one or more processors, the instructions can cause a server to receive a signal from an electronic device via a communication circuit indicating that the operating state of the electronic device is a third state.

[0022] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium for storing one or more instructions may be provided.

[0023] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, when executed individually or jointly by one or more processors (454) of an electronic device (102; 104; 220; 1100; 1110), one or more instructions may cause the electronic device to perform one or more operations.

[0024] According to embodiments of this disclosure, one or more operations may include obtaining information related to periods of inactivity based on the last time the electronic device was used.

[0025] According to embodiments of this disclosure, one or more operations may include determining the operating state of an electronic device based on the information obtained.

[0026] According to embodiments of this disclosure, one or more operations may include: maintaining the connection between the server (108; 230) and the electronic device based on the determined operation state being a first state, sending information related to the operation and / or operation state of the electronic device to the server, and sending a keep-alive message to the server at a first time interval.

[0027] According to embodiments of this disclosure, one or more operations may include: changing from a first state to a second state based on a determined operating state; maintaining the connection between the server and the electronic device, sending a signal to the server indicating that the operating state of the electronic device has changed to the second state, and avoiding sending information related to the operation and / or operating state of the electronic device to the server.

[0028] According to embodiments of this disclosure, one or more operations may include: changing from a second state to a third state based on a determined operating state; sending a signal to a server indicating that the operating state of the electronic device has changed to the third state.

[0029] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a first state may correspond to a service unused time less than a first time period, a second state may correspond to a service unused time greater than the first time period and less than or equal to the second time period, and a third state may correspond to a service unused time greater than the second time period.

[0030] According to embodiments of this disclosure, unused periods can be reset based on the occurrence of events related to the use of the service. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device in a network environment according to an embodiment.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the process of providing IoT services in a wireless communication network according to an embodiment.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating the internal structure of an electronic device 101 according to various embodiments.

[0034] Figure 4a This is a block diagram illustrating the internal structure of server 230 according to an embodiment.

[0035] Figure 4b This is a block diagram illustrating the internal structure of the external electronic device 220 according to an embodiment.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation process of the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a signal flow diagram illustrating the process of managing the connection status in an IoT-based service according to an embodiment.

[0038] Figure 7 This is a signal flow diagram illustrating the process of managing the connection status in an IoT-based service according to an embodiment.

[0039] Figure 8 This is a signal flow diagram illustrating the process of managing the connection status in an IoT-based service according to an embodiment.

[0040] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating a hub 210 and a server 230 in a wireless communication network 200 according to an embodiment.

[0041] Figure 10 This is a signal flow diagram between hub 210 and server 230 for providing IoT-based services according to an embodiment.

[0042] Figure 11 This is a diagram used to describe the process of managing the connection status in an IoT-based service according to an embodiment.

[0043] Figure 12 This is a diagram used to describe the boot messages provided in a connectionless state according to an embodiment.

[0044] Figure 13 This is a diagram used to describe the boot messages provided in a connectionless state according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0045] In the following description of embodiments of the present disclosure, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description of embodiments of the present disclosure, detailed descriptions of relevant known functions or configurations incorporated herein will be omitted where it is determined that the description might unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the embodiments of the present disclosure. The terminology described below is defined in consideration of the functions in this disclosure and may vary depending on the user, the user's intent, or habits. Therefore, the definition of terminology should be based on the entire contents of this specification.

[0046] It should be noted that the technical terms used herein are for describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this disclosure. Alternatively, the technical terms used herein should be interpreted as having the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains, and should not be interpreted as having an overly comprehensive or overly restrictive meaning unless specifically defined otherwise. Alternatively, when technical terms used herein are incorrect technical terms that do not accurately represent the ideas of this disclosure, it should be understood that they are replaced by technical terms correctly understood by one of skill in the art. Alternatively, general terms used in embodiments of this disclosure should be interpreted as defined in a dictionary or in the context of the relevant section, and should not be interpreted as having an overly restrictive meaning.

[0047] Alternatively, singular expressions used herein may include plural expressions unless they are clearly distinguished in the context. As used herein, expressions such as “comprising” or “including” should not be construed as necessarily including all elements or operations described in the specification, but should be construed as allowing the exclusion of some of them or further including additional elements or operations.

[0048] Alternatively, ordinal terms (such as expressions "first" and "second") may be used to describe various elements, but the corresponding elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from any other element. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element.

[0049] It should be understood that when a component is referred to as "connected" or "coupled" to another component, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other component, or any other component can be inserted between them. Conversely, it should be understood that when a component is referred to as "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another component, no component is inserted between them.

[0050] In the following, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Regardless of the reference numerals, identical or similar elements will have the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions will be omitted. Alternatively, in describing embodiments of the present disclosure, detailed descriptions of related known technologies will be omitted when it is determined that the description may obscure the subject matter of the disclosure. Alternatively, it should be noted that the accompanying drawings are presented merely to aid in the easy understanding of the technical concept of the present disclosure and should not be construed as limiting the technical concept of the present disclosure. In addition to the accompanying drawings, the technical concept of the present disclosure should be interpreted to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions.

[0051] In the following description, electronic devices will be described in the embodiments of this disclosure; however, electronic devices may be referred to as terminals, mobile stations, mobile devices (ME), user devices (UE), user terminals (UT), subscriber stations (SS), wireless devices, handheld devices, and access terminals (AT). Optionally, in the embodiments of this disclosure, the electronic device may be a device with communication capabilities, such as, for example, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smartphone, a wireless modem, and a laptop.

[0052] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 101 in a network environment 100 according to various embodiments.

[0053] Reference Figure 1 In network environment 100, electronic device 101 can communicate with electronic device 102 via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or with at least one of electronic device 104 or server 108 via a second network 199 (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, electronic device 101 can communicate with electronic device 104 via server 108. According to an embodiment, electronic device 101 may include a processor 120, memory 130, input module 150, sound output module 155, display module 160, audio module 170, sensor module 176, interface 177, connection terminal 178, haptic module 179, camera module 180, power management module 188, battery 189, communication module 190, user identification module (SIM) 196, or antenna module 197. In some embodiments, at least one of the above components (e.g., connection terminal 178) may be omitted from electronic device 101, or one or more other components may be added to electronic device 101. In some embodiments, some of the components described above (e.g., sensor module 176, camera module 180, or antenna module 197) may be implemented as a single integrated component (e.g., display module 160).

[0054] Processor 120 may run software (e.g., program 140) to control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of electronic device 101 connected to processor 120, and may perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or calculation, processor 120 may store commands or data received from another component (e.g., sensor module 176 or communication module 190) in volatile memory 132, process the commands or data stored in volatile memory 132, and store the resulting data in non-volatile memory 134. According to embodiments, processor 120 may include a main processor 121 (e.g., central processing unit (CPU) or application processor (AP)) or an auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., graphics processing unit (GPU), neural processing unit (NPU), image signal processor (ISP), sensor central processor, or communication processor (CP)) that is operationally independent of or combined with the main processor 121. For example, when electronic device 101 includes a main processor 121 and an auxiliary processor 123, the auxiliary processor 123 may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor 121, or to be dedicated to a specific function. The auxiliary processor 123 may be implemented separately from the main processor 121, or may be implemented as part of the main processor 121.

[0055] When the main processor 121 is inactive (e.g., in sleep) state, the auxiliary processor 123 (rather than the main processor 121) can control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device 101 (e.g., display module 160, sensor module 176, or communication module 190), or when the main processor 121 is active (e.g., running an application), the auxiliary processor 123 can work with the main processor 121 to control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device 101 (e.g., display module 160, sensor module 176, or communication module 190). According to embodiments, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., camera module 180 or communication module 190) functionally associated with the auxiliary processor 123. According to embodiments, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., a neural processing unit) may include hardware architecture dedicated to artificial intelligence model processing. Artificial intelligence models can be generated through machine learning. For example, such learning can be performed via electronic device 101 where artificial intelligence is performed or via a separate server (e.g., server 108). The learning algorithm may include, but is not limited to, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning. The artificial intelligence model may include multiple layers of artificial neural networks. The artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), or a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more thereof, but is not limited thereto. Additionally or optionally, the artificial intelligence model may include software structures in addition to hardware structures.

[0056] Memory 130 may store various data used by at least one component of electronic device 101 (e.g., processor 120 or sensor module 176). The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., program 140) and input or output data for commands associated with it. Memory 130 may include volatile memory 132 or non-volatile memory 134.

[0057] The program 140 may be stored as software in the memory 130, and the program 140 may include, for example, an operating system (OS) 142, middleware 144, or application 146.

[0058] The input module 150 can receive commands or data from outside the electronic device 101 (e.g., a user) that will be used by other components of the electronic device 101 (e.g., processor 120). The input module 150 may include, for example, a microphone, mouse, keyboard, keys (e.g., buttons), or digital pen (e.g., stylus).

[0059] The sound output module 155 can output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device 101. The sound output module 155 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes such as playing multimedia or playing records. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. According to an embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0060] Display module 160 can visually provide information to the outside of electronic device 101 (e.g., to a user). Display device 160 may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector, and control circuitry for controlling a respective one of the display, holographic device, and projector. According to an embodiment, display module 160 may include a touch sensor adapted to detect touch or a pressure sensor adapted to measure the intensity of the force caused by touch.

[0061] The audio module 170 can convert sound into electrical signals and vice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio module 170 can obtain sound via the input module 150, or output sound via the sound output module 155 or headphones of an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102) that is directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly connected to the electronic device 101.

[0062] Sensor module 176 can detect the operating state of electronic device 101 (e.g., power or temperature) or the environmental state outside electronic device 101 (e.g., user state), and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to embodiments, sensor module 176 may include, for example, a gesture sensor, gyroscope sensor, atmospheric pressure sensor, magnetic sensor, accelerometer, grip sensor, proximity sensor, color sensor, infrared (IR) sensor, biometric sensor, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, or illuminance sensor.

[0063] Interface 177 may support one or more specific protocols used to enable electronic device 101 to connect directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly to external electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 102). According to embodiments, interface 177 may include, for example, a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, a Secure Digital Card (SD) interface, or an audio interface.

[0064] Connection 178 may include a connector, through which electronic device 101 may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102). According to embodiments, connection 178 may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0065] The haptic module 179 can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or motion) or electrical stimuli that can be recognized by a user through his touch or kinesthesia. According to an embodiment, the haptic module 179 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0066] Camera module 180 can capture still or moving images. According to an embodiment, camera module 180 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, an image signal processor, or a flash.

[0067] The power management module 188 manages the power supply to the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the power management module 188 may be implemented as at least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0068] Battery 189 can power at least one component of electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, battery 189 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable rechargeable battery, or a fuel cell.

[0069] Communication module 190 can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication channel between electronic device 101 and external electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 102, electronic device 104, or server 108), and perform communication via the established communication channel. Communication module 190 may include one or more communication processors capable of operating independently of processor 120 (e.g., application processor (AP)) and support direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication. According to embodiments, communication module 190 may include wireless communication module 192 (e.g., cellular communication module, short-range wireless communication module, or Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) communication module) or wired communication module 194 (e.g., local area network (LAN) communication module or power line communication (PLC) module). One of these communication modules can communicate with an external electronic device via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, or Infrared Data Association (IrDA)) or a second network 199 (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a traditional cellular network, 5G network, next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a wide area network (WAN))). These various types of communication modules can be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip) or as multiple components separate from each other (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module 192 can identify and verify the electronic device 101 in the communication network (such as the first network 198 or the second network 199) using user information (e.g., the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) stored in the user identification module 196.

[0070] Wireless communication module 192 can support 5G networks following 4G networks and next-generation communication technologies (such as new radio (NR) access technologies). NR access technologies can support enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine-type communication (mMTC), or ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC). Wireless communication module 192 can support high-frequency bands (e.g., millimeter-wave bands) to achieve, for example, high data transmission rates. Wireless communication module 192 can support various technologies used to ensure performance in high-frequency bands, such as, for example, beamforming, massive MIMO, full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, analog beamforming, or massive antennas. Wireless communication module 192 can support various requirements specified in electronic device 101, external electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 104), or network systems (e.g., second network 199). According to an embodiment, the wireless communication module 192 may support peak data rates (e.g., 20 Gbps or greater) for implementing eMBB, lost coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for implementing mMTC, or U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for each of the downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less round trip) for implementing URLLC.

[0071] Antenna module 197 can transmit or receive signals or power to or from the exterior of electronic device 101 (e.g., external electronic device). According to an embodiment, antenna module 197 may include an antenna comprising a radiating element formed of a conductive material or conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). According to an embodiment, antenna module 197 may include multiple antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication scheme used in a communication network (such as a first network 198 or a second network 199) can be selected from the multiple antennas by, for example, communication module 190 (e.g., wireless communication module 192). Signals or power can then be transmitted or received between communication module 190 and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment, additional components besides the radiating element (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally incorporated into antenna module 197.

[0072] According to various embodiments, antenna module 197 may form a millimeter-wave antenna module. According to embodiments, the millimeter-wave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), and multiple antennas (e.g., an array antenna), wherein the RFIC is disposed on or adjacent to a first surface (e.g., a bottom surface) of the printed circuit board and is capable of supporting a specified high-frequency band (e.g., a millimeter-wave band), and the multiple antennas are disposed on or adjacent to a second surface (e.g., a top surface or a side surface) of the printed circuit board and are capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the specified high-frequency band.

[0073] At least some of the aforementioned components can be interconnected and communicate signals (e.g., commands or data) between them via an inter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., bus, general purpose input / output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industrial processor interface (MIPI)).

[0074] According to an embodiment, commands or data can be sent or received between electronic device 101 and external electronic device 104 via server 108 connected to a second network 199. Each of electronic device 102 or electronic device 104 can be a device of the same type as electronic device 101, or a device of a different type. According to an embodiment, all or some operations that would be performed on electronic device 101 can be performed on one or more of external electronic devices 102, external electronic devices 104, or server 108. For example, if electronic device 101 is required to automatically perform a function or service, or is required to perform a function or service in response to a request from a user or another device, electronic device 101 may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least a portion of the function or service, instead of running the function or service, or electronic device 101 may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least a portion of the function or service in addition to running the function or service. Upon receiving the request, one or more external electronic devices may perform at least a portion of the requested function or service, or perform additional functions or services related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to electronic device 101. Electronic device 101 may provide the result as at least a partial response to the request, with or without further processing of the result. For this purpose, technologies such as cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing may be used. Electronic device 101 may use, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing to provide ultra-low latency services. In another embodiment, external electronic device 104 may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. Server 108 may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or neural networks. According to embodiments, external electronic device 104 or server 108 may be included in a second network 199. Electronic device 101 may be applied to intelligent services based on 5G communication technology or IoT-related technologies (e.g., smart homes, smart cities, smart cars, or healthcare).

[0075] The electronic device according to various embodiments can be one of a variety of types of electronic devices. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the electronic device is not limited to those described above.

[0076] It should be understood that the various embodiments of this disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features set forth herein to the specific embodiments, but rather to include various changes, equivalents, or substitutions to the respective embodiments. In the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. It will be understood that nouns in the singular form corresponding to terms may include one or more things unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, each of the phrases such as “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one of A or B,” “A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any one or all possible combinations of the items enumerated together with the corresponding phrase among the plurality of phrases. As used herein, terms such as “first” and “second” or “first” and “second” may be used to simply distinguish the respective component from another component and do not limit the component in other respects (e.g., importance or order). It will be understood that, whether the terms “operably” or “communically” are used or not, if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as “combined with another element (e.g., a second element),” “combined to another element (e.g., a second element),” “connected to another element (e.g., a second element),” or “connected to another element (e.g., a second element)”, it means that the element can be directly (e.g., wiredly) connected to the other element, wirelessly connected to the other element, or connected to the other element via a third element.

[0077] As used in connection with various embodiments of this disclosure, the term "module" may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with other terms such as "logic," "logic block," "part," or "circuit." A module may be a single integrated component adapted to perform one or more functions, or the smallest unit or part of such a single integrated component. For example, according to embodiments, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0078] The various embodiments set forth herein can be implemented as software (e.g., program 140) containing one or more instructions readable by a machine (e.g., electronic device 101) stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory 136 or external memory 138). For example, under the control of a processor, the processor (e.g., processor 120) of the machine (e.g., electronic device 101) can invoke and execute at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, with or without the use of one or more other components. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the invoked at least one instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. Machine-readable storage media may be provided in the form of non-transitory storage media. The term "non-transitory" simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), but this term does not distinguish between data being stored semi-permanently in the storage medium and data being temporarily stored in the storage medium.

[0079] According to embodiments, methods according to various embodiments of this disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an app store (e.g., the Play Store™), or may be distributed directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones) (e.g., downloaded or uploaded). If distributed online, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily generated, or at least a portion of the computer program product may be stored at least temporarily in a machine-readable storage medium (such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an app store's server, or a forwarding server).

[0080] According to various embodiments, each of the above-described components (e.g., a module or program) may include a single entity or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separately disposed in different components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the above-described components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Optionally or additionally, multiple components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, according to various embodiments, the integrated component may still perform the one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as the corresponding component of the multiple components performed one or more functions before integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be run in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0081] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the process of providing IoT services in a wireless communication network 200 according to an embodiment.

[0082] Reference Figure 2 The wireless communication network 200 can be an IoT network (e.g., a smart home network).

[0083] According to an embodiment, electronic device 101 (e.g., Figure 1 The electronic device 101 in the middle can provide control and / or management of external electronic devices (e.g., IoT devices) based on IoT technology. Figure 1 IoT services (e.g., Samsung) of electronic devices 102 or 104 TM (Smart IoT services).

[0084] According to an embodiment, hub 210 may be located in a designated space (e.g., home and / or office).

[0085] According to an embodiment, server 230 can register external electronic device 220 using IoT services and remotely control the registered external electronic device 220. Server 230 can interact with electronic device 101 to remotely control external electronic device 220.

[0086] According to an embodiment, external electronic device 220 may be a device that interacts with electronic device 101, hub 210, and / or server 230 to provide IoT services. According to an embodiment, external electronic device 220 may be an IoT device (e.g., a home appliance such as a TV, light, air conditioner, blinds, air purifier, camera, oven, and / or speaker). According to an embodiment, external electronic device 220 may be located in a designated space. In an embodiment, other external electronic devices (e.g., an application marketplace server) may also be present in the wireless communication network 200.

[0087] According to an embodiment, server 230 can receive data from external electronic device 220. According to an embodiment, server 230 can communicate with electronic device 101, hub 210, and / or external electronic device 220 via the Internet. Server 230 can interoperate with another server (not shown) providing IoT services to communicate with another external electronic device registered on that server. In the following, for ease of description, IoT devices directly connected to server 230 will be referred to as "directly connected devices," IoT devices connected to server 230 via hub 210 will be referred to as "hub-connected devices," and IoT devices connected to server 230 via other servers will be referred to as "cloud-connected devices."

[0088] According to an embodiment, hub 210 can communicate with external electronic device 220 based on any of a variety of communication schemes. These communication schemes may include ZigBee and / or Z-wave. According to an embodiment, hub 210 can communicate with external electronic device 220 via a LAN.

[0089] According to an embodiment, the external electronic device 220 may be located in various spaces within the wireless communication network 200 (e.g., living room, family room, kitchen, entrance and clothing storage in a home space, and first to Nth offices, kitchen and entrance in an office space), and may communicate with the electronic device 101 through the server 230.

[0090] According to an embodiment, the external electronic device 220 may include various types of electronic devices operating based on IoT services. In an embodiment, the external electronic device 220 may include sensors or switches for sensing the surrounding environment. The external electronic device 220 may operate based on user input or may operate automatically when set conditions are met.

[0091] According to an embodiment, electronic device 101 can receive data from external electronic device 220 and display a screen corresponding to the received data. According to an embodiment, when executing an IoT-based application (e.g., Samsung) for controlling external electronic devices 220 located in various spaces within the wireless communication network 200... TM When performing smart IoT applications, the electronic device 101 can output a user interface (UI) related to the IoT-based application being executed.

[0092] According to an embodiment, a method can be provided that manages the connection status of the external electronic device 220 based on the time during which the external electronic device 220 is not used, and notifies the external electronic device 220 of the disconnection from the server 230 when the connection between the external electronic device 220 and the server 230 is released due to the external electronic device 220 not being used for a set time or longer.

[0093] According to an embodiment, the following method can be provided: if the connection between the external electronic device 220 and the server 230 is released due to the external electronic device 220 not being used for a set time or longer, then notify that the connection between the external electronic device 220 and the server 230 is disconnected and automatically restore the connection between the external electronic device 220 and the server 230; or if it is difficult (or impossible) to automatically restore the connection between the external electronic device 220 and the server 230, then notify that it is difficult to automatically restore the connection between the external electronic device 220 and the server 230.

[0094] According to an embodiment, based on the time during which the external electronic device 220 is not used, the connection state of the external electronic device 220 can be any one of the first connection state, the second connection state, and the third connection state shown in Table 1 below. In the following text, for ease of description, the first connection state will be referred to as the "fully connected state", the second connection state will be referred to as the "partially connected state", and the third connection state will be referred to as the "no connection".

[0095] Table 1

[0096]

[0097] As shown in Table 1, a fully connected state can be a state in which the external electronic device 220 can send information related to its resources to the server 230. In an embodiment, the resources of the external electronic device 220 may be unique to the external electronic device 220 and may include settings associated with the external electronic device 220 (e.g., settings related to the operation of the external electronic device 220). For example, if the external electronic device 220 is an air conditioner, the settings associated with the external electronic device 220 may include power on / off, current temperature, mode, sub-device, humidity, fan speed, and / or set temperature.

[0098] As shown in Table 1, a partial connection state can be a state where the external electronic device 220 only sends a keep-alive signal to the server 230 and maintains the connection between the external electronic device 220 and the server 230. According to an embodiment, in a partial connection state, the external electronic device 220 may not send information related to its resources to the server 230, but may instead send a keep-alive signal to the server 230.

[0099] As shown in Table 1, a connectionless state can be a state in which the connection between the external electronic device 220 and the server 230 is released. In a connectionless state, the external electronic device 220 can register with the server 230, but the connection between the external electronic device 220 and the server 230 can be released.

[0100] According to an embodiment, the inactivity time for each connection state of the external electronic device 220 can be set by the electronic device 101, hub 210, and / or server 230 to register the external electronic device 220 in the server 230. For example, the electronic device 101 or server 230 can set the inactivity time for each connection state through a menu (or webpage) for setting the inactivity time for each connection state. Information regarding the inactivity time for each connection state of the external electronic device 220 can be stored in the server 210.

[0101] According to the embodiment, if the external electronic device 220 is a direct connection device, the unused time for each connection state can be uniquely set for the external electronic device 220, so the unused time for each connection state of the external electronic device 220 can be different from the unused time for each connection state of another external electronic device.

[0102] According to an embodiment, if the external electronic device 220 is a hub connection device, the unused time of each connection state can be set based on the unused time of each connection state set in the hub 210.

[0103] For example, the unused time for each connection state can be set as shown in Table 2 below.

[0104] Table 2

[0105]

[0106] In Table 2, `mnId` can represent the manufacturer identifier (ID) of the external electronic device 220, and `setupId` can represent the scheme used to load the external electronic device 220 into the hub 210. A scheme for loading the external electronic device 220 into the hub 210 can be set for each external electronic device 220. For example, if the external electronic device 220 is a light bulb, the scheme for loading it into the hub 210 can represent a scheme for pressing the setting button for a set time (e.g., 3 seconds). The scheme for connecting the external electronic device 220 to the hub 210 can be stored and managed by the server 230. In Table 2, if the external electronic device 220 is a TV, the unused time in a fully connected state is set to 1 to 28 days, the unused time in a partially connected state is set to 29 to 90 days, and the unused time in a disconnected state is set to 90 days or longer.

[0107] In Table 2, if the external electronic device 220 is an air conditioner, the unused time in the fully connected state is set to 1 to 60 days, the unused time in the partially connected state is set to 61 to 180 days, and the unused time in the unconnected state is set to 181 days or longer.

[0108] In Table 2, for hub 210, the unused time in the fully connected state is set to 1 to 28 days, the unused time in the partially connected state is set to 28 days to 1 year, and the unused time in the unconnected state is set to more than 1 year.

[0109] According to an embodiment, parameters (e.g., deviceConnectionState capabilities) can be provided for managing connection states. The deviceConnectionState capabilities may include attributes and commands, and can be represented as shown in Table 3 below.

[0110] Table 3

[0111]

[0112]

[0113]

[0114] As shown in Table 3, the deviceConnectionState can be changed based on the connection status of the external electronic device 220.

[0115] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating the internal structure of an electronic device 101 according to various embodiments.

[0116] refer to Figure 3 Electronic device 101 (e.g., Figure 1 or Figure 2 The electronic device 101 in the context can be a device that implements IoT-based services in a wireless communication network (e.g., an IoT network). For example, an IoT-based network can be a smart home network, and an IoT-based service can be a smart Internet of Things service.

[0117] Electronic device 101 (e.g., smartphone) may include antenna 301, communication circuitry 302, processor 304, memory 306, interface 308 and / or display 310.

[0118] refer to Figure 3 Electronic device 101 may be a device supporting Long Term Evolution (LTE), Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), UWB, and / or GPS. Electronic device 101 may include communication circuitry 302 (e.g., Figure 1 The communication module 190 in the middle is used to transmit signals to external electronic devices (e.g., using one or more antennas 301) via one or more antennas 301. Figure 1 Electronic device 102 or Figure 2 External electronic devices 220), hubs (e.g., Figure 2 Hub 210) and / or server (e.g., Figure 1 Server 108 and / or Figure 2 The server 230 in the middle sends signals and receives signals from it. In an embodiment, one or more antennas 301 can be implemented as Figure 1 It is part of the antenna module 198.

[0119] According to an embodiment, communication circuit 302 may include multiple communication circuits, and these multiple communication circuits may include communication circuits based on LTE, BLE, UWB, Zigbee, Z-Wave, and / or Wi-Fi schemes. According to an embodiment, electronic device 101 may not include a separate communication circuit based on each of the LTE, BLE, UWB, Zigbee, Z-Wave, and / or Wi-Fi schemes, and may include communication circuits based on at least two or all of the LTE, Bluetooth, BLE, UWB, Zigbee, Z-Wave, and / or Wi-Fi schemes. According to the embodiments, the communication circuit based on at least two of the LTE scheme, BLE scheme, UWB scheme, Zigbee scheme, Z-Wave scheme and / or Wi-Fi scheme, or based on all of the LTE scheme, BLE scheme, UWB scheme, Zigbee scheme, Z-Wave scheme and / or Wi-Fi scheme, can be the communication circuit 302.

[0120] Electronic device 101 may include interface 308 (e.g., Figure 1 Interface 177 in the network provides a wired and / or wireless interface for communicating with components outside the network. In embodiments, at least a portion of one or more antennas 301, communication circuitry 302, or interface 308 may be implemented as... Figure 1 At least a portion of the communication module 190 and antenna module 198 in the system.

[0121] Electronic device 101 may include processor 304, which can be implemented using one or more single-core processors or one or more multi-core processors (e.g., Figure 1 The processor 120 in the memory, and the memory 306 storing instructions for the operation of the electronic device 101 (e.g., Figure 1 (Memory 130 in the memory).

[0122] According to an embodiment, memory 306 may include a UI associated with an application for performing IoT-based services (e.g., a smart IoT application), as well as images, user information, documents, databases, or related data for providing the UI. According to an embodiment, if an application for performing IoT-based services is executed under the control of processor 304, then display 310 (e.g., ...) Figure 1 The display module 160 can display the UI related to the application being executed.

[0123] Figure 4a This is a block diagram illustrating the internal structure of server 230 according to an embodiment.

[0124] Reference Figure 4a Server 230 (for example, Figure 1 Server 108 or Figure 2 The server 230 in the context of the network can be a device that implements IoT-based services (e.g., smart IoT services) in a wireless communication network (e.g., an IoT network). For example, the IoT network could be a smart home network. The server 230 may include communication circuitry 402, a processor 404, memory 406, an interface 408, and / or a display 410. The communication circuitry 402, processor 404, memory 406, interface 408, and / or display 410 can each be implemented to interact with… Figure 3 The communication circuit 302, processor 304, memory 306, interface 308 and / or display 310 described herein are similar or substantially the same, therefore their detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0125] Figure 4b This is a block diagram illustrating the internal structure of the external electronic device 220 according to an embodiment.

[0126] Reference Figure 4b External electronic device 220 (e.g., Figure 1 Electronic device 102 or electronic device 104, or Figure 2 The external electronic device 220 can be a device that implements IoT-based services (e.g., smart IoT services) in a wireless communication network (e.g., an IoT network). For example, the IoT network can be a smart home network. The external electronic device 220 can include a communication circuit 452, a processor 454, a memory 456, an interface 458, and / or a display 450. The communication circuit 452, processor 454, memory 456, interface 458, and / or display 450 can each be implemented to interact with... Figure 3 The communication circuit 302, processor 304, memory 306, interface 308 and / or display 310 described herein are similar or substantially the same, therefore their detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0127] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device (101) may include a communication circuit (190; 302), a processor (120; 304) operatively connected to the communication circuit, and a memory (130) storing instructions.

[0128] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when executed by a processor, the instructions can cause an electronic device to receive information from a server (108; 230) via a communication circuit regarding the connection status of at least one external electronic device (102; 104; 220; 1100; 1110) associated with the electronic device.

[0129] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, when executed by a processor, the instructions can cause an electronic device to perform at least one operation corresponding to a connection state of at least one external electronic device.

[0130] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the connection state of at least one external electronic device may include at least one of the following states: a first connection state, in which the unused time of the service in at least one external electronic device is less than a first time; a second connection state, in which the unused time of the service in at least one external electronic device is greater than or equal to the first time and less than the second time; or a third connection state, in which the unused time of the service in at least one external electronic device is greater than or equal to the second time.

[0131] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the connection state is a first connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include sending a signal via a communication circuit to the server commanding the server to reset the unused time of at least one external electronic device.

[0132] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the connection state is a second connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include sending a signal via a communication circuit to the server commanding the server to reset the unused time of a service in at least one external electronic device.

[0133] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the connection state is a second connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include receiving a signal from a server via a communication circuit for updating the operating state of at least one external electronic device.

[0134] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the connection state is a second connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include updating the operation state of at least one external electronic device based on a signal for updating the operation state of at least one external electronic device.

[0135] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the connection state is a third connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include outputting a message to guide user manipulation to reconnect to the server and at least one external electronic device.

[0136] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when executed by a processor, the instructions can cause an electronic device to be configured to receive information about the connection status of at least one external electronic device from a server via a communication circuit, based on the commencement of an identification service.

[0137] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a first connection state may include a state in which at least one of data or control information is exchanged between at least one external electronic device and a server.

[0138] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the second connection state may include a state in which only keep-alive signals are exchanged between at least one external electronic device and the server.

[0139] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the third connection state may include a state in which the connection between at least one external electronic device and the server is released.

[0140] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device (102; 104; 220; 1100; 1110) may include a communication circuit (452), a processor (454) operatively connected to the communication circuit, and a memory (456) storing instructions.

[0141] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when executed by a processor, the instructions can cause an electronic device to receive information from a server (108; 230) via a communication circuit about the unused time of each connection state of the electronic device.

[0142] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when executed by the processor, the instructions can cause the electronic device to set a connection state based on the unused time of the information and service.

[0143] According to embodiments of this disclosure, at least one processor can be configured to perform at least one operation corresponding to a set connection state.

[0144] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the connection state may include at least one of the following: a first connection state in which the service has been unused for less than a first time; a second connection state in which the service has been unused for more than or equal to the first time and less than a second time; or a third connection state in which the service has been unused for more than or equal to the second time.

[0145] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the connection state is a first connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include receiving a signal from the server via a communication circuit to reset the unused time of the service.

[0146] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the connection state is a first connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include resetting the unused time of the service based on a signal.

[0147] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the connection state is a first connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include sending a keep-alive signal to the server via a communication circuit.

[0148] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the connection state is a second connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include receiving a signal from the server via a communication circuit to reset the unused time of the service.

[0149] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the connection state is a second connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include resetting the unused time of the service based on a signal.

[0150] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the connection state is a second connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include changing the connection state from the second connection state to a first connection state.

[0151] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the connection state is a second connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include sending a signal via a communication circuit to a server requesting that the connection state of the electronic device be changed from the second connection state to the first connection state.

[0152] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the connection state is a second connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include sending a signal to the server via a communication circuit to update the operation state of the electronic device after sending a signal requesting to change the connection state of the electronic device from the second connection state to the first connection state.

[0153] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the connection state is a second connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include sending a keep-alive signal to the server via a communication circuit.

[0154] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first connection state may include a state in which at least one of data or control information is exchanged between the electronic device and the server.

[0155] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the second connection state may include a state in which only keep-alive signals are exchanged between the electronic device and the server.

[0156] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the third connection state may include a state in which the connection between the electronic device and the server is released.

[0157] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the server (108; 230) may include a communication circuit (402), a processor (404) operatively connected to the communication circuit, and a memory (406) storing instructions.

[0158] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, when executed by a processor, the instructions can cause an electronic device to send information about the connection status of at least one external electronic device (102; 104; 220; 1100; 1110) associated with the electronic device to the electronic device (101) via a communication circuit.

[0159] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, when executed by a processor, the instructions can cause an electronic device to perform at least one operation corresponding to a connection state of at least one external electronic device.

[0160] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the connection state of at least one external electronic device may include at least one of the following states: a first connection state, in which the unused time of the service in at least one external electronic device is less than a first time; a second connection state, in which the unused time of the service in at least one external electronic device is greater than or equal to the first time and less than the second time; or a third connection state, in which the unused time of the service in at least one external electronic device is greater than or equal to the second time.

[0161] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the connection state is a first connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include: receiving a first signal from an electronic device via a communication circuit to reset the unused time of at least one external electronic device from a command server.

[0162] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the connection state is a first connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include: sending a second signal to at least one external electronic device via a communication circuit, the second signal commanding to reset the unused time of at least one external electronic device based on the first signal.

[0163] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the connection state is a first connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include receiving a keep-alive signal from at least one external electronic device via a communication circuit.

[0164] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the connection state is a second connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include receiving a first signal from an electronic device via a communication circuit to reset the unused time of at least one external electronic device from a command server.

[0165] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the connection state is a second connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include sending a second signal to at least one external electronic device via a communication circuit, the second signal commanding to reset the unused time of at least one external electronic device based on the first signal.

[0166] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the connection state is a second connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include receiving a third signal from at least one external electronic device via a communication circuit, the third signal requesting that the connection state of at least one external electronic device be changed from the second connection state to the first connection state.

[0167] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the connection state is a second connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include changing the connection state of at least one external electronic device from the second connection state to the first connection state based on a third signal.

[0168] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the connection state is a second connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include receiving a fourth signal via a communication circuit from at least one external electronic device for updating the operation state of at least one external electronic device.

[0169] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the connection state is a second connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include sending a fifth signal to an electronic device via a communication circuit for updating the operating state of at least one external electronic device based on a fourth signal.

[0170] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the connection state is a second connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include receiving a keep-alive signal from at least one external electronic device via a communication circuit.

[0171] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, when executed by a processor, the instructions may cause the electronic device to receive a message requesting information about the connection status of at least one external electronic device via a communication circuit before sending information about the connection status of at least one external electronic device.

[0172] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a first connection state may include a state in which at least one of data or control information is exchanged between at least one external electronic device and a server.

[0173] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the second connection state may include a state in which only keep-alive signals are exchanged between at least one external electronic device and the server.

[0174] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the third connection state may include a state in which the connection between at least one external electronic device and the server is released.

[0175] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device (102; 104; 220; 1100; 1110) may include communication circuitry (452), one or more processors (454) including processing circuitry, and memory (456) storing instructions.

[0176] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when executed individually or jointly by the one or more processors, the instructions can cause the electronic device to obtain information related to periods of non-use based on the last time the electronic device was used.

[0177] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when executed individually or jointly by one or more processors, instructions can cause an electronic device to determine its operating state based on the information obtained.

[0178] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when executed individually or jointly by one or more processors, the instructions can cause the electronic device to: maintain the connection between the server (108; 230) and the electronic device based on the determined operating state being a first state, send information related to the operation and / or operating state of the electronic device to the server via a communication circuit, and send a keep-alive message to the server via a communication circuit at a first time interval.

[0179] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when executed individually or jointly by one or more processors, the instructions can cause an electronic device to change from a first state to a second state based on a determined operating state: maintaining the connection between the server and the electronic device, sending a signal to the server via a communication circuit indicating that the operating state of the electronic device has changed to the second state, and avoiding sending information related to the operation and / or operating state of the electronic device to the server via a communication circuit.

[0180] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when executed individually or jointly by one or more processors, instructions can cause an electronic device to change from a second state to a third state based on a determined operating state: sending a signal to a server via a communication circuit indicating that the operating state of the electronic device has changed to the third state.

[0181] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a first state may correspond to a service unused time less than a first time period, a second state may correspond to a service unused time greater than the first time period and less than or equal to the second time period, and a third state may correspond to a service unused time greater than the second time period.

[0182] According to embodiments of this disclosure, unused periods can be reset based on the occurrence of events related to the use of the service.

[0183] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a first time period and a second time period can be defined based on the device type corresponding to the electronic service.

[0184] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when executed individually or jointly by one or more processors, the instructions can cause the electronic device to: recognize the occurrence of an event related to the use of the service in a second state, and change the operating state of the electronic device from the second state to the first state.

[0185] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when executed individually or jointly by one or more processors, the instructions can cause the electronic device to send a signal to the server via a communication circuit indicating that the operating state of the electronic device has changed to a first state.

[0186] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, when executed individually or jointly by one or more processors, the instructions may cause the electronic device to: receive, via a communication circuit, a signal requesting the electronic device to reset an unused period after sending a signal indicating that the operating state of the electronic device has changed to a first state, and reset the unused period in response to the signal requesting the electronic device to reset the unused period.

[0187] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when executed individually or jointly by one or more processors, the instructions can cause the electronic device to: recognize the occurrence of an event related to the use of the service in a third state, establish a connection between the server and the electronic device, and change the operating state of the electronic device from the third state to the first state.

[0188] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when executed individually or jointly by one or more processors, the instructions can cause the electronic device to send a signal to the server via a communication circuit indicating that the operating state of the electronic device has changed to a first state.

[0189] According to embodiments of this disclosure, information related to unused periods based on the last usage time of an electronic device can be received from a server.

[0190] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, when executed individually or jointly by one or more processors, the instructions may cause an electronic device to obtain, as at least part of, information related to unused periods based on the last used time of the electronic device: identify the last used time of the electronic device's service and identify unused periods based on the last used time of the electronic device's service, so as to obtain information related to unused periods based on the last used time of the electronic device.

[0191] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when executed individually or jointly by one or more processors, the instructions can cause an electronic device to send a keep-alive message to a server via a communication circuit at a second time interval in a second state.

[0192] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the second time interval may be longer than or equal to the first time interval.

[0193] According to embodiments of this disclosure, information related to the operation and / or operating state of an electronic device may include information indicating that the operation and / or operating state of the electronic device has changed.

[0194] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when executed individually or jointly by one or more processors, the instructions can cause the electronic device to: recognize the occurrence of an event related to the use of the service in a first state, and send a signal to the server via a communication circuit indicating that the operating state of the electronic device is the first state.

[0195] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when executed individually or jointly by one or more processors, the instructions can cause the electronic device to: receive a signal requesting the electronic device to reset an unused period from a server via a communication circuit after sending a signal indicating that the electronic device is in a first state, and reset the unused period in response to the signal requesting the electronic device to reset the unused period.

[0196] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the server (108; 230) may include communication circuitry (402), one or more processors (404) including processing circuitry, and a memory (406) storing instructions.

[0197] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when executed individually or jointly by one or more processors, the instructions can cause the server to send information about a first state, a second state, and a third state to an electronic device (102; 104; 220; 1100; 1110) via a communication circuit. The first state corresponds to an unused period of service shorter than a first time period, the second state corresponds to an unused period of service longer than the first time period but shorter than or equal to the second time period, and the third state corresponds to an unused period of service longer than the second time period.

[0198] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, when executed by one or more processors individually or jointly, the instructions may cause the server to receive a signal from the electronic device via a communication circuit indicating that the operating state of the electronic device is a first state: receive a signal from an external electronic device (101) via a communication circuit requesting to reset the unused period of the electronic device, and after receiving the signal requesting to reset the unused period of the electronic device, send a signal to the electronic device via the communication circuit requesting the electronic device to reset the unused period of the electronic device.

[0199] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when executed individually or jointly by one or more processors, the instructions may cause the server to receive, via a communication circuit, a signal indicating that the operating state of the electronic device is a second state from the electronic device: receiving via a communication circuit a signal from an external electronic device requesting a reset of the unused period of the electronic device; after receiving the signal requesting a reset of the unused period of the electronic device, sending via a communication circuit a signal to the electronic device requesting a reset of the unused period of the electronic device; and receiving via a communication circuit a signal from the electronic device indicating that the operating state of the electronic device has changed to a first state.

[0200] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when executed individually or jointly by one or more processors, the instructions can cause a server to receive a signal from an electronic device via a communication circuit indicating that the operating state of the electronic device is a third state.

[0201] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation process of the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment.

[0202] refer to Figure 5 In operation 511, electronic devices (e.g., Figure 1 , Figure 2 or Figure 3 The processor of the electronic device 101 in the device (e.g., Figure 1 The processor 120 or Figure 3 The processor 304 in the middle can be connected via a communication circuit (e.g., Figure 1 Communication module 190 or Figure 3 The communication circuit 302 in the middle) is from the server (e.g., Figure 1 Server 108 in Figure 1 or Server 230 in Figure 4) receives information about at least one external electronic device (e.g., related to the electronic device) Figure 1 Electronic device 102 or electronic device 104 in Figure 2 External electronic device 220 or Figure 4b The connection status information of the external electronic device 220. In an embodiment, the connection status of at least one external electronic device may include at least one of the following states: a first connection state, in which the unused time of a service (e.g., an IoT-based service) on at least one external electronic device is less than a first time; a second connection state, in which the unused time of a service on at least one external electronic device is greater than or equal to the first time and less than the second time; or a third connection state, in which the unused time of a service on at least one external electronic device is greater than or equal to the second time. For example, the IoT-based service could be Samsung. TMIntelligent IoT services. For example, the first connection state may include a fully connected state, the second connection state may include a partially connected state, and / or the third connection state may include a disconnected state. The fully connected state, partially connected state, and / or disconnected state can be implemented with... Figure 2 The descriptions are similar or substantially the same as those in the text, so their detailed descriptions will be omitted here.

[0203] In operation 513, an electronic device that receives information about the connection status of at least one external electronic device can perform at least one operation corresponding to the connection status of the at least one external electronic device.

[0204] According to an embodiment, when the connection state is a first connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include sending a signal via a communication circuit to the server commanding the server to reset the unused time of at least one external electronic device.

[0205] According to an embodiment, when the connection state is a second connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include: sending a signal to the server via a communication circuit to command the server to reset the unused time of at least one external electronic device; receiving a signal from the server via a communication circuit for updating the operating state of at least one external electronic device; and updating the operating state of at least one external electronic device based on the signal for updating the operating state of at least one external electronic device.

[0206] According to one embodiment, when the connection state is a third connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include outputting a message to guide the user to manipulate the connection to the server and at least one external electronic device.

[0207] Figure 6 This is a signal flow diagram illustrating the process of managing the connection status in an IoT-based service according to an embodiment.

[0208] refer to Figure 6 In operation 611, electronic device 101 (e.g., Figure 1 , 2 Or the electronic device 101 in 3 (for example, Figure 1 The processor 120 or Figure 3 The processor 304 in the memory can identify the components used to initiate IoT-based services (e.g., Samsung). TM Smart IoT services) and corresponding IoT-based applications (e.g., Samsung) TM User input for smart IoT applications.

[0209] In operation 613, the electronic device 101 that identifies user input for launching the IoT-based application can be accessed via server 230 (e.g., Figure 1 Server 108 or Figure 2 or Figure 4a The server 230 in the middle) obtains communication with the external electronic device 220 (e.g., Figure 1 Electronic device 102 or electronic device 104 in Figure 2 External electronic device 220 or Figure 4b Information related to the connection status of the external electronic device 220 (obtaining `diviceConnectionState`), which interacts with electronic device 101 to provide IoT-based services. Figure 6 In this context, the external electronic device 220 can be, for example, a directly connected device. If the external electronic device 220 supports connection state management, then electronic device 101 can obtain information related to the connection state of electronic device 220 from server 230. For example, if the deviceConnectionState capability of external electronic device 220 is stored in server 230, then electronic device 101 can obtain information related to the connection state of electronic device 220 from server 230. If the external electronic device 220 does not support connection state management, then electronic device 101 may not be able to obtain information related to the connection state of electronic device 220 from server 230. Figure 6 The following will describe, as an example, the situation where the external electronic device 220 supports connection state management.

[0210] First, the operation when the information obtained from the server 230 regarding the connection status of the external electronic device 220 indicates that the connection status of the external electronic device 220 is fully connected can be described as follows.

[0211] If the external electronic device 220 is in a fully connected state, in operation 621, the electronic device 101 can send a signal including a connection refresh (hereinafter referred to as "refreshConnection") command to the server 230 to command the reset of the unused time, thereby resetting the unused time of the external electronic device 220. In operation 622, the server 230, having received the signal including the refreshConnection command from the electronic device 101, can send a signal including the refreshConnection command to the external electronic device 220 to command the reset of the unused time, thereby resetting the unused time of the external electronic device 220. In operation 623, the external electronic device 220, having received the signal including the refreshConnection command from the server 230, can reset the unused time of the external electronic device 220. In operation 624, the external electronic device 220, having reset the unused time of the external electronic device 220, can send a keep-alive signal to the server 230 based on a set time period. The set time period for sending the keep-alive signal can be adaptively set according to the network status.

[0212] Second, the operation when the information obtained from the server 230 related to the connection status of the external electronic device 220 indicates that the connection status of the external electronic device 220 is a partial connection status can be described as follows.

[0213] If the connection state of external electronic device 220 is partially connected, in operation 631, electronic device 101 can send a signal including a refreshConnection command to server 230 to command the reset of unused time, thereby resetting the unused time of external electronic device 220. In operation 632, server 230, having received the signal including the refreshConnection command from electronic device 101, can send a signal including the refreshConnection command to external electronic device 220 to command the reset of unused time, thereby resetting the unused time of external electronic device 220. In operation 633, external electronic device 220, having received the signal including the refreshConnection command from server 230, can reset the unused time of external electronic device 220. External electronic device 220, having reset its unused time, can change its connection state to fully connected, and in operation 634, sends a signal including the deviceConnectionState attribute to server 230 to request changing the connection state of external electronic device 220 to fully connected. The server 230, which receives a signal including the deviceConnectionState attribute from the external electronic device 220, can change the connection state of the external electronic device 220 to a fully connected state.

[0214] In operation 635, the external electronic device 220 can send a signal to the server 230 to update the operating status of the external electronic device 220. In an embodiment, the operating status of the external electronic device 220 can represent a state related to the operation of the external electronic device 220. In an embodiment, the operating status of the external electronic device 220 can be managed by an IoT-based application. For example, the IoT-based application can provide a device card for managing the operating status of the external electronic device 220. The device card can be implemented for each IoT device. Figure 6In this context, it will be assumed that external electronic device 220 is a TV; therefore, in operation 635, the signal used to update the operating state of external electronic device 220 is represented as "update TV state". If external electronic device 220 is a TV, the operating state of external electronic device 220 may include, for example, power on / off, volume level, channel number and / or channel list. In operation 636, server 230, having received a signal from external electronic device 220 to update the operating state of external electronic device 220, may send a signal to electronic device 101 to update the operating state of external electronic device 220. In operation 637, electronic device 101, having received a signal from server 230 to update the operating state of external electronic device 220, may update the operating state of external electronic device 220. In operation 638, external electronic device 220, which resets the inactivity time of external electronic device 220, may send a keep-alive signal to server 230 based on a set time period.

[0215] Third, the operation when the information obtained from the server 230 related to the connection status of the external electronic device 220 indicates that the connection status of the external electronic device 220 is disconnected can be described as follows.

[0216] If the connection status of external electronic device 220 is disconnected, in operation 641, electronic device 101 can recognize that the connection between server 230 and external electronic device 220 has been released. In operation 641, the electronic device that recognizes the release of the connection between server 230 and external electronic device 220 can output a guidance message for reconnection between server 230 and external electronic device 220. The guidance message can be provided, for example, in the form of a UI pop-up. For example, the guidance message could be a message notifying users that the connection between server 230 and external electronic device 220 has been released when external electronic device 220 has not been used for an extended period in an IoT-based service, and a message for user intervention to reconnect between server 230 and external electronic device 220. By outputting the guidance message in this way, users can easily attempt to reconnect server 230 and external electronic device 220. The following will refer to... Figure 12 and Figure 13 The description of the bootstrap message will be omitted here.

[0217] Figure 7 This is a signal flow diagram illustrating the process of managing the connection status in an IoT-based service according to an embodiment.

[0218] refer to Figure 7 In Operation 711, IoT-based services are provided (e.g., Samsung). TM Server 230 (e.g., for intelligent IoT services) Figure 1Server 108, or Figure 2 , Figure 4a or Figure 6 The server 230 in operation 711 can send data to an external electronic device 220 (e.g., ...). Figure 1 Electronic device 102 or electronic device 104 in the middle, Figure 2 External electronic device 220, or Figure 4b or Figure 6 The server 230 sends signals including operation commands (e.g., power-on commands) to the external electronic device 220. For example, the server 230 can send signals including operation commands to the external electronic device 220 corresponding to an automated service or user input related to an IoT-based service. Figure 7 In this context, the external electronic device 220 may be, for example, a direct connection device.

[0219] In operation 713, the external electronic device 220, which receives a signal including an operation command from the server 230, can perform an operation corresponding to the operation command. For example, when the operation command is a power-on command, the external electronic device 220 can be powered on in operation 713. In operation 715, the external electronic device 220, which performs the operation corresponding to the operation command, can reset its unused time.

[0220] The external electronic device 220 can be reset based on its connection status before resetting the unused time.

[0221] First, if the external electronic device 220 is in a fully connected state before resetting the inactivity time, then in operation 721, the external electronic device 220 can send a signal to update its operating state. According to the embodiment, the operating state of the external electronic device 220 can indicate a state related to its operation. Since the external electronic device 220 is powered on in operation 713, the operating state of the external electronic device 220 included in the signal sent in operation 721 to update its operating state can indicate a power-on state.

[0222] Second, if the connection state of external electronic device 220 is partially connected before resetting the inactivity time, then in operation 731, external electronic device 220 can send a signal including a deviceConnectionState attribute for changing the connection state of external electronic device 220 to a fully connected state. In operation 733, external electronic device 220, which sends a signal including the deviceConnectionState attribute, can send a signal for updating the operation state of external electronic device 220. In this embodiment, the operation state of external electronic device 220 can indicate a state related to the operation of external electronic device 220. Since external electronic device 220 has been powered on in operation 713, the operation state of external electronic device 220 included in the signal sent in operation 733 for updating the operation state of external electronic device 220 can indicate a powered-on state.

[0223] After sending a signal to update the operating status of electronic device 220 in operation 721 or 733, in operation 741, external electronic device 220 can send a keep-alive signal to server 230 based on a set time period. The set time period for sending the keep-alive signal can be adaptively set according to the network status.

[0224] Figure 8 This is a signal flow diagram illustrating the process of managing the connection status in an IoT-based service according to an embodiment.

[0225] refer to Figure 8 Provide IoT-based services (e.g., Samsung) TM External electronic devices 220 (e.g., smart IoT services) Figure 1 Electronic device 102 or electronic device 104 in Figure 2 External electronic device 220, or Figure 4b , Figure 6 or Figure 7 The external electronic device 220 can operate differently depending on its connection status, as will be described in detail below. Figure 8 In this context, it is assumed that the time frame for the fully connected state of the external electronic device 220 is 1 to 28 days, the time frame for the partially connected state of the external electronic device 220 is 29 to 90 days, and the time frame for the disconnected state of the external electronic device 220 is 91 days or longer. Figure 8 In this context, the external electronic device 220 may be, for example, a direct connection device.

[0226] First, the connection state of the external electronic device 220 can be described as a fully connected state as follows.

[0227] In operation 811, external electronic device 220 can send data to server 230 (e.g., ...). Figure 1 Server 108 or Figure 2 , Figure 4a , Figure 6 or Figure 7 Server 230 sends a signal including a deviceConnectionState attribute for changing the connection state of external electronic device 220 to a fully connected state. In operation 812, external electronic device 220, which sends the signal including the deviceConnectionState attribute, can send a keep-alive signal to server 230 based on a set time period. The set time period for sending the keep-alive signal can be adaptively set according to network conditions. Subsequently, in operation 813, external electronic device 220 can recognize user input for commanding power-on. In operation 814, external electronic device 220, which recognizes user input for commanding power-on, can perform a power-on operation. In operation 815, external electronic device 220, which performs the power-on operation, can send a signal for updating the operating state of external electronic device 220. According to an embodiment, the operating state of external electronic device 220 can indicate a state related to the operation of external electronic device 220. Since the external electronic device 220 performs a power-on operation in operation 814, the operating status of the external electronic device 220 included in the signal sent in operation 815 to update the operating status of the external electronic device 220 can indicate the power-on status.

[0228] Second, the connection state of the external electronic device 220 can be described as a partial connection state as follows.

[0229] In operation 821, external electronic device 220 may send a signal to server 230 including a deviceConnectionState attribute for changing the connection state of external electronic device 220 to a partially connected state. In operation 822, external electronic device 220, which sends the signal including the deviceConnectionState attribute, may send a keep-alive signal to server 230 based on a set time period. Subsequently, in operation 823, external electronic device 220 may recognize user input for commanding power-on. In operation 824, external electronic device 220, which recognizes user input for commanding power-on, may perform a power-on operation. Since the connection state of external electronic device 220 is a partially connected state, external electronic device 220 performing the power-on operation may not send a signal for updating the operation state of external electronic device 220 (operation 825). In this case, the connection between external electronic device 220 and server 230 may be maintained, but the operation state of external electronic device 220 may not be updated to server 230.

[0230] Third, the situation where the external electronic device 220 is in a disconnected state can be described as follows.

[0231] In operation 831, external electronic device 220 may send a signal to server 230 including a deviceConnectionState attribute for changing the connection state of external electronic device 220 to a connectionless state. Since the connection state of external electronic device 220 is connectionless, that is, since the connection between external electronic device 220 and server 230 is released, external electronic device 220, which sent the signal including the deviceConnectionState attribute, may not send a keep-alive signal to server 230 (operation 832). Subsequently, in operation 833, external electronic device 220 may recognize user input for a power-on command. In operation 834, external electronic device 220, having recognized the user input for a power-on command, may perform a power-on operation. Since the connection state of external electronic device 220 is connectionless, external electronic device 220 performing the power-on operation may not perform a login operation against server 230 (operation 835). Since the external electronic device 220 is in a disconnected state, the external electronic device 220 performing the power-on operation does not need to send a signal to update the operating state of the external electronic device 220 (operation 836).

[0232] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating a hub 210 and a server 230 in a wireless communication network 200 according to an embodiment.

[0233] refer to Figure 9 Server 230 (for example, Figure 1 Server 108, or Figure 2 , Figure 4a , Figure 6 , Figure 7 or Figure 8 Server 230) and hub 210 (e.g., Figure 2 The hub 210 in the middle can be connected to external electronic devices (e.g., Figure 1 Electronic device 102 or electronic device 104 in Figure 2 Multiple external electronic devices 220, or Figure 4b , Figure 6 , Figure 7 or Figure 8 Interacting with external electronic devices 220 to provide IoT-based services (e.g., Samsung) TM Automated services for smart IoT services.

[0234] In an embodiment, if the external electronic device is a hub connection device, the connection state of the external electronic device can be controlled by the hub 210. The inactivity time for each connection state of the hub 210 can be as shown in Table 4 below. The connection state of the hub 210 can be reset based on the inactivity time of at least one external electronic device connected to the hub 210. In an embodiment, for at least one external electronic device connected to the hub 210, the inactivity time for each connection state can be set as shown in Table 4 below.

[0235] Table 4

[0236]

[0237] In Table 4, 0AFD indicates the mnId of hub 210, and 611 indicates the setupId of hub 210.

[0238] According to an embodiment, server 230 may include cloud platform 900 and / or interface 910. Interface 910 may be an application programming interface (API). Cloud platform 900 may manage I / O functions for IoT-based services and listen for events via an event pipeline for IoT-based services. In an embodiment, events may be implemented in the form of messages based on a communication scheme (e.g., Zigbee, Z-Wave, and / or LAN) established between external electronics and hub 210.

[0239] Interface 910 can be a set of Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) clients that interact with the APIs of IoT-based services.

[0240] According to an embodiment, hub 210 may include interface 920 and / or edge platform 930. Interface 920 may be a public API. Edge platform 930 may manage I / O functions for IoT-based services and listen for events via an event pipeline for IoT-based services. Interface 920 may be a set of HTTP clients that interact with the API of IoT-based services. Interface 920 may evaluate conditions set for IoT-based services (e.g., automation conditions) and control the operation of external electronic devices based on the evaluation results.

[0241] Figure 10 This is a signal flow diagram between hub 210 and server 230 for providing IoT-based services according to an embodiment.

[0242] refer to Figure 10 Server 230 (for example, Figure 1 Server 108, or Figure 2 , Figure 4a , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 or Figure 9 Server 230 in the middle) may include cloud platform 900 (e.g., Figure 9 Cloud platform 900 and interface 910 (e.g., interface 910). Hub 210 (e.g., Figure 2 or Figure 9 The hub 210 in the middle may include an interface 920 (e.g., Figure 9 Interface 920 in the middle) and edge platform 930 (e.g., Figure 9 The edge platform 930 in the middle). Server 230 and hub 210 can be connected to multiple external electronic devices (e.g., Figure 1 Electronic device 102 or electronic device 104 in Figure 2 External electronic devices or Figure 4b , Figure 6 , Figure 7 or Figure 8 External electronic devices 220 (e.g., a first external electronic device and a second external electronic device) interact to provide IoT-based services (e.g., Samsung). TM (Automated services for smart IoT services). For example, in Figure 10 In this context, it will be assumed that server 230 and hub 210 interoperate with a first external electronic device (e.g., switch A 1000) and a second external electronic device (e.g., switch B 1005) to provide automated services. For example, in Figure 10 In this context, it will be assumed that automation conditions include the condition that if switch A 1000 is turned on, then switch B 1005 is turned on. For example, in... Figure 10 In this configuration, each of switch A 1000 and switch B 1005 can be a hub connection device.

[0243] In operation 1011, switch A 1000 can recognize user input used to command switch A 1000 to be turned on. In operation 1013, switch A 1000, having recognized the user input used to command turn on, can send an event (e.g., event enable) to hub 210 to command switch A 1000 to be turned on. In operation 1015, the edge platform 930 of hub 210, having received the event enable from switch A 1000, can transmit the event enable to interface 920 to request the execution of an automation service corresponding to the automation conditions under which switch A 1000 is turned on.

[0244] In operation 1017, the interface 920, which receives the activation from the edge platform 930, can identify whether an automation condition is set when switch A 1000 is powered on. If an automation condition is set when switch A 1000 is powered on (operation 1017 - Yes), then interface 920 can set the operating state of switch B 1005 to "powered on". Based on interface 920 setting the operating state of switch B 1005 to "powered on", in operation 1019, the edge platform 930 can send an event activation command to server 230 to instruct switch B 1005 to power on.

[0245] The cloud platform 900 of server 230 receives an event activation from hub 210 to command switch B 1005 to turn on. In operation 1021, the event activation can be transmitted to interface 910. In operation 1023, interface 910, which receives the event activation from cloud platform 900, can send a signal to switch B 1005 to turn it on, thereby turning on switch B 1005.

[0246] Figure 11 This is a diagram used to describe the process of managing the connection status in an IoT-based service according to an embodiment.

[0247] refer to Figure 11 External electronic device 1100 (e.g., Figure 1 Electronic device 102 or electronic device 104 in the middle, Figure 2 External electronic device 220, or Figure 4b , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 or Figure 10 External electronic device 220 in the middle) can be directly connected to server 230 (e.g., Figure 1 Server 108, or Figure 2 , Figure 4a , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 9 or Figure 10 The server 230 in the middle is a direct connection device. Another external electronic device 1110 may be connected via a hub 210 (e.g., Figure 2 , Figure 9 or Figure 10 Hub 210 is connected to a hub connection device of server 230. According to an embodiment, if no hub connection device is connected to hub 210, hub 210 can operate as a direct connection device. According to an embodiment, IoT-based services (e.g., Samsung...) TMThe smart IoT service may include automation services, and these automation services may include local automation services, which are executed by the hub 210. For local automation services, the same information (e.g., automation conditions) related to the automation services managed in the hub 210 as those managed in the server 230 can be managed in the hub 210.

[0248] If there are other external electronic devices 1110 connected to hub 210 as hub connection devices, and hub 210 supports local automation services, the connection state of hub 210 (e.g., fully connected, partially connected, and / or disconnected) can be managed based on the time during which hub 210 does not send commands for local automation services to other external electronic devices 1110.

[0249] The unused time for each connection state of hub 210 can be implemented to be similar to or substantially the same as that described in Table 4.

[0250] For example, if the hub 210 is in a fully connected state and the unused time (i.e., the time during which commands for local automation services are not sent to other external electronic devices 1110) is less than 28 days, then when the hub 210 sends commands for local automation services to other external electronic devices 1110, it can maintain the fully connected state and reset the unused time.

[0251] For example, if hub 210 does not send commands for local automation services to other external electronic devices 1110 for 29 days or longer (e.g., if the period of inactivity is 29 days or longer), the connection state of hub 210 can change from a fully connected state to a partially connected state. In the partially connected state, hub 210 may only send a keep-alive signal to maintain the connection with server 230, and even if the operating state of other external electronic devices 1110 is updated, hub 210 may not send a signal to server 230 to update the operating state of other external electronic devices 1110. In this case, hub 210 can store the operating state of other external electronic devices 1110 in hub 210 and may not send a signal to server 230 to update the operating state of other external electronic devices 1110.

[0252] In a partially connected state, if hub 210 sends commands for local automation services to other external electronic devices 1110, the connection state of hub 210 can change from a partially connected state to a fully connected state. When the connection state of hub 210 changes from a partially connected state to a fully connected state, the unused time of hub 210 can be reset.

[0253] For example, if the connection state of hub 210 is disconnected, then because the connection state between server 230 and hub 210 is released, the electronic devices associated with hub 210 (e.g., Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 6 or Figure 8 Electronic device 101 in (e.g., Figure 1 The processor 120 or Figure 3 The processor 304 can output a guidance message for changing the connection of the electronic device to a device-to-device (D2D) connection. The guidance message can be provided, for example, in the form of a UI pop-up. For instance, the guidance message could be a message notifying the user that the connection between the server 230 and the hub 210 has been released when the hub 210 has not been used in the local automation service for an extended period, and a message for user intervention to reconnect the hub 210 to the electronic device. By outputting the guidance message in this way, the user can easily change the connection between the hub 210 and the electronic device to a D2D connection. The following will refer to... Figure 12 and Figure 13 The boot message is described, so its detailed description will be omitted here. If hub 210 and the electronic device cannot establish a D2D connection, hub 210 can perform a reconnection operation with server 230 by checking whether login is possible during startup.

[0254] The above describes the operation when there is another external electronic device 1110 connected to the hub 210 as a hub connection device and the hub 210 supports local automation services. However, the operation when there is another external electronic device 1110 connected to the hub 210 as a hub connection device and the hub 210 does not support local automation services can also be implemented in a manner similar to or substantially the same as the operation when there is another external electronic device 1110 connected to the hub 210 as a hub connection device and the hub 210 is capable of supporting local automation services.

[0255] The operation has been described above in the case where there is another external electronic device 1110 as a hub connection device connected to hub 210 and hub 210 supports local automation services. The operation in the case where there is another external electronic device 1110 as a hub connection device connected to hub 210 and hub 210 does not support local automation services can be described as follows.

[0256] If there are other external electronic devices 1110 connected to hub 210 as hub connection devices, and hub 210 does not support local automation services, the connection state of hub 210 (e.g., fully connected, partially connected, and / or disconnected) can be managed based on the time during which hub 210 does not send automation service commands to other external electronic devices 1110 and / or the time during which hub 210 does not send events to server 230.

[0257] The unused time for each connection state of hub 210 can be implemented to be similar to or substantially the same as that described in Table 4.

[0258] For example, if the hub 210 is in a fully connected state, commands for automation services are not sent to other external electronic devices 1110, and / or the unused time (the period during which the hub 210 does not send events to the server 230) is 28 days or less, then the fully connected state can be maintained and the unused time can be reset when the hub 210 sends commands for automation services to other external electronic devices 1110 and / or when the hub 210 sends events to the server 230.

[0259] For example, if hub 210 does not send commands for automation services to other external electronic devices 1110 for 29 days or longer and / or hub 210 does not send events to server 230 (e.g., if the inactivity period is 29 days or longer), the connection state of hub 210 can change from a fully connected state to a partially connected state. In the partially connected state, hub 210 may only send a keep-alive signal to maintain the connection with server 230, and hub 210 may not send a signal to server 230 to update the operating state of other external electronic devices 1110, even if the operating state of other external electronic devices 1110 is updated. In this case, hub 210 may store the operating state of other external electronic devices 1110 in hub 210 and may not send a signal to server 230 to update the operating state of other external electronic devices 1110.

[0260] In a partially connected state, if hub 210 sends commands for automation services to other external electronic devices 1110 and / or hub 210 sends events to server 230, the connection state of hub 210 can change from a partially connected state to a fully connected state. When the connection state of hub 210 changes from a partially connected state to a fully connected state, the unused time of hub 210 can be reset.

[0261] For example, if the connection state of hub 210 is disconnected, then because the connection state between server 230 and hub 210 is released, the electronic devices associated with hub 210 (e.g., Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 6 or Figure 8 Electronic device 101 in (e.g., Figure 1 The processor 120 or Figure 3 The processor 304 in the processor can output a guidance message for changing the connection of the electronic device to a D2D connection. This guidance message can be provided, for example, in the form of a UI pop-up. For instance, the guidance message could be a message notifying the user that the connection between the server 230 and the hub 210 has been released when the hub 210 has not been used in the local automation service for an extended period, and a message for user intervention to reconnect the hub 210 to the electronic device. By outputting the guidance message in this way, the user can easily change the connection between the hub 210 and the electronic device to a D2D connection. The following will refer to... Figure 12 and Figure 13 The boot message is described, so its detailed description will be omitted here. If hub 210 and the electronic device cannot establish a D2D connection, hub 210 can perform a reconnection operation with server 230 by checking whether login is possible during startup.

[0262] In the disconnected state, since hub 210 and server 230 are disconnected, other external electronic devices 1110, which are hub connection devices, can also be disconnected from hub 210.

[0263] The operation has been described above in the cases where there are other external electronic devices 1110 connected to hub 210 as hub connection devices and hub 210 supports local automation services, and in the cases where there are other external electronic devices 1110 connected to hub 210 as hub connection devices and hub 210 does not support local automation services. If hub 210 and the electronic devices exist in the same network (e.g., if hub 210 and the electronic devices use the same access point (AP)), hub 210 may not change the connection state if a user in a designated space (e.g., home and / or office) identifies only the connection status of other external electronic devices 1110 via the electronic devices for less than a set time. For example, in a partially connected state, if a user in a designated space (e.g., home and / or office) identifies only the connection status of other external electronic devices 1110 via the electronic devices for less than a set time, hub 210 may maintain the partially connected state.

[0264] Figure 12This is a diagram used to describe the boot messages provided in a connectionless state according to an embodiment.

[0265] refer to Figure 12 In electronic devices (e.g., Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 6 or Figure 8 Electronic device 101 in (e.g., Figure 1 The processor 120 or Figure 3 IoT-based applications (e.g., Samsung) executed in processor 304) TM Smart IoT applications can provide management of external electronic devices (e.g., Figure 1 Electronic device 102 or electronic device 104 in the middle, Figure 2 External electronic device 220, Figure 4b , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 or Figure 10 External electronic device 220, or Figure 11 The device card displays the operating status of the external electronic device 1110 (or another external electronic device 1110). Figure 12 In this context, we will assume that the external electronic device is a TV.

[0266] If screen 1220, which provides details about the disconnected state, is selected via screen 1210 (an overview screen about locations included in an IoT network, such as a home network), the electronic device can provide a guidance message 1230 on screen 1220. The guidance message 1230 may be provided, for example, as a UI pop-up. Figure 12 In this context, a connectionless state is indicated as "offline". For example, the bootstrap message 1230 could be used to notify the server (e.g., Figure 1 Server 108, or Figure 2 , Figure 4a , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 or Figure 11 The connection between the server (230) and the external electronic device is released because the external electronic device has not been used for a long time in the IoT-based service, and a user-manipulated message is used to reconnect the server and the external electronic device. By outputting the bootstrap message 1230 in this way, the user can easily attempt to reconnect the server and the external electronic device. For example, the bootstrap message 1230 could be used to connect the hub (e.g., ...) to the external electronic device. Figure 2 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 or Figure 11 The message changes the connection between the hub (210) and the electronic device to a device-to-device (D2D) connection. For example, the bootstrap message could be used to notify the server that the connection between the hub and the server has been released when the hub has been inactive for an extended period in the local automation service, and to allow user intervention for reconnection between the hub and the electronic device. By outputting bootstrap messages in this way, users can easily change the connection between the hub and the electronic device to a D2D connection.

[0267] Figure 13 This is a diagram used to describe the boot messages provided in a connectionless state according to an embodiment.

[0268] refer to Figure 13 In electronic devices (e.g., Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 6 or Figure 8 Electronic device 101 in (e.g., Figure 1 The processor 120 or Figure 3 IoT-based applications (e.g., Samsung) executed in processor 304) TM Smart IoT applications can provide management of external electronic devices (e.g., Figure 1 Electronic device 102 or electronic device 104 in the middle, Figure 2 External electronic device 220, Figure 4b , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 or Figure 10 External electronic device 220, or Figure 11 The device card displays the operating status of the external electronic device 1110 (or another external electronic device 1110). Figure 13 In this context, we will assume that the external electronic device is a TV.

[0269] A guidance message 1320 can be output via a TV-related device card on an overview screen 1310 at a location included in an IoT network (e.g., a home network). When the guidance message 1320 is output on the overview screen 1310 via the TV-related device card, if a screen 1330 for informing details related to a disconnected state is selected, the electronic device may not output the guidance message on screen 1330. The guidance message 1320 can be provided, for example, as a UI pop-up window. Figure 12 In this context, a connectionless state is indicated as "offline". For example, bootstrapping message 1320 could be used to notify the server (e.g., Figure 1 Server 108, or Figure 2 , Figure 4a , Figure 6, Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 or Figure 11 The connection between the server (230) and the external electronic device is released because the external electronic device has not been used for a long time in the IoT-based service, and a user-manipulated message is used to reconnect the server and the external electronic device. By outputting the bootstrap message 1230 in this way, the user can easily attempt to reconnect the server and the external electronic device. For example, the bootstrap message 1320 could be used to connect the hub (e.g., ...) to the external electronic device. Figure 2 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 or Figure 11 The message changes the connection between the hub (210) and the electronic device to a device-to-device (D2D) connection. For example, the bootstrap message could be used to notify the server that the connection between the hub and the server has been released when the hub has been inactive for an extended period in the local automation service, and to allow user intervention for reconnection between the hub and the electronic device. By outputting bootstrap messages in this way, users can easily change the connection between the hub and the electronic device to a D2D connection.

[0270] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a method may include receiving from a server (108; 230) information regarding the connection status of at least one external electronic device (102; 104; 220; 1100; 1110) associated with the electronic device.

[0271] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the method may include performing at least one operation corresponding to the connection state of at least one external electronic device.

[0272] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the connection state of at least one external electronic device may include at least one of the following states: a first connection state, in which the unused time of the service in at least one external electronic device is less than a first time; a second connection state, in which the unused time of the service in at least one external electronic device is greater than or equal to the first time and less than the second time; or a third connection state, in which the unused time of the service in at least one external electronic device is greater than or equal to the second time.

[0273] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the connection state is a first connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include sending a signal to the server commanding the server to reset the unused time of at least one external electronic device.

[0274] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the connection state is a second connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include sending a signal to the server commanding the server to reset the unused time of a service in at least one external electronic device.

[0275] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the connection state is a second connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include receiving a signal from the server for updating the operating state of at least one external electronic device.

[0276] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the connection state is a second connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include updating the operation state of at least one external electronic device based on a signal for updating the operation state of at least one external electronic device.

[0277] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the connection state is a third connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include outputting a message to guide user manipulation to reconnect to the server and at least one external electronic device.

[0278] According to embodiments of this disclosure, receiving information about the connection status of at least one external electronic device may include receiving information about the connection status of at least one external electronic device from a server based on identifying the start of a service.

[0279] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a first connection state may include a state in which at least one of data or control information is exchanged between at least one external electronic device and a server.

[0280] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the second connection state may include a state in which only keep-alive signals are exchanged between at least one external electronic device and the server.

[0281] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the third connection state may include a state in which the connection between at least one external electronic device and the server is released.

[0282] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a method may include receiving information from a server relating to the unused time of each connection state of an electronic device (108; 230).

[0283] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the method may include setting a connection state based on the time of inactivity of information and services.

[0284] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the method may include performing at least one operation corresponding to a set connection state.

[0285] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the connection state may include at least one of the following: a first connection state in which the service has been unused for less than a first time; a second connection state in which the service has been unused for more than or equal to the first time and less than a second time; or a third connection state in which the service has been unused for more than or equal to the second time.

[0286] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the connection state is a first connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include receiving a signal from the server to reset the unused time of the service.

[0287] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the connection state is a first connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include resetting the unused time of the service based on a signal.

[0288] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the connection state is a first connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include sending a keep-alive signal to the server.

[0289] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the connection state is a second connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include receiving a signal from the server to reset the unused time of the service.

[0290] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the connection state is a second connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include resetting the unused time of the service based on a signal.

[0291] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the connection state is a second connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include changing the connection state from the second connection state to a first connection state.

[0292] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the connection state is a second connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include sending a signal to the server requesting a change in the connection state of the electronic device from the second connection state to the first connection state.

[0293] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the connection state is a second connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include sending a signal to the server to update the operation state of the electronic device after sending a signal requesting to change the connection state of the electronic device from the second connection state to the first connection state.

[0294] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the connection state is a second connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include sending a keep-alive signal to the server.

[0295] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first connection state may include a state in which at least one of data or control information is exchanged between the electronic device and the server.

[0296] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the second connection state may include a state in which only keep-alive signals are exchanged between the electronic device and the server.

[0297] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the third connection state may include a state in which the connection between the electronic device and the server is released.

[0298] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a method may include sending information to an electronic device (101) about the connection status of at least one external electronic device (102; 104; 220; 1100; 1110) associated with the electronic device.

[0299] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the method may include performing at least one operation corresponding to the connection state of at least one external electronic device.

[0300] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the connection state of at least one external electronic device may include at least one of the following states: a first connection state, in which the unused time of the service in at least one external electronic device is less than a first time; a second connection state, in which the unused time of the service in at least one external electronic device is greater than or equal to the first time and less than the second time; or a third connection state, in which the unused time of the service in at least one external electronic device is greater than or equal to the second time.

[0301] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the connection state is a first connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include receiving a first signal from an electronic device command server to reset the unused time of at least one external electronic device.

[0302] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the connection state is a first connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include sending a command to at least one external electronic device to reset a second signal based on a first signal to reset the unused time of at least one external electronic device.

[0303] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the connection state is a first connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include receiving a keep-alive signal from at least one external electronic device.

[0304] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the connection state is a second connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include receiving a first signal from an electronic device command server to reset the unused time of at least one external electronic device.

[0305] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the connection state is a second connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include sending a command to at least one external electronic device to reset a second signal based on a first signal to reset the unused time of at least one external electronic device.

[0306] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the connection state is a second connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include receiving a third signal from at least one external electronic device requesting that the connection state of at least one external electronic device be changed from the second connection state to the first connection state.

[0307] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the connection state is a second connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include changing the connection state of at least one external electronic device from the second connection state to the first connection state based on a third signal.

[0308] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the connection state is a second connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include receiving a fourth signal from at least one external electronic device for updating the operation state of at least one external electronic device.

[0309] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the connection state is a second connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include sending a fifth signal to the electronic device for updating the operation state of at least one external electronic device based on a fourth signal.

[0310] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the connection state is a second connection state, at least one operation corresponding to the connection state may include receiving a keep-alive signal from at least one external electronic device.

[0311] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the method may include receiving a message from an electronic device requesting information about the connection status of at least one external electronic device before sending information about the connection status of at least one external electronic device.

[0312] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a first connection state may include a state in which at least one of data or control information is exchanged between at least one external electronic device and a server.

[0313] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the second connection state may include a state in which only keep-alive signals are exchanged between at least one external electronic device and the server.

[0314] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the third connection state may include a state in which the connection between at least one external electronic device and the server is released.

[0315] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer-readable medium is provided that stores at least one instruction, and when executed by a processor (120; 304) of an electronic device (101), the at least one instruction causes the electronic device to perform at least one operation.

[0316] According to embodiments of this disclosure, at least one operation includes receiving information from a server (108; 230) regarding the connection status of at least one external electronic device (102; 104; 220; 1100; 1110) associated with the electronic device.

[0317] According to embodiments of this disclosure, at least one operation includes performing at least one operation corresponding to the connection state of at least one external electronic device.

[0318] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the connection state of at least one external electronic device includes at least one of the following states: a first connection state, in which the unused time of the service in at least one external electronic device is less than a first time; a second connection state, in which the unused time of the service in at least one external electronic device is greater than or equal to the first time and less than the second time; or a third connection state, in which the unused time of the service in at least one external electronic device is greater than or equal to the second time.

[0319] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer-readable medium is provided that stores at least one instruction, and when executed by a processor (454) of an electronic device (102; 104; 220; 1100; 1110), the at least one instruction causes the electronic device to perform at least one operation.

[0320] According to embodiments of this disclosure, at least one operation includes receiving information from a server (108; 230) related to the unused time of each connection state of the electronic device.

[0321] According to embodiments of this disclosure, at least one operation includes setting a connection state based on the time of inactivity of information and services.

[0322] According to embodiments of this disclosure, at least one operation includes performing at least one operation corresponding to a set connection state.

[0323] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the connection state includes at least one of the following: a first connection state in which the service has been unused for less than a first time; a second connection state in which the service has been unused for more than or equal to the first time and less than a second time; or a third connection state in which the service has been unused for more than or equal to the second time.

[0324] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer-readable medium is provided that stores at least one instruction, and when executed by a processor (404) of a server (108; 230), the at least one instruction causes an electronic device to perform at least one operation.

[0325] According to embodiments of this disclosure, at least one operation includes sending information to the electronic device (101) about the connection status of at least one external electronic device (102; 104; 220; 1100; 1110) associated with the electronic device.

[0326] According to embodiments of this disclosure, at least one operation includes performing at least one operation corresponding to the connection state of at least one external electronic device.

[0327] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the connection state of at least one external electronic device includes at least one of the following states: a first connection state, in which the unused time of the service in at least one external electronic device is less than a first time; a second connection state, in which the unused time of the service in at least one external electronic device is greater than or equal to the first time and less than the second time; or a third connection state, in which the unused time of the service in at least one external electronic device is greater than or equal to the second time.

[0328] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the operation method of the electronic device (102; 104; 220; 1100; 1110) may include: obtaining information related to periods of non-use based on the last time the electronic device was used.

[0329] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the operating method may include determining the operating state of the electronic device based on the information obtained.

[0330] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the operation method may include: based on the determined operation state being a first state: maintaining the connection between the server (108; 230) and the electronic device, sending information related to the operation and / or operation state of the electronic device to the server, and sending a keep-alive message to the server at a first time interval.

[0331] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the operation method may include: changing from a first state to a second state based on a determined operation state; maintaining the connection between the server and the electronic device, sending a signal to the server indicating that the operation state of the electronic device has changed to the second state, and avoiding sending information related to the operation and / or operation state of the electronic device to the server.

[0332] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the operation method may include: changing from a second state to a third state based on a determined operating state: sending a signal to a server indicating that the operating state of the electronic device has changed to the third state.

[0333] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a first state may correspond to a service unused time less than a first time period, a second state may correspond to a service unused time greater than the first time period and less than or equal to the second time period, and a third state may correspond to a service unused time greater than the second time period.

[0334] According to embodiments of this disclosure, unused periods can be reset based on the occurrence of events related to the use of the service.

[0335] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a first time period and a second time period can be defined based on the device type corresponding to the electronic service.

[0336] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the operation method may include: identifying the occurrence of an event related to the use of the service in a second state; and changing the operation state of the electronic device from the second state to the first state.

[0337] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the operation method may include sending a signal to a server indicating that the operating state of the electronic device has changed to a first state.

[0338] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the operation method may include: after sending a signal indicating that the operation state of the electronic device has changed to a first state, receiving a signal from the server requesting the electronic device to reset the unused period, and resetting the unused period in response to the signal requesting the electronic device to reset the unused period.

[0339] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the operation method may include: identifying the occurrence of an event related to the use of the service in a third state; establishing a connection between the server and the electronic device; and changing the operating state of the electronic device from the third state to the first state.

[0340] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the operation method may include sending a signal to a server indicating that the operating state of the electronic device has changed to a first state.

[0341] According to embodiments of this disclosure, information related to unused periods based on the last usage time of an electronic device can be received from a server.

[0342] According to embodiments of this disclosure, obtaining information related to unused periods based on the last usage time of an electronic device may include: identifying the last usage time of the electronic device's service, and identifying unused periods based on the last usage time of the electronic device's service, so as to obtain information related to unused periods based on the last usage time of the electronic device.

[0343] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the operation method may include sending a keep-alive message to the server via a communication circuit at a second time interval in a second state.

[0344] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the second time interval may be longer than or equal to the first time interval.

[0345] According to embodiments of this disclosure, information related to the operation and / or operating state of an electronic device may include information indicating that the operation and / or operating state of the electronic device has changed.

[0346] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the operation method may include: identifying the occurrence of an event related to the use of the service in a first state; and sending a signal to the server indicating that the operation state of the electronic device is the first state.

[0347] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the operation method may include: after sending a signal indicating that the operation state of the electronic device is a first state, receiving from the server a signal requesting the electronic device to reset the unused period, and resetting the unused period in response to the signal requesting the electronic device to reset the unused period.

[0348] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the operation method of the server (108; 230) may include: sending information about a first state, a second state, and a third state to an electronic device (102; 104; 220; 1100; 1110), wherein the first state corresponds to an unused period of service less than a first time period, the second state corresponds to an unused time of service greater than the first time period but less than or equal to the second time period, and the third state corresponds to an unused time of service greater than the second time period.

[0349] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the operation method may include: receiving a signal from an external electronic device (101) requesting to reset the unused period of the electronic device based on receiving a signal indicating that the operation state of the electronic device is a first state; and sending a signal to the electronic device requesting to reset the unused period of the electronic device after receiving the signal requesting to reset the unused period of the electronic device.

[0350] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the operation method may include: receiving a signal from an external electronic device indicating that the operation state of the electronic device is a second state; receiving a signal from an external electronic device requesting to reset the unused period of the electronic device; after receiving the signal requesting to reset the unused period of the electronic device, sending a signal to the electronic device requesting to reset the unused period of the electronic device; and receiving a signal from the electronic device indicating that the operation state of the electronic device has changed to a first state.

[0351] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the operation method may include receiving from an electronic device a signal indicating that the operating state of the electronic device is a third state.

[0352] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium for storing one or more instructions may be provided.

[0353] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, when executed individually or jointly by one or more processors (454) of an electronic device (102; 104; 220; 1100; 1110), one or more instructions may cause the electronic device to perform one or more operations.

[0354] According to embodiments of this disclosure, one or more operations may include obtaining information related to periods of inactivity based on the last time the electronic device was used.

[0355] According to embodiments of this disclosure, one or more operations may include determining the operating state of an electronic device based on the information obtained.

[0356] According to embodiments of this disclosure, one or more operations may include: maintaining the connection between the server (108; 230) and the electronic device based on the determined operation state being a first state, sending information related to the operation and / or operation state of the electronic device to the server, and sending a keep-alive message to the server at a first time interval.

[0357] According to embodiments of this disclosure, one or more operations may include: changing from a first state to a second state based on a determined operating state; maintaining the connection between the server and the electronic device, sending a signal to the server indicating that the operating state of the electronic device has changed to the second state, and avoiding sending information related to the operation and / or operating state of the electronic device to the server.

[0358] According to embodiments of this disclosure, one or more operations may include: changing from a second state to a third state based on a determined operating state; sending a signal to a server indicating that the operating state of the electronic device has changed to the third state.

[0359] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a first state may correspond to a service unused time less than a first time period, a second state may correspond to a service unused time greater than the first time period and less than or equal to the second time period, and a third state may correspond to a service unused time greater than the second time period.

[0360] According to embodiments of this disclosure, unused periods can be reset based on the occurrence of events related to the use of the service.

Claims

1. An electronic device (102; 104; 220; 1100; 1110), comprising: Communication circuit (452); One or more processors (454), including processing circuitry; as well as Memory (456) stores instructions that, when executed individually or jointly by one or more processors, cause the electronic device to: Information related to periods of non-use is obtained based on the last time electronic devices were used. The operating status of the electronic device is determined based on the information obtained. Based on the fact that the determined operational state is the first state: Maintain the connection between the server (108; 230) and the electronic device. Sending information related to the operation and / or operating status of the electronic device to the server via communication circuits, and A keep-alive message is sent to the server via the communication circuit at a first time interval. Based on the determined operational state, the process changes from the first state to the second state: Maintain the connection between the server and the electronic device, and send a signal to the server via a communication circuit indicating that the operating state of the electronic device has changed to the second state. Avoid sending information related to the operation and / or operational status of electronic devices to the server via communication circuits. Based on the determined operational state, the process changes from the second state to the third state: A signal indicating that the operating state of the electronic device has changed to the third state is sent to the server via a communication circuit. The first state corresponds to a service unused time less than a first time period; the second state corresponds to a service unused time greater than the first time period but less than or equal to the second time period; and the third state corresponds to a service unused time greater than the second time period. Specifically, unused periods are reset based on the occurrence of events related to service usage.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The first and second time periods are defined based on the device type corresponding to the electronic service.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, When executed individually or jointly by one or more processors, the instructions cause the electronic device to: In the second state, identify the occurrence of events related to service usage, and Change the operating state of the electronic device from the second state to the first state.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein, When executed individually or jointly by one or more processors, the instructions cause the electronic device to: The system sends a signal to the server via a communication circuit, indicating that the operating state of the electronic device has changed to the first state.

5. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein, When executed individually or jointly by one or more processors, the instructions cause the electronic device to: After sending a signal indicating that the operating state of the electronic device has changed to the first state, a signal requesting the electronic device to reset its unused period is received from the server via a communication circuit. In response to a signal requesting the electronic device to reset the unused period, the unused period is reset.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, When executed individually or jointly by one or more processors, the instructions cause the electronic device to: In the third state, identify the occurrence of events related to service usage. Establish a connection between the server and the electronic device, and Change the operating state of the electronic device from the third state to the first state.

7. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein, When executed individually or jointly by one or more processors, the instructions cause the electronic device to: A signal indicating that the operating state of the electronic device has changed to the first state is sent to the server via a communication circuit.

8. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, Receive information from the server related to the unused period based on the last time the electronic device was used.

9. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, When executed individually or jointly by one or more processors, the instructions cause the electronic device to obtain at least a portion of information related to periods of inactivity, based on the last time the electronic device was used: The last time the electronic device was used was identified, and Identify unused periods based on the last used time of services using electronic devices, in order to obtain information related to unused periods based on the last used time of electronic devices.

10. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, When executed individually or jointly by one or more processors, the instructions cause the electronic device to: In the second state, a keep-alive message is sent to the server via the communication circuit at a second time interval, and The second time interval is longer than or equal to the first time interval.

11. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, Information related to the operation and / or operating status of an electronic device includes information indicating that the operation and / or operating status of the electronic device has changed.

12. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, When executed individually or jointly by one or more processors, the instructions cause the electronic device to: In the first state, identify the occurrence of events related to service usage, and A signal indicating that the electronic device is in its first operating state is sent to the server via a communication circuit.

13. The electronic device according to claim 12, wherein, When executed individually or jointly by one or more processors, the instructions cause the electronic device to: After sending a signal indicating that the electronic device's operating state is in the first state, a signal requesting the electronic device to reset its unused period is received from the server via a communication circuit. In response to a signal requesting the electronic device to reset the unused period, the unused period is reset.

14. A server (108; 230), including: Communication circuit (402); One or more processors (404), including processing circuitry, and Memory (406) stores instructions that, when executed individually or jointly by one or more processors, cause the server to: Information regarding a first state, a second state, and a third state is transmitted via a communication circuit to electronic devices (102; 104; 220; 1100; 1110). The first state corresponds to an unused period of service shorter than a first time period; the second state corresponds to an unused period of service longer than the first time period but shorter than or equal to the second time period; and the third state corresponds to an unused period of service longer than the second time period. Based on receiving a signal from the electronic device via a communication circuit indicating that the electronic device's operating state is the first state: The system receives a signal requesting the reset of the unused period of the electronic device from an external electronic device (101) via a communication circuit, and After receiving a signal requesting a reset of the unused period of the electronic device, a signal requesting the electronic device to reset its unused period is sent to the electronic device via the communication circuit. Based on receiving a signal from the electronic device via a communication circuit indicating that the electronic device is in the second operating state: Receive a signal from an external electronic device via a communication circuit requesting the reset of the electronic device during its unused period. After receiving a signal requesting a reset of the unused period of the electronic device, a signal requesting the electronic device to reset the unused period of the electronic device is sent to the electronic device via the communication circuit, and Receive a signal from the electronic device via a communication circuit indicating that the operating state of the electronic device has changed to the first state. The signal indicating that the electronic device is in its third state is received from the electronic device via the communication circuit.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing one or more instructions, wherein, When executed individually or jointly by one or more processors (454) of the electronic device (102; 104; 220; 1100; 1110), the one or more instructions cause the electronic device to perform one or more operations. One or more operations include: Information related to periods of non-use is obtained based on the last time electronic devices were used; The operating status of the electronic device is determined based on the information obtained; Based on the fact that the determined operational state is the first state: Maintain the connection between the server (108; 230) and the electronic device. Send information related to the operation and / or operational status of the electronic device to the server, and Send a keep-alive message to the server at the first time interval. Based on the determined operational state, the process changes from the first state to the second state: Maintain the connection between the server and the electronic device, and send a signal to the server indicating that the operating state of the electronic device has changed to the second state, and Avoid sending information related to the operation and / or operating status of electronic devices to the server. Based on the determined operational state, the process changes from the second state to the third state: Send a signal to the server indicating that the operating state of the electronic device has changed to the third state. The first state corresponds to a service unused time less than a first time period; the second state corresponds to a service unused time greater than the first time period but less than or equal to the second time period; and the third state corresponds to a service unused time greater than the second time period. Specifically, unused periods are reset based on the occurrence of events related to service usage.

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