Electronic apparatus and controlling method thereof

Abstract

An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device includes a first communication interface, a second communication interface, and a processor that controls the first communication interface to connect to a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) network, and when a Wi-Fi signal is received from an Access Point (AP) device through the second communication interface, identifies the strength of the received Wi-Fi signal, transmits information regarding the strength of the received Wi-Fi signal to the AP device through the second communication interface, and when response information corresponding to the information transmitted from the AP device through the second communication interface is received, identifies whether the electronic device is a main device among a plurality of electronic devices connected to the BLE network based on the received response information, and maintains Wi-Fi communication through the second communication interface or disables Wi-Fi communication based on the identification result.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device and a method for controlling the same, and more specifically, to an electronic device and a method for controlling the same that control a plurality of electronic devices via wireless communication. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, wireless communication technologies such as Wi-Fi are used to control multiple home appliances.

[0003] In particular, Wi-Fi technology utilizing routers is widely used to control various home appliances in the context of IoT (Internet of Things). By using the same router, users can control various home appliances that can recognize the Wi-Fi signal transmitted from the router.

[0004] Here, when controlling home appliances using only Wi-Fi, there may be a problem in that home appliances using short-range wireless communication methods such as Bluetooth, Zigbee, and Z-wave cannot be directly controlled.

[0005] Here, the user connects to a server to control various home appliances using a terminal device. The server is connected to a router, and commands issued by the user to the server are transmitted to multiple home appliances through the router. For commands transmitted from the server to be sent to multiple appliances via the router, the appliances must be connected to the server through the router. Specifically, the user must manually search for the home appliances to connect to the server from the terminal device and issue connection commands. Since the appliances do not automatically connect to the server even when powered on during the initial installation, there may be the inconvenience of the user having to perform the connection operation manually.

[0006] In addition, since multiple home appliances must be connected to a server via a router, they must always remain in a standby state to receive and respond to Wi-Fi signals. Here, there is a problem with increased standby power consumption from multiple home appliances. In reality, although receiving and responding to Wi-Fi signals takes only a short amount of time, since they must remain connected to the server at any time, multiple home appliances must always supply power to the communication interfaces related to Wi-Fi. Therefore, there may be a problem with multiple home appliances consuming a large amount of standby power.

[0007] Furthermore, when Wi-Fi signals are transmitted via a router, there is a problem where the signal cannot be detected depending on distance and structures. For example, home appliances located beyond a certain distance or those situated in spaces with complex wall structures may not receive a proper Wi-Fi signal. When Wi-Fi signals are not detected properly, users may face difficulties controlling home appliances via their devices. The problem to be solved

[0008] The present disclosure is designed to improve upon the aforementioned problems, and the purpose of the present disclosure is to provide an electronic device and a method for controlling the same that control a plurality of electronic devices using different wireless communication technologies. means of solving the problem

[0009] An electronic device according to the present embodiment for achieving the above-described purpose comprises a first communication interface, a second communication interface, and a processor for controlling the first communication interface to connect to a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) network, and when a Wi-Fi signal is received from an AP (Access Point) device through the second communication interface, identifying the strength of the received Wi-Fi signal and transmitting information regarding the strength of the received Wi-Fi signal to the AP device through the second communication interface, and when response information corresponding to the transmitted information is received from the AP device through the second communication interface, identifying whether the electronic device is a main device among a plurality of electronic devices connected to the BLE network based on the received response information, and maintaining Wi-Fi communication through the second communication interface or releasing Wi-Fi communication based on the identification result.

[0010] Here, the response information may include information indicating that each of the plurality of electronic devices that transmitted information about the strength of the Wi-Fi signal to the AP device is a main device or a sub device, and the processor may maintain the Wi-Fi communication if the electronic device is a main device among the plurality of electronic devices, and may disconnect the Wi-Fi communication if the electronic device is a sub device among the plurality of electronic devices.

[0011] Here, the main device may be any one of a refrigerator, an air conditioner, a video output device, a smart plug, or a smart bulb, and may be determined based on at least one of information on the strength of the Wi-Fi signal and standby power information.

[0012] Meanwhile, based on the identification result, the processor can transmit a control signal received through the AP device to at least one of the plurality of electronic devices through the first communication interface while the Wi-Fi connection through the second communication interface is maintained.

[0013] Additionally, the apparatus may further include a memory for storing identification information for each of the plurality of electronic devices, and the processor may determine whether to add the identified external device to the BLE network if the external device for which the identification information is not stored in the memory is identified in the BLE network.

[0014] Here, a display may be further included, and the processor may control the display to display a guide UI for adding the identified external device to the BLE network.

[0015] Additionally, the electronic device may further include a display, and the processor may transmit information about the identified external device to the AP device through the second communication interface, and when a control signal is received from the AP device to display a guide UI for adding the identified external device to the BLE network, the display may be controlled to display the guide UI.

[0016] Additionally, the processor may transmit a first signal, which controls the display of a guide UI for adding the identified external device to the BLE network, to a device including a display among the plurality of electronic devices through the first communication interface, and when a second signal, which instructs the device including the display to add the identified external device to the BLE network, is received through the first communication interface, the processor may add the external device to the BLE network and transmit identification information for the external device to the AP device through the second communication interface.

[0017] Meanwhile, when the processor receives a control signal from the AP device to communicate one of the plurality of electronic devices with an external device not connected to the BLE network via Wi-Fi Direct while the Wi-Fi connection through the second communication interface is maintained based on the identification result, the processor can transmit the control signal to one of the plurality of electronic devices through the first communication interface.

[0018] Here, one of the plurality of electronic devices may be a device located adjacent to one of the external devices.

[0019] A method for controlling an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: controlling a first communication interface to connect to a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) network; identifying the strength of the received Wi-Fi signal when a Wi-Fi signal is received from an AP (Access Point) device through a second communication interface; transmitting information regarding the strength of the received Wi-Fi signal to the AP device through the second communication interface; identifying whether the electronic device is a main device among a plurality of electronic devices connected to the BLE network based on the received response information when response information corresponding to the transmitted information is received from the AP device through the second communication interface; and maintaining Wi-Fi communication through the second communication interface or disconnecting Wi-Fi communication based on the identification result.

[0020] Here, the response information may include information indicating that each of the plurality of electronic devices that transmitted information about the strength of the Wi-Fi signal to the AP device is a main device or a sub device, and the step of maintaining the Wi-Fi communication or disabling the Wi-Fi communication may maintain the Wi-Fi communication if the electronic device is a main device among the plurality of electronic devices, and disabling the Wi-Fi communication if the electronic device is a sub device among the plurality of electronic devices.

[0021] Here, the main device may be any one of a refrigerator, an air conditioner, a video output device, a smart plug, or a smart bulb, and may be determined based on at least one of information on the strength of the Wi-Fi signal and standby power information.

[0022] Meanwhile, the above control method can transmit a control signal received through the AP device to at least one of the plurality of electronic devices through the first communication interface while the Wi-Fi connection through the second communication interface is maintained based on the identification result.

[0023] In addition, in a method for controlling an electronic device that stores identification information for each of the plurality of electronic devices, the control method may determine whether to add the identified external device to the BLE network when the external device for which the identification information is not stored is identified in the BLE network.

[0024] Here, the control method can control the display to display a guide UI for adding the identified external device to the BLE network.

[0025] Additionally, the control method can transmit information about the identified external device to the AP device through the second communication interface, and when a control signal is received from the AP device to display a guide UI for adding the identified external device to the BLE network, the control method can control the display to display the guide UI.

[0026] Additionally, the control method may transmit a first signal, which controls the display of a guide UI for adding the identified external device to the BLE network, to a device including a display among the plurality of electronic devices through the first communication interface, and when a second signal, which instructs the device including the display to add the identified external device to the BLE network, is received through the first communication interface, the external device may be added to the BLE network and identification information for the external device may be transmitted to the AP device through the second communication interface.

[0027] Meanwhile, the above control method can transmit the control signal to one of the plurality of electronic devices through the first communication interface when a control signal is received from the AP device to communicate one of the plurality of electronic devices with an external device not connected to the BLE network via Wi-Fi Direct while the Wi-Fi connection through the second communication interface is maintained based on the identification result.

[0028] Here, one of the plurality of electronic devices may be a device located adjacent to one of the external devices. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0029] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a remote control system that controls multiple electronic devices using Wi-Fi. Figure 2 is a drawing for explaining the space in which the remote control system of Figure 1 is used. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a remote control system that controls multiple electronic devices using Wi-Fi and BLE. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the space in which the remote control system of Figure 3 is used. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating the specific configuration of the electronic device of Figure 5. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of identifying a main device among a plurality of electronic devices. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating whether the Wi-Fi and BLE communication functions of multiple electronic devices are turned on or off. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining operations determined by a plurality of electronic devices in the embodiment of FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation performed in the embodiment of FIG. 8. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment in which an electronic device with a weak Wi-Fi signal is identified. FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining the space in which the remote control system of FIG. 11 is used. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of connecting to a server using a separate communication technology to an electronic device with a weak Wi-Fi signal. FIG. 14 is a drawing for explaining the space in which the remote control system of FIG. 13 is used. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed in the remote control system of FIG. 13. FIG. 16 is a drawing illustrating a method for adding a new device according to one embodiment when a new electronic device is recognized. FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation performed in the embodiment of FIG. 16. FIG. 18 is a drawing for explaining a method for adding a new device according to another embodiment when a new electronic device is recognized. FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation performed in the embodiment of FIG. 18. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a method for remotely controlling an electronic device that includes only a BLE communication module. FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0030] The present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0031] The terms used in the embodiments of this disclosure have been selected to be as widely used as possible, taking into account their functions within this disclosure; however, these terms may vary depending on the intent of those skilled in the art, case law, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Additionally, in specific cases, terms have been arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the relevant explanatory section of this disclosure. Therefore, terms used in this disclosure should be defined not merely by their names, but based on their meanings and the overall content of this disclosure.

[0032] In this specification, expressions such as “have,” “may have,” “include,” or “may include” indicate the presence of such features (e.g., numerical values, functions, operations, or components such as parts) and do not exclude the presence of additional features.

[0033] The expression "at least one of A or / and B" should be understood as representing either "A" or "B" or "A and B".

[0034] Expressions such as "first," "second," "first," or "second" used in this specification may modify various components regardless of order and / or importance, and are used only to distinguish one component from another and do not limit said components.

[0035] Where it is stated that a component (e.g., Component 1) is "(operatively or communicatively) coupled with / to" or "connected to" another component (e.g., Component 2), it should be understood that the component may be directly connected to the other component or connected through the other component (e.g., Component 3).

[0036] The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "consisting of" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0037] In the present disclosure, a "module" or "part" performs at least one function or operation and may be implemented in hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software. Additionally, a plurality of "modules" or a plurality of "parts" may be integrated into at least one module and implemented by at least one processor (not shown), except for a "module" or "part" that needs to be implemented in specific hardware.

[0038] In this specification, the term "user" may refer to a person using an electronic device or a device using an electronic device (e.g., an artificial intelligence electronic device).

[0039] An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0040] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a remote control system that controls multiple electronic devices using Wi-Fi.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 1, the remote control system may be composed of a plurality of electronic devices (100-1, 100-2, 100-3, 100-4, 100-5), an AP device (200), and a server (300).

[0042] A plurality of electronic devices (100-1, 100-2, 100-3, 100-4, 100-5) may be electronic devices that are subject to remote control. Specifically, a plurality of electronic devices (100-1 to 100-5) may be various IoT (Internet of Things) devices controlled through a server (300).

[0043] The AP (Access Point) device (200) may correspond to a router that transmits and receives Wi-Fi signals. Specifically, the AP device (200) can perform the function of connecting a plurality of electronic devices (100-1 to 100-5) and a server (300). Here, the AP device (200) can communicate with the plurality of electronic devices (100-1 to 100-5) via Wi-Fi signals, and the AP device (200) can exchange signals with the server (300) using various wired (or wireless) networks.

[0044] The server (300) can generate and transmit control commands for a plurality of electronic devices (100-1 to 100-5) through the AP device (200). Additionally, the server (300) can receive information regarding a plurality of electronic devices (100-1 to 100-5) through the AP device (200).

[0045] Figure 2 is a drawing for explaining the space in which the remote control system of Figure 1 is used.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 2, a plurality of electronic devices (100-1 to 100-5) and an AP device (200) may be placed in a specific space. The AP device (200) can communicate with each of the plurality of electronic devices (100-1 to 100-5) using a Wi-Fi signal. Here, since the plurality of electronic devices (100-1 to 100-5) exchange information through Wi-Fi signals, power must always be supplied to the communication interface related to Wi-Fi communication. Since the plurality of electronic devices (100-1 to 100-5) must always supply power to the communication interface related to Wi-Fi communication, a large amount of standby power may be consumed.

[0047] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a remote control system that controls multiple electronic devices using Wi-Fi and BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).

[0048] Referring to FIG. 3, a plurality of electronic devices (100-1 to 100-5) can be connected to each other using BLE signals. The plurality of electronic devices (100-1 to 100-5) according to FIG. 3 may be electronic devices including a BLE communication module. Additionally, according to an embodiment, the plurality of electronic devices (100-1 to 100-5) may be devices that additionally include various communication modules such as a Wi-Fi communication module, Zigbee, Z-wave, etc., in addition to the BLE communication module.

[0049] BLE can refer to Bluetooth technology capable of transmitting and receiving low-power, low-capacity data in the 2.4GHz frequency band with a range of approximately 10m. Additionally, BLE can be a technology that aims for low power, low cost, and simplicity over existing Bluetooth wireless communication technology. Since the unit of the operation cycle of BLE is 'ms' and most devices to which BLE is applied operate in sleep mode, power consumption can be low.

[0050] Accordingly, a plurality of electronic devices (100-1 to 100-5) can form a network using mutual BLE signals, and are described in this specification as 'BLE network (1000)'. That is, a plurality of electronic devices (100-1 to 100-5) can form a BLE network (1000), and any one of the plurality of electronic devices (100-1 to 100-5) can be connected to an AP device (200) via a Wi-Fi signal.

[0051] Here, the BLE network (1000) may be a mesh network. A mesh network may refer to a network structure that has a net-like shape. Specifically, a mesh network may refer to a network in which each node (corresponding to multiple electronic devices in FIG. 3) can communicate with one another even without being connected to a network hub.

[0052] Meanwhile, among the plurality of electronic devices (100-1 to 100-5), the device connected to the AP device (200) is described as the 'main device', and among the plurality of electronic devices (100-1 to 100-5), the device not connected to the AP device (200) is described as the 'sub device'. Referring to FIG. 3, the main device (100-1) can communicate with the AP device (200) via a Wi-Fi signal, and the sub devices (100-2, 100-3, 100-4, 100-5) do not use Wi-Fi signals and therefore may not be directly connected to the AP device (200). Therefore, in order for the sub devices (100-2, 100-3, 100-4, 100-5) to be connected to the AP device (200), they must pass through the main device (100-1). That is, the sub-devices (100-2, 100-3, 100-4, 100-5) can receive control commands from the server (300) through the main device (100-1) or transmit information through the main device (100-1). Meanwhile, specific operations for distinguishing between the main device (100-1) and the sub-devices (100-2 to 100-5) will be described later in FIGS. 5 and FIGS. 7.

[0053] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the space in which the remote control system of Figure 3 is used.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 4, a plurality of electronic devices (100-1 to 100-5) and an AP device (200) may be placed in a specific space. The AP device (200) can communicate with the main device (100-1) using a Wi-Fi signal. The main device (100-1) can communicate with the sub-devices (100-2 to 100-5) using a BLE signal. Since the sub-devices (100-2 to 100-5) communicate with other devices using only BLE signals, communication interface functions related to Wi-Fi signals may not be utilized. Therefore, since the sub-devices (100-2 to 100-5) do not need to supply power to the communication interface related to Wi-Fi, standby power consumption may be lower compared to the embodiment of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

[0055] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 5, the electronic device (100) may be composed of a communication interface (110) and a processor (120).

[0057] An electronic device (100) according to various embodiments of the present specification may include, for example, at least one of a smartphone, tablet PC, mobile phone, video phone, e-book reader, desktop PC, laptop PC, netbook computer, workstation, server, PDA, PMP (portable multimedia player), MP3 player, medical device, camera, or wearable device. The wearable device may include at least one of an accessory type (e.g., a watch, ring, bracelet, anklet, necklace, glasses, contact lens, or head-mounted device (HMD)), a fabric or clothing integrated type (e.g., electronic clothing), a body-attached type (e.g., skin pad or tattoo), or a bio-implantable circuit. In some embodiments, the electronic device may include at least one of, for example, a television, a DVD (digital video disk) player, an audio device, a refrigerator, an air conditioner, a vacuum cleaner, an oven, a microwave, a washing machine, an air purifier, a set-top box, a home automation control panel, a security control panel, a media box (e.g., Samsung HomeSync™, Apple TV™, or Google TV™), a game console (e.g., Xbox™, PlayStation™), an electronic dictionary, an electronic key, a camcorder, or a digital photo frame.

[0058] In another embodiment, the electronic device (100) may include at least one of various medical devices (e.g., various portable medical measuring devices (blood glucose meter, heart rate monitor, blood pressure monitor, or body temperature monitor, etc.), MRA (magnetic resonance angiography), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), CT (computed tomography), imaging device, or ultrasound device, etc.), navigation device, satellite navigation system (GNSS (global navigation satellite system)), EDR (event data recorder), FDR (flight data recorder), automotive infotainment device, marine electronic equipment (e.g., marine navigation device, gyrocompass, etc.), avionics, security device, vehicle head unit, industrial or household robot, drone, ATM of a financial institution, POS (point of sales) of a store, or Internet of Things device (e.g., light bulb, various sensors, sprinkler device, fire alarm, thermostat, street light, toaster, exercise equipment, hot water tank, heater, boiler, etc.).

[0059] In another embodiment, the electronic device (100) may include at least one of a smart plug and a smart bulb, and the electronic device (100) may be one of various IoT devices.

[0060] The communication interface (110) is a configuration that performs communication with various types of external devices according to various types of communication methods. The communication interface (110) includes a Wi-Fi module, a Bluetooth module, an infrared communication module, and a wireless communication module, etc. Here, each communication module can be implemented in the form of at least one hardware chip.

[0061] The communication interface (110) may include a first communication interface (111) and a second communication interface (112).

[0062] Here, the first communication interface (111) may be a communication interface including a Bluetooth module. In particular, the first communication interface (111) may include a low-power Bluetooth module and may communicate with a plurality of electronic devices using a BLE signal.

[0063] Here, the second communication interface (112) may be a communication interface including a Wi-Fi module. Additionally, the second communication interface (112) may communicate with another electronic device using Wi-Fi Direct according to an embodiment.

[0064] The processor (120) can perform overall control operations of the electronic device (100). Specifically, the processor (120) functions to control the overall operation of the electronic device (100).

[0065] The processor (120) may be implemented as a digital signal processor (DSP) that processes digital signals, a microprocessor, or a time controller (TCON). However, it is not limited thereto, and may include or be defined by one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), a micro controller unit (MCU), a micro processing unit (MPU), a controller, an application processor (AP), a graphics-processing unit (GPU), a communication processor (CP), or an ARM processor. Additionally, the processor (120) may be implemented as a System on Chip (SoC) or a large-scale integration (LSI) with a built-in processing algorithm, or may be implemented in the form of a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). Furthermore, the processor (120) can perform various functions by executing computer executable instructions stored in memory.

[0066] The processor (120) controls the first communication interface (111) to connect to a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) network, and when a Wi-Fi signal is received from an AP (Access Point) device (200) through the second communication interface, identifies the strength of the received Wi-Fi signal, transmits information about the strength of the received Wi-Fi signal to the AP device (200) through the second communication interface, and when response information corresponding to the information transmitted from the AP device (200) is received through the second communication interface (112), identifies whether the electronic device (100) is the main device among a plurality of electronic devices connected to the BLE network based on the received response information, and based on the identification result, maintains Wi-Fi communication through the second communication interface (112) or disables Wi-Fi communication.

[0067] The processor (120) can perform BLE communication with other electronic devices including a BLE communication module using the first communication interface (111). Additionally, the processor (120) can perform Wi-Fi communication with an AP device (200) using the second communication interface (112). Here, the AP device (200) may refer to a router.

[0068] The processor (120) can receive a Wi-Fi signal transmitted from the AP device (200). The processor (120) can obtain information on the strength of the received Wi-Fi signal. The processor (120) can transmit the obtained information on the strength of the Wi-Fi signal to the AP device (200). The AP device (200) can transmit the information on the strength of the received Wi-Fi signal to the server (300). From the perspective of the electronic device (100), the information on the strength of the Wi-Fi signal is transmitted only once, but the server (300) can receive information on the strength of the Wi-Fi signal from multiple electronic devices. The server (300) can distinguish between a main device and a sub device by analyzing the information on the strength of the Wi-Fi signal received from multiple electronic devices. The main device may refer to a device that performs Wi-Fi communication exclusively with the AP device (200), and the sub device may refer to a device that does not perform Wi-Fi communication directly with the AP device (200) but performs BLE communication. The main device may refer to device 100-1 in FIG. 3, and the sub-devices may refer to devices 100-2 through 100-5 in FIG. 3. The server (300) can distinguish between the main device and the sub-devices for a plurality of electronic devices and can generate response information including the distinguished results. Then, the server (300) can transmit the generated response information to the AP device (200). Then, the AP device (200) can transmit the response information received from the server (300) to the plurality of electronic devices. Each of the plurality of electronic devices can receive the response information generated by the server (300) from the AP device (200).

[0069] The processor (120) can receive response information from the AP device (200) through the second communication interface (112). Then, the processor (120) can determine whether the electronic device (100) is a main device or a sub device based on the response information.

[0070] Here, the response information may include information indicating that each of the plurality of electronic devices that transmitted information about the strength of the Wi-Fi signal to the AP device (200) is a main device or a sub device, and the processor (120) may maintain Wi-Fi communication if the electronic device (100) is a main device among the plurality of electronic devices, and may disconnect Wi-Fi communication if the electronic device (100) is a sub device among the plurality of electronic devices.

[0071] When the electronic device (100) is the main device, the processor (120) can perform BLE communication with the sub device through the first communication interface (111) and simultaneously perform Wi-Fi communication with the AP device (200) through the second communication interface (112). Thus, when the electronic device (100) is the main device, the processor (120) can maintain Wi-Fi communication of the electronic device (100). Here, maintaining Wi-Fi communication may mean keeping the power of the Wi-Fi communication module in an on state and may mean continuously supplying power to the Wi-Fi communication module.

[0072] Meanwhile, if the electronic device (100) is a sub-device, the processor (120) can perform BLE communication with other sub-devices and the main device through the first communication interface (111). Here, since the sub-device is determined to be a device that does not exchange Wi-Fi signals with the AP device (200), Wi-Fi communication can be disabled. Here, disabling Wi-Fi signal communication may mean turning off the power of the Wi-Fi signal communication module, and may mean not supplying power to the Wi-Fi communication module.

[0073] The present disclosure can reduce power consumption by dividing a plurality of electronic devices constituting a BLE network (1000) into a main device and a sub device, and by disabling Wi-Fi communication of the sub device. The power status of the communication module for each of the plurality of devices will be described in detail later in FIG. 8.

[0074] Meanwhile, the main device may be any one of a refrigerator, an air conditioner, a video output device, a smart plug, or a smart bulb, and may be determined based on at least one of information on the strength of the Wi-Fi signal and standby power information.

[0075] The main device may correspond to various home appliances or IoT devices. Here, the main device may include a BLE communication module and a Wi-Fi communication module.

[0076] Meanwhile, the criterion for distinguishing between the main device and the sub device may be at least one of Wi-Fi signal strength information or standby power information.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the server (300) can classify a plurality of electronic devices into a main device and a sub device based on information regarding the strength of a Wi-Fi signal. The server (300) can analyze the received information regarding the strength of the Wi-Fi signal to identify the electronic device that receives the Wi-Fi signal most strongly, determine the identified electronic device as the main device, and determine electronic devices other than the identified electronic device as sub devices. Since the device that receives the Wi-Fi signal most strongly is generally likely to be located in a position close to the AP device (200), the server (300) can determine the electronic device (or the device that receives the Wi-Fi signal most strongly) located in a position close to the AP device (200) as the main device.

[0078] According to another embodiment, the server (300) may classify a plurality of electronic devices into a main device and a sub device based on standby power information. The present disclosure may save power by not supplying power to the Wi-Fi communication module of the sub device. However, the main device may utilize both a BLE communication module and a Wi-Fi communication module. Therefore, the main device may consume less power as the standby power information is lower. Accordingly, the server (300) may identify the electronic device with the lowest standby power information, determine the identified electronic device as the main device, and determine electronic devices other than the identified electronic device as sub devices.

[0079] According to another embodiment, the server (300) can classify a plurality of electronic devices into main devices and sub devices based on Wi-Fi signal strength information and standby power information. The server (300) can simultaneously consider Wi-Fi signal strength information and standby power information when determining the main device. Specific operations related to this are described later in FIG. 7.

[0080] Meanwhile, if the electronic device (100) is the main device, the processor (120) may transmit a control signal received through the AP device (200) via the first communication interface (111) to at least one of a plurality of electronic devices (or a plurality of sub-devices) while the Wi-Fi connection through the second communication interface (112) is maintained based on the identification result. Here, the control signal may include a control command to cause the sub-device to operate. For example, if the sub-device is an air conditioner, the control signal may include a control command to lower the set temperature of the air conditioner.

[0081] When the electronic device (100) is the main device, the processor (120) can perform Wi-Fi communication with the AP device (200) through the second communication interface (112) and can receive control commands from the AP device (200) through the second communication interface (112).

[0082] If the received control command is related to the electronic device (100), the processor (120) can perform the operation of the electronic device (100) corresponding to the control command. However, if the received control command is not related to the electronic device (100), the processor (120) can transmit the control command to the electronic device that is the target of the control command using the first communication interface (111). That is, if the electronic device (100) is the main device and the target of the control command is not the electronic device (100), the processor (120) can receive the control command from the AP device (200) using Wi-Fi communication and transmit the received control command to the electronic device that is the target of the control command using Wi-Fi communication.

[0083] Meanwhile, it is assumed that a BLE network (1000) has already been configured. The BLE network (1000) may consist of one main device and at least one sub-device. The main device performs Wi-Fi communication with the AP device (200), and the main device and the sub-device may perform mutual BLE communication. Here, it is assumed that the electronic device (100) is the main device. The electronic device (100), which is the main device, may store identification information for a plurality of devices constituting the BLE network (1000).

[0084] Specifically, the electronic device (100) may further include a memory (160) that stores identification information for each of a plurality of electronic devices, and the processor (120) may determine whether to add the identified external device (or new device) to the BLE network when an external device for which identification information is not stored in the memory (160) is identified in the BLE network (1000).

[0085] When identification information for a new device that is not stored in memory (160) is received, the processor (120) may determine that the new device is in a recognized state in the BLE network (1000). Since being recognized does not mean being included in the BLE network (1000), the new device may not be connected to the BLE network (1000). The processor (120) may determine whether to add the new device to the BLE network (1000).

[0086] For example, the electronic device (100) itself can determine whether a new device can be added to the BLE network (1000) without going through the server (300). Here, the processor (120) can determine whether to add a new device to the BLE network (1000) based on a pre-set criterion stored in the memory (160) of the electronic device (100). Here, the pre-set criterion may be a 'list of devices that can be added to the BLE network (1000)' stored in the memory (160). Here, the 'list of devices that can be added to the BLE network (1000)' may be received in advance from the server (300).

[0087] As another example, when a new device is recognized by the BLE network (1000), the processor (120) can transmit identification information for the new device to the AP device (200). Then, the AP device (200) can transmit the transmitted identification information for the new device to the server (300). Then, the server (300) can compare the transmitted identification information for the new device with the 'list of devices that can be added to the BLE network (1000)' stored in the memory of the server (300). If the identification information for the new device is included in the 'list of devices that can be added to the BLE network (1000)', the server (300) can use the AP device (200) to transmit information that the new device is a device that can be added to the BLE network (1000) to the main device, the electronic device (100).

[0088] When it is determined whether a new device can be added to the BLE network (1000) based on the 'list of devices that can be added to the BLE network (1000)' stored in the electronic device (100) or server (300), the electronic device (100) (main device) according to one embodiment can immediately add the new device to the BLE network (1000).

[0089] According to another embodiment, the electronic device (100) (main device) may add a new device to the BLE network (1000) only when it receives input from a user. The first to fourth embodiments disclosed below may be embodiments corresponding to the case where the electronic device (100) is the main device.

[0090] According to the first embodiment of receiving user input, a guide UI based on criteria stored in the electronic device (100) may be implemented to be displayed on the main device. The electronic device (100) may further include a display (130), and the processor (120) may control the display (130) to display a guide UI for adding an identified external device (or new device) to the BLE network. Here, the electronic device (100) may determine whether to add a new device based on a 'list of devices that can be added to the BLE network (1000)' stored in memory (160), and if the new device can be added to the BLE network (1000), the processor (120) may control the display (130) to display a guide UI for receiving user input. Then, when user input is received based on the guide UI, the processor (120) may add the new device to the BLE network (1000).

[0091] According to a second embodiment of receiving user input, the guide UI may be implemented to be displayed on the main device based on criteria stored in the server (300). The electronic device (100) may further include a display (130), and the processor (120) may transmit information about an identified external device (or new device) to the AP device (200) via the second communication interface (112), and when a control signal is received from the AP device (200) to display a guide UI for adding the identified external device to the BLE network, the display (130) may be controlled to display the guide UI. Here, a determination operation regarding whether the new device can be added to the BLE network (1000) may be performed at the server (300). Based on the information about the external device (or new device) received from the AP device (200), the server (300) may determine whether to add the new device based on the 'list of devices that can be added to the BLE network (1000)' stored in the memory of the server (300). Meanwhile, a detailed description of the second embodiment is provided later in FIGS. 16 and FIGS. 17.

[0092] According to the third embodiment of receiving user input, a guide UI can be displayed using a separate user terminal device. Here, the user terminal device may refer to a smartphone or a tablet, and a detailed description will be provided later in FIGS. 18 and 19.

[0093] According to the fourth embodiment of receiving user input, the guide UI may be implemented in a form displayed on a sub-device. Here, the fourth embodiment is similar to the first or second embodiment, but may differ in that the guide UI is displayed on a sub-device rather than a main device. The processor (120) may determine whether to add a new device based on the 'list of devices that can be added to the BLE network (1000)' stored in internal memory or the memory of the server (300). And, if the new device can be added to the BLE network (1000), the processor (120) may control the display of the guide UI for receiving user input on the sub-device. Specifically, the processor (120) can transmit a first signal, which controls the display of a guide UI for adding an identified external device to a BLE network, to a device including a display among a plurality of electronic devices via a first communication interface (111), and when a second signal, which instructs the device including the display to add an identified external device to a BLE network, is received via the first communication interface (111), the external device can be added to the BLE network and identification information for the external device can be transmitted to an AP device (200) via a second communication interface (112). Here, the first signal may be a signal regarding a control command to display a guide UI on a sub-device, and the second signal may be a signal regarding a user command to add a new device based on the guide UI.

[0094] Meanwhile, the processor (120) can transmit a control signal to one of the multiple electronic devices through the first communication interface (111) when a control signal is received from the AP device (200) to communicate one of the multiple electronic devices with an external device not connected to the BLE network via Wi-Fi Direct, based on the identification result of whether the electronic device is the main device among the multiple electronic devices connected to the BLE network (1000) (meaning the case where the electronic device (100) is determined to be the main device).

[0095] Here, one of the plurality of electronic devices may be a device located adjacent to one of the external devices. Additionally, the control signal for establishing a communication connection with the external device may refer to a control signal for performing Wi-Fi Direct communication. Furthermore, an external device not connected to a BLE network may refer to a device that does not include a BLE communication module and does not have a smooth Wi-Fi communication connection with the AP device (200). If the external device does not include a BLE communication module, the external device must perform Wi-Fi communication with the AP device (200) to exchange information with the server (300). However, assuming that the external device receives a weak Wi-Fi signal from the AP device (200), the external device cannot smoothly exchange information with the server (300). Therefore, the present disclosure may not directly perform Wi-Fi communication between the external device and the AP device (200). The electronic device (100) can identify the device placed closest to an external device among a plurality of electronic devices included in the BLE network (1000) (assuming it includes a Wi-Fi communication module).

[0096] Meanwhile, the above-described embodiment assumes that the device positioned closest to the external device is a sub-device other than the electronic device (100), and describes the operation of the processor (120) transmitting a control signal for Wi-Fi Direct communication connection with the external device to the sub-device positioned closest to the external device. The embodiment is described in detail later in FIGS. 11 to 15.

[0097] However, depending on the implementation example, if the device placed closest to the external device is the electronic device (100) (main device), the processor (120) can transmit a control signal for a direct Wi-Fi Direct communication connection with the external device.

[0098] Meanwhile, the present disclosure may include a configuration in which, when a new device is recognized by the BLE network (1000), the server (300) automatically recognizes it and displays a guide UI for receiving user input. Accordingly, since the user can decide whether to add the new device to the BLE network (1000) through the UI simply by turning on the power of the new device without taking any separate action, the remote control system according to the present disclosure may have the effect of improving convenience.

[0099] Additionally, the present disclosure may include an operation of performing Wi-Fi communication only on one main device and disabling Wi-Fi communication on sub-devices other than the main device. Accordingly, standby power consumption may be significantly lower than when Wi-Fi communication is performed on all devices.

[0100] In addition, since the main device and the sub device form a BLE network (1000) through BLE communication in the present disclosure, BLE communication can be performed even with devices that have a weak connection to the AP device (200), allowing for uninterrupted remote control. Furthermore, while a separate fixed hub device was required for devices performing BLE communication in the past, the remote control system according to the present disclosure allows the main device to be continuously changed, so a fixed hub device or a separate hub device is not required, and the remote control system can be configured using only multiple electronic devices that form the BLE network (1000).

[0101] In addition, the present disclosure discloses a configuration for performing Wi-Fi Direct communication using a specific device included in a BLE network (1000) with an electronic device located in a location where there is no BLE communication module and the Wi-Fi signal is weak (Wi-Fi dead zone). Accordingly, the electronic device (100) according to the present disclosure can have the effect of effectively remotely controlling home appliances installed in various situations.

[0102] Meanwhile, although only a simple configuration constituting the electronic device (100) has been illustrated and described above, various additional configurations may be provided during implementation. This will be explained below with reference to FIG. 6.

[0103] Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating the specific configuration of the electronic device of Figure 5.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 6, the electronic device (100) may be composed of at least one of a communication interface (110), a processor (120), a display (130), a user interface (140), an input / output interface (150), and a memory (160).

[0105] Meanwhile, if the electronic device (100) according to FIG. 6 is a refrigerator, the electronic device (100) may further include a sensor (170), a driving unit (180), a power supply unit (190), a camera (191), a speaker (192), and a microphone (193). Depending on the embodiment, appropriate hardware / software configurations that are obvious to a person skilled in the art may be additionally included in the refrigerator, even if not described. Also, even disclosed configurations may be excluded from the refrigerator depending on the embodiment.

[0106] Meanwhile, regarding the operation of the communication interface (110) and the processor (120), redundant descriptions of operations identical to those previously described are omitted.

[0107] The processor (120) can communicate with various external devices using the communication interface (110). Here, the external devices may include a display device such as a TV, a video processing device such as a set-top box, an external server, a control device such as a remote control, an audio output device such as a Bluetooth speaker, a lighting device, a smart light bulb, a smart plug, a smart vacuum cleaner, a smart refrigerator, a home appliance such as an IoT home manager, etc.

[0108] Wi-Fi modules and Bluetooth modules perform communication using the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth methods, respectively. When using a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth module, various connection information, such as SSID and session key, is transmitted and received first; after establishing a communication connection using this information, various types of information can be transmitted and received.

[0109] The infrared communication module performs communication according to infrared communication (IrDA, Infrared Data Association) technology, which uses infrared rays—located between visible light and millimeter waves—to wirelessly transmit data over short distances.

[0110] In addition to the communication method described above, the wireless communication module may include at least one communication chip that performs communication according to various wireless communication standards such as Zigbee, 3G (3rd Generation), 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project), LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (LTE Advanced), 4G (4th Generation), and 5G (5th Generation).

[0111] In addition, the communication interface (110) may include at least one of a LAN (Local Area Network) module, an Ethernet module, or a wired communication module that performs communication using a pair cable, a coaxial cable, or a fiber optic cable.

[0112] According to one example, the communication interface (110) may use the same communication module (e.g., Wi-Fi communication module) to communicate with external devices such as a remote control and an external server.

[0113] According to other examples, the communication interface (110) may use different communication modules (e.g., Wi-Fi communication modules) to communicate with external devices such as a remote control and external servers. For example, the communication interface (110) may use at least one of an Ethernet module or a WiFi module to communicate with an external server, and may use a BT module to communicate with an external device such as a remote control. However, this is merely one embodiment, and the communication interface (110) may use at least one of various communication modules when communicating with multiple external devices or external servers.

[0114] The display (130) can be implemented as various types of displays such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diodes) display, and a PDP (Plasma Display Panel). The display (130) may also include a driving circuit, a backlight unit, etc., which can be implemented in forms such as an a-si TFT, an LTPS (low temperature poly silicon) TFT, and an OTFT (organic TFT). Meanwhile, the display (130) can be implemented as a touch screen combined with a touch sensor, a flexible display, a 3D display, etc.

[0115] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the display (130) may include not only a display panel that outputs an image, but also a bezel that houses the display panel. In particular, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the bezel may include a touch sensor (not shown) for detecting user interaction.

[0116] The user interface (140) may be implemented as a device such as a button, touchpad, mouse, and keyboard, or as a touch screen capable of performing the aforementioned display function and operation input function. Here, the button may be a various type of button, such as a mechanical button, touchpad, or wheel, formed in any area such as the front, side, or back of the main body exterior of the electronic device (100).

[0117] The input / output interface (150) may be any one of the following interfaces: HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface), MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link), USB (Universal Serial Bus), DP (Display Port), Thunderbolt, VGA (Video Graphics Array) port, RGB port, D-SUB (D-subminiature), DVI (Digital Visual Interface).

[0118] The input / output interface (150) can input and output at least one of audio and video signals.

[0119] Depending on the implementation example, the input / output interface (150) may include separate ports for inputting and outputting only audio signals and for inputting and outputting only video signals, or it may be implemented as a single port for inputting and outputting both audio and video signals.

[0120] The memory (160) may be implemented as internal memory such as ROM (e.g., EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory)) or RAM included in the processor (120), or as memory separate from the processor (120). In this case, the memory (160) may be implemented as a memory embedded in the electronic device (100) or as a memory that can be attached to the electronic device (100) depending on the purpose of data storage. For example, data for operating the electronic device (100) may be stored in memory embedded in the electronic device (100), and data for the expansion function of the electronic device (100) may be stored in memory that can be attached to the electronic device (100).

[0121] Meanwhile, the memory embedded in the electronic device (100) may be implemented as at least one of volatile memory (e.g., DRAM (dynamic RAM), SRAM (static RAM), or SDRAM (synchronous dynamic RAM), non-volatile memory (e.g., OTPROM (one time programmable ROM), PROM (programmable ROM), EPROM (erasable and programmable ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable and programmable ROM), mask ROM, flash ROM, flash memory (e.g., NAND flash or NOR flash), hard drive, or solid state drive (SSD), and the memory that is detachable from the electronic device (100) may be implemented in the form of a memory card (e.g., CF (compact flash), SD (secure digital), Micro-SD (micro secure digital), Mini-SD (mini secure digital), xD (extreme digital), MMC (multi-media card), etc.), or external memory that can be connected to a USB port (e.g., USB memory).

[0122] The sensor (170) may include at least one of a door sensor (171), a proximity sensor (172), a temperature sensor (173), a fingerprint sensor (174), and a pressure sensor (175).

[0123] The door sensor (171) may be a sensor capable of identifying the opening or closing of a door attached to (included in) the electronic device (100). The door sensor (171) may generate information corresponding to the opening or closing of the door, and the door sensor (171) may transmit the generated sensing information to the processor (120). The door sensor (171) may detect whether the refrigerator door or the freezer door of the refrigerator is open or closed. The door sensor (171) may be implemented in a form that generates an event and outputs data when a user opens the door. Specifically, the door sensor (171) may check for contact with a physical configuration to verify whether the door is open or closed.

[0124] The proximity sensor (172) is a sensor that detects objects without contact and can be used to detect the presence of an object near the refrigerator. The proximity sensor (172) can be placed on the front of at least one of the doors, and one or multiple sensors can be placed. The proximity sensor (172) can be implemented, for example, as an optical proximity sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, an inductive proximity sensor, etc. The proximity sensor (172) can be an IR proximity sensor. The proximity sensor (172) can be located on the front of the refrigerator door. Meanwhile, the approach of an object can be detected not only through the proximity sensor (172) but also through a front camera or microphone.

[0125] A temperature sensor (173) can be used to detect the temperature of the storage compartment of the refrigerator. The temperature sensor (173) can be located inside the storage compartment.

[0126] The fingerprint sensor (174) can be used to recognize a user's fingerprint. The fingerprint sensor (174) can be implemented as various types of sensors. For example, the fingerprint sensor (174) can be an optical fingerprint recognition sensor that uses a lens and a prism to totally reflect light irradiated from a light source onto the fingerprint, thereby generating a reflection image that reflects the difference in reflectivity between the valleys and ridges of the fingerprint. Additionally, the fingerprint sensor (174) can be a capacitive fingerprint recognition sensor that measures the capacitance of the valleys and ridges of the fingerprint and implements the measured electrical signal into a digital image. Furthermore, the fingerprint sensor (174) can be a thermal fingerprint recognition sensor that uses a superconducting material to detect temperature changes caused by the difference in heat between the valleys and ridges of the fingerprint when the fingerprint comes into contact, thereby generating an electrical signal.

[0127] A fingerprint sensor (174) may be placed on at least one of the door handles. For example, the fingerprint sensor (174) may include a contact surface for recognizing a fingerprint of a finger within a range of motion where the fingers of the gripping hand can naturally touch the handle when the user grips the handle. A fingerprint image obtained through the fingerprint sensor (174) may be used to identify the user.

[0128] Pressure sensors (175) can be placed on the shelves of a refrigerator and used to identify the weight of an object placed on the shelf. Pressure sensors (175) can be arranged in an array form on the shelf. Multiple pressure sensors (175) can be placed on the shelves of the refrigerator at points where the lines intersect. The spacing between the arrays of pressure sensors (175) can be less than 1 mm. A processor (120) can identify the shape of the bottom surface and the weight of the food placed on the shelf based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensors (175).

[0129] In addition, the refrigerator may include various sensors. For example, it may further include an illuminance sensor (not shown) that detects the amount of light around the refrigerator to control the brightness of the display (130).

[0130] The driving unit (180) may include a compressor (181), a fan (182), a filter (183), or a heater (184) that operates under the control of the main processor (120). The driving unit (180) may further include a light (not shown) or an odor deodorizer (not shown).

[0131] The compressor (181) can compress the refrigerant, which is the working fluid of the refrigeration cycle, under the control of the main processor (120). The refrigeration cycle may include a condenser (not shown) that converts the gaseous refrigerant compressed by the compressor (181) into a liquid refrigerant, an expander (not shown) that reduces the pressure of the liquid refrigerant, and an evaporator (not shown) that vaporizes the reduced-pressure liquid refrigerant. The main processor (120) can control the temperature of the storage room through the vaporization of the liquid refrigerant. Additionally, the refrigerator may control the temperature of the storage room through a Peltier element (not shown) utilizing the Peltier effect and a magnetic cooling device (not shown) utilizing the magnetocaloric effect.

[0132] The fan (182) can circulate external air under the control of the main processor (120). Air heated by the cooling cycle can be cooled by heat exchange through the external air.

[0133] The filter (183) can sterilize (or remove) bacteria floating or attached within the storage room under the control of the main processor (120). The filter (183) may include an ion sterilization cleaning unit.

[0134] The heater (184) can remove frost generated by the control of the main processor (120). The heater (184) may include a defrosting heater.

[0135] The power supply unit (190) can supply power to the components of the refrigerator under the control of the processor (120). The power supply unit (190) can supply power input from an external power source through a power cord (not shown) to each component of the refrigerator under the control of the processor (120).

[0136] The camera (191) is configured to capture a subject and generate an image, wherein the image includes both video and still images.

[0137] The camera (191) can acquire an image of at least one external device and can be implemented as a camera, lens, infrared sensor, etc.

[0138] The camera (191) may include a lens and an image sensor. The types of lenses include general-purpose lenses, wide-angle lenses, zoom lenses, etc., and may be determined according to the type, characteristics, and usage environment of the electronic device (100). As an image sensor, a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) and a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) may be used.

[0139] The camera (191) may include a front camera and an internal camera. The camera may take still images or videos.

[0140] A front camera may be positioned to photograph the front of the refrigerator. The processor (120) may identify the user based on the user's face included in the image captured by the front camera. An internal camera may be positioned to photograph at least one of the storage compartments. The internal camera may be positioned at any location where it can photograph the inside of the storage compartment with the door closed. Meanwhile, the processor (120) may store the image captured by either the front camera or the internal camera in memory (160).

[0141] The speaker (192) may be a component that outputs various audio data processed at the input / output interface (150), as well as various notification sounds or voice messages.

[0142] The microphone (193) may be configured to receive user voice or other sounds and convert them into audio data.

[0143] The microphone (193) can receive the user's voice when active. For example, the microphone may be formed integrally on the upper side, front side, or side side of the electronic device (100). The microphone may include various configurations such as a microphone for collecting analog user voice, an amplifier circuit for amplifying the collected user voice, an A / D converter circuit for sampling the amplified user voice and converting it into a digital signal, and a filter circuit for removing noise components from the converted digital signal.

[0144] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a server that identifies a main device among multiple electronic devices.

[0145] Referring to FIG. 7, the server (300) can receive strength information for Wi-Fi signals from a plurality of electronic devices (100-1 to 100-5) using the AP device (200) (S705). The server (300) can control the AP device (200) to transmit Wi-Fi signals to a plurality of electronic devices (100-1 to 100-5) located near the AP device (200). Additionally, the server (300) can receive strength information for Wi-Fi signals of each of the plurality of electronic devices (100-1 to 100-5) using the AP device (200). Specifically, the plurality of electronic devices (100-1 to 100-5) can acquire strength information for Wi-Fi signals transmitted from the AP device (200) and transmit the acquired strength information to the AP device (200). The AP device (200) can receive strength information for Wi-Fi signals transmitted from a plurality of electronic devices (100-1 to 100-5) and transmit the strength information for the received Wi-Fi signals to a server (300).

[0146] Additionally, the server (300) can identify the electronic device with the strongest Wi-Fi signal strength among the plurality of electronic devices (100-1 to 100-5) (S710). Generally, since the AP device (200) transmits the Wi-Fi signal, the electronic device close to the AP device (200) may have a strong Wi-Fi signal strength, and the electronic device far from the AP device (200) may have a weak Wi-Fi signal strength.

[0147] Additionally, the server (300) can determine whether the standby power of the electronic device with the strongest Wi-Fi signal is below a threshold value (S715). Standby power may refer to the power consumed while in a standby state to receive a specific signal without performing a primary function while connected to an external power source. Standby power may refer to the power consumed when the electronic device is turned off.

[0148] If the standby power of the electronic device identified in step S710 is above a threshold, the server (300) can identify the electronic device with the strongest Wi-Fi signal strength among devices other than the identified electronic device. If the standby power is above the threshold, the server (300) can determine that the power consumed is too high and is not suitable for the main device.

[0149] If the standby power of the electronic device identified in step S710 is below a threshold value, the server (300) may identify the identified electronic device as a main device (S720). The main device may refer to a device that communicates with the AP device (200) via a Wi-Fi signal. If the standby power is below a threshold value, the server (300) may determine that the device is suitable as a main device because the power consumption is low.

[0150] Meanwhile, for example, information related to standby power may already be stored in the memory of the server (300). Accordingly, the server (300) can obtain the standby power information of the electronic device identified in step S710 by comparing the identification information of the electronic device identified in step S710 with the standby power information of each electronic device stored in memory.

[0151] Meanwhile, as another example, information related to standby power can be obtained directly from the AP device (200). The server (300) can use the AP device (200) to request information regarding standby power consumed by a plurality of electronic devices (100-1 to 100-5) for a certain period of time. In addition, the plurality of electronic devices (100-1 to 100-5) can use the AP device (200) to transmit standby power information consumed to the server (300). The server (300) can receive standby power information corresponding to the plurality of electronic devices (100-1 to 100-5) through the AP device (200).

[0152] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating whether the Wi-Fi and BLE communication functions of multiple electronic devices are turned on or off.

[0153] Referring to FIG. 8, it is assumed that the main device is 100-1 and the sub devices are 100-2 to 100-5.

[0154] Since multiple electronic devices (100-1 to 100-5) form a BLE network (1000), all of the multiple electronic devices (100-1 to 100-5) can supply power to a communication interface capable of sending and receiving BLE signals even when the power is off. That is, all of the multiple electronic devices (100-1 to 100-5) can keep the BLE function always on even when the power is off.

[0155] Here, among the plurality of electronic devices (100-1 to 100-5), the sub-devices (100-2 to 100-5) do not transmit or receive Wi-Fi signals, so power may not be supplied to the communication interface capable of transmitting or receiving Wi-Fi signals. That is, the sub-devices (100-2 to 100-5) can keep the Wi-Fi function always off when the power is off.

[0156] Meanwhile, the main device (100-1) must be able to configure the BLE network (1000) and simultaneously exchange Wi-Fi signals with the AP device (200). Therefore, the main device (100-1) can supply power to the communication interface capable of exchanging Wi-Fi and BLE signals even when the power is off. That is, the main device (100-1) can keep the Wi-Fi and BLE functions always on even when the power is off.

[0157] Since the main device (100-1) always keeps the Wi-Fi function on compared to the sub devices (100-2 to 100-5), the power consumption may be greater than that of the sub devices (100-2 to 100-5). However, in light of the overall remote control system of FIG. 8, the power consumption may be much smaller than that of the embodiments of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 in that the sub devices (100-2 to 100-5) always keep the Wi-Fi function off.

[0158] FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining operations determined by a plurality of electronic devices in the embodiment of FIG. 8.

[0159] Referring to FIG. 9, one of the plurality of electronic devices (described as electronic device (100) for convenience) can form a BLE network (1000) (S905). The electronic device (100) can exchange BLE signals with other adjacent electronic devices using the BLE network (1000).

[0160] The electronic device (100) can receive a power control command generated by the server (300) (S910). If the electronic device (100) is the main device (100-1), the power control command can be received from the AP device (200). Additionally, if the electronic device (100) is the sub device (100-2 to 100-5), the power control command can be received from the main device (100-1) via the BLE network (1000). The power control command may be a control command to maintain Wi-Fi communication when it is the main device (100-1) and to disable Wi-Fi communication when it is the sub device (100-2 to 100-5).

[0161] The electronic device (100) can determine whether it is the main device based on information included in the power control command (S915). Here, if the electronic device (100) is the main device, the electronic device (100) can keep the Wi-Fi function on to maintain Wi-Fi communication (S920). If the electronic device (100) is the main device (100-1), the Wi-Fi function would have already been on, so this may correspond to an operation of maintaining the existing on state.

[0162] If the electronic device (100) is not the main device, the electronic device (100) can determine whether it is capable of performing both Wi-Fi communication and BLE communication (S925). Step S925 may be replaced with an action of determining whether the electronic device (100) is capable of performing Wi-Fi communication, depending on the embodiment.

[0163] If it is determined that the electronic device (100) is capable of performing both Wi-Fi communication and BLE communication, the electronic device (100) may disable Wi-Fi communication (S930). To disable Wi-Fi communication, the electronic device (100) may change the Wi-Fi function to an off state (if the existing state is on) or maintain an off state (if the existing state is off).

[0164] Meanwhile, if it is determined that the electronic device (100) is unable to perform both Wi-Fi communication and BLE communication, the electronic device (100) may not take any separate action. Since the electronic device (100) has already configured a BLE network (1000), it may need to maintain BLE communication even if it is unable to perform Wi-Fi communication.

[0165] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation performed in the embodiment of FIG. 8.

[0166] Referring to FIG. 10, the remote control system may be composed of a first device (100-1), a second device (100-2), an AP device (200), and a server (300). It is assumed that the first device (100-1) and the second device (100-2) receive a Wi-Fi signal from the AP device (200).

[0167] The first device (100-1) can analyze the received Wi-Fi signal and transmit strength information for the Wi-Fi signal to the AP device (200) (S1005). Then, the second device (100-2) can analyze the received Wi-Fi signal and transmit strength information for the Wi-Fi signal to the AP device (200) (S1010).

[0168] The AP device (200) can transmit strength information for Wi-Fi signals received from the first device (100-1) and the second device (100-2) to the server (300) (S1015). Then, the server (300) can receive strength information for the first device (100-1) and the Wi-Fi signal corresponding to the first device (100-1) received from the AP device (200).

[0169] Additionally, the server (300) can identify the electronic device with the largest Wi-Fi signal based on strength information regarding the received Wi-Fi signal (S1020). Additionally, the server (300) can determine whether the standby power of the identified electronic device is below a threshold value (S1025). If the standby power of the identified electronic device exceeds the threshold value, the server (300) can identify the electronic device with the largest Wi-Fi signal among electronic devices other than the identified electronic device.

[0170] If the standby power of the identified electronic device is below a threshold value, the server (300) can set the identified electronic device as the main device (S1030). Additionally, a device other than the electronic device set as the main device can be set as a sub device (S1035). Here, it is assumed that the main device is the first device (100-1) and the sub device is the second device (100-2).

[0171] Additionally, the server (300) can generate a power control command to keep the main device maintaining Wi-Fi communication and to disable Wi-Fi communication for the sub device (S1040). Then, the server (300) can transmit the generated power control command to the AP device (200) (S1045).

[0172] Additionally, the AP device (200) can transmit a power control command received from the server (300) to the first device (100-1) (S1050). Since it is assumed that the first device (100-1) is the main device, the first device (100-1) can be set as the main device (S1051). Then, the first device (100-1) can form a BLE network (1000) with other electronic devices (S1052). And, the first device (100-1) can maintain Wi-Fi communication (S1053).

[0173] Meanwhile, the AP device (200) can transmit a power control command received from the server (300) to the second device (100-2) (S1061). Since it is assumed that the second device (100-2) is a sub-device, the second device (100-2) can be configured as a sub-device (S1061). Then, the second device (100-2) can form a BLE network (1000) with other electronic devices (S1062). Then, the second device (100-2) can disable Wi-Fi communication (S1063).

[0174] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment in which an electronic device with a weak Wi-Fi signal is identified.

[0175] Referring to FIG. 11, the remote control system may be composed of a device (100-1 to 100-5) that receives a strong Wi-Fi signal, a device (100-6) that receives a weak Wi-Fi signal, an AP device (200), and a server (300).

[0176] The embodiment of FIG. 11 is similar to FIG. 1 and is an embodiment in which a device (100-6) that receives a weak Wi-Fi signal is added. Here, it is assumed that the device (100-6) that receives a weak Wi-Fi signal cannot perform BLE communication. Even if the device (100-6) that receives a weak Wi-Fi signal can perform BLE communication, it can receive control commands using the BLE network (1000). However, if the device (100-6) that receives a weak Wi-Fi signal does not have a BLE communication module, the device (100-6) that receives a weak Wi-Fi signal can receive control commands only using the Wi-Fi communication module.

[0177] Here, if multiple electronic devices are remotely controlled using only Wi-Fi signals, problems may arise in controlling the device (100-6) where the Wi-Fi signal is received weakly. The reason for the weak Wi-Fi signal reception may be due to structural problems or functional problems of the electronic device itself. Structural problems may mean that the placement location of the electronic device prevents the Wi-Fi signal from being received normally. Functional problems of the electronic device itself may mean that the Wi-Fi communication module of the electronic device is broken.

[0178] If a device (100-6) receives a weak Wi-Fi signal and a Wi-Fi signal is not transmitted normally, a problem may occur in which the user cannot control the device (100-6) that receives a weak Wi-Fi signal.

[0179] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining the space in which the remote control system of FIG. 11 is used.

[0180] Referring to FIG. 12, in a specific space, a device that receives a strong Wi-Fi signal (100-1 to 100-5), a device that receives a weak Wi-Fi signal (100-6), and an AP device (200) may be placed.

[0181] The AP device (200) can normally exchange Wi-Fi signals with devices (100-1 to 100-5) that receive strong Wi-Fi signals. This may be because there are no structural obstacles. However, the AP device (200) cannot normally exchange Wi-Fi signals with devices (100-6) that receive weak Wi-Fi signals. This may be because there is a wall (structural obstacle) between the AP device (200) and the device (100-6) that receives weak Wi-Fi signals. Therefore, in general, for devices (100-6) that receive weak Wi-Fi signals and have structural obstacles, there may be difficulties for the user to remotely control them using Wi-Fi signals.

[0182] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of connecting to a server using a separate communication technology to an electronic device with a weak Wi-Fi signal.

[0183] Referring to FIG. 13, in order to solve the problems occurring in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the server (300) may use a BLE network (1000). Specifically, the server (300) may identify an electronic device (100-5) that is close to a device (100-6) that receives a weak Wi-Fi signal, and control communication between the identified electronic device (100-5) and the device (100-6) that receives a weak Wi-Fi signal using Wi-Fi Direct technology.

[0184] FIG. 14 is a drawing for explaining the space in which the remote control system of FIG. 13 is used.

[0185] Referring to FIG. 14, devices (100-1 to 100-5) that receive a strong Wi-Fi signal, devices (100-6) that receive a weak Wi-Fi signal, and an AP device (200) may be placed in a specific space. Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 13, the device (100-5) closest to the device (100-6) that receives a weak Wi-Fi signal can be identified. The identified device (100-5) can then communicate with the device (100-6) that receives a weak Wi-Fi signal using Wi-Fi Direct technology.

[0186] Although there is a structural obstacle between the AP device (200) and the device (100-6) that receives a weak Wi-Fi signal, the device (100-6) that receives a weak Wi-Fi signal can receive control commands using the BLE network (1000) and Wi-Fi Direct technology.

[0187] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed in the remote control system of FIG. 13.

[0188] Referring to FIG. 15, the server (300) can receive information on the strength of Wi-Fi signals corresponding to a plurality of electronic devices (100-1 to 100-6) from the AP device (200). Then, the server (300) can identify the device (100-6) among the plurality of electronic devices that receives a weak Wi-Fi signal (S1505). Then, the server (300) can control the configuration of the BLE network (1000) to consist only of the devices (100-1 to 100-5) that receive a strong Wi-Fi signal, excluding the device (100-6) that receives a weak Wi-Fi signal (S1510). Meanwhile, in FIG. 15, the device (100-6) that receives a weak Wi-Fi signal is described as a specific device.

[0189] The server (300) can determine whether the device (100-6) receiving a weak Wi-Fi signal includes a BLE communication module and can perform BLE communication (S1515). If the device (100-6) receiving a weak Wi-Fi signal includes a BLE communication module, the server (300) can control the configuration of a BLE network (1000) including the device (100-6) receiving a weak Wi-Fi signal (S1520).

[0190] However, if the device (100-6) that receives a weak Wi-Fi signal does not include a BLE communication module, the server (300) can identify whether there is an electronic device capable of performing Wi-Fi communication among the devices adjacent to the device (100-6) that receives a weak Wi-Fi signal in the BLE network (1000) (S1525).

[0191] If there is an electronic device (100-5) capable of performing Wi-Fi communication among adjacent devices near a device (100-6) that receives a weak Wi-Fi signal, the server (300) can control the electronic device (100-5) capable of performing Wi-Fi communication and the device (100-6) that receives a weak Wi-Fi signal to communicate with each other using Wi-Fi Direct technology (S1530).

[0192] If there is no electronic device (100-5) capable of performing Wi-Fi communication among adjacent devices near a device (100-6) that receives a weak Wi-Fi signal, the user can perform communication between the server (300) and the device (100-6) that receives a weak Wi-Fi signal using a Wi-Fi signal extender (S1535). A Wi-Fi signal extender refers to a separate hardware configuration and may need to be installed by the user in a Wi-Fi signal weak area.

[0193] FIG. 16 is a drawing illustrating a method for adding a new device according to one embodiment when a new electronic device is recognized.

[0194] Referring to FIG. 16, when a new device (100-7) is recognized in the BLE network (1000), the server (300) can determine whether to add the new device to the BLE network (1000). Here, the new device (100-7) may be a device including a BLE communication module.

[0195] Here, for example, the new device (100-7) may include a BLE signal module and not include a separate communication module. Here, the new device (100-7) may communicate with other devices using only the BLE communication module. In a network using existing Wi-Fi (an embodiment of FIG. 1), it may be difficult to include the new device (100-7) that includes only the BLE communication module in the existing network. However, since the present disclosure constitutes a BLE network (1000), the new device (100-7) that includes only the BLE communication module can be easily added to the BLE network (1000). As another example, the new device (100-7) may be implemented in a form that includes a BLE communication module and other communication modules. However, since the new device (100-7) includes a BLE communication module, the new device (100-7) can be added to the BLE network (1000).

[0196] When the power of the new device (100-7) is turned on, the BLE function included in the new device (100-7) can be changed to an on state (S1605). Then, the new device (100-7) can transmit information about the new device (100-7) to the BLE network (1000) using a BLE signal (S1610). Then, the BLE network (1000) can share information about the new device (100-7) (S1615). Then, the main device (100-1) can transmit information about the new device (100-7) to the AP device (200) (S1620). Then, the AP device (200) can transmit information about the new device (100-7) to the server (300).

[0197] The server (300) can determine whether the new device (100-7) can be added to the BLE network (1000) based on information about the received new device (100-7) (S1625). The specific determination criteria may be a list of electronic devices that can be added to the BLE network (1000) stored in the memory of the server (300). A list of electronic devices for which stability is ensured even when added to the BLE network (1000) may be stored in advance in the server (300).

[0198] When it is determined that a new device (100-7) can be added to the BLE network (1000), the server (300) can transmit a control command to display an approval status UI to a plurality of electronic devices (100-1 to 100-6) through the AP device (200) (S1630). The main device (100-1) that receives the control command from the AP device (200) can identify an electronic device including a display among the plurality of electronic devices (100-1 to 100-6) and transmit the control command to the electronic device including the display. Then, the electronic device that receives the control command can display an approval status UI on the display (S1635). In FIG. 16, the electronic device including the display is described as the main device (100-1), but depending on the embodiment, it may be an electronic device other than the main device (100-1).

[0199] Additionally, although the operation of displaying the approval status UI in FIG. 16 is described, according to the embodiment, the new device (100-7) can be automatically added to the BLE network (1000) without displaying the approval status UI.

[0200] FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation performed in the embodiment of FIG. 16.

[0201] Referring to FIG. 17, it is assumed that the power of the new device (100-7) is turned on (S1705). The new device (100-7) can transmit information about the new device (100-7) to the BLE network (1000) using a BLE communication module (S1710). Additionally, the BLE network (1000) can share information about the new device (100-7) (S1715). Then, among the electronic devices included in the BLE network (1000), the main device (100-1) can transmit information about the new device (100-7) to the AP device (200) (S1720). Then, the AP device (200) can transmit information about the new device (100-7) to the server (300) (S1725).

[0202] The server (300) can identify whether information about the received new device (100-7) is included in a previously stored list. Here, the previously stored list may refer to data stored after determining in advance whether it can be added to the BLE network (1000). If information about the new device (100-7) is not included in the previously stored list, the server (300) can control the new device (100-7) not to be added to the BLE network (1000).

[0203] If information about the new device (100-7) is included in a previously stored list, the server (300) can generate a control signal indicating that the new device (100-7) can be added and transmit the generated control signal to the AP device (200) (S1735). Then, the AP device (200) can transmit the received control signal to the main device (100-1) (S1740).

[0204] For example, the main device (100-1) can control the addition of a new device (100-7) to the BLE network (1000) automatically based on a received control signal.

[0205] As another example, the main device (100-1) can display a UI asking for approval based on a received control signal. Specifically, the main device (100-1) can identify an electronic device including a display among a plurality of electronic devices connected to the BLE network (1000) (S1745).

[0206] Additionally, the main device (100-1) may transmit a control command to display a UI asking whether to approve a new device to an identified electronic device including a display. Here, the control command to display a UI asking whether to approve a new device may be included in a new device approval signal received from the server (300).

[0207] An identified electronic device including a display can receive a control command and display a UI on the display asking whether to approve a new device (S1750). The user can decide whether to add a new device (100-7) to the BLE network (1000) through the UI.

[0208] When an input approving the addition of a new device (100-7) is received, the identified electronic device including the display can control the addition of the new device (100-7) to the BLE network (1000) (S1760).

[0209] When an input rejecting the addition of a new device (100-7) is received, the identified electronic device including the display can control the BLE network (1000) to reject the new device (100-7) (S1765).

[0210] FIG. 18 is a drawing for explaining a method for adding a new device according to another embodiment when a new electronic device is recognized.

[0211] Referring to FIG. 18, steps S1805, S1810, S1815, S1820, and S1825 may correspond to steps S1605, S1610, S1615, S1620, and S1625 of FIG. 16. Therefore, redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0212] If it is determined that a new device (100-7) can be added to the BLE network (1000), the server (300) can control the display of a UI asking the user terminal device (100-8) whether to approve the addition of the new device (100-7) (S1830). Specifically, unlike the embodiment in FIG. 16, the server (300) can control the display of the UI to a separate user terminal device (100-8) rather than an electronic device included in the BLE network (1000).

[0213] The server (300) can generate a control command that displays a UI asking for additional approval for the new device (100-7) and transmit the generated control command to the user terminal device (100-8). Then, the user terminal device (100-8) can display a UI asking for additional approval for the new device (100-7) on a display based on the received control command.

[0214] FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation performed in the embodiment of FIG. 18.

[0215] Referring to FIG. 19, steps S1905, S1910, S1915, S1920, S1925, and S1930 may correspond to steps S1705, S1710, S1715, S1720, S1725, and S1730 of FIG. 17. Therefore, redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0216] If information about the new device (100-7) is not included in the previously stored list, the server (300) can control not to add the new device (100-7) to the BLE network (1000).

[0217] Additionally, if information about the new device (100-7) is included in a previously stored list, the server (300) can generate a control signal that displays a UI asking whether to add the new device (100-7) and transmit the generated control signal to the user terminal device (100-8). Then, the user terminal device (100-8) can display a UI asking whether to add the new device (100-7) on the display based on the received control signal (S1935).

[0218] When an input rejecting the addition of a new device (100-7) is received, the user terminal device (100-8) can control not to add the new device (100-7) to the BLE network (1000) (S1945).

[0219] When an input approving the addition of a new device (100-7) is received, the user terminal device (100-8) can generate a control command (or response) to add the new device (100-7) to the BLE network (1000) and transmit the generated control command to the server (300) (S1955). Then, the server (300) can transmit the control command to add the new device (100-7) to the BLE network (1000) to the AP device (200) (S1960). Then, the AP device (200) can transmit the received control command to the main device (100-1) (S1965). Then, the main device (100-1) can control the addition of the new device (100-7) to the BLE network (1000) based on the received control command (S1970).

[0220] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a method for remotely controlling an electronic device that includes only a BLE communication module.

[0221] Referring to FIG. 20, the remote control system may be composed of a plurality of electronic devices (100-1 to 100-5), an AP device (200), and a server (300).

[0222] Here, an embodiment is assumed in which an electronic device (100-9) containing only a BLE communication module is added to a remote control system. The electronic device (100-9) containing only a BLE communication module can communicate with other electronic devices only by using BLE technology.

[0223] However, since existing remote control systems form a communication network via Wi-Fi, it may be somewhat difficult to add an electronic device (100-9) that includes only a BLE communication module.

[0224] However, the present disclosure can control an electronic device (100-9) that includes only a BLE communication module even in a remote control system that forms a communication network via existing Wi-Fi. Specifically, the remote control system can identify an electronic device that includes a BLE communication module in a communication network using existing Wi-Fi. It is assumed that the identified electronic device is 100-5. Since the identified electronic device (100-5) was already communicating with the AP device (200) via Wi-Fi, it may include both a Wi-Fi communication module and a BLE communication module.

[0225] Specifically, the identified electronic device (100-5) can communicate with an electronic device (100-9) that includes only a BLE communication module using a BLE communication module.

[0226] If the server (300) intends to control an electronic device (100-9) that includes only a BLE communication module, the server (300) may transmit a control command to the AP device (200). Then, the AP device (200) may transmit the control command to the identified electronic device (100-5) using a Wi-Fi method. Then, the identified electronic device (100-5) may transmit the control command to the electronic device (100-9) that includes only a BLE communication module using a BLE method.

[0227] When an electronic device (100-9) containing only a BLE communication module transmits information to an identified electronic device (100-5), the electronic device (100-9) containing only a BLE communication module can transmit the information to the identified electronic device (100-5) using the BLE method. Then, the identified electronic device (100-5) can transmit the received information to an AP device (200) using the Wi-Fi method. Then, the AP device (200) can transmit the received information to a server (300).

[0228] The present disclosure allows for additional control of an electronic device (100-9) including only a BLE communication module in a communication network using an existing Wi-Fi method.

[0229] FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0230] Referring to FIG. 21, a method for controlling an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include the steps of: controlling a first communication interface (111) to connect to a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) network (S2005); identifying the strength of a received Wi-Fi signal when a Wi-Fi signal is received from an AP (Access Point) device through a second communication interface (112) (S2010); transmitting information about the strength of the received Wi-Fi signal to an AP device through the second communication interface (112) (S2015); identifying whether the electronic device is a main device among a plurality of electronic devices connected to a BLE network based on the received response information when response information corresponding to the information transmitted from the AP device through the second communication interface (112) is received (S2020); and maintaining or disconnecting Wi-Fi communication through the second communication interface (112) based on the identification result (S2025).

[0231] Here, the response information may include information indicating that each of the plurality of electronic devices that transmitted information about the strength of the Wi-Fi signal to the AP device is a main device or a sub device, and the step of maintaining or disconnecting Wi-Fi communication may maintain Wi-Fi communication if the electronic device is a main device among the plurality of electronic devices, and disconnect Wi-Fi communication if the electronic device is a sub device among the plurality of electronic devices.

[0232] Here, the main device may be any one of a refrigerator, an air conditioner, a video output device, a smart plug, or a smart bulb, and may be determined based on at least one of information on the strength of the Wi-Fi signal and standby power information.

[0233] Meanwhile, the control method can transmit a control signal received through the AP device to at least one of a plurality of electronic devices through the first communication interface (111) while the Wi-Fi connection through the second communication interface (112) is maintained based on the identification result.

[0234] In addition, in a method for controlling an electronic device that stores identification information for each of a plurality of electronic devices, the control method may determine whether to add the identified external device to the BLE network when the external device for which identification information is not stored is identified in the BLE network.

[0235] Here, the control method can control the display (130) to display a guide UI for adding an identified external device to a BLE network.

[0236] Additionally, the control method can transmit information about the identified external device to the AP device through the second communication interface (112), and when a control signal is received from the AP device to display a guide UI for adding the identified external device to the BLE network, the display (130) can be controlled to display the guide UI.

[0237] Additionally, the control method can transmit a first signal, which controls the display of a guide UI for adding an identified external device to a BLE network, to a device including a display among a plurality of electronic devices through a first communication interface (111), and when a second signal, which instructs the device including the display to add an identified external device to a BLE network, is received through the first communication interface (111), the external device can be added to the BLE network and identification information for the external device can be transmitted to an AP device through a second communication interface (112).

[0238] Meanwhile, the control method can transmit a control signal to one of the multiple electronic devices through the first communication interface (111) when a control signal is received from the AP device to communicate with an external device not connected to the BLE network via Wi-Fi Direct while the Wi-Fi connection through the second communication interface (112) is maintained based on the identification result.

[0239] Here, one of the plurality of electronic devices may be a device located adjacent to one of the external devices.

[0240] Meanwhile, a control method for an electronic device such as that shown in FIG. 21 can be executed on an electronic device having the configuration of FIG. 5 or FIG. 6, and can also be executed on an electronic device having other configurations.

[0241] Meanwhile, the methods according to the various embodiments of the present disclosure described above can be implemented in the form of an application that can be installed on an existing electronic device.

[0242] In addition, the methods according to the various embodiments of the present disclosure described above can be implemented by software upgrades or hardware upgrades alone for existing electronic devices.

[0243] In addition, the various embodiments of the present disclosure described above may also be performed through an embedded server equipped in an electronic device, or through an external server among at least one of the electronic device and the display device.

[0244] Meanwhile, according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the various embodiments described above may be implemented as software comprising instructions stored on a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a computer). The machine may include an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (A)) according to the disclosed embodiments, which is a device capable of calling instructions stored from the storage medium and operating according to the called instructions. When instructions are executed by a processor, the processor may perform a function corresponding to the instructions directly or by using other components under the control of the processor. Instructions may include code generated or executed by a compiler or an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, "non-transitory" means only that the storage medium does not contain a signal and is tangible, and does not distinguish whether data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0245] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the method according to the various embodiments described above may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or online through an application store (e.g., Play Store™). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily created in a storage medium such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0246] Additionally, each component (e.g., module or program) according to the various embodiments described above may be composed of a single or multiple entities, and some of the aforementioned sub-components may be omitted, or other sub-components may be further included in the various embodiments. Generally or additionally, some components (e.g., module or program) may be integrated into a single entity to perform the functions performed by each of the respective components prior to integration in the same or similar manner. The operations performed by the module, program, or other components according to the various embodiments may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or at least some operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or other operations added.

[0247] Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. It is understood that various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the essence of the present disclosure as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical spirit or perspective of the present disclosure. Explanation of the symbols

[0248] 100: Electronic device 110: Communication interface 111: 1st communication interface 112: 2nd communication interface 120: Processor

Claims

Claim 1 An electronic device comprising: a first communication interface; a second communication interface; and a processor that controls the first communication interface to connect to a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) network, and when a Wi-Fi signal is received from an Access Point (AP) device through the second communication interface, identifies the strength of the received Wi-Fi signal, transmits information regarding the strength of the received Wi-Fi signal to the AP device through the second communication interface, and when response information corresponding to the transmitted information is received from the AP device through the second communication interface, identifies whether the electronic device is a main device among a plurality of electronic devices connected to the BLE network based on the received response information, maintains the Wi-Fi communication if the electronic device is a main device among the plurality of electronic devices, and releases the Wi-Fi communication if the electronic device is a sub device among the plurality of electronic devices. Claim 2 An electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the response information comprises information indicating that each of the plurality of electronic devices that transmitted information regarding the strength of the Wi-Fi signal to the AP device is a main device or a sub device. Claim 3 In paragraph 2, the main device is any one of a refrigerator, an air conditioner, a video output device, a smart plug, and a smart bulb, and is an electronic device determined based on at least one of information on the strength of a Wi-Fi signal and standby power information. Claim 4 In claim 1, the processor is an electronic device that transmits a control signal received through the AP device to at least one of the plurality of electronic devices through the first communication interface while a Wi-Fi connection through the second communication interface is maintained based on the identification result. Claim 5 The electronic device according to claim 1 further comprises a memory for storing identification information for each of the plurality of electronic devices, wherein the processor determines whether to add the identified external device to the BLE network when the external device for which the identification information is not stored in the memory is identified in the BLE network. Claim 6 In paragraph 5, the electronic device further comprising a display; wherein the processor controls the display to display a guide UI for adding the identified external device to the BLE network. Claim 7 An electronic device according to claim 5, further comprising a display; wherein the processor transmits information about the identified external device to the AP device through the second communication interface, and controls the display to display the guide UI when a control signal is received from the AP device to display a guide UI for adding the identified external device to the BLE network. Claim 8 In claim 5, the processor transmits a first signal, which controls the display of a guide UI for adding the identified external device to the BLE network, to a device including a display among the plurality of electronic devices via the first communication interface, and when a second signal, which instructs the device including the display to add the identified external device to the BLE network, is received via the first communication interface, the electronic device adds the external device to the BLE network and transmits identification information for the external device to the AP device via the second communication interface. Claim 9 An electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, when the processor receives a control signal from the AP device to establish a Wi-Fi Direct communication connection between one of the plurality of electronic devices and an external device not connected to the BLE network, based on the identification result, the processor transmits the control signal to one of the plurality of electronic devices through the first communication interface. Claim 10 In paragraph 9, one of the plurality of electronic devices is an electronic device located adjacent to one of the external devices. Claim 11 A method for controlling an electronic device comprises: a step of controlling a first communication interface to connect to a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) network; a step of identifying the strength of a received Wi-Fi signal when a Wi-Fi signal is received from an AP (Access Point) device through a second communication interface; a step of transmitting information regarding the strength of the received Wi-Fi signal to the AP device through the second communication interface; a step of identifying whether the electronic device is a main device among a plurality of electronic devices connected to the BLE network based on the received response information when response information corresponding to the transmitted information is received from the AP device through the second communication interface; a step of maintaining the Wi-Fi communication if the electronic device is a main device among the plurality of electronic devices; and a step of releasing the Wi-Fi communication if the electronic device is a sub device among the plurality of electronic devices. Claim 12 A method for controlling an electronic device according to claim 11, wherein the response information comprises information indicating that each of the plurality of electronic devices that transmitted information about the strength of the Wi-Fi signal to the AP device is a main device or a sub device. Claim 13 In claim 12, the main device is any one of a refrigerator, an air conditioner, a video output device, a smart plug, and a smart bulb, and a method for controlling an electronic device determined based on at least one of information on the strength of a Wi-Fi signal and standby power information. Claim 14 A method for controlling an electronic device according to claim 11, further comprising the step of transmitting a control signal received through the AP device to at least one of the plurality of electronic devices through the first communication interface while a Wi-Fi connection through the second communication interface is maintained based on the identification result. Claim 15 In claim 11, a method for controlling an electronic device that stores identification information for each of the plurality of electronic devices, wherein the control method further comprises the step of determining whether to add the identified external device to the BLE network when the external device for which the identification information is not stored is identified in the BLE network. Claim 16 In claim 15, the control method further comprises the step of controlling a display to display a guide UI for adding the identified external device to the BLE network; a control method for an electronic device. Claim 17 A method for controlling an electronic device according to claim 15, further comprising: a step of transmitting information about the identified external device to the AP device through the second communication interface; and a step of controlling a display to display the guide UI when a control signal is received from the AP device to display the guide UI for adding the identified external device to the BLE network. Claim 18 In claim 15, the control method further comprises: a step of transmitting a first signal, which controls displaying a guide UI for adding the identified external device to the BLE network, to a device including a display among the plurality of electronic devices through the first communication interface; and a step of, when a second signal, which instructs adding the identified external device to the BLE network is received from the device including the display through the first communication interface, adding the external device to the BLE network and transmitting identification information for the external device to the AP device through the second communication interface. Claim 19 In claim 11, the control method further comprises the step of transmitting the control signal to one of the plurality of electronic devices through the first communication interface when, based on the identification result, a control signal is received from the AP device to establish a communication connection via Wi-Fi Direct with an external device not connected to the BLE network for one of the plurality of electronic devices. Claim 20 In claim 19, a method for controlling an electronic device wherein one of the plurality of electronic devices is a device located adjacent to one of the external devices.

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