Electronic device and method of controlling electronic device

Abstract

An electronic device and a method for controlling the electronic device are disclosed. Specifically, the electronic device includes: a communication unit; a display; a memory storing at least one instruction; and a processor executing at least one instruction. The processor: obtains information on the strength of a signal when a signal including a registration request for adding a target device as a device constituting an Internet of Things (IoT) network and context information indicating that a user is located in the vicinity of the target device is received from the target device via the communication unit; if the intensity of the signal is greater than or equal to the preset threshold, controlling the display to provide a user interface; and registering the target device as the device constituting the IoT network when a user input for adding the target device as the device constituting the IoT network is received via the user interface.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device and a method for controlling the same, and more particularly, to an electronic device that can register a target device as a device constituting an Internet of Things (IoT) network and a method for controlling the same. BACKGROUND

[0002] Recently, technologies related to the Internet of Things (IoT) are rapidly developing. In particular, recently, there is an ongoing search for a technology for performing joining by minimizing the inconvenience of a user in a process of registering a device for constituting an IoT network, i.e., a joining process.

[0003] According to the prior art, if a target device that is a target of joining periodically broadcasts a signal (an advertisement packet), and a helper device that is a device already registered as a device for constituting an IoT network receives the signal from the target device, a process for identifying whether to continue joining can be performed, and the target device can be registered as a device for constituting an IoT network.

[0004] However, in the prior art, in the case in which the target device is not located in the same space as the electronic device (for example, in a home) (for example, in the case in which the target device is located in a neighboring house), a request for identification as to whether to continue joining is made to the user based on the signal periodically broadcast by the target device, and thus not only causes inconvenience to the user, but also consumes unnecessary power.

[0005] In addition, in the prior art, since the process for identifying whether to perform joining is complicated, and requires the user to enter an input (for example, selecting a button on the target device), not only does it cause inconvenience to the user, but also if the user enters a wrong input (for example, selects a wrong button), joining can fail even when the target device is located in the same space as the electronic device. SUMMARY

[0006] The present disclosure addresses the above-described problems of the prior art, and provides an electronic device that can efficiently and effectively perform a process of registering a target device as a device for constituting an Internet of Things (IoT) network and a method for controlling the same.

[0007] According to one aspect of an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, an electronic device may include: a communicator; a display; a memory storing at least one instruction; and a processor configured to execute the at least one instruction, wherein the processor may be configured to: obtain information about the strength of a signal received from a target device via the communicator, including a registration request and contextual information indicating that a user is near the target device; control the display to provide a user interface based on the signal strength being greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold; and register the target device as a device constituting the IoT network based on user input received via the user interface to add the target device as a device constituting the IoT network.

[0008] In an embodiment, the processor may be configured to receive the signal from the target device based on the context information obtained by the target device.

[0009] In one embodiment, the electronic device may be pre-registered as a device constituting the IoT network.

[0010] In an embodiment, the processor may be configured to receive the signal from the target device based on at least one of detecting that the user is near the target device or receiving user input for controlling the target device at the target device.

[0011] In an embodiment, receiving user input for controlling the target device at the target device may include at least one of the following: receiving user input including a button on the target device, receiving a voice command from the user via a microphone included in the target device, or receiving a control command for controlling the target device from a remote control device for controlling the target device via a communicator included in the target device.

[0012] In an embodiment, detecting that the user is near the target device may include at least one of the following: obtaining sensing information indicating the presence of the user through a sensor included in the target device, or receiving sound indicating the presence of the user through a microphone included in the target device.

[0013] In an embodiment, the user interface may include at least one of the following: information for identifying the target device, a guidance message for asking whether to add the target device as a device constituting the IoT network, and at least one UI element for the user to select whether to add the target device as a device constituting the IoT network.

[0014] According to one aspect of an example embodiment of this disclosure, a method for controlling an electronic device may include: obtaining information about the strength of a signal received from a target device via a communicator, including a registration request and contextual information indicating that a user is near the target device; controlling a display to provide a user interface based on the signal strength being greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold; and registering the target device as a device constituting the IoT network based on user input received via the user interface to add the target device as a device constituting the IoT network.

[0015] In one embodiment, receiving the signal may include: receiving the signal from the target device based on the context information obtained by the target device.

[0016] In one embodiment, the electronic device may be pre-registered as a device constituting the IoT network.

[0017] In an embodiment, receiving the signal may include receiving the signal based on at least one of detecting that the user is near the target device at the target device or receiving user input for controlling the target device at the target device.

[0018] In an embodiment, receiving user input for controlling the target device at the target device may include at least one of the following: receiving user input including a button on the target device, receiving a voice command from the user via a microphone included in the target device, or receiving a control command for controlling the target device from a remote control device for controlling the target device via a communicator included in the target device.

[0019] In an embodiment, detecting that the user is near the target device may include at least one of the following: obtaining sensing information indicating the presence of the user through a sensor included in the target device, or receiving sound indicating the presence of the user through a microphone included in the target device.

[0020] In an embodiment, the user interface may include at least one of the following: information for identifying the target device, a guidance message for asking whether to add the target device as a device constituting the IoT network, and at least one UI element for the user to select whether to add the target device as a device constituting the IoT network.

[0021] According to one aspect of an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium may store a program executable by at least one processor to perform the following operations: obtaining information about the strength of a signal received from a target device via a communicator, including a registration request and contextual information indicating that a user is near the target device; controlling the display to provide a user interface based on the signal strength being greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold; and registering the target device as a device constituting the IoT network based on user input received via the user interface for adding the target device as a device constituting the IoT network. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 These are diagrams illustrating an electronic device and a target apparatus according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating a user interface according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 4 This is a block diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of an electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating in detail the configuration of an electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Various modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, and various types of embodiments may exist. Therefore, specific embodiments will be illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and the embodiments will be described in detail in the detailed description of this disclosure. However, it should be noted that the various embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure to the specific embodiments, but rather they should be construed as including various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives to the embodiments of this disclosure. Furthermore, in relation to the detailed description of the drawings, similar components may be indicated by similar reference numerals.

[0024] Furthermore, in describing this disclosure, detailed descriptions will be omitted where such descriptions of known functions or features might unnecessarily obscure the spirit of the disclosure.

[0025] Furthermore, the following embodiments can be modified in various different forms, and the scope of the technical concept of this disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make this disclosure more complete and comprehensive, and to fully convey the technical concept of this disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0026] Furthermore, the terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of explaining particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Additionally, singular expressions include plural expressions unless clearly defined differently in the context.

[0027] Furthermore, in this disclosure, expressions such as “having,” “may have,” “include,” and “may include” indicate the presence of such features (e.g., elements such as numbers, functions, operations, and components) and do not exclude the presence of additional features.

[0028] Furthermore, in this disclosure, expressions such as “A or B,” “at least one of A and / or B,” or “one or more of A and / or B” may include all possible combinations of the listed items. For example, “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” or “at least one of A or B” may refer to all of the following: (1) including at least one A, (2) including at least one B, or (3) including at least one A and at least one B.

[0029] Furthermore, the expressions “first,” “second,” etc., used in this disclosure can describe various elements regardless of any order and / or importance. Moreover, these expressions are used only to distinguish one element from another and are not intended to limit the elements.

[0030] Furthermore, the description of an element (e.g., a first element) being "(operably or communicatively) coupled to another element (e.g., a second element)" / "(operably or communicatively) coupled to" or "connected to" another element (e.g., a second element) in this disclosure should be interpreted as including cases where an element is directly coupled to another element and cases where an element is coupled to another element through yet another element (e.g., a third element).

[0031] Conversely, a description of an element (e.g., the first element) being "directly connected" or "directly linked" to another element (e.g., the second element) can be interpreted as meaning that there is no other element (e.g., the third element) between the two elements.

[0032] Furthermore, as appropriate, the expression “configured as” as used in this disclosure may be used interchangeably with other expressions such as “suitable for,” “capable of,” “designed for,” “suitable for,” “manufactured as,” and “capable of.” Additionally, the term “configured as” may not necessarily mean that the device is “specifically designed for” in terms of hardware.

[0033] Conversely, in some cases, the phrase "a device configured to..." can refer to a device that is "capable" of performing operations together with another device or component. For example, the phrase "a processor configured to perform A, B, and C" can refer to a dedicated processor (e.g., an embedded processor) for performing the respective operations, or a general-purpose processor (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or application processor) that can perform the respective operations by executing one or more software programs stored in a memory device.

[0034] Furthermore, in embodiments of this disclosure, a "module" or "unit" may perform at least one function or operation and may be implemented as hardware or software, or as a combination of hardware and software. In addition to "modules" or "units" that need to be implemented as specific hardware, multiple "modules" or "units" may be integrated into at least one module and implemented as at least one processor.

[0035] Furthermore, the various elements and areas in the accompanying drawings are shown schematically. Therefore, the technical concept of this disclosure is not limited to the relative dimensions or spacing shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0036] The embodiments according to this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains may readily implement these embodiments.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an electronic device 100 and a target device 200 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an electronic device 100 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, and Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating a user interface according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring below, reference will be made to... Figures 1 to 3 Various embodiments of this disclosure are described together.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, a system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include an electronic device 100 and a target device 200.

[0039] "Electronic device 100" refers to a device that can register the target device 200 as a device to be included in the IoT network (i.e., as a device constituting the IoT network). Specifically, the electronic device 100 may be a device that has been pre-registered as a device constituting the IoT network, and identifies whether it is suitable to register the target device 200 as a device constituting the IoT network, and registers the target device 200 as a device constituting the IoT network based on the identification result.

[0040] The process of registering the target device 200 as a device constituting the IoT network can be referred to as “joining”, and the electronic device 100 can be described as a device that performs the role of an “assistant” device, in this sense, it is a device that assists the joining process of the target device 200.

[0041] "Target device 200" refers to a device that can be registered as a device constituting an IoT network. In other words, target device 200 refers to a device that has not been registered as a device constituting an IoT network but is a candidate device that may be registered as a device constituting an IoT network. The term "target device 200" is used interchangeably with terms such as "external device" or "candidate device".

[0042] For example, electronic device 100 may include a display (see reference). Figure 4 The target device 200 can be a device that is easily registered by users as a device constituting an IoT network, and the target device 200 can be a device that is relatively difficult for users to register as a device constituting an IoT network. For example, the electronic device 100 may include a smartphone, etc., and the target device 200 may include a refrigerator, washing machine, air conditioner, etc. However, there are no particular restrictions on the types of electronic devices 100 and target devices 200.

[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, a user may be located near the target device 200, and the target device 200 may send a signal including a registration request and context information to the electronic device 100. Here, "user" can be a user of both the electronic device 100 and the target device 200, but is not limited thereto. For example, a person using the same space as a user of the electronic device 100 and the target device 200 (such as a family member who is not registered as a user of the electronic device 100 and the target device 200) may also be considered a user according to this disclosure.

[0044] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 2 Together, we explain the operation of the control method related to the target device 200 sending a signal including a registration request and context information to the electronic device 100, and then the electronic device 100 identifying whether to register the target device 200 as a device constituting the IoT network.

[0045] Reference Figure 2 In S210, the electronic device 100 can determine whether it has received a signal including a registration request and context information from the target device 200. In this disclosure, a signal including a registration request and context information may be simply referred to as a "signal" or "wireless signal," and the term "signal" may also be referred to as an "advertising signal (packet)," etc. Specifically, the signal may be a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signal, but there is no particular limitation on the type of signal according to this disclosure.

[0046] Furthermore, the following description will be based on the premise that the registration request and context information are included in a single signal and received from the target device 200, but the registration request and context information may be received from the target device 200 when included in separate signals.

[0047] Based on context information obtained from the target device 200, a signal including a registration request and context information can be sent from the target device 200. Specifically, the target device 200 may not send a signal including a registration request and context information in every predetermined period, but may instead include both the registration request and context information in the signal whenever context information is obtained, and send the signal to the electronic device 100.

[0048] The target device 200 can broadcast signals including registration requests and context information, and the electronic device 100 can receive signals from the target device 200. In embodiments, the target device 200 can not only broadcast signals, but also send signals through various methods such as unicast or multicast.

[0049] A “registration request” refers to a request to register the target device 200 as a device constituting an IoT network, and may include identification information of the target device 200 and additional information for registering the target device 200 as a device constituting an IoT network.

[0050] "Contextual information" typically refers to information indicating that a user is near the target device 200. Additionally, contextual information may include information indicating an interaction between the target device 200 and the user. The term "contextual information" is used interchangeably with one or more of various terms such as "operational information" or "status information." Furthermore, the distance represented by "nearby" may be determined based on the settings of the developer and / or the user.

[0051] Context information may be included in a signal sent from the target device 200 to the electronic device 100 based on user input received at the target device 200 for controlling the target device 200. In other words, if the target device 200 operates when a user inputs into the target device 200, the target device 200 may include context information in the signal sent to the electronic device 100 and send the signal to the electronic device 100, and the electronic device 100 may receive the signal including the context information from the target device 200.

[0052] According to one or more embodiments, based on user input received including input to a button in the target device 200, contextual information may be included in signals sent from the target device 200 to the electronic device 100.

[0053] For example, if a user presses a power button, operation start button, play button, etc. included in the target device 200, the target device 200 can obtain context information based on the button input and send a signal including the registration request and context information to the electronic device 100.

[0054] According to one or more embodiments, contextual information may be included in signals transmitted from the target device 200 to the electronic device 100 based on voice commands received by a user through a microphone included in the target device 200.

[0055] For example, if a user issues a voice command to control the operation of the target device 200, the target device 200 can obtain context information based on the issuance of the voice command and send a signal including the registration request and context information to the electronic device 100.

[0056] According to one or more embodiments, context information may be included in signals transmitted from the target device 200 to the electronic device 100 based on control commands received from a remote control device for controlling the target device 200 via a communicator 110 included in the target device 200.

[0057] For example, when a user turns on the TV using a remote control, even though the user doesn't directly input a button on the TV, the remote control's use of infrared signals allows it to be recognized that the user is near the TV and controlling it. Therefore, the target device 200 can obtain context information based on the control commands received from the remote control and send a signal including a registration request and context information to the electronic device 100.

[0058] In addition to the above, when the operation of the target device 200 is performed based on the premise that the user is near the target device 200, such as receiving the user's voice command through a microphone included in the remote control device and then sending the voice command to the target device 200, or performing the operation of opening or closing a door included in the target device 200 (e.g., the door of a refrigerator, clothing management equipment, washing machine, vehicle, etc.), the target device 200 can obtain context information and send the context information to the electronic device 100.

[0059] Based on the detection that a user is near the target device 200, context information can be included in the signal sent from the target device 200 to the electronic device 100. In other words, even if it is not a case where the user inputs for controlling the target device 200 into the target device 200, if the user is detected to be near the target device 200, the target device 200 can include the context information in the signal sent to the electronic device 100 and send the signal to the electronic device 100, and the electronic device 100 can receive the signal including the context information from the target device 200.

[0060] According to one or more embodiments, contextual information may be included in signals transmitted from the target device 200 to the electronic device 100 based on sensing information indicating the presence of a user obtained by sensors included in the target device 200.

[0061] For example, if sensing information indicating the user's movement is obtained by a motion sensor included in the target device 200, or image data indicating the user's presence is obtained by an image sensor included in the target device 200, the target device 200 can obtain context information based on the sensing information or image data, and send a signal including a registration request and context information to the electronic device 100.

[0062] According to one or more embodiments, contextual information may be included in signals transmitted from the target device 200 to the electronic device 100 based on sounds indicating the presence of a user received via a microphone included in the target device 200. Here, the sounds indicating the presence of a user may include not only voice commands for controlling the target device 200, but also sounds based on the user's general conversation.

[0063] When a signal including a registration request and context information is received in S210-, the electronic device 100 can obtain information about the signal strength in S220. Here, the information about the signal strength may include the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) value.

[0064] Specifically, the electronic device 100 can perform analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) on the signal received from the target device 200, and measure the energy intensity of the signal by using spectrum analysis or the like. The measured energy intensity can be expressed as a value in units such as decibels (dB) or decibel milliwatts (dBm).

[0065] Since the RSSI value decreases as the distance between the electronic device 100 and the target device 200 increases and increases as the distance between the electronic device 100 and the target device 200 decreases, the electronic device 100 can obtain information about the distance between the electronic device 100 and the target device 200 based on the RSSI value.

[0066] Specifically, when the RSSI value is obtained, the electronic device 100 can convert the RSSI value into a distance using a predefined distance estimation model to obtain information about the distance between the electronic device 100 and the target device 200. In other words, the electronic device 100 can identify whether the target device 200 is within a short distance (threshold distance) of the electronic device 100 based on the RSSI value, and based on this, identify whether the target device 200 is located in the same space as the electronic device 100.

[0067] In S230, the electronic device 100 can identify whether the signal strength is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold. If the signal strength is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold in S230, the electronic device 100 can provide a user interface in S240.

[0068] In an embodiment, if context information is included in the signal received from the target device 200 and the strength of the received signal is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the electronic device 100 can identify that the target device 200 and the electronic device 100 are in the same space and provide a user interface for user identification.

[0069] Here, the "threshold" is a value that determines whether the target device 200 is located in the same space as the electronic device 100. Considering the fact that the "threshold" needs to be set to an appropriate value: if the value is set too low, a user interface will be provided even when a signal is sent from the target device 200, which is not located in the same space as the electronic device 100, potentially causing inconvenience to the user; and if the value is set too high, no user interface will be provided even when a signal is sent from the target device 200, which is located in the same space as the electronic device 100, thus preventing the IoT registration process from being performed. The threshold can be changed according to the settings of the developer and / or the user.

[0070] The user interface (UI) according to this disclosure may include information for identifying the target device 200, a guidance message for asking whether to add the target device 200 as a device constituting an IoT network, and at least one UI element for the user to select whether to add the target device 200 as a device constituting an IoT network.

[0071] For example, such as Figure 3 As shown, the user interface 300 may include information 310 indicating that the target device 200 is a "washing machine ABC" and a guiding message 320 for asking whether to add the target device 200 as a device constituting an IoT network, such as "Did you just operate the washing machine? Would you like to add the washing machine so that you can use it remotely for convenience?" Figure 3 In the example, the guidance message 320 may include a message for identifying whether the target device 200 is being operated.

[0072] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, the user interface 300 may include multiple UI elements 330, 340, 350 for allowing users to select whether to add the target device 200 as a device constituting the IoT network, such as "Add Now", "Don't Add", and "Later".

[0073] Furthermore, the user interface 300 may not include user authentication information for identifying whether the target device 200 is a user's device. In other words, if the target device 200 is identified as being in the same space as the electronic device 100 based on contextual information and information about signal strength, the additional process for user authentication may not be required.

[0074] Furthermore, if the signal strength is less than a predetermined threshold in S230-No, the electronic device 100 can identify that the target device 200 is not in the same space as the electronic device 100, and may not provide a user interface (e.g., user interface 300) for constituting the IoT network.

[0075] In one embodiment, the user interface may be displayed as a pop-up window on the display 120 of the electronic device 100. Alternatively, the electronic device 100 may provide voice prompts instead of a user interface, asking whether to add the target device 200 as a device constituting an IoT network.

[0076] In this embodiment, a user interface can be provided via the display of the target device 200 and the display 120 of the electronic device 100. Specifically, if context information is included in the signal received from the target device 200 and the strength of the received signal is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the electronic device 100 can recognize that the target device 200 and the electronic device 100 are in the same space and send a request to the target device 200 to provide a user interface for user identification.

[0077] In S250, the electronic device 100 can determine whether it has received user input via the user interface 300 for adding the target device 200 as a device constituting the IoT network. Then, if user input is received in S250-Yes, in S260, the electronic device 100 can register the target device 200 as a device constituting the IoT network.

[0078] For example, if through Figure 3 If the user interface 300 selects "Add Now" among multiple UI elements, the electronic device 100 can recognize that it has received user input to add the target device 200 as a device constituting the IoT network, and register the target device 200 as a device constituting the IoT network.

[0079] Furthermore, if no user input is received in S250-No, or if another user input is received that is not for adding the target device 200 as a device constituting the IoT network, the electronic device 100 may recognize that the user does not want to add the target device 200 as a device constituting the IoT network, and may not register the target device 200 as a device constituting the IoT network.

[0080] For example, if through Figure 3 If the user interface selects "Don't add" or "Later" among multiple UI elements, the electronic device 100 can recognize that the user does not want to add the target device 200 as a device constituting the IoT network, and can choose not to register the target device 200 as a device constituting the IoT network.

[0081] Furthermore, when a user interface is provided through the display of the target device 200, user input can be entered through the user interface displayed on the display of the target device 200, and the electronic device 100 can receive user input from the target device 200 for adding the target device 200 as a device constituting an IoT network.

[0082] Electronic device 100 can register target device 200 as a device constituting an IoT network by sending information about target device 200 to a server providing a platform for IoT via control communicator 110. In addition to the above, the method for registering target device 200 can vary depending on various methods used to implement an IoT platform, such as the case where electronic device 100 manages an IoT network.

[0083] Based on the above reference Figures 1 to 3 In the described embodiments, electronic device 100 may register target device 200 as a device constituting an IoT network based on the condition that the user is located near target device 200 and target device 200 is located close to electronic device 100.

[0084] Therefore, electronic device 100 can register target device 200 as a device constituting the IoT network by effectively identifying that target device 200 is located in the same space as electronic device 100, while minimizing user inconvenience caused by unnecessary joining processes.

[0085] Furthermore, if the target device 200 is identified to be located in the same space as the electronic device 100, the electronic device 100 can minimize the process of checking with the user whether to join. Therefore, the electronic device 100 can significantly reduce the possibility that joining may fail when the user enters the wrong button.

[0086] Furthermore, since the target device 200 can send a signal including the registration request and context information to the electronic device 100 based on the condition that the user is near the target device 200 instead of periodically broadcasting the signal for the registration request, unnecessary power consumption can be prevented.

[0087] Figure 4 This is a block diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of an electronic device 100 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating in detail the configuration of an electronic device 100 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0088] like Figure 4 As shown, an electronic device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a communicator 110, a display 120, a memory 130, and a processor 140. Furthermore, as... Figure 5 As shown, the electronic device 100 according to an embodiment of this disclosure may further include a sensor (not shown), an input device 150, and an output device 160. However, as Figure 4 and Figure 5 The components shown are merely examples, and it should be understood that, in implementing this disclosure, in addition to the components shown, other components may be used as examples. Figure 4 and Figure 5 In addition to the components shown, new components can be added, or some components can be omitted or replaced.

[0089] The display 120 can output images under the control of the processor 140. Specifically, the display 120 can output images pre-stored in the memory 130 under the control of the processor 140. The display 120 can be implemented as a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), etc. Furthermore, according to embodiments, the display 120 can be implemented as a flexible display, a transparent display, etc. However, the display 120 according to this disclosure is not limited to a specific type.

[0090] Specifically, according to one or more embodiments, if a signal including a registration request and context information is received via communicator 110, and the strength of the received signal is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, then processor 140 may control display 120 to provide a user interface.

[0091] The communicator 110 may include circuitry and perform communication with external devices including the target device 200. Specifically, the processor 140 may receive various types of data or information from the target device 200 connected via the communicator 110, or send various types of data or information to the target device 200.

[0092] The communicator 110 may include at least one of a Wi-Fi module, a Bluetooth module, a wireless communication module, an NFC module, or an ultra-wideband (UWB) module. Specifically, the Wi-Fi module and the Bluetooth module may perform communication via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth methods, respectively. When using a Wi-Fi module or a Bluetooth module, various types of connection information (such as a Service Set Identifier (SSID)) can be sent and received first, and a connection for communication can be established using this information, after which various types of information can be sent and received.

[0093] Furthermore, the wireless communication module can perform communication according to various communication protocols, such as IEEE, Zigbee, 3G, 3GPP, LTE, and 5G. Additionally, the NFC module can perform communication via Near Field Communication (NFC) using the 13.56MHz band from various Radio Frequency Identifier (RF-ID) bands, including 135kHz, 13.56MHz, 433MHz, 860-960MHz, and 2.45GHz. Moreover, the UWB module can accurately measure the Time of Arrival (ToA), the time of arrival of a pulse at the target, and the Angle of Arrival (AoA), the angle of arrival of a pulse in the transmitting device, through communication between UWB antennas. Therefore, the UWB module can perform precise distance and location identification within an error range of tens of centimeters (cm) indoors.

[0094] Specifically, according to one or more embodiments, the processor 140 may receive signals from the target device 200 via the communicator 110, including a registration request for adding the target device 200 as a device constituting an IoT network and contextual information indicating that the user is near the target device 200.

[0095] In addition, the processor 140 can register the target device 200 as a device constituting the IoT network by sending information about the target device 200 to the server that provides the platform for IoT via the control communicator 110.

[0096] Then, if the context information is included in the signal received from the target device 200 and the strength of the received signal is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the processor 140 may send a request for user identification to the target device 200.

[0097] The memory 130 may store at least one instruction concerning the electronic device 100. Furthermore, the memory 130 may store an operating system (O / S) for operating the electronic device 100. Additionally, the memory 130 may store various types of software programs or applications for operating the electronic device 100 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the memory 130 may include semiconductor memory (such as flash memory) or magnetic storage media (such as a hard disk).

[0098] Specifically, the memory 130 may store various types of software modules for the operation of the electronic device 100 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, and the processor 140 may control the operation of the electronic device 100 by executing the various types of software modules stored in the memory 130. In other words, the memory 130 may be accessed by the processor 140, and operations on data by the processor 140 (such as reading, recording, correcting, deleting and / or updating, etc.) may be performed.

[0099] Furthermore, in this disclosure, the term "memory 130" may be used to mean including memory 130, read-only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM) inside processor 140, and / or memory cards (e.g., micro secure digital (SD) cards, memory sticks) installed on electronic device 100.

[0100] Specifically, according to one or more embodiments, various types of information (such as information about signals including registration requests and context information, information about signal strength, and information about user interfaces, data, and / or signals, etc.) can be stored in memory 130.

[0101] In addition to the above, various types of related information can be stored in the memory 130, and the information stored in the memory 130 can be updated when information is received from the target device 200 or when information is input by the user.

[0102] The processor 140 can control the overall operation of the electronic device 100. Specifically, the processor 140 can be connected to components of the electronic device 100 including a communicator 110, a display 120, and a memory 130, and can control the overall operation of the electronic device 100 by executing at least one instruction stored in the memory 130 as described above.

[0103] Processor 140 can be implemented in various forms. For example, processor 140 can be implemented as at least one of, but not limited to, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), embedded processor, microprocessor, hardware control logic, hardware finite state machine (FSM), or digital signal processor (DSP). Furthermore, in this disclosure, the term "processor 140" can be used to mean including central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), and microprocessor unit (MPU), etc.

[0104] Specifically, according to one or more embodiments, processor 140 may execute various processes for registering target device 200 as a device constituting an IoT network.

[0105] According to one or more embodiments, if a signal including a registration request for adding the target device 200 as a device constituting an Internet of Things (IoT) network and contextual information indicating that the user is near the target device 200 is received from the target device 200 via the communicator 110, the processor 140 may obtain information about the strength of the signal, and if the signal strength is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the control display 120 provides a user interface, and if user input for adding the target device 200 as a device constituting an IoT network is received via the user interface, the target device 200 is registered as a device constituting an IoT network.

[0106] Due to the above reference Figures 1 to 3 Various other embodiments based on processor 140 control have been described, therefore repeated descriptions of the same content will be omitted. In other words, the above-mentioned references can be implemented via processor 140 of electronic device 100. Figures 1 to 3 Various embodiments of the method for controlling electronic device 100 are described.

[0107] The input device 150 may include circuitry, and the processor 140 may receive user commands for controlling the operation of the electronic device 100 via the input device 150. Specifically, the input device 150 may include components such as a microphone, a camera, and a remote control signal receiver. Furthermore, the input device 150 may be implemented as a touchscreen, included in the display 120. Specifically, the microphone may receive voice signals and convert the received voice signals into electrical signals.

[0108] Specifically, according to one or more embodiments, the processor 140 can receive user input in the form of a voice signal via a microphone for adding the target device 200 as a device constituting an IoT network. Upon receiving user input in the form of a voice signal, the processor 140 can obtain the text corresponding to the voice signal by using a trained artificial intelligence model (e.g., an automatic speech recognition (ASR) model) and recognize the user input corresponding to the obtained text.

[0109] According to one or more embodiments, the processor 140 may acquire images of the target device 200 and / or the user via a camera. For example, the processor 140 may identify that the user is near the target device 200 based on contextual information, but it may also identify that the user is near the target device 200 by using the user's image alone or in addition. Furthermore, the processor 140 may identify that the target device 200 is close to the electronic device 100 based on information about signal strength, but it may also identify that the target device 200 is close to the electronic device 100 by using the image of the target device 200 alone or in addition.

[0110] Output device 160 may include circuitry, and processor 140 may output various functions executable by electronic device 100 via output device 160. Furthermore, output device 160 may include at least one of display 120, speaker, or indicator. Since display 120 has already been described above, repeated descriptions of the same content will be omitted. The speaker may output audio data under the control of processor 140, and the indicator may be turned on under the control of processor 140.

[0111] Specifically, according to one or more embodiments, the processor 140 may control the speaker to output voice prompts asking whether to add the target device 200 as a device constituting an IoT network, instead of the user interface, or control the speaker to output voice prompts asking whether to add the target device 200 as a device constituting an IoT network together with the user interface.

[0112] Furthermore, the method for controlling the electronic device 100 according to the foregoing embodiments can be implemented as a program and provided to the electronic device 100. Specifically, the program including the method for controlling the electronic device 100 can be provided while stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

[0113] Specifically, in a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium including a program for performing a method for controlling electronic device 100, the method for controlling electronic device 100 may include the following operations: receiving from target device 200 a signal including a registration request for adding target device 200 as a device constituting an Internet of Things (IoT) network and contextual information indicating that a user is near target device 200; obtaining information about the strength of the signal; and providing a user interface based on the signal strength being greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold; receiving user input through the user interface for adding target device 200 as a device constituting an IoT network; and registering target device 200 as a device constituting an IoT network.

[0114] Although a method for controlling an electronic device 100 and a computer-readable recording medium including a program for executing the method for controlling the electronic device 100 have been briefly described, this is only to avoid repeating the description, and various embodiments of the electronic device 100 can be applied to the method for controlling the electronic device 100 and the computer-readable recording medium including a program for executing the method for controlling the electronic device 100.

[0115] The artificial intelligence-related functions according to this disclosure are operated by the processor 140 and memory 130 of the electronic device 100.

[0116] Processor 140 may include one or more processors 140. Here, one or more processors 140 may include at least one of a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a neural processing unit (NPU), but are not limited to the foregoing examples of processor 140.

[0117] The CPU is a general-purpose processor 140 capable of performing not only general operations but also artificial intelligence operations, and it can efficiently execute complex programs through a multi-layered cache structure. The CPU is advantageous for serial processing methods that enable systematic linking between previous and next computation results through sequential computation. Furthermore, the general-purpose processor 140 is not limited to the examples described above, except where it is specifically designated as the CPU described.

[0118] A GPU is a processor 140 used for large-scale operations (such as floating-point operations for graphics processing), and a GPU can execute large-scale operations in parallel through large-scale integrated cores. Specifically, compared to a CPU, a GPU may be advantageous for parallel processing methods (such as convolution operations). Furthermore, a GPU can be used as a coprocessor 140 to supplement the functions of a CPU. Moreover, the processor 140 for large-scale operations is not limited to the examples described above, except where the processor 140 for large-scale operations is specified as a GPU as described above.

[0119] An NPU is a processor 140 specifically designed for artificial intelligence operations using artificial neural networks, and the NPU can implement each layer constituting the artificial neural network as hardware (e.g., silicon). Here, the NPU is designed to be specialized according to the required specifications, thus having lower degrees of freedom compared to a CPU or GPU, but it can efficiently handle the required artificial intelligence operations. Furthermore, as a processor 140 dedicated to artificial intelligence operations, the NPU can be implemented in various forms, such as a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), an Intelligent Processing Unit (IPU), a Visual Processing Unit (VPU), etc. Moreover, the artificial intelligence processor 140 is not limited to the aforementioned examples except where it is specified as an NPU.

[0120] Furthermore, one or more processors 140 may be implemented as a system-on-a-chip (SoC). Here, in addition to one or more processors 140, the SoC may also include memory 130 and network interfaces (such as buses for data communication between processors 140 and memory 130).

[0121] In cases where a System-on-Chip (SoC) included in electronic device 100 comprises multiple processors 140, electronic device 100 can perform AI-related operations (e.g., operations related to learning or inference of AI models) by using some of the multiple processors 140. For example, electronic device 100 can perform AI-related operations by using at least one of the multiple processors 140, such as a GPU, NPU, VPU, TPU, or a hardware accelerator dedicated to AI operations (such as convolution operations, matrix multiplication operations, etc.). However, this is merely an example, and electronic device 100 can also handle AI-related operations by using a general-purpose processor 140 (such as a CPU, etc.).

[0122] Furthermore, the electronic device 100 can perform operations related to artificial intelligence by using multiple cores (e.g., dual-core, quad-core, etc.) included in a processor 140. Specifically, the electronic device 100 can perform artificial intelligence operations (such as convolution operations, matrix multiplication operations, etc.) in parallel by using multiple cores included in the processor 140.

[0123] One or more processors 140 can perform control to process input data according to predefined operating rules or an artificial intelligence model stored in memory 130. The predefined operating rules or artificial intelligence model are characterized in that they are created through learning.

[0124] Here, "learning to create" refers to creating a predefined operating rule or an artificial intelligence model with desired characteristics by applying a learning algorithm to multiple training data sets. This learning can be performed within the device itself that performs artificial intelligence according to this disclosure, or via a separate server / system.

[0125] Artificial intelligence models may include multiple neural network layers. At least one layer has at least one weight value and performs operations on the layer based on the results of operations performed on the previous layer and at least one defined operation. Examples of neural networks include convolutional neural networks (CNNs), deep neural networks (DNNs), recurrent neural networks (RNNs), restricted Boltzmann machines (RBMs), deep belief networks (DBNs), bidirectional recurrent deep neural networks (BRDNNs), deep Q-networks, and transformers; however, the neural networks in this disclosure are not limited to the examples described above, except in specific cases.

[0126] A learning algorithm is a method of training a specific object device (e.g., a robot) using multiple training data sets, thereby enabling the specific object device to make decisions or predictions on its own. As examples of learning algorithms, there are supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but the learning algorithms in this disclosure are not limited to the examples mentioned above, except in specific cases.

[0127] Furthermore, machine-readable storage media can be provided in the form of non-transitory storage media. Here, the term "non-transitory storage media" simply means that the device is a tangible device and does not include signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored. For example, "non-transitory storage media" may include buffers for temporarily storing data.

[0128] Furthermore, according to embodiments, the methods according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided when included in a computer program product. A computer program product refers to a product that can be traded between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., an optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or through an app store (e.g., the Play Store). TM Online distribution (e.g., downloading or uploading) of computer program products, or direct distribution of computer program products between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable application) may be stored at least temporarily in a storage medium (such as the manufacturer's server, the app store's server, and the memory of a forwarding server), or at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable application) may be temporarily generated.

[0129] Furthermore, each component (e.g., a module or program) in the various embodiments of this disclosure described above may include a single object or multiple objects. Additionally, some sub-components may be omitted in the corresponding sub-components described above, or other sub-components may be included in the various embodiments. Optionally or additionally, some components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into an object and perform the functions performed by each component prior to integration in the same or similar manner.

[0130] Furthermore, operations performed by modules, programs, or other components according to various embodiments may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically. Alternatively, at least some operations may be performed in a different order or omitted, or other operations may be added.

[0131] Furthermore, the terms "part" or "module" as used in this disclosure may include hardware, software, and / or firmware, and are used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. Additionally, a "part" or "module" may be a component constituting an integrated body or a smallest unit or portion performing one or more functions. For example, a module may be configured as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0132] Furthermore, various embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented as software including machine-readable instructions stored in a machine-readable storage medium. A machine refers to an apparatus that invokes and operates according to the invoked instructions, and the apparatus may include an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 100) according to the foregoing embodiments.

[0133] When instructions are executed by the processor, the processor can perform the function corresponding to the instructions itself, or it can perform the function corresponding to the instructions by using other components under the processor's control. Instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executed by an interpreter.

[0134] Furthermore, while exemplary embodiments of this disclosure have been shown and described, this disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of this disclosure as claimed by the appended claims. Moreover, such modifications are intended to be interpreted without independence from the technical concept or vision of this disclosure.

Claims

1. An electronic device comprising: a communicator; a display; a memory storing at least one instruction; and a processor configured to execute the at least one instruction, wherein the processor is configured to: obtain information about a strength of a signal including a registration request and context information indicating that a user is located in a vicinity of a target device, based on the signal being received from the target device through the communicator; control the display to provide a user interface, based on the strength of the signal being greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold; and register the target device as a device constituting an IoT network, based on a user input for adding the target device as a device constituting the IoT network being received through the user interface. The processor is configured to receive the signal from the target device, based on the context information being obtained by the target device. 2.The electronic device of claim 1, wherein, The electronic device is pre-registered as a device constituting the IoT network. 3.The electronic device of claim 1, wherein, The processor is configured to receive the signal from the target device, based on at least one of detecting that the user is located in the vicinity of the target device at the target device or receiving a user input for controlling the target device at the target device. 4.The electronic device of claim 1, wherein, Receiving a user input for controlling the target device at the target device includes at least one of receiving a user input inputting a button included in the target device, receiving a voice command of the user through a microphone included in the target device, or receiving a control command for controlling the target device from a remote control device for controlling the target device through a communicator included in the target device.

5. The electronic device of claim 4, wherein, Detecting that the user is located in the vicinity of the target device at the target device includes at least one of obtaining sensing information indicating a presence of the user through a sensor included in the target device or receiving a sound indicating the presence of the user through a microphone included in the target device.

6. The electronic device of claim 4, wherein, The user interface includes at least one of information for identifying the target device, a guide message for inquiring whether to add the target device as a device constituting the IoT network, and at least one UI element for the user to select whether to add the target device as a device constituting the IoT network. 7.The electronic device of claim 1, wherein 8.A method for controlling an electronic device, the method comprising: receiving a signal including a registration request and context information indicating that a user is located in a vicinity of a target device, from the target device; obtaining information about a strength of the signal; providing a user interface, based on the strength of the signal being greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold; receiving a user input for adding the target device as a device constituting an IoT network, through the user interface; and registering the target device as a device constituting the IoT network. Receiving the signal includes receiving the signal from the target device, based on the context information being obtained by the target device.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, The electronic device is pre-registered as a device constituting the IoT network.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein, ​ 11. The method of claim 8, wherein, Receiving the signal includes receiving the signal based on at least one of detecting that the user is located in proximity to the target device at the target device or receiving a user input for controlling the target device at the target device.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, Receiving the user input for controlling the target device at the target device includes at least one of receiving a user input that includes a button included in the target device, receiving a voice command of the user through a microphone included in the target device, or receiving a control command for controlling the target device from a remote control device for controlling the target device through a communicator included in the target device.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein, Detecting that the user is located in proximity to the target device at the target device includes at least one of obtaining sensing information indicating a presence of the user through a sensor included in the target device or receiving a sound indicating the presence of the user through a microphone included in the target device.

14. The method of claim 8, wherein, The user interface includes at least one of information for identifying the target device, a guide message for inquiring whether to add the target device as a device constituting the IoT network, and at least one UI element for the user to select whether to add the target device as a device constituting the IoT network. 15.A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium storing a program executable by at least one processor to perform the following operations: receiving, from a target device, a signal including a registration request and context information indicating that a user is located in proximity to the target device; obtaining information about a strength of the signal; based on the strength of the signal being greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, providing a user interface; receiving, through the user interface, a user input for adding the target device as a device constituting an IoT network; and registering the target device as a device constituting the IoT network.

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