Apparatus and method for setting group in home network system

Abstract

This invention relates to an apparatus and method for setting up groups in a home network system. One embodiment of the method involves two or more home appliances and a user terminal constituting the home network system. The method includes: a user terminal setting up a group for two or more home appliances and sending a first message to a master device in the home appliances notifying it that it is the master device of the group, and a second message to a slave device in the home appliances notifying it that it is the slave device of the group; the master device and the slave device respectively receiving the first and second messages and then sending and receiving Internet Protocol Layer (IPL) messages to perform a discovery process; and the master device and the slave device sending and receiving Application Layer (ALL) messages after the discovery process to perform a grouping process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a technique for setting up groups in a home network system. Background Technology

[0002] As various home appliances add communication capabilities, specific technologies are needed to manage these appliances. When these appliances establish a home network through communication, they can be controlled in various ways.

[0003] However, home appliances may not provide comprehensive communication functions like computers or mobile phones. In addition, the way services are provided may vary depending on the functions of the home appliances.

[0004] Therefore, this manual describes a solution for home appliances to communicate effectively. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The problem to be solved

[0006] This manual is designed to solve the aforementioned problems by setting home appliances into groups, thereby enabling them to communicate effectively.

[0007] In addition, this manual enables home appliances to perform group creation and group joining by utilizing the Wi-Fi (wireless high fidelity) module built into the home appliance.

[0008] In addition, this manual improves the convenience of group settings for home appliances.

[0009] The objectives of this invention are not limited to those mentioned above. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand other objectives and advantages of this invention not mentioned above through the following description, and these will become even clearer through the embodiments of this invention. Furthermore, the objectives and advantages of this invention can be readily achieved through the methods and combinations thereof as stated in the claims.

[0010] Technical solutions to the problem

[0011] A user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a terminal communication unit for communicating with two or more home appliances; a terminal control unit for processing group settings of the home appliances; and a terminal interface unit for displaying information related to the group settings of the home appliances or receiving selection input; the terminal control unit generates a first message notifying a master device belonging to a group that it is a master device of the group and a second message notifying a slave device belonging to a group that it is a slave device of the group; the terminal communication unit transmits the first message to the master device and the second message to the slave device.

[0012] A master device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a device communication unit for communicating with a user terminal and a slave device; and a device control unit for generating messages to be transmitted to the user terminal and the slave device; after receiving a message from the user terminal notifying that it is the master device of a group, the device communication unit sends and receives Internet Protocol Layer (IPL) messages with the slave device in order to perform a discovery process with the slave device; and the device control unit controls the device communication unit to send and receive Application Layer (ALL) messages with the slave device in order to perform a grouping process for the slave device and the group.

[0013] A slave device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a device communication unit for communicating with a user terminal and a master device; and a device control unit for generating messages to be transmitted to the user terminal and the master device; after receiving a message from the user terminal notifying that it is a slave device of a group, the device communication unit sends and receives Internet Protocol Layer (IPL) messages with the master device in order to perform a discovery process with the master device; and the device control unit controls the device communication unit to send and receive Application Layer (ALL) messages with the master device in order to perform a grouping process for the master device and the group.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for setting up a group in a home network system is a method of operation for two or more home appliances and a user terminal constituting the home network system. The method includes: the user terminal setting up a group for two or more home appliances and sending a first message to a master device in the home appliances to notify that it is the master device of the group, and sending a second message to a slave device in the home appliances to notify that it is the slave device of the group; the master device and the slave device respectively sending and receiving Internet Protocol Layer (IPL) messages to perform a discovery process after receiving the first message and the second message; and the master device and the slave device sending and receiving Application Layer (ALL) messages to perform a grouping process after the discovery process.

[0015] Invention Effects

[0016] When applying this invention, efficiency can be improved by grouping home appliances.

[0017] When this invention is applied, home appliances can utilize the Wi-Fi module built into the home appliance to perform group generation and group joining.

[0018] When this invention is applied, the convenience of group setting of home appliances can be improved.

[0019] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and various effects of the present invention can be easily derived from its structure. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates a home network configuration where a user terminal and a plurality of home appliances are grouped together, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the initialization and discovery process of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the grouping process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a router request message that can be used in the configuration of IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4) in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a router advertisement message that can be used in the configuration of IPv4 in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a router request message that can be used in the configuration of IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 4) in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a router advertisement message that can be used in the configuration of IPv6 in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates the structure of a master device group information request message transmitted from a slave device to a master device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 9 This diagram illustrates the structure of a master device group information response message transmitted from a master device to a slave device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 10 This diagram illustrates the structure of a group registration request message transmitted from a slave device to a master device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a group registration response message transmitted from a master device to a slave device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 12This diagram illustrates the structure of a group registration cancellation request message transmitted from a master device to a slave device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 13 This is a master device group registration cancellation response message transmitted from a slave device to a master device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 14 This is a slave device group registration cancellation request message transmitted from a slave device to a master device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 15 This is a slave device group registration cancellation response message transmitted from the master device to the slave device in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating the constituent elements of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 17 This diagram illustrates the actions between a master device and a slave device in forming a group using the Wi-Fi protocol, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 18 This is a diagram illustrating the process by which a household appliance belonging to the group of an embodiment of the present invention provides a service for recommending today's menu or confirming my recipes.

[0038] Figure 19 This diagram illustrates the configuration of a slave device in an embodiment of the present invention, whereby the slave device acts as a relay agent for other slave devices.

[0039] Figure 20 This diagram illustrates the configuration in which a master device, according to an embodiment of the present invention, functions as a relay agent for a slave device.

[0040] Figure 21 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, enabling those skilled in the art to readily implement them. The present invention can be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0042] To clearly illustrate the invention, irrelevant details have been omitted, and throughout the specification, the same or similar reference numerals have been used for the same or similar constituent elements. Furthermore, some embodiments of the invention have been described in detail with reference to the exemplary drawings. In assigning reference numerals to the constituent elements of the various drawings, the same constituent elements may be represented by the same symbols as much as possible, even if shown in different drawings. Additionally, in describing the invention, detailed descriptions of related well-known structures or functions are omitted when it is determined that a specific description of such structures or functions might obscure the essence of the invention.

[0043] Furthermore, when describing the constituent elements of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are used only to distinguish the constituent elements from other constituent elements and do not limit the nature, order, sequence, or quantity of the corresponding constituent elements. When a constituent element is described as being "connected," "combined," or "connected" to other constituent elements, it should be understood that the aforementioned constituent element can be directly connected to or in contact with the other constituent elements, or that other constituent elements can be "connected," "combined," or "connected" between the constituent elements.

[0044] In addition, in the process of implementing the present invention, for ease of explanation, the constituent elements may be subdivided and described. However, these constituent elements may be implemented in one device or one module, or one constituent element may be implemented in multiple devices or modules.

[0045] In this specification, a household appliance may belong to more than one group. Furthermore, a household appliance belonging to a group may be either a master device or a slave device.

[0046] The master device can provide specific services to the slave device or control the slave device. The slave device can receive specific services from the master device.

[0047] The user terminal can set up groups for multiple home appliances and configure the master and slave devices within the groups. For this purpose, the user terminal can have a specific application installed (e.g., the ThinQ App).

[0048] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates a home network configuration where a user terminal 100 and a plurality of home appliances are grouped according to an embodiment of the present invention. The user terminal 100 and the home appliances can constitute a home network system.

[0049] User terminal 100 uses a pre-configured application to perform master and slave device settings on a plurality of home appliances (which may be referred to as devices). For ease of explanation, the master devices in the first group are labeled G1-M, and the slave devices in the first group are labeled G1-S1, G1-S2, etc.

[0050] User terminal 100 generates group G1 and assigns master device 200a and slave devices 200b and 200c respectively. Similarly, user terminal 100 generates group G2 and assigns master device 200d and slave devices 200e and 200f respectively. 200z is a new device or a device that leaves an existing group. User terminal 100 can assign a new group to 200z or assign it to an existing group G1 or G2.

[0051] Individual devices can also be included in multiple groups depending on their purpose. For example, device 200a in group G1-M is the master device, but can participate as a slave device in other groups.

[0052] exist Figure 1 In this configuration, a home network can be established, comprising various devices in specific groups, to provide user services. The automatic grouping process, which is the first step in establishing a home network, is explained. This allows the creation of a home private network composed of home appliances, enabling one appliance in a grouped network to simultaneously control multiple appliances or provide specific services.

[0053] Furthermore, a single home appliance can join multiple groups simultaneously, depending on its purpose. Moreover, home appliances can utilize the home network to provide various user services. For example, appliances included in a cooking group can offer recommended menus and recipe registration services. Additionally, appliances included in a specific group can provide relay services for transmitting data between each other.

[0054] In such Figure 1 In the configuration shown, a home network can be established through a process that notifies each device whether it is a master device, a slave device, or is assigned to a group. This specification describes the process of establishing a home network between devices using network technology. More specifically, it describes an initialization process that generates user terminal groups and performs master and slave device settings for home appliances.

[0055] Next, the discovery process, which uses IP (Internet Protocol) to identify groups that make up the home network or to provide information about those groups, is performed. Additionally, the grouping process, such as joining or leaving a group, is implemented at the application layer.

[0056] Figure 1 The user terminal 100 and home appliances 200a~200z can constitute a home network system. The home network system can include more than one group, and the generation of these groups can be set by the user terminal 100. The process of forming a group by master and slave devices can be carried out without the intervention of the user terminal 100.

[0057] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates the initialization and discovery process according to an embodiment of the present invention. User terminal 100 uses an application (e.g., the LG ThinQ application) to generate groups. Figure 2 In this process, user terminal 100 generates a group (S1) called "G1". Group generation is used to bundle home appliances together for a specific purpose, and groups can be generated based on the type of functions provided by the home appliances. Alternatively, groups can be generated based on the location of the home appliances. To this end, after listing the various home appliances, user terminal 100 can output detailed information for the group based on the type or location of the selected home appliances when two or more home appliances are selected.

[0058] For example, if a refrigerator and an oven are selected on the touchscreen of user terminal 100, user terminal 100 can display group information for the "Cooking Group". As another embodiment, if an air conditioner and a TV are selected on the touchscreen of user terminal 100 and both appliances are located in the living room, user terminal 100 can display group information for the "Living Room Group".

[0059] Next, user terminal 100 sets the master and slave devices belonging to the generated G1 group (S2). Furthermore, user terminal 100 designates the first device (G1-M1) 200a as the master device of group G1 (S3). Similarly, user terminal 100 designates the second device (G1-S1) 200b as a slave device of group G1 (S4), and the nth device (G1-Sn) 200n as a slave device of group G1 (S5).

[0060] S1 to S5 constitute the initialization process.

[0061] Subsequently, after the second device (G1-S1) 200b and the nth device (G1-Sn) 200n, designated as slave devices, begin the Wi-Fi connection (S11, S15), the second device (G1-S1) 200b and the nth device (G1-Sn) 200n transmit a Router Solicitation Message (S12, S16) requesting the IP address of the master device 200a. At this time, slave devices 200b and 200n can act as Wi-Fi stations, while the master device 200a can act as a soft access point (Soft AP).

[0062] The master device 200a transmits a router advertisement message (S13, S17) containing the IP address of the master device, i.e., the master device 200a, to the slave devices 200b and 200n.

[0063] S11 to S17 constitute the discovery process. Each slave device 200b, 200n can use the IP Router Discovery Protocol (IPP) to obtain the IP address (e.g., IPv4 or IPv6) of the master device. During the discovery process, the master device 200a and the slave devices send and receive Internet Protocol Layer (IPL) messages.

[0064] In S12 and S16, a router solicitation message of IPv4 or IPv6 can be transmitted depending on the specific type of IP protocol. For example, in an IPv4 embodiment, an IPv4-based router solicitation message can be transmitted, and in an IPv6 embodiment, an IPv6-based router solicitation message can be transmitted.

[0065] However, in order to enable the operation of the master-slave device of the present invention, the slave devices 200b and 200n can set the code value in the message to a pre-agreed value.

[0066] Additionally, in S13 and S17, the router advertisement message can be transmitted either IPv4 or IPv6, depending on the specific type of IP protocol. For example, in an IPv4 implementation, an IPv4-based router advertisement message can be transmitted, and in an IPv6 implementation, an IPv6-based router advertisement message can be transmitted. The router advertisement message may include a group identifier list and a master IP address list.

[0067] For the operation of the master-slave device of this invention, the master device 200a can set the code value in the message to a pre-agreed value and include append information. At this time, depending on the specific type of IP protocol, the router advertisement message may include the master device's IPv4 address list or the master device's IPv6 address list.

[0068] In an embodiment that applies IPv4 in the IP protocol, the master device 200a becomes an IPv4 host router, while the slave devices 200b and 200n become IPv4 hosts.

[0069] In an implementation of IPv6 using the IP protocol, the master device 200a becomes an IPv6 host router, while the slave devices 200b and 200n become IPv6 hosts.

[0070] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating a grouping process according to an embodiment of the present invention. In performing the foregoing... Figure 2 After the initialization and discovery processes, each device can transmit execution packet messages at the application layer. More specifically, after completing the Wi-Fi connection procedure, each device can execute... Figure 2 The discovery process in steps S12, S13, S16, and S17 is known as the router discovery procedure. That is, each slave device can individually perform the router discovery procedure with the master device.

[0071] Received the aforementioned Figure 2 The slave devices 200b and 200n, which send Router Advertisement Messages in S13 and S17, transmit Master Group Information Request Messages (S21a and S21n) to the master device 200a, requesting group information for the groups managed by the master device.

[0072] Upon receiving the request message, the master device 200a sends a Master Group Info Response Message (S22a, S22n) containing information about the groups it manages to the slave devices 200b and 200n.

[0073] Afterwards, the slave devices 200b and 200n, having confirmed the group information, send a group registration request message (S23a, S23n) to the master device 200a for joining the group managed by the master device 200a.

[0074] Upon receiving the request message, the master device 200a registers slave devices 200b and 200n to the group and transmits the result to slave devices 200b and 200n (S24a, S24n). The transmitted message is a group registration response message (Slave_Group_Registration_Response Message).

[0075] Subsequently, the slave devices 200b and 200n included in the group can communicate with the master device 200a and perform the prescribed functions. On the other hand, the master device 200a can send a Master De-registration Request Message (S26) to the slave device 200b in order to cancel the registration of the first device in the group, i.e., the slave device 200b (S27). Upon receiving the Master De-registration Request Message, the slave device 200b can send a Master De-registration Response Message (S27) to the master device 200a, containing the result of the Master De-registration Request Message.

[0076] Conversely, the second device, namely the slave device 200n, may send a slave device group registration cancellation request message (S28) to the master device 200a in order to leave the group. Upon receiving the slave device group registration cancellation request message, the master device 200a may send a slave device group registration cancellation response message (S29) to the slave device 200n, which contains the result of the slave device group registration cancellation request message.

[0077] Below is a summary Figure 3 The message stream.

[0078] The slave device sends a Master Group Information Request Message (S21a, S21n) to the master device. The master device sends a Master Group Information Response Message (S22a, S22n) to the slave device.

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

[0080] The master device sends a Master De-registration Request Message to the slave device (S26). The slave device sends a Master De-registration Response Message to the master device (S27).

[0081] The slave device sends a slave group registration cancellation request message to the master device (S28). The master device sends a slave group registration cancellation response message to the slave device (S29).

[0082] The conditions for a slave device to leave the group can be set during the initialization process. Time conditions (conditions for leaving the group after a specified time), communication conditions (conditions for leaving the group when the data transmission and reception volume is above or below a specified size), or other conditions (conditions for leaving the group when the number of slave devices in the group is above or below a specified baseline) can be used as conditions for leaving.

[0083] pass Figure 2 and Figure 3 The process allows home appliances to be grouped, and after providing group-based services, slave devices can leave the group. Group exit can be categorized into two scenarios: one based on a request from the master device 200a (S26) and the other based on a request from the slave device 200n (S28).

[0084] exist Figures 1 to 3 In this embodiment, the process of observing the operation of the home network system is as follows. In a home network system consisting of two or more home appliances and a user terminal, the user terminal 100 sets up a group for the two or more home appliances and sends a first message to the master device 200a among the home appliances, indicating that it is the master device of the group. Figure 2 S3), transmitting a notification to slave devices 200b and 200n in the home appliance equipment is the second message of the group's slave devices ( Figure 2 (S4, S5).

[0085] Furthermore, after the master device 200a and slave devices 200b and 200n each receive the first and second messages, they send and receive IP layer (Internet Protocol Layer) messages in order to perform the discovery process. Figure 2 (S11 to S17).

[0086] Furthermore, after the discovery process, the master device 200a and slave devices 200b and 200n send and receive application layer messages (see reference) in order to perform the packetization process. Figure 3 ).

[0087] For in passing Figure 2 and Figure 3 This section explains the specific structure of messages transmitted by various devices during the process of establishing a home network.

[0088] One example is where each message structure is divided into specific fields based on octets. "Reserved" indicates a reserved field. To distinguish the types of each message, the type (Type), code, or option field's type value can be set to the appropriate message type.

[0089] The messages described below can utilize existing Wi-Fi technology built into various home appliances, and messages can be transmitted between home appliances using the physical layer of data transmission. The IP Router Discovery Protocol can be used to group the various devices. As an example, in the case of IPv4, the message structure of RFC1256 (ICMP Router Discovery Messages) can be partially modified and used. As an example, in the case of IPv6, the message structure of RFC4861 (Neighbor Discovery for IP version 6) can be partially modified and used.

[0090] In addition, TCP / IP technology can be used to provide various services. Furthermore, individual devices can also use the new protocol of this invention implemented at the application layer to packetize and provide services.

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

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

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

[0094] On the other hand, such as Figure 4 As shown in 31a, in one embodiment of the present invention, the slave device sets the code value of the IPv4 Router Solicitation Message to a preset value (e.g., 0x01). The slave device included in the embodiment of the present invention sets the code value to a preset value (e.g., 0x01) and transmits the Router Solicitation Message.

[0095] On the contrary, such as Figure 4 As shown in 31b, other devices not included in embodiments of the present invention set the code value to other values ​​(e.g., 0x00) and transmit router request messages.

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

[0097] IPv4 router request messages may also include a checksum field and a reserved field after the code value to confirm the message's error.

[0098] Figure 4 The 31a message can be designated as a Master IPv4 Address Request message as part of the ICMPv4 (Internet Control Message Protocol version 4) layer of the IPv4 protocol.

[0099] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the configuration of a router advertisement message that can be used in an IPv4 configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention. The master device sets the code value of the IPv4 router advertisement message to a preset value (e.g., 0x01). In the embodiment of the present invention, the master device sets the code value to a preset value (e.g., 0x01) and, as shown... Figure 5 As indicated in section 32, a router advertisement message containing information about the number of groups, the group identifier, and the address (master group ID[1], master IPv4 address, master group ID[2], master IPv4 address, ...) is transmitted. Alternatively, other devices not included in embodiments of the invention may set the code value to other values ​​(e.g., 0x00) and transmit the router advertisement message.

[0100] IPv4 router advertisement messages may also include, after the code value, a checksum field for confirming errors in the message, a number of addresses (Num Addrs) field, an address entry size (Addr Entry Size) field, a lifetime field, and individual router addresses and preference levels (router address[1], preference level[1], router address[2], preference level[2], ...).

[0101] In one embodiment of the present invention, the slave device can only recognize the group information contained in the router advertisement message if the code value of the router advertisement message is set to a pre-agreed value (e.g., 0x01).

[0102] Figure 5The message can serve as a Master IPv4 Address Response (IPv4 Address Response) indication for the ICMPv4 (Internet Control Message Protocol version 4) at the IPv4 layer.

[0103] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a router request message that can be used in the configuration of IPv6 in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0104] like Figure 6 As shown in Figure 33, in one embodiment of the present invention, the slave device sets the Type value of the variable-size area, i.e., the option field, of the IPv6 Router Solicitation Message to a preset value (e.g., 0x10). Furthermore, the slave device included in this embodiment sets the Type value of the option field to a preset value (e.g., 0x10) and transmits the router request message. Conversely, other devices not included in this embodiment may set the Type value to other values ​​(e.g., 0x00) and transmit the router request message.

[0105] In addition, the option field of the router request message in one embodiment of the present invention may include a length field representing length information of eight octet units, a reserved field, and a field thereafter consisting entirely of "0".

[0106] In one embodiment of the present invention, the master device transmits a router advertisement message only if the type value of the option field of the router request message is set to a pre-agreed value (e.g., 0x10).

[0107] Figure 6 The message can be used as a Master IPv6 Address Request (IPv6) instruction in the ICMPv6 (Internet Control Message Protocol version 6) layer of the IPv6 layer.

[0108] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a router advertisement message that can be used in the IPv6 configuration of an embodiment of the present invention. For example... Figure 7As shown in Figure 34, the master device sets the type value of the variable size area, i.e. the option field, of the IPv6 Router AdvertisementMessage to a preset value (e.g., 0x11).

[0109] In embodiments of the present invention, the master device sets the Type value of the option field to a preset value (e.g., 0x11), and as follows: Figure 7 As indicated by 34, a router advertisement message is transmitted containing information about the number of groups, the group identifier, and the address (group Id[1], primary IPv6 address, group Id[2], primary IPv6 address, ...). Conversely, other devices not included in embodiments of the present invention may set the type value to other values ​​(e.g., 0x00) and transmit router advertisement messages.

[0110] More specifically, such as Figure 7 As shown in Figure 34, in the option field of the IPv6 router advertisement message in this embodiment of the invention, the type field is set to a pre-agreed value (e.g., 0x11), and can subsequently include a length field for eight octet units representing the length of the message, and a group number field.

[0111] In one embodiment of the present invention, the slave device can only recognize the group information contained in the router advertisement message if the type value of the option field of the router advertisement message is set to a pre-agreed value (e.g., 0x11).

[0112] Figure 7 The message can serve as an indication of the Master IPv6 Address Response message in the ICMPv6 (Internet Control Message Protocol version 6) layer of the IPv6.

[0113] Reference Figures 8 to 15 For use in passing Figures 4 to 7 The message structure for the packet processing procedure following the initialization and discovery processes of router request and advertisement messages, as described in the previous section, is explained. The initialization and discovery processes have already been described in the previous section. Figure 2 The explanation is in the text, and the grouping process has already been... Figure 3 As explained in the documentation, during the grouping process, each device can transmit messages at the application layer.

[0114] Figures 8 to 15 They can include the same header structure. Here, the header section is referred to as "Header". The "Code" field in the header section can contain pre-defined values ​​to distinguish the types of messages.

[0115] For example, depending on the message type, the "Code" field has values ​​from 0x00 to 0x07.

[0116] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates the structure of a master group information request message transmitted from a slave device to a master device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The master group information request message (Master_Group_Info_Request Message) is a message from the slave device to the master device requesting group information. The slave device can utilize the group identifier (Group ID) or group name (Group Name) obtained during the aforementioned discovery process.

[0117] like Figure 8 As shown, the "Code" field is set to the example value 0x00. The "Group ID" field contains the identifier of the group from which the slave device wants to obtain information, and the "Group Name" field contains the name of the group from which the slave device wants to obtain information. In the case of the name, it can be stored in the message as a variable-size string. The "Slave Source Id" is the identifier of the slave device requesting the information.

[0118] Figure 9 This diagram illustrates the structure of a master device group information response message transmitted from a master device to a slave device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The master device group information response message (Master_Group_Info_Response Message) is a message containing group information transmitted from the master device to the slave device, including information related to the aforementioned... Figure 8 The process requests information about the group.

[0119] like Figure 9 As shown, the "Code" field is set to the example value 0x01. The "Group Id" field contains the identifier of the group when the master device provides group information to the slave device, and the "Group Name" field contains the name of the group when the master device provides group information to the slave device. In the case of the name, it can be stored in the message as a variable-size string.

[0120] Additionally, the "Master Source Id" is the identification information for the master device in this group, and the "Master IPv4 / IPv6 Address" is the IP address (IPv4 or IPv6) of the master device. The "Group Information" field contains information related to the group. The "Group Information" field contains a list of slave devices currently belonging to this group.

[0121] The "Group Information" field contains fields related to length and number of devices (DeviceName). In addition, each device type (the form of the home appliance) is listed in a list format such as Device Type 1, Device Type 2, etc.

[0122] Figure 10 This diagram illustrates the structure of a group registration request message transmitted from a slave device to a master device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The slave group registration request message contains the content of the slave device requesting to register with a specific group and providing its own information to the master device.

[0123] like Figure 10 As shown, the "Code" field is set to the example value 0x02. The "Group Id" field is the identifier of the group to which you wish to register. The "Slave Source Id" is the identifier of the slave device requesting registration with the group. The "Slave IPv4 / IPv6 Address" is the IP address (IPv4 or IPv6) of the slave device. The "Slave Device Type" indicates the type of home appliance for which the slave device requesting registration with the group is located.

[0124] Figure 11 This diagram illustrates the structure of a group registration response message transmitted from a master device to a slave device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The group registration response message (Slave_Group_Registration_Response Message) contains the result of the master device's registration request to the slave device. The value of the "Code" field is set to the exemplary value 0x03. The "Master Device Type" indicates the type of home appliance the master device is. Figure 10 The same field Figure 10 The explanation is replaced.

[0125] "Result" contains Figure 10 The processing result of the group registration request message, "FailCause," includes the reason for the failure and related information when group registration fails. The failure reason can be pre-coded information, in which case the slave and master devices can share the status of the coded information.

[0126] Figure 12 This diagram illustrates the structure of a group registration cancellation request message transmitted by a master device to a slave device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The master device group registration cancellation request message is a message sent by the master device to cause a specific slave device to deregister from the group.

[0127] The "Code" field is set to the example value 0x04. The "Group Id" field is the identifier of the group from which you wish to deregister the slave device. The "Master Source Id" field is the identifier of the master device in the group. The "Slave Source Id" field is the identifier of the slave device from which you wish to deregister the slave device.

[0128] Figure 13 This is a master device group registration cancellation response message transmitted by a slave device to a master device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The master device group registration cancellation response message is sent by the slave device to the master device in response to... Figure 12 The message is a response sent to the master device.

[0129] The "Code" field is set to the example value 0x05. The "Group Id" field is the identifier of the group from which you wish to deregister the slave device. The "Master Source Id" field is the identifier of the master device in the group. The "Slave Source Id" field is the identifier of the slave device from which you wish to deregister the slave device.

[0130] From the main device ( Figure 3 200a) received Figure 12 The slave device of the message ( Figure 3 200b) exits the group and sends a response message about the exit ( Figure 13 ) transmitted to the main device ( Figure 3 (200a).

[0131] Figure 14This is a slave device group registration cancellation request message transmitted from a slave device to a master device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The group registration cancellation request message is a message transmitted by a slave device to a master device in order to cancel its registration from the group it belongs to.

[0132] The "Code" field is set to the example value 0x06. The "Group Id" field is the identifier of the group to be deregistered. The "Master Source Id" field is the identification information of the master device in the group. The "Slave Source Id" field is the identifier of the slave device to be deregistered from the group.

[0133] Figure 15 This is a slave device group registration cancellation response message transmitted by the master device to the slave device in one embodiment of the present invention. The slave device group registration cancellation response message is sent by the master device as a response to... Figure 14 The message response is sent to the slave device.

[0134] The "Code" field is set to the example value 0x07. The "Group ID" field is the group identifier for which you want to deregister the slave device. The "Master Source Id" is the identification information for the master device in this group. The "Slave Source ID" field is the identifier for the slave device for which you want to deregister from the group.

[0135] Subordinate equipment ( Figure 3 (200n) received Figure 14 The message master device ( Figure 3 200a) enables the slave device ( Figure 3 The 200n) exits the group and goes to the slave device ( Figure 3 (200n) transmits a response message for exiting ( Figure 15 ).

[0136] The aforementioned form and type of home appliances can be set as shown in the table below. These settings can vary depending on the implementation method. The device type can also be set separately for specific models within a product group.

[0137] [Table 1]

[0138] Figure 16This is a diagram illustrating the constituent elements of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 16 This refers to the constituent elements according to an embodiment of the master device or the constituent elements according to an embodiment of the slave device.

[0139] The home appliance 200 may include an equipment control unit 250, an equipment communication unit 290, and a function control unit 210. In addition, the home appliance 200 may also include other components required by the home appliance to provide the specified functions.

[0140] The device control unit 250 can provide operating system services for the home appliance 200, and can be implemented using hardware such as a chip or PCB. When implemented in hardware, the device control unit 250 can be represented as an OSP (OS Service PCB) or OSC (OS Service Chip). The device control unit 250 may include learning models or inference models for artificial intelligence services, or store related data. In this case, the device control unit 250 can provide artificial intelligence services.

[0141] The device communication unit 290 provides the functionality required for the home appliance 200 to communicate with other servers or devices. For example, the device communication unit 290 can be implemented using hardware such as a chip that communicates according to a specific communication protocol or a PCB. In the case of hardware implementation, the device communication unit 290 can be implemented as a Wi-Fi chip.

[0142] The function control unit 210 enables the home appliance 200 to control the inherent functions of the home appliance, and can be implemented using hardware such as a chip or PCB. When implemented in hardware, the function control unit 210 can be represented as LCP (Load Control PCB) or LCC (Load Control Chip).

[0143] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the device control unit 250 and the device communication unit 290 can be implemented using a single chip or PCB, or other hardware. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the device control unit 250, the device communication unit 290, and the function control unit 210 can be implemented using a single chip or PCB, or other hardware. According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the device control unit 250, the device communication unit 290, and the function control unit 210 can each be implemented using software modules.

[0144] The following explains... Figure 16 When the device is operated as the main device, the various constituent elements of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0145] The device communication unit 290 communicates with the user terminal and slave devices. The device control unit 250 generates messages to be transmitted to the user terminal and slave devices. After the device communication unit 290 receives a message from the user terminal notifying it that it is the master device of the group ( Figure 2 (S3), the device communication unit 290 can send and receive IP layer (Internet Protocol Layer) messages with the slave device in order to perform a discovery process with the slave device. Figure 2 (S11 to S17).

[0146] During the discovery process, the device communication unit 290 can send and receive IP layer messages with the slave device under the control of the device control unit 250. Alternatively, during the discovery process, the device communication unit 290 can utilize the information provided by the device control unit 250 and can automatically send and receive IP layer messages with the slave device without additional control from the device control unit 250.

[0147] On the other hand, the device control unit 250 can control the device communication unit 250 to send and receive application layer messages with the slave device in order to perform a grouping process with the slave device.

[0148] During the discovery process performed from the perspective of the master device, the device control unit 250 controls the device communication unit 290 to perform the discovery process, and after receiving the IP layer router request message from the slave device, it transmits the router advertisement message to the slave device.

[0149] Here, previously Figure 4 The document describes an example where, in the case of an IPv4 Router Solicitation Message, the Code field is set to a pre-agreed value.

[0150] On the other hand, previously in Figure 6 The document describes an example where the Type field is set to a pre-defined value when the router request message is an IPv4 Router Solicitation Message (IPv6).

[0151] In addition, router advertisement messages can contain more than one group identification information and the IP address of the master device for each group.

[0152] Here, previously Figure 5The document describes an embodiment in which, when the router advertisement message is an IPv4 Router Advertisement Message, the device control unit 250 or the device communication unit 290 sets the value of the Code field of the router advertisement message to a pre-agreed value.

[0153] On the other hand, previously in Figure 7 The document describes an embodiment in which, when the router advertisement message is an IPv6 Router Advertisement Message, the device control unit 250 or the device communication unit 290 sets the value of the Type field in the Option of the router advertisement message to a pre-agreed value.

[0154] like Figure 3 As shown, the application layer messages sent and received by the master device can be classified into messages transmitted during the packetization process and messages received.

[0155] As an example, the device control unit 250 can control the device communication unit 290 to transmit any one of the following messages to the slave device in order to perform the grouping process: master device group information response message, slave device group registration response message, master device group registration cancellation request message, and slave device group registration cancellation response message.

[0156] As another embodiment, the device communication unit 290 can receive any one of the following messages from the slave device: master device group information request message, slave device group registration request message, master device group registration cancellation response message, and slave device group registration cancellation request message.

[0157] The following explains... Figure 16 When the device operates as a subordinate device, the various constituent elements of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0158] The device communication unit 290 communicates with the user terminal and the master device. The device control unit 250 generates messages to be transmitted to the user terminal and the master device. After the device communication unit 290 receives a message from the user terminal notifying it that it is a slave device of the group ( Figure 2 (S4, S5), the device communication unit 290 can send and receive IP layer (Internet Protocol Layer) messages with the master device in order to perform the discovery process with the master device (see S4, S5). Figure 2 (S11 to S17).

[0159] During the discovery process, the device communication unit 290 can send and receive IP layer messages with the master device under the control of the device control unit 250. Alternatively, during the discovery process, the device communication unit 290 can utilize the information provided by the device control unit 250 and automatically send and receive IP layer messages with the master device without additional control from the device control unit 250.

[0160] On the other hand, the device control unit 250 can control the device communication unit 250 to send and receive application layer messages with the master device, so as to perform a grouping process with the master device.

[0161] During the discovery process performed from the perspective of the subordinate device, the device control unit 250 controls the device communication unit 290 to perform the discovery process, and after sending an IP layer router request message to the master device, it receives a router advertisement message from the master device.

[0162] Here, previously Figure 4 The document describes an embodiment in which, when the router request message is an IPv4 Router Solicitation Message, the device control unit 250 or the device communication unit 290 sets the value of the Code field to a pre-agreed value.

[0163] On the other hand, previously in Figure 6 The document describes an embodiment in which the device control unit 250 or the device communication unit 290 sets the value of the Type field to a pre-agreed value when the router request message is an IPv4 Router Solicitation Message (IPv6).

[0164] In addition, router advertisement messages can contain more than one group identification information and the IP address of the master device for each group.

[0165] Here, previously Figure 5 The document describes an example where, in the case of an IPv4 Router Advertisement Message, the Code field of the router advertisement message is set to a pre-agreed value.

[0166] On the other hand, previously in Figure 7 This document describes an example where, in the case of an IPv6 Router Advertisement Message, the value of the Type field in the Option field of the Router Advertisement Message is set to a pre-agreed value.

[0167] like Figure 3 As shown, the application layer messages sent and received by the slave device can be classified into messages transmitted during the packetization process and messages received.

[0168] As one embodiment, the device control unit 250 can control the device communication unit 290 to transmit any one of the following messages to the master device in order to perform the grouping process: master device group information request message, slave device group registration request message, master device group registration cancellation response message, and slave device group registration cancellation request message.

[0169] As another embodiment, the device communication unit 290 can receive any one of the following messages from the master device: master device group information response message, slave device group registration response message, master device group registration cancellation request message, and slave device group registration cancellation response message.

[0170] When applying the aforementioned embodiments, communication between the master device and the slave device can be achieved using data at the physical layer of data transmission or messages at the IP layer via a communication protocol (e.g., Wi-Fi protocol) built into the device communication unit 290 of the home appliance. As one embodiment, a router discovery protocol can be applied during the discovery process, allowing the home appliance to perform packet processing at the application layer and provide services based on artificial intelligence and packet processing.

[0171] When applying the aforementioned embodiments, a plurality of home appliances can form a group. In this case, the group can consist of one master device and one or more slave devices, with the master device operating as a Wi-Fi soft access point (AP). Additionally, the slave devices can operate as Wi-Fi base stations.

[0172] Furthermore, the master device can provide specific services to the slave device and control the slave device. The slave device can receive specific services from the master device.

[0173] The services provided by the master device to the slave device can vary depending on the functions provided by the device. Taking the application of artificial intelligence technology as an example, this is an example.

[0174] The master and slave devices are configured through the user terminal.

[0175] Figure 17This diagram illustrates the actions between a master device and slave devices forming a group using the Wi-Fi protocol, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The G1 group generated in an IPv4 or IPv6 network includes a master device (G1-M) 200a and a plurality of slave devices 200b, 200c, 200j, 200m, and 200n. The slave devices are respectively represented as G1-S1, G1-S2, G1-S3, G1-Sm, and G1-Sn.

[0176] The master device 200a and slave devices 200b, 200c, 200j, 200m, and 200n can send and receive control data generated by the device and user data generated by each device.

[0177] When applying embodiments of the present invention, wireless resources can be used effectively in the process of providing various services by grouping home appliances that utilize Wi-Fi wireless technology.

[0178] That is, through a grouping process that includes individual home appliances in specific groups, a home appliance (e.g., a master appliance) can simultaneously control multiple home appliances (e.g., slave appliances). For this purpose, groups can be automatically generated for home appliances. Specifically, groups can be automatically generated based on the performance characteristics provided by each home appliance.

[0179] Alternatively, multiple groups can be created within a home network depending on the purpose, and a home appliance can join multiple groups simultaneously.

[0180] Furthermore, when applying embodiments of the present invention, wireless resources can be used efficiently. Here, since group information is sent and received only when it is necessary to share group information between devices, signaling overhead can be minimized.

[0181] Furthermore, when applying embodiments of the present invention, the quality of user data can be improved. For example, by minimizing signaling used for hold groups, the communication protocols of home appliances can be applied to maximize the use of wireless resources for user data transmission and reception.

[0182] Furthermore, by designing to adapt to future networks, embodiments of the invention can continue to be applied even as the network changes. For example, the configuration of the invention can also be used in IPv6 networks in addition to IPv4 networks. Additionally, since Wi-Fi technology is used, common communication protocols can be used. That is, by partially modifying and using the message structures of IPv4 router discovery technology (RFC1256) and IPv6 router discovery technology (RFC4861), the advantages of using Wi-Fi technology while utilizing packet technology are achieved.

[0183] Furthermore, various useful services can be provided to users by utilizing the AI ​​module installed in the device control unit 250 of the home appliances. That is, the group of home appliances can provide various services to users. In particular, various services can be provided by linking with AI technology built into the home appliances.

[0184] Next, an embodiment of providing group services for the home appliances included in the group will be described.

[0185] Figure 18 This diagram illustrates the process by which a household appliance belonging to a group according to an embodiment of the present invention provides a service for recommending today's menu or confirming my recipes. According to an embodiment of the present invention, if a user makes a menu recommendation request to oven 200j, oven 200j can output various menu recommendation information through the group.

[0186] As one embodiment, the air conditioner 200a is the main equipment, and the refrigerator 200b, the kimchi refrigerator 200c, and the oven 200j are the subordinate equipment.

[0187] Users can request menu recommendations from oven 200j via voice or text, or by pressing a button. Specifically, the user inputs a menu recommendation request message (Request Message) into oven 200j (S51). Oven 200j then sends a request related to ingredients (Ingredient List Request Message) to the main device, air conditioner 200a (S52). Air conditioner 200a then sends messages requesting ingredient information (Ingredient Information Request Messages) to the related home appliances, refrigerator 200b and kimchi refrigerator 200c (S53a, S53b).

[0188] Furthermore, air conditioner 200a receives response messages (ingredient information response messages) related to ingredient information from refrigerator 200b and kimchi refrigerator 200c (S54a, S54b). Air conditioner 200a generates an ingredient list from the received messages and transmits the ingredient list response message to oven 200j (S57). Then, oven 200j uses the ingredients included in the ingredient list response message to output a menu recommendation response message (S58).

[0189] exist Figure 18 In this embodiment, the air conditioner 200a, acting as the main device, and the refrigerator 200b, kimchi refrigerator 200c, and oven 200j, acting as subordinate devices, can form a group and send and receive necessary information. As a result, if a user requests a menu recommendation from the oven 200j, the oven 200j requests a list of remaining ingredients in the refrigerator 200b / kimchi refrigerator 200c from the air conditioner 200a, which is acting as the main device.

[0190] Furthermore, the air conditioner 200a, which is a home appliance excluding food ingredients, routes a message requesting food ingredient information to the refrigerator 200b and the kimchi refrigerator 200c. The air conditioner 200a can then provide the received information to the oven 200j, which can then recommend a menu to the user based on the remaining ingredients in the refrigerator 200b.

[0191] As mentioned above, the convenience for users is improved because information about home appliances can be confirmed through groups.

[0192] Figure 18 The embodiments can also be applied to the process of confirming whether a dish on a particular menu is feasible.

[0193] Users can store their favorite cooking recipes in the oven. Additionally, they can enter a list of main ingredients for each recipe. For example, users can enter recipes and ingredients through the "My Menu Recipe Registration" process provided by the oven 200j. Alternatively, the oven 200j can download recipe information from the internet or user terminal 100. Furthermore, if the user selects a recipe from "My Menu Recipe List," the main device 200a of the group can check whether the ingredient is available in the refrigerator or kimchi refrigerator based on that selection.

[0194] Let's explain in more detail. We'll assume the user has pre-entered their recipe information into the oven 200j.

[0195] As one example, a user can input multiple recipes into the oven 200j. For instance, the user inputs ingredients 1, 2, and 3 as the first recipe information, ingredients 1, 3, and 4 as the second recipe information, and ingredients 5, 6, and 1 as the third recipe information.

[0196] Furthermore, the user inputs the following into oven 200j: Figure 18 Instead of S51, a menu confirmation request message is sent in S61. This is an example of a scenario where the user selects a recipe from the recipes registered to oven 200j.

[0197] The process from S61 to S52 and S57 follows the previous steps. Figure 18 Same. Alternatively, the process of the air conditioner 200a, as the main unit, confirming whether the ingredients for the selected recipe are in the refrigerator 200b / kimchi refrigerator 200c can replace S52 to S57.

[0198] Afterwards, the oven 200j, upon receiving the ingredient list or whether the ingredients exist, can output a menu confirmation response message (S68).

[0199] The above explanations are summarized as follows.

[0200] Oven 200j requests a list of remaining ingredients in refrigerator 200b / kimchi refrigerator 200c from the main device, i.e., air conditioner 200a (S52). Furthermore, if the main device is not refrigerator 200b or kimchi refrigerator 200c, it sends routing request messages to both refrigerator 200b and kimchi refrigerator 200c. As a result, air conditioner 200a receives the ingredient information.

[0201] Based on the remaining ingredients in refrigerator 200a, oven 200j outputs whether the user-selected menu can be cooked (S68). If the ingredients for that menu are not available, it can output the ingredients currently not in refrigerator 200b or kimchi refrigerator 200c, or conversely, output a list of ingredients currently stored in refrigerator 200b or kimchi refrigerator 200c. As a result, oven 200j can output whether it is currently in a state where it can cook the user's preferred menu; if it cannot cook, it can output what ingredients are currently missing.

[0202] Figure 18 The embodiments can be applied to a first slave device (e.g., 200b, 200c) and a second slave device 200j registered to a group, wherein the first slave devices 200b and 200c are household appliances for storing food and the second slave device 200j is a household appliance for cooking food.

[0203] The main device 200a can collect and store the ingredient information stored in the first slave devices 200b and 200c in correspondence with the menu recommendation or menu confirmation message received from any of the first slave devices 200b, 200c or the second slave device 200j, and transmit it to the second slave device 200j.

[0204] right Figure 19 and Figure 20 An example of implementing a relay agent service will be described.

[0205] Figure 19 This diagram illustrates the configuration of a slave device in an embodiment of the present invention, whereby the slave device acts as a relay agent for other slave devices.

[0206] The indoor air conditioning units 200e, 200f, and 200g located in the bedrooms, and the indoor air conditioning unit 200h and dryer 200i located in the basement (a communication dead zone) are all slave devices. They are grouped under the management of the outdoor air conditioning unit 200d. Each slave device can be controlled by the outdoor air conditioning unit 200d, which acts as the master device.

[0207] That is, one outdoor unit and multiple indoor units of an air conditioner can use wireless Wi-Fi to replace wired RS485 communication. In this case, when a specific indoor unit 200h is located in a Wi-Fi dead zone relative to the main unit and cannot communicate normally with the outdoor unit 200d (the main unit), the indoor unit 200h can use a slave device, namely the dryer 200i, configured between the indoor unit 200h and the main unit, as a relay agent to communicate with the outdoor unit 200d. Here, the dryer 200i acts as a relay agent.

[0208] In summary, because the indoor unit 200h of the air conditioner in the basement is located in a communication dead zone, direct communication with the outdoor unit 200d, which is the main unit, is limited. Therefore, the indoor unit 200h of the air conditioner in the basement can use the dryer 200i as a relay agent to communicate with the outdoor unit 200d, which is the main unit.

[0209] Figure 20 This diagram illustrates the configuration in which a master device, according to an embodiment of the present invention, functions as a relay agent for a slave device.

[0210] If the washing machine 200k, which is part of the group managed by the air conditioner outdoor unit 200d, is located in a Wi-Fi dead zone, the washing machine 200k cannot communicate with the external server 300. As the master device, the air conditioner outdoor unit 200d can transmit data from the washing machines 200k in the group to the AP (Access Point) 10, enabling the server 300 to receive data from the washing machines 200k. Similarly, the air conditioner outdoor unit 200d can also receive data from the server 300 to the washing machines 200k from the AP 10 and transmit it to the washing machines 200k.

[0211] tidy Figure 19 and Figure 20 When a specific slave device is in a blind spot relative to the indoor AP10, it can communicate with the external server 300 through the "Relay Agent Service".

[0212] exist Figure 19 In the case where the first slave device 200h and the second slave device 200i are registered to the group, and the first slave device 200h is configured in a communication dead zone, the first slave device 200h can set the second slave device 200i as a relay and use the second slave device 200i to transmit data to the master device 200a.

[0213] exist Figure 20In the case where the first slave device 200k is registered to the group and configured in a communication dead zone, the first slave device 200k can set the master device 200a as a relay and use the master device 200a to transmit data to the access point 10.

[0214] In countries like the US and Europe, where it's difficult to provide service throughout a large house with a single Wi-Fi access point, a "relay agent service" can be used to deliver various services to users. This extends the reach of the physical network.

[0215] Figure 21 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0216] User terminal 100 can generate a group of multiple home appliances in a home network system. User terminal 100 may include terminal control unit 150, terminal communication unit 190, and terminal interface unit 110, and may also include other components required for the operation of user terminal 100.

[0217] The terminal communication unit 190 communicates with two or more home appliances. The terminal control unit 150 processes the group settings of the home appliances. The terminal interface unit 110 displays information related to the group settings of the home appliances or receives selection input.

[0218] In addition, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As explained, the terminal control unit 150 generates a first message notifying the master device belonging to the group that it is the master device of the group. Furthermore, the terminal control unit 150 generates a second message notifying the slave devices belonging to the group that it is a slave device of the group. Additionally, the terminal communication unit 190 transmits the first message to the master device and the second message to the slave devices. (See reference...) Figure 2 S3 to S5.

[0219] During the group setting process, the terminal control unit 150 displays a plurality of home appliances in a list form on the terminal interface unit 110, and provides the terminal interface unit 110 with recommendation group information that recommends these home appliances into a group based on various criteria, so that the terminal interface unit 110 can display the recommendation group information.

[0220] For example, the terminal control unit 150 can generate recommended groups based on the physical location of home appliances. Alternatively, the terminal control unit 150 can generate recommended groups based on the distance between home appliances. For example, home appliances located in specific spaces (rooms, living rooms, kitchens, etc.) can be grouped separately. When the terminal interface unit 110 displays information recommending home appliances located in rooms and living rooms as one group, and home appliances located in the kitchen and laundry room as another group, the user can more easily set up groups. In addition, the terminal control unit 150 can group home appliances that are physically close together into a single recommended group.

[0221] In addition, the terminal control unit 150 can set the first and second home appliances as a recommended group based on the communication range of the home appliances, so that the first home appliance located in a blind spot can communicate with the second home appliance located nearby and not in the blind spot. Furthermore, the terminal control unit 150 can set the recommended group based on the functions provided by the home appliances.

[0222] With the recommended group information displayed on the terminal interface 110 as described above, the user can easily set up the group.

[0223] After setting up a group, the user terminal 100 can remove the group. For example, the terminal control unit 150 can generate a group removal message to remove the group, and the terminal communication unit 190 can transmit the group removal message to the master device. In this case, the master device can transmit a master device group registration cancellation request message to all slave devices included in the group. Figure 3 (S26).

[0224] In addition, the user terminal 100 can generate condition information for canceling the registration of a slave device. For example, the terminal control unit 150 can generate condition information based on the time information after the slave device has been registered in the group and then canceled (e.g., after 50 hours after registration), or communication conditions that prevent registration from being maintained (e.g., the size or frequency of data sent or received reaches a specified threshold).

[0225] Subsequently, the terminal communication unit 190 transmits the condition information to the master device or slave device. As a result, if the cancellation condition information is met after group registration, the master device or slave device can send a master device group registration cancellation request message. Figure 3 S26) or subordinate device group registration cancellation request message ( Figure 3 (S28).

[0226] In embodiments of the present invention, any home appliance can be used to create a group, and any home appliance can also become a master device. In this case, the master device can perform Wi-Fi Soft AP operations. Conventionally, only one network is formed centered around a single Wi-Fi AP; however, in embodiments of the present invention, various groups can each form a network, and the configuration of these networks can be dynamically adjusted.

[0227] In particular, user convenience is improved because the user terminal can automatically generate groups when designating a master device or operating a device for a specific home appliance.

[0228] In addition, multiple groups can be created using the same type of home appliance, based on its purpose, location, or specific grouping principles. A single home appliance can join multiple groups simultaneously. That is, a home appliance can participate in multiple groups.

[0229] Furthermore, to establish a home network group for home appliances, a highly efficient new protocol can be applied to the discovery and grouping process. With the new protocol, instead of periodically sending broadcast messages to create a group, messages are sent on demand, thus enabling efficient use of Wi-Fi resources during group creation.

[0230] In addition, various AI-based services can be provided to users in a group-centric manner.

[0231] When applying embodiments of the present invention, home appliances (e.g., LG UP appliances) can be automatically grouped, and various user services can be provided to users of these appliances through a home network. Because multiple devices can be grouped in various ways, the limitation of forming only one network centered around a single Wi-Fi AP in the home is overcome.

[0232] In particular, any home appliance can become a master device and perform the function of a Wi-Fi Soft AP. Thus, a group is automatically generated when a user terminal specifies the master and slave devices using a specific application (e.g., the ThinQ application).

[0233] User terminal 100 can create multiple groups using specific home appliances based on purpose, location, or specific grouping principles, and a single home appliance can join multiple groups simultaneously, thereby enabling an efficient and flexible home network.

[0234] In addition, a Wi-Fi chip inside a home appliance can simultaneously support both station mode and soft AP mode, and can function as either a master or slave device.

[0235] Furthermore, even when network connections are established among the various devices, a slave device can exit the group due to timeout based on specified conditions. Additionally, if a specific device is located in a network dead zone, it can use other master or slave devices as relays for external communication.

[0236] The foregoing describes all the constituent elements constituting the embodiments of the present invention combined into one or more and operating in combination. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of the present invention, all constituent elements may also be selectively combined into more than one for operation. Furthermore, all the above-described constituent elements may be implemented by a separate piece of hardware, or by a computer program having program modules in which some or all of the constituent elements may be selectively combined and perform some or all of the combined functions in one or more pieces of hardware. The code and code segments constituting the above-described computer program can be readily derived by those skilled in the art. The above-described computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium and read and executed by a computer to implement the embodiments of the present invention. Storage media for computer programs include magnetic storage media, optical storage media, semiconductor storage elements, and other storage media. Additionally, the computer program implementing the embodiments of the present invention includes program modules that are transmitted in real time via an external device.

[0237] The above description focuses on embodiments of the present invention, but those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications. Therefore, it should be understood that all such changes and modifications should be included within the scope of the present invention without departing from its scope.

[0238] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0239] 10: Access Point 100: User Terminal

[0240] 200: Home appliances; 300: Servers

Claims

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

2. The user terminal according to claim 1, wherein, The terminal control unit displays a plurality of home appliances in a list on the terminal interface, and controls the terminal interface to display recommended group information on the terminal interface based on any one or more of the following: the physical location of the home appliances, the distance between the home appliances, the communication range of the home appliances, and the functions provided by the home appliances.

3. The user terminal according to claim 1, wherein, The terminal control unit generates a group release message to remove the group, and the terminal communication unit transmits the group release message to the master device.

4. The user terminal according to claim 1, wherein, The terminal control unit generates condition information for the slave device registered to the group to cancel the registration; The terminal communication unit transmits the condition information to the master device or the slave device.

5. A main device, wherein, include: The equipment communication department communicates with user terminals and subordinate devices. as well as The device control unit generates messages to be transmitted to the user terminal and the slave device; After receiving a message from the user terminal that it is the master device of the group, the device communication unit sends and receives Internet Protocol layer messages with the slave device in order to perform a discovery process with the slave device. In order to perform the grouping process for the slave device and the group, the device control unit controls the device communication unit to send and receive application layer messages with the slave device.

6. The main equipment according to claim 5, wherein, In order to perform the discovery process, the device control unit controls the device communication unit to send a router announcement message to the slave device after receiving a router request message from the Internet Protocol layer. When the router request message is an Internet Protocol version 4 (IP4) router request message, the value of the code field is set to a pre-agreed value; When the router request message is an Internet Protocol version 6 (IPL) router request message, the value of the type field is set to a pre-agreed value.

7. The main equipment according to claim 6, wherein, The router announcement message includes identification information for one or more groups and the Internet Protocol address for the master device of each group; When the router advertisement message is an Internet Protocol version 4 (IP4) router advertisement message, the device control unit sets the value of the code field of the router advertisement message to a pre-agreed value; When the router advertisement message is an Internet Protocol version 6 (IPL) router advertisement message, the device control unit sets the value of the type field in the options of the router advertisement message to a pre-agreed value.

8. The main equipment according to claim 5, wherein, In order to execute the grouping process, the device control unit controls the device communication unit to transmit any one of the following messages to the slave device: master device group information response message, slave device group registration response message, master device group registration cancellation request message, and slave device group registration cancellation response message.

9. The main equipment according to claim 5, wherein, The device communication unit receives from the slave device any one of the following messages: master device group information request message, slave device group registration request message, master device group registration cancellation response message, and slave device group registration cancellation request message.

10. A subordinate device, wherein, include: The equipment communication department communicates with user terminals and main equipment. as well as The device control unit generates messages to be transmitted to the user terminal and the main device; After receiving a message from the user terminal that it is a slave device of the group, the device communication unit sends and receives Internet Protocol layer messages with the master device in order to perform a discovery process with the master device. In order to perform a grouping process for the master device and the group, the device control unit controls the device communication unit to send and receive application layer messages with the master device.

11. The dependent device according to claim 10, wherein, In order to perform the discovery process, the device control unit controls the device communication unit to transmit an Internet Protocol layer router request message to the master device and then receives a router advertisement message from the master device. When the router request message is an Internet Protocol version 4 (IP4) router request message, the device control unit sets the value of the code field to a pre-agreed value; When the router request message is an Internet Protocol version 6 (IPL) router request message, the device control unit sets the value of the type field to a pre-agreed value.

12. The dependent device according to claim 11, wherein, The router announcement message includes identification information for one or more groups and the Internet Protocol address for the master device of each group; When the router advertisement message is an Internet Protocol version 4 (IP4) router advertisement message, the value of the code field of the router advertisement message is set to a pre-agreed value; When the router advertisement message is an Internet Protocol version 6 (IPL) router advertisement message, the value of the type field in the options of the router advertisement message is set to a pre-agreed value.

13. The dependent device according to claim 10, wherein, The device communication unit receives from the master device any one of the following messages: master device group information response message, slave device group registration response message, master device group registration cancellation request message, and slave device group registration cancellation response message.

14. The dependent device according to claim 10, wherein, In order to execute the grouping process, the device control unit controls the device communication unit to transmit any one of the following messages to the master device: master device group information request message, slave device group registration request message, master device group registration cancellation response message, and slave device group registration cancellation request message.

15. A method for setting up a group in a home network system, the method being an operational method for two or more home appliances and user terminals constituting the home network system, wherein, The method includes: The steps are as follows: The user terminal sets up a group for two or more home appliances, and sends a first message to the master device in the home appliances, which is the master device of the group, and sends a second message to the slave device in the home appliances, which is the slave device of the group. The steps of the master device and the slave device sending and receiving Internet Protocol layer messages to perform the discovery process after each receiving the first message and the second message; and The master device and the slave device send and receive application layer messages after the discovery process in order to perform a packetization process.

16. The method for setting up a group in a home network system according to claim 15, wherein, It also includes the step of the user terminal generating a group removal message to remove the group and transmitting it to the master device.

17. The method for setting up a group in a home network system according to claim 15, wherein, It also includes the step of the user terminal generating condition information for the slave device registered to the group to cancel the registration, and transmitting the condition information to the master device or the slave device.

18. The method for setting up a group in a home network system according to claim 15, wherein, It also includes a step of collecting information about the food stored in the first slave device in accordance with menu recommendation messages and menu confirmation messages received from either the first slave device or the second slave device when the first slave device is a home appliance for storing food and the second slave device is a home appliance for cooking food, after the master device has registered to the group.

19. The method for setting up a group in a home network system according to claim 15, wherein, It also includes the step of, when a first slave device and a second slave device register to the group, and the first slave device is configured in a communication dead zone, the first slave device sets the second slave device as a relay and uses the second slave device to transmit data to the master device or access point.

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