Method, server and user terminal for controlling the Internet of Things through a chat room

Abstract

The method of a server of the present invention controlling a device through a chat room comprises the steps of: receiving information about at least one device connected via IoT from a user terminal; creating a device account corresponding to the device for a chat service; receiving information related to operational characteristics of the device from the user terminal; providing a chat room to the user terminal in which the device account participates; receiving a control message containing a control command for the device through the chat room from the user terminal; and providing a response message of the device account corresponding to the control command to the user terminal through the chat room.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for inviting an IoT device to a chat room and controlling the IoT device. Background Technology

[0002] With the recent advancements in network and wireless communication technologies, Internet of Things (IoT) devices—which connect everyday objects to the internet by combining sensor technology—are emerging across various industries. Users can control IoT devices without limitations of distance or space through the technology used to manage them.

[0003] However, users are currently experiencing difficulties in operating IoT devices because they are required to undergo complex procedures for registering the devices separately and install applications to manage them. Furthermore, as the number of IoT devices increases, users are facing even greater challenges in managing and controlling multiple devices.

[0004] Therefore, there is an increasing demand among users to improve the convenience of using IoT devices by managing multiple devices collectively through commonly used messengers. Prior art literature

[0005] Republic of Korea Registered Patent No. 10-2020-0044167 (2020.04.29) The problem to be solved

[0006] The purpose of the present invention is to register a device account for an IoT device, invite the device account for the IoT device to a chat room, and easily control the IoT device through natural language.

[0007] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a user-customized IoT device in which each of a plurality of IoT devices has a tendency and a manager account managing the plurality of IoT devices exists within a chat room. means of solving the problem

[0008] The method of a server of the present invention controlling a device through a chat room comprises the steps of: receiving information about at least one device connected via IoT from a user terminal; creating a device account corresponding to the device for a chat service; receiving information related to operational characteristics of the device from the user terminal; providing a chat room to the user terminal in which the device account participates; receiving a control message containing a control command for the device through the chat room from the user terminal; and providing a response message of the device account corresponding to the control command to the user terminal through the chat room.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include a step of determining a detailed control command for the control command by reflecting the operation characteristics, which is performed after the step of receiving the control message.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the operating characteristic includes at least one of an energy consumption characteristic, a heating and cooling characteristic, a lighting characteristic, and an operating allowable time characteristic for the device, and the device can operate according to the control command based on the operating characteristic.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, in the step of receiving information related to the operation characteristics, the server may receive information related to the operation characteristics from a chat message of the chat room.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes the step of receiving information related to response characteristics for the device account from the user terminal, and the response message may be determined based on the response characteristics.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the response characteristics may include at least one of the tone, tone, politeness, and chat participation level regarding the response message of the device account.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include the step of providing a control interface to the user terminal that enables the device to be controlled through the chat room, which is performed after the step of providing the chat room.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the control interface may be provided in the form of a speech message of the device account.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the device includes a first and a second device, and the chat room can be joined by first and second device accounts corresponding to the first and second devices, respectively.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes a step of determining a target device among the first and second devices that is the target of the control command, which is performed after the step of receiving the control message, and the response message may be provided in the form of a speech message of a device account corresponding to the target device among the first and second device accounts.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, in the step of determining the target device, the server may determine the target device based on at least one of the control message and the chat message of the chat room associated with the control message.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include the steps of adding an additional user to the chat room, receiving information regarding the additional user's control authority over the device from the user terminal, receiving an additional control message containing an additional control command over the device through the chat room from the additional user's terminal, and, when the additional user's control authority is confirmed, providing an additional response message of the device account corresponding to the additional control command through the chat room to the user terminal and the additional user's terminal.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include the step of providing a list of friends of the chat service containing the device account to the user terminal, which is performed after the step of creating the device account.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include the step of providing a profile page of the device account, which includes a control interface capable of controlling the device to the user terminal, after the step of creating the device account.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, a participant in the chat room includes a manager account that manages the operation of the device, and may further include a step of providing a management message of the manager account that corresponds to the control command and includes management information for the device through the chat room, which is performed between the step of receiving the control message and the step of providing the response message.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes the step of receiving information related to management characteristics for the manager account from the user terminal, and the management message may be determined based on the management characteristics.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present invention, the management characteristic may include at least one of the speech style, tone, honorifics, chat participation level, consumption characteristic, heating and cooling characteristic, lighting characteristic, and operation allowance time characteristic for the manager account.

[0025] A server for controlling a device through a chat room according to the present invention comprises a memory and a processor connected to the memory and configured to execute commands included in the memory, wherein the processor is configured to perform the steps of: receiving information about at least one device connected via IoT from a user terminal; creating a device account corresponding to the device for a chat service; receiving information related to operational characteristics of the device from the user terminal; providing a chat room in which the user terminal participates with the device account; receiving a control message containing a control command for the device through the chat room from the user terminal; and providing a response message of the device account corresponding to the control command to the user terminal through the chat room.

[0026] A method for a user terminal of the present invention to control a device through a chat room comprises the steps of: providing information about at least one device connected to a server via IoT and requesting the creation of a device account corresponding to the device for a chat service; transmitting information related to the operational characteristics of the device to the server; displaying a chat room in which the device account participates; transmitting a control message containing a control command for the device to the server through the chat room; and displaying a response message of the device account corresponding to the control command through the chat room.

[0027] A user terminal controlling a device through a chat room according to the present invention comprises a memory and a processor connected to the memory and configured to execute commands included in the memory, wherein the processor is configured to perform the steps of: providing information about at least one device connected to a server via IoT and requesting the creation of a device account corresponding to the device for a chat service; transmitting information related to the operational characteristics of the device to the server; displaying a chat room in which the device account participates; transmitting a control message containing a control command for the device to the server through the chat room; and displaying a response message of the device account corresponding to the control command through the chat room. Effects of the invention

[0028] The present invention has the advantage of registering a device account for an IoT device, inviting the device account for the IoT device to a chat room, and easily controlling the IoT device through natural language.

[0029] The present invention has the advantage of providing user-customized IoT devices, in which each of the multiple IoT devices has a tendency and a manager account managing the multiple IoT devices exists within the chat room. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0030] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a network environment according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method for a server of the present invention to receive a command to control a device connected via IoT from a user terminal. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for a server of the present invention to receive response characteristics from a user terminal and provide a response message according to the response characteristics. FIGS. 4 to 9 illustrate exemplary screens in the process of a user terminal controlling a device connected via IoT according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for a server of the present invention to control a device account through a manager account in a chat room. FIG. 11 illustrates a screen in which a user terminal, according to one embodiment of the present invention, controls an IoT device through a manager account of a chat room. FIG. 12 illustrates a screen in which a user terminal, according to an embodiment of the present invention, controls an IoT device through a profile list in a chat room. FIG. 13 illustrates a screen in which the characteristic information of a device account is changed based on a user's control command and chat message by a server according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method for a user terminal of the present invention to control an IoT device through a chat room. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Identical or similar components regardless of drawing symbols are assigned the same reference number, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, in describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of related prior art could obscure the essence of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0032] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0033] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0034] In this application, each step described may be performed regardless of the order listed, except where it must be performed in the order listed by a particular causal relationship.

[0035] In this application, terms such as “comprising” or “having” 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] The present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a network environment according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] A network environment according to one embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 1 may include a server (10), a user terminal (20), and an IoT device (30). The user terminal (20) may include at least one terminal connected to the server (10) via a network. In FIG. 1, the user terminal (20) is illustrated as an example of a user terminal.

[0040] The user terminal (20) is a terminal used by a user who logs in with a user account registered on the server (10), and the IoT device (30) means a device that is connected to the server (10) or the user terminal (20) via a network and receives control commands.

[0041] Hereinafter, for the convenience of explanation, the user terminal (20) is described as a terminal that registers the IoT device (30) with the server (10) and transmits control commands thereto. However, the functions that can be performed according to the terminal in this manner are not specified or limited.

[0042] The network is not limited to a specific communication method and may include not only communication methods utilizing communication networks that the network can include (e.g., mobile communication networks, wired internet, wireless internet, broadcasting networks) but also short-range wireless communication.

[0043] In the present invention, the server (10) may be a device capable of transmitting and receiving information by communicating with a terminal through a network. The server (10) may be implemented as a computer device or a plurality of computer devices that provide commands, code, files, content, services, etc.

[0044] The server (10) may include a processor (11), memory (12) and a communication unit (13).

[0045] The processor (11) controls the overall operation of the memory (12) and the communication unit (13) to provide a messenger service that can control the IoT device (30) in the terminal. Specifically, the processor (11) creates a device account corresponding to the IoT device (30), creates a chat room within the messenger, and provides a function to control the IoT device (30).

[0046] The memory (12) functions as a storage medium and can store a number of applications running on the server (10), data for the operation of the server (10), and commands. In one embodiment, information regarding the operation characteristics of the IoT device (30) and the management characteristics of the manager account can be stored in the memory (12).

[0047] This memory (12) may be provided in hardware in the form of various storage devices such as ROM, RAM, flash drive, hard drive, etc., or in the form of web storage.

[0048] The communication unit (13) can communicate with the terminal via a network in a wired / wireless manner.

[0049] The server (10) of the present invention can provide a function to create and control an IoT device (30) targeting a user terminal (20). Specifically, the server (10) can provide a function to control the IoT device (30) through a messenger chat room.

[0050] In the present invention, the server (10) may receive information about at least one device (30) connected via IoT from a user terminal (20), create a device account corresponding to the device for a chat service, and receive information related to the operational characteristics of the device from the user terminal (20). The server (10) may provide a chat room in which the user terminal (20) participates along with the device account, receive a control message containing a control command for the device from the user terminal (20) through the chat room, and provide a response message of the device account corresponding to the control command to the user terminal (20) through the chat room.

[0051] Here, a device (30) connected via IoT (hereinafter referred to as "IoT device") refers to a device that includes technology enabling specific objects to be connected to each other via the Internet and exchange data. The IoT device (30) can collect and control data through sensors, software, or networking installed on the device. The IoT device (30) can be utilized as a device with various functions, such as an air conditioner, lighting, a humidifier, a boiler, and a game console.

[0052] Here, a device account refers to an account corresponding to an IoT device (30) in a chat service provided by a server (10). A device account may consist of a combination of unique names and numbers for each device. For example, in the case of a device account for an air conditioner, if the device registration number of the air conditioner is EB201, the device account may be displayed as "Air Conditioner EB201". A device account can be easily added to a friend list (account list) by a user through methods such as adding a friend (adding an account) within the messenger.

[0053] In some cases, the server (10) may include an artificial intelligence learning model for the device account. In such cases, the server (10) may enable the device account in the chat room to interpret the user's chat messages and speak messages using natural language through the artificial intelligence learning model.

[0054] Here, the operation characteristic refers to a characteristic regarding the specific method by which the IoT device (30) operates according to a control command for the user's IoT device (30). Even if the same control command is issued to the IoT device (30), if the operation characteristic for the IoT device (30) is set differently, the specific method by which the IoT device (30) operates may differ.

[0055] For example, if the IoT device (30) is an air conditioner and the operating characteristic for energy consumption is set to "saving," the air conditioner can operate with "set temperature at 27°C and airflow at low" in response to a control command "turn on the air conditioner." However, in the above example, if the operating characteristic for energy consumption is set to "fast (not saving energy)," the air conditioner can operate with "set temperature at 22°C and airflow at high" in response to a control command "turn on the air conditioner."

[0056] Operating characteristics can be configured by the user when registering a device account. Operating characteristics may include energy consumption characteristics, heating and cooling characteristics, lighting characteristics, and allowable operating time characteristics. Users can enter setting values ​​for each operating characteristic. When a user controls the device via a chat room, the device may operate according to default settings unless there is a separate control command related to the operating characteristics.

[0057] Here, a control message refers to a message that a user inputs into a chat room to control an IoT device (30). The control message may be in the form of natural language containing a target device and a control command. For example, the control message may be in the form of "Turn the air conditioner temperature to 23℃." Here, the target device corresponds to "air conditioner," and the control command corresponds to "set the temperature to 23℃."

[0058] Here, the response message refers to a message from a device account corresponding to a user's control message. The response message is generated by the server (10) and displayed in the form of a device account's utterance in a chat room. The response message may include information about the result of the IoT device (30) operating according to the user's control message. For example, if the control message is "Turn the air conditioner temperature to 23℃," a response message such as "Set the temperature to 23℃" may be generated.

[0060] The user terminal (20) may include a communication unit (21), an input unit (22), an output unit (23), a memory (24), and a processor (25).

[0061] The communication unit (21) can communicate with the server (10) or other terminals via wired or wireless means.

[0062] The input unit (22) can receive various information through user operation and input actions. Such an input unit (22) can be a touchscreen module, keyboard, mouse, button, camera, stylus, microphone, etc.

[0063] The user terminal (20) can receive user interaction through the input unit (22). Interaction refers to the user operating the input unit to input information into the terminal that reflects the user's selection or intention. For example, interaction may be a touch on a touchscreen, a click on a mouse, typing on a keyboard, sound input from a microphone, image capture from a camera, motion recognition by a motion sensor, etc.

[0064] The output unit (23) can output various information. The output unit (23) may be a display device, a speaker, a vibration generating device, a tactile generating device, etc. In some cases, the output unit (23) may be a device (e.g., Bluetooth earphones) that receives and outputs a signal by being connected to a user terminal (20) via wired or wireless communication (e.g., short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth).

[0065] The memory (24) functions as a storage medium and can store a number of applications running on the user terminal (20), data for the operation of the user terminal (20), and commands. This memory (24) may be provided in hardware in the form of various storage devices such as ROM, RAM, flash drive, hard drive, etc., or in the form of web storage.

[0066] In one embodiment, information related to a device account may be stored in the memory (24).

[0067] The processor (25) can control the overall operation of the communication unit (21), input unit (22), output unit (23) and memory (24) to execute an application related to a messenger service that controls a device (30) connected via IoT.

[0068] The user terminal (20) can provide information about the device (30) connected via IoT to the server (10) and request the creation of a device account corresponding to the device for a chat service. The user terminal (20) can transmit information related to the operational characteristics of the device to the server (10), display a chat room in which the device account participates, and transmit a control message containing a control command for the device to the server (10) through the chat room. The user terminal (20) can display a response message from the device account corresponding to the control command through the chat room, and the operational information of the device according to the control command can be determined based on the operational characteristics.

[0070] The IoT device (30) can be connected to the server (10) and the user terminal (20) through a network. Although only one IoT device (30) is shown in FIG. 1, it is also possible for multiple IoT devices (30) to be connected to the server (10) and the user terminal (20) through a network.

[0071] The IoT device (30) can be controlled via a control message from a user terminal (20). Specifically, the server (10) determines a detailed control command based on the control message from the user terminal (20) and reflects the operational characteristics, and transmits the detailed control command to the IoT device (30) via a network. The IoT device (30) receives the detailed control command and operates according to the detailed control command.

[0072] In some cases, the IoT device (30) may not be directly connected to the server (10) as shown in FIG. 1, but may be connected to the server (10) through the IoT server. In this case, the server (10) does not directly transmit detailed control commands to the IoT device (30), but transmits them to the IoT server connected to the IoT device (30), and the IoT server transmits them back to the IoT device (30) so that control of the IoT device (30) is performed.

[0073] If there are multiple IoT devices (30), there may also be multiple IoT servers. Depending on the case, a single IoT server may be connected to and control multiple IoT devices (30). For example, if there are a first device, a second device, and a third device as IoT devices (30), it is possible for the first and second devices to be controlled by the first IoT server and the third device to be controlled by the second IoT server.

[0075] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 13, an embodiment of a method in which the server (10) of the present invention controls an IoT device (30) through a chat room will be described.

[0076] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method for a server (10) of the present invention to control an IoT device (30) through a chat room.

[0077] In step (201), the server (10) receives information from the user terminal (20) about at least one device (30) connected via IoT.

[0078] The server (10) can receive information about an IoT device (30) owned or managed by the user from the user terminal (20). Specifically, the server (10) can receive information about the IoT device (30) itself, rather than receiving information about an IoT server that controls the IoT device (30).

[0079] The server (10) can receive information about the IoT device (30) by various methods. As an example, the server (10) can receive information about the IoT device (30) by scanning a QR code about the IoT device (30) from a user terminal (20).

[0080] In another example, the server (10) can directly receive information about the IoT device (30) from the user terminal (20). Specifically, the server (10) can provide an interface to the user terminal (20) to input information about the IoT device (30). The server (10) can receive information about the IoT device (30) through the interface to input information from the user terminal (20). In some cases, the server (10) can receive information about the IoT device (30) from the user terminal (20) through a chat message in a chat room.

[0082] In step (203), the server (10) creates a device account corresponding to the device for the chat service.

[0083] When the server (10) receives information about an IoT device (30) from a user terminal (20), it can create a device account corresponding to the IoT device (30) for a chat service based on the received information. The device account can participate in chat rooms within the chat service just like other users' accounts. Additionally, the device account can be displayed in a friend list by adding friends, etc.

[0084] When the server (10) creates a device account by the method described above, the server (10) may grant management rights over the IoT device (30) to the account of the user who created the device account. Specifically, the server (10) may grant management rights to the user terminal (20), including control rights over the IoT device (30), rights to set characteristic information for the IoT device (30), rights to permit use by other users, control rights for additional participants regarding the IoT device (30), and rights to withdraw from the chat service of the device account.

[0085] The name (profile) of the device account may be determined in relation to at least one of the type of IoT device (30), the user who requested the creation of the device account on the chat service, and the location of the IoT device (30). For example, if the IoT device (30) is "lighting," the name of the device account may be determined as "lighting," which is the type of the device. For another example, if the user who requested the creation of the IoT device (30) is Peter and the IoT device (30) is a boiler, the name of the device account may be determined as "Peter's Boiler." For yet another example, if the IoT device (30) is an air conditioner located in an office, the name of the device account may be determined as "Office Air Conditioner."

[0087] In step (205), the server (10) receives information related to the operation characteristics of the device from the user terminal (20).

[0088] When a device account is created, the user who requested the creation of the device account can set information related to the operating characteristics of the IoT device (30). The operating characteristics can be customized to reflect each user's preferences or usage habits. Specifically, the user can set the operating characteristics of the IoT device (30) according to their own tendencies.

[0089] For example, if the user has a tendency to save energy consumption for the IoT device (30), the operating characteristics for energy consumption can be set to "saving." In this case, the IoT device (30) can operate with relatively low power consumption (e.g., weakly) to reduce energy consumption.

[0090] Additionally, if the IoT device (30) is a heating and cooling device and the user has a tendency to be sensitive to cold, the heating and cooling characteristics can be set to "cold sensitive." In this case, the cooling of the IoT device (30) can be operated relatively weakly, and the heating can be operated with relatively high power consumption (e.g., strong).

[0091] Operation characteristics may include various setting items depending on the IoT device (30). For example, if the IoT device (30) is an air conditioner, the operation characteristics may include characteristics regarding "energy consumption," "cooling," and "reservation time," etc. Additionally, if the IoT device (30) is a light, the operation characteristics may include characteristics regarding "energy consumption" and "lighting characteristics (light intensity, light color temperature, and light operation time)," etc. Additionally, if the IoT device (30) is a game console, the operation characteristics may include characteristics regarding "operation allowance time" and "operation allowance game content," etc.

[0092] In addition to the examples described above, operating characteristics may include various setting items such as energy consumption limits, heating and cooling temperature limits, peak power consumption limits, and brightness characteristics. In some cases, if operating characteristics for a specific IoT device (30) are not pre-prepared by the server (10), the user may create and set custom operating characteristics for the IoT device (30) that suit their preferences.

[0093] The user can set information related to the operating characteristics of the IoT device (30) by various methods.

[0094] The user can set information related to operation characteristics through a separate interface for setting operation characteristics. Specifically, when a device account is created, the server (10) can provide the user terminal (20) with an interface for setting operation characteristics for the device account. The user terminal (20) can transmit information related to operation characteristics for the IoT device (30) through the said interface.

[0095] In some cases, the user may set information related to operational characteristics through a separate chat room for setting operational characteristics. Specifically, when a device account is created, the server (10) may provide the user terminal (20) with a chat room containing the user who requested the creation of the device account and the device account. The user terminal (20) may transmit information related to operational characteristics of the IoT device (30) to the server (10) by entering a chat message into the chat room.

[0096] For example, a user terminal (20) can set an operating characteristic regarding the energy consumption of an IoT device (30). The operating characteristic regarding energy consumption may be a characteristic related to the energy consumption consumed while the IoT device (30) is operating according to the operating method of the IoT device (30). For example, if the IoT device (30) is an air conditioner and the energy consumption characteristic is set to "saving," the air conditioner may operate in a manner corresponding to "setting temperature to 27°C and airflow to low" in response to a control command "turn on the air conditioner." In this case, the energy consumption may be relatively low. However, in the above example, if the energy consumption characteristic is set to "fast (not saving)," the air conditioner may operate in a manner corresponding to "setting temperature to 22°C and airflow to high" in response to a control command "turn on the air conditioner." In this case, the energy consumption may be relatively high.

[0097] As another example, the user terminal (20) can set operational characteristics for limiting the energy usage of the IoT device (30). Operational characteristics for limiting energy usage may mean limiting the energy usage of the IoT device (30) by specifying it for a certain period. For example, if the IoT device (30) is an air conditioner, the user can set detailed settings for energy consumption such as "less than 100 kW per month."

[0098] As another example, the user terminal (20) can set operation characteristics for the lighting characteristics of the IoT device (30) corresponding to the lighting. The operation characteristics for the lighting characteristics may be features related to the intensity of the lighting, the color temperature of the lighting, and the operating time of the lighting when the IoT device (30) corresponding to the lighting is operating. For example, if the IoT device (30) is a light and the operation characteristics are set to "soft," when the user commands the lighting to be turned on without setting a separate lighting brightness, the lighting may operate to turn on relatively weak brightness. However, in the above example, if the operation characteristics are set to "bright," the lighting may operate to turn on relatively strong brightness.

[0099] As another example, the user terminal (20) can set the operation characteristics for the allowable operation time of the IoT device (30). For example, if the IoT device (30) is a game console and the operation characteristics for the allowable operation time are set to "generous," the game console can activate "game time for 1 hour" in response to a control command "activate the game console." However, in the above example, if the allowable operation time characteristics are set to "limited," the game console can activate "game time for 30 minutes" in response to a control command "activate the game console."

[0101] In step (207), the server (10) provides the user terminal (20) with a chat room that it joins with a device account.

[0102] When the server (10) receives operation characteristics from the user terminal (20), the server (10) may provide the user terminal (20) with a chat room that can control the IoT device (30). The chat room may be a space for the user to control the IoT device (30). The chat room may include user and device accounts. The user terminal (20) can control the IoT device (30) through chat messages to the device accounts participating in the chat room.

[0103] The user terminal (20) can perform various functions through a chat room. As an example, the user terminal (20) can control an IoT device (30) through a chat room. Specifically, the user terminal (20) can control the IoT device (30) through chat messages in the chat room regarding the device account. Additionally, the user terminal (20) can control the IoT device (30) through a control interface displayed in the chat room.

[0104] As another example, the user terminal (20) can change information related to operation characteristics through a chat room. Specifically, the user terminal (20) can display a chat message related to the change of operation characteristics entered by the user. In this case, the server (10) can change the previously set operation characteristics according to the chat message related to the change of operation characteristics received from the user terminal (20).

[0105] In some cases, if the user has not set at least some of the operating characteristics for the IoT device (30), the user terminal (20) may display a chat message that sets new operating characteristics entered by the user. In such cases, the server (10) may set new operating characteristics according to the chat message that sets new operating characteristics received from the user terminal (20).

[0106] The server (10) can provide a chat room to the user terminal (20) in which multiple users and multiple device accounts participate together.

[0107] The user terminal (20) can add additional participants and other device accounts to the chat room it is participating in, along with the device account provided by the server (10). Specifically, when a device account is created in the chat service, the user terminal (20) can add device accounts included in the friend list (account list) of the chat service to the chat room.

[0108] In some cases, the user terminal (20) may add at least one device account to an already created group chat room (e.g., a family chat room). Additionally, the user terminal (20) may send a request to the server (10) to create a new chat room containing multiple device accounts and participant accounts. In this case, multiple device accounts and multiple users may be participating in the chat room.

[0109] When multiple users are participating in a chat room, the user terminal (20) can transmit information regarding the control authority of additional participants to the server (10). When the server (10) receives the control authority of additional participants regarding the IoT device (30) from the user terminal (20), the server (10) can grant the additional participants management authority regarding the IoT device (30).

[0110] The management authority of the IoT device (30) can be set differently for each user. For example, if there are multiple administrators for the IoT device (30), the representative administrator can perform all control commands for the ON / OFF of the IoT device (30), but the auxiliary administrator can be set to perform only control commands for the OFF of the IoT device (30).

[0111] As another example, "Mike" participating in a chat room might be a co-administrator for "Lighting." In this case, "Mike" can be granted only administrative authority for "Lighting." However, "Jane" participating in the same chat room might be a co-administrator for "Game Console." In this case, "Jane" can be granted only administrative authority for "Game Console."

[0112] If there are multiple managers for the IoT device (30), the operating characteristics of the IoT device (30) can also be set in multiple ways depending on the manager. For example, the IoT device (30) may be an air conditioner, and the managers may be Peter and Jane. In this case, Peter can set the operating characteristics for the air conditioner, and Jane can also set the operating characteristics for the air conditioner separately from Peter.

[0114] In step (209), the server (10) receives a control message containing a control command for the IoT device (30) from the user terminal (20) via a chat room.

[0115] A server (10) may receive control commands from a user terminal (20) to control an IoT device (30). The server (10) may receive control commands from the user terminal (20) via a control message. Specifically, the user may input a control message containing control commands for the IoT device (30) through a chat room. The control message may be in the form of text or natural language that can be understood by humans. In some cases, the control message may be a programming language, an image, or a video. The server (10) may receive control commands by a method of receiving a control message containing control commands from the user terminal (20).

[0116] When the server (10) receives a control command, the server (10) can verify the control authority of the user who requested the control command. Specifically, if multiple users are participating in a chat room, the server (10) can verify the user's control authority over the target device. Once the control authority is verified, the server (10) can operate the target device according to the received control command.

[0117] The server (10) can operate the IoT device (30) according to the operation characteristics set by the user who inputs a control message including a control command. Specifically, the server (10) can determine a detailed control command for the control command by reflecting the operation characteristics. The server (10) can operate the IoT device (30) by transmitting the detailed control command to the IoT device (30) or the IoT server.

[0118] For example, the server (10) may receive a control message containing a control command, "Turn on the air conditioner." Here, if the user who entered the control message sets the operating characteristics of the air conditioner such that the energy consumption characteristic is "fast" and the cooling characteristic is "heat sensitive," the server (10) may determine a detailed control command such as "set temperature to 18°C, airflow to high." The server (10) may transmit a control command to the IoT device (30) or IoT server to operate the air conditioner with "set temperature to 18°C, airflow to high." In this case, the IoT device (30) or IoT server (10) may operate the air conditioner with "set temperature to 18°C, airflow to high."

[0120] In step (211), the server (10) provides the user terminal (20) with a response message of a device account corresponding to a control command through a chat room.

[0121] In step (211), the content related to the operational characteristics of the response message is explained in detail. The content related to the response characteristics of the response message is explained in detail in FIG. 3.

[0122] When the server (10) receives a control message containing a control command from a user terminal (20), the server (10) may provide a response message of a device account to the user terminal (20). The server (10) may provide a response message containing details related to a detailed control command to the user terminal (20). For example, in response to a control command such as "Turn on the air conditioner," the server (10) may provide a response message such as "Operate the air conditioner with the set temperature set to 27℃ and the airflow set to low." Here, the response message may be in the form of a speech message of a device account.

[0123] When multiple device accounts are participating in a chat room, the server (10) can determine a target device among multiple IoT devices (30) that is the target of a control command. Specifically, the server (10) can determine the target device based on at least one of a control message and a chat message in the chat room related to the control message. When the server (10) determines the target device, the server (10) can provide a response message in the form of a speech message of the device account corresponding to the target device.

[0124] For example, if an air conditioner account and a lighting account participate in a chat room and receive a control command such as "turn on the air conditioner" from a user terminal (20), the server (10) can determine the target device as "air conditioner". Additionally, the server (10) can provide a response message in the form of a speech message of "air conditioner".

[0126] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method in which a server (10) of the present invention receives response characteristics from a user terminal (20) and provides a response message according to the response characteristics.

[0127] For the convenience of explanation, the description of the step in Fig. 3 that is substantially identical to the step in Fig. 2 will be replaced with the description referring to Fig. 2.

[0128] In step (301), the server (10) receives information related to the response characteristics of the device from the user terminal (20).

[0129] When a device account is created, the user who requested the creation of the device account can set information related to response characteristics for the IoT device (30). Response characteristics refer to information regarding the unique characteristics of the response message that the device account responds to in a chat room. Response characteristics may include the tone, manner of speech, and whether or not the response message of the device account is polite.

[0130] Response characteristics can be customized to reflect each user's preferences or speech patterns. Specifically, users can set response characteristics for the IoT device (30) according to their tendencies.

[0131] For example, if a user prefers to converse in informal language, the response characteristic regarding formality for IoT devices can be set to "Informal." In this case, if a response message is provided through a chat room, the response message may be delivered in informal language.

[0132] The user terminal (20) can transmit information about the tone of voice among the response characteristics to the server (10). The tone of voice may be a characteristic related to the tone of voice of the device account when the device account speaks a response message corresponding to a control command in a chat room. For example, the tone of voice may include the tone of voice of a friend, parent, grandmother, teacher, and secretary, etc.

[0133] The user terminal (20) can transmit information regarding the tone among the response characteristics to the server (10). The tone may be a characteristic related to the tone of the device account when the device account emits a response message corresponding to a control command in a chat room. For example, the tone may include tones such as concise, firm, affectionate, kind, angry, sad, and happy.

[0134] The user terminal (20) can transmit information regarding whether the response characteristic is polite or informal to the server (10). The politeness characteristic may be a characteristic related to whether the device account uses polite or informal language when the device account emits a response message corresponding to a control command in a chat room. For example, if the IoT device (30) is an air conditioner and the politeness characteristic is set to "polite language," the server (10) can provide a response message to the user terminal (20) saying "Yes, I will turn on the air conditioner." However, if the politeness characteristic is set to "informal language," the server (10) can provide a response message to the user terminal (20) saying "Okay, I will turn on the air conditioner."

[0135] The user terminal (20) can transmit information regarding the chat participation level among response characteristics to the server (10). The chat participation level may be a characteristic related to the degree to which a device account participates in a chat within a chat room according to chat messages related to the user's control messages or control commands. Specifically, the chat participation level may be set to any one of "high," "medium," and "low."

[0136] For example, if the chat participation level is set to "high," the device account may first utter a chat message containing a control request to the chat room even without a control message containing a user's control command. Specifically, the server (10) may provide a chat message containing a control request to the user terminal (20) by referring to the chat messages and real-time conversation information of the chat room. At this time, the chat message may be provided in the form of a utterance message from the device account.

[0137] As another example, if the chat participation level is "medium," the device account may emit a chat message containing a control request in the chat room when the user satisfies the operation conditions set by the user. Here, the operation conditions may correspond to ON / OFF conditions pre-set by the user for the device account. For example, if the IoT device (30) is a light and the operation time of the light among the light characteristics is set to "7:00 AM," the light account may emit a chat message such as "Shall I turn on the light at 7:00 AM?" at 7:00 AM (or 10 minutes before 7:00 AM).

[0138] As another example, if the chat participation level corresponds to "low," the device account can only emit chat messages in the chat room when operating the device according to the user's control command. For example, if the IoT device (30) is an air conditioner and the user inputs a control message saying "Please turn on the air conditioner," the air conditioner account can emit a chat message containing information to operate the device, such as "Yes, I will turn on the air conditioner."

[0139] In some cases, the user terminal (20) can transmit information about response characteristics to the server (10) by inputting the type and content of the response characteristics desired by the user, rather than the type of response characteristics provided by the server (10).

[0141] In step (303), the server (10) provides the user terminal (20) with a chat room to participate in, along with a device account. Since step (303) is substantially the same as step (207) of FIG. 2, the description of step (303) is replaced by the description of step (207) of FIG. 2.

[0142] In step (305), the server (10) receives a control message containing a control command for the device from the user terminal (20) via a chat room. Since step (307) is substantially the same as step (209) of FIG. 2, the description of step (307) is replaced by the description of step (209) of FIG. 2.

[0144] In step (307), the server (10) provides the user terminal (20) with a response message of a device account corresponding to a control command through a chat room.

[0145] When the server (10) receives a control message containing a control command from a user terminal (20), the server (10) may provide a response message of a device account to the user terminal (20). Here, the response message may be determined based on response characteristics.

[0146] For example, when a control command such as "Turn on the air conditioner" is received from a user terminal (20), the server (10) may provide a response message such as "Yes, I will turn on the air conditioner" from the air conditioner account. Here, the response characteristic of the air conditioner may be set to "polite language". However, in the above example, if the response characteristic of the air conditioner is set to "informal language", the server (10) may provide a response message such as "Okay, I will turn on the air conditioner" from the air conditioner account.

[0148] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 4 to 9, an example of a method for a user terminal (20) to control a device (30) connected via IoT will be described.

[0149] FIG. 4 illustrates a screen (400) in which a user terminal (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention provides information about an IoT device (30) to a server (10).

[0150] Referring to FIG. 4, a user terminal (20) can provide information about an IoT device (30) to a server (10) by scanning a QR code. Specifically, the user terminal (20) can provide information about an IoT device (30) to a server (10) by scanning the QR code of the IoT device (30) with a QR code reader (410).

[0151] When a user scans the QR code of the IoT device (30), information (420) about the IoT device (30) may be displayed. The information (420) about the IoT device (30) may include product information (e.g., air conditioner), identification number (e.g., EB201), administrator information (e.g., Peter), and registration date (e.g., 2023.06.16). Here, the administrator may be the user who requested the creation of the device account.

[0152] Additionally, although not shown in the drawing, information about the IoT device (30) may include sensor information, data processing information, linkage information, and control information.

[0153] When the server (10) receives information about the IoT device (30) by the method described above, the server (10) can create a device account corresponding to the IoT device (30) for the chat service.

[0155] FIG. 5 illustrates a screen that displays an interface (500) that allows a user terminal (20) according to an embodiment of the present invention to set characteristic information.

[0156] Referring to FIG. 5, the characteristic information of the air conditioner may include information regarding operation characteristics (510) and response characteristics (520). The operation characteristics (510) of the air conditioner may include information related to energy consumption (511), cooling (513), and reservation time (519) characteristics. Among the operation characteristics, the cooling characteristics (513) may include information related to the set temperature (515) and wind speed (517) as detailed items.

[0157] The user can set the energy consumption characteristic (511) to either "fast" or "saving". Additionally, the user can set the cooling characteristic (513) to either "hot sensitive" or "cold sensitive". Additionally, the user can set the reservation time (519) to "operate at a time desired by the user (e.g., from 1 PM to 5 PM)" or "stop after a specific time after the air conditioner starts operating (e.g., stop after 2 hours after the air conditioner starts operating)".

[0158] The response characteristics (520) of the air conditioner may include information related to speech style (521), tone (523), whether honorifics are used (525), and chat participation level (527). The user may set the speech style (521) characteristic to one of "friend," "parent," "grandmother," "teacher," and "secretary." Additionally, the user may set the tone (523) characteristic to one of "concise," "firm," "affectionate," "kind," "angry," "sad," and "happy." Additionally, the user may set the honorifics (525) characteristic to one of "honorifics" and "informal speech." Additionally, the user may set the chat participation level (527) characteristic to one of "high," "medium," and "low."

[0159] The user can select whether to input operation characteristics (510) and response characteristics (520). Specifically, the input window for characteristic information may be activated only when the interface (530) capable of enabling input is in an allowed state. The user can set response characteristics according to the user's preference for each operation characteristic (511, 513, 515, 517, 519) and response characteristic (521, 523, 525, 527).

[0160] The characteristic information may be changed according to a control command or a chat message related to the control command. The user terminal (20) can set whether to change the characteristic information set by the user through an interface (540) that can determine whether to change the characteristic information.

[0161] If the user sets the interface (540) to a change-allowed state, the server (10) can customize the characteristic information for the user based on control commands and chat messages in the chat room.

[0163] FIG. 6 is a table that exemplarily organizes a database of IoT devices (30) created with device accounts so that the server (10) can perform a method of controlling the IoT device (30) to the user terminal (20).

[0164] Here, being created as a device account means that the server (10) is in a state where it can perform functions such as adding friends to the device account and inviting the device account to a chat room (inviting the account), similar to a user account of a chat service.

[0165] Referring to FIG. 6, the database may include product information, identification information (registration number), characteristic information (operational characteristics and response characteristics), management authority, and location for each IoT device (30).

[0166] The user can set different characteristic information and management rights for each IoT device (30). For example, if the IoT device (30) is an air conditioner located in a home, the user can set energy consumption characteristics (e.g., fast), cooling characteristics (e.g., heat sensitivity), tone of voice (e.g., friend), whether to use honorifics (e.g., polite speech), chat participation level (e.g., medium), and management rights (e.g., Peter, Jane) as shown in FIG. 6.

[0167] As another example, if the IoT device (30) is a light located in a house, the user can set energy consumption characteristics (e.g., saving), lighting (e.g., user customization), tone of voice (e.g., parents), whether to use honorifics (e.g., informal speech), chat participation level (e.g., high), and management authority (e.g., Peter, Mike) as shown in FIG. 6.

[0168] The database may only contain data regarding characteristic information set by the user. For example, if the user has set "energy consumption characteristics," "lighting characteristics," "speech tone," "politeness," and "chat participation characteristics" for lighting located in the home, the database may contain data regarding "energy consumption characteristics," "lighting characteristics," "speech tone," "politeness," and "chat participation characteristics."

[0169] However, if the user has set only "lighting characteristics," "honorifics," and "chat participation characteristics" for the lighting located in the company, the database may contain only data regarding "lighting characteristics," "honorifics," and "chat participation characteristics."

[0171] FIG. 7 illustrates a screen in which a user terminal (20) according to an embodiment of the present invention controls an IoT device (30) through a chat room (701, 703).

[0172] Referring to FIG. 7(a), a user (711) can input a control message (720) into a chat room (701). When the server (10) receives a control command for an IoT device (30) through the control message (720), the server (10) can provide a response message (730) corresponding to the control command to the user terminal (20).

[0173] For example, when the server (10) receives a control message such as "Turn on the air conditioner," the server (10) may provide a response message to the user terminal (20) corresponding to the control command, such as "Yes, I will turn on the air conditioner. The temperature will be set to 21°C." (730). Here, the temperature being set to 21°C may be determined based on the user setting the energy consumption characteristic among the operation characteristics to "Fast." Here, the response message (730) may be provided in the form of a speech message of the target device account (713).

[0174] The server (10) may provide a control interface (740) to the user terminal (20) to control the IoT device (30) through a chat room. The control interface (740) may be provided in the form of a speech message of the device account (715). If the control interface (740) is provided after receiving a control message (720), the control interface (740) may include a control function related to a control command. For example, if the control interface (740) is provided after receiving a control message such as "Turn on the air conditioner" (720), the control interface (740) may include an "OFF" function related to a control command (ON / OFF).

[0175] The user terminal (20) can invite a new device account (717). Specifically, the user terminal (20) can send a request to the server (10) to invite one of the multiple device accounts registered in the friend list to the chat room (701).

[0176] Referring to FIG. 7(b), if the user sets the politeness attribute among the response attributes to informal speech, the response message (760) of the air conditioner account may be provided in an informal speech form. Specifically, the user (711) may input a control message for the device account (713). In FIG. 7(b), similar to FIG. 7(a), the user terminal (20) may transmit a control message to the server (10) that includes a control command such as "Turn on the air conditioner." When the server (10) receives the control message, the server (10) may provide a response message to the user terminal (20) that corresponds to the control command, such as "Okay, I'll turn on the air conditioner to 21°C" (760).

[0177] The server (10) can receive information related to operation characteristics from the user terminal (20) through a chat room. Specifically, the server (10) can receive information related to a change in operation characteristics from the user terminal (20). For example, a user can input a chat message such as "Please change the default setting of the air conditioner to 24 degrees" (770). In this case, the server (10) can receive information related to operation characteristics from the chat message (770).

[0178] The server (10) can change operational characteristics based on a chat message (770) received from a user terminal (20). In this case, the server (10) can provide the user terminal (20) with information on the changed characteristics in the form of a speech message of a device account. For example, the server (10) can provide the user terminal (20) with a response message in the form of a speech message of an air conditioner account, such as "Okay, I'll change the default setting of the air conditioner from 21℃ to 24℃!" (780).

[0180] FIG. 8 illustrates a screen showing a plurality of device accounts created in a friend list (800) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0181] Referring to FIG. 8, the friend list (800) may include a user account (811) and a device account (813). The user terminal (20) may display the user account and the device account separately in the friend list (800).

[0182] The server (10) can receive control commands from the user terminal (20) through the profile page (820) of the device account. Specifically, the profile page (820) of the device account may include control interfaces (821, 823, 825, 827) that can control the IoT device (30). The user can control the IoT device (30) through the control interfaces (821, 823, 825, 827).

[0183] For example, the user can turn the power of the air conditioner on or off via the control interface (821). Additionally, the user can change the set temperature of the air conditioner via the control interface (823). Additionally, the user can change the wind speed of the air conditioner via the control interface (825). Additionally, the user can set a scheduled time for the time when the air conditioner turns off (or on) via the control interface (827).

[0184] The profile page (820) of the device account may contain information related to the device account. For example, if the IoT device (30) is an air conditioner, the profile page (820) of the device account may contain information (840) about the air conditioner's power consumption (830) for this month and the current weather.

[0185] A user terminal (20) can request a change in characteristic information from a server (10) through a profile page (820) of a device account. Specifically, the user terminal (20) can send a request to change characteristic information to the server (10) through an interface (850) that can change characteristic information on the profile page (820) of a device account.

[0186] Additionally, if the devices are identical among the device accounts of the IoT device (30), the profile of the device can be determined based on the database shown in FIG. 6. For example, if there are two air conditioners created with a device account, the profiles can be determined as "my home air conditioner" and "company air conditioner".

[0188] FIG. 9 illustrates a screen in which a user terminal (20) according to an embodiment of the present invention controls an IoT device (30) through a chat room (901, 903).

[0189] Referring to FIG. 9(a), the chat room (901) may include a user and additional participants (911, 913). The user terminal (20) may transmit the additional participants' control rights to the IoT device (30) to the server (10). The user may set the control rights to the game console to "Peter" and "Jane".

[0190] The server (10) can determine the target device based on chat messages (920, 930) in a chat room related to control commands. For example, when the server (10) checks chat messages such as “Mike” (911)’s “Mom, I want to play a game. Can I play for just 30 minutes?” (920) and “Jane” (913)’s “Okay, just 30 minutes” (930), the server (10) can determine the target device as a “game console.”

[0191] The server (10) can control the IoT device (30) based on chat messages (920, 930) related to control commands. Specifically, when the server (10) receives chat messages (920, 930) related to control commands, the server (10) can verify the control authority of the user (913) who issued the chat message. When the server (10) verifies the control authority, the server (10) can control the IoT device (30) according to the chat messages related to control commands.

[0192] For example, when the server (10) checks a chat message such as “Jane” (913) “Okay, just do it for 30 minutes” (930), the server (10) can check “Jane’s” control authority over the “game console.” When the server (10) checks “Jane’s” control authority, it can activate the usage time of the “game console” for 30 minutes without “Jane” giving a separate control command. In this case, the server (10) can provide a response message to the user terminal (20) in the form of a speech message of the game console account (915), such as “Game time has been activated for 30 minutes” (940).

[0193] Referring to FIG. 9(b), when the server (10) receives an additional control command from a user terminal (20) that has control authority, it can control the IoT device (30).

[0194] Specifically, as in FIG. 9(a), when checking the chat messages of "Mike" and "Jane", the server (10) can provide a control interface (961, 963) to control the IoT device (30) in the chat room. The server (10) can provide the control interface (961, 963) in the form of a speech message (950) of the device account (915).

[0195] When the server (10) receives a control command through the interface (961, 963) from a user terminal (20) that has control authority, the server (10) can control the IoT device (30). In this case, the user terminal (20) can display a response message (970) of the device account corresponding to the control command through the chat room (903).

[0197] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for a server (10) of the present invention to control a device account through a manager account in a chat room.

[0198] For convenience of explanation, the description of a step in FIG. 10 that is substantially identical to a step in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3 will be replaced with a description referring to FIG. 2 or FIG. 3.

[0199] In step (1001), the server (10) receives information related to management characteristics of the manager from the user terminal (20). Since step (1001) is similar to step (205) of FIG. 2 and step (201) of FIG. 3, the description of the similar parts of the description of step (1001) is replaced with the description of step (205) of FIG. 2 and step (301) of FIG. 3.

[0200] Management characteristics for a manager account may correspond to characteristic information of an IoT device (30). Specifically, management characteristics may include at least one of speech patterns, tone, politeness, chat participation, consumption characteristics, heating and cooling characteristics, lighting characteristics, and operation allowance time characteristics for the manager account.

[0201] In step (1003), the server (10) provides the user terminal (20) with a chat room in which it participates, along with a device account and a manager account. Since step (1003) is similar to step (207) of FIG. 2, the description of the similar parts of the description of step (1003) is replaced with the description of step (1007) of FIG. 2.

[0202] The server (10) may provide a chat room containing a manager account to the user terminal (20). As an example, the manager account may be provided in the form of a messenger bot that manages the device account.

[0203] The server (10) may provide a chat room including a manager account when a device account is participating in a chat room. Specifically, when the server (10) provides a chat room to a user terminal (20) that is participating with a device account in step (207) of FIG. 2, it may provide the chat room including a manager account.

[0204] Additionally, the server (10) may provide a chat room including a manager account when it receives a request from a user terminal (20) to create a chat room including a device account, or when it receives a request from a user terminal (20) to invite a device account to a chat room (a chat room in which multiple user accounts participate).

[0205] In step (1005), the server (10) receives a control message containing a control command for the device from the user terminal (20) via a chat room. Since step (1005) is substantially the same as step (209) of FIG. 2, the description of step (1005) is replaced by the description of step (209) of FIG. 2.

[0206] In step (1007), the server (10) provides a management message of a manager account containing management information for the device, which corresponds to a control command through a chat room.

[0207] The server (10) can provide a management message of a manager account corresponding to a control command to the user terminal (20). For example, when the server (10) receives a chat message from the user terminal (20) such as "Tell me the device currently in operation," the server (10) can provide information about the device currently in operation in the form of a speech message of a manager account.

[0208] When the server (10) receives a control command from the user terminal (20), it can determine a detailed control command for each device according to the management characteristics set in the manager account. For example, the server (10) can receive a chat message from the user terminal (20) such as "arrive at the office in 10 minutes." If the "lighting characteristic" among the management characteristics set in the manager account is set to "customized for the user (e.g., turn on the light when the user is at home)," the server (10) can determine a detailed control command to turn on the "light" after 10 minutes according to the management characteristics set in the manager account.

[0209] Additionally, the server (10) may provide a management message to the user terminal (20) in the form of a speech message from a manager account, such as "I will turn on the lights at the time of arrival." Here, the management message from the manager account may be determined based on the tone, tone, and whether or not it is polite among the management characteristics.

[0210] In step (1009), the server (10) provides the user terminal (20) with a response message of a device account corresponding to a control command through a chat room. Since step (1009) is substantially the same as step (211) of FIG. 2, the description of step (1009) is replaced by the description of step (211) of FIG. 2.

[0212] FIG. 11 illustrates a screen in which a user terminal (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention controls an IoT device (30) through a manager account of a chat room (1000).

[0213] Referring to FIG. 11, the chat room (1100) may include multiple users, multiple device accounts and a manager account.

[0214] The user terminal (20) can display a management message (1130) of the manager account (1113) through the chat room (1100). The manager account (1113) and multiple device accounts (1115, 1117) may have management characteristics and response characteristics set.

[0215] For example, among the management characteristics of the manager account (1113), "speech style" can be set to "secretary." Also, among the response characteristics of the air conditioner account (1115), "polite speech" can be set to "polite speech." Additionally, among the response characteristics of the lighting account (1117), "polite speech" can be set to "informal speech."

[0216] The server (10) can control the IoT device (30) based on the management characteristics of the manager account and management information regarding the device. Specifically, when the server (10) receives a chat message (1120) related to a control command from a user terminal (20), the server (10) can control the IoT device (30) according to the management characteristics of the manager account and management information regarding the device. In this case, the server (10) can provide a management message (1130) corresponding to the control command based on the management characteristics of the manager account and management information regarding the device.

[0217] For example, the server (10) may receive a chat message from a user terminal (20) such as "I will arrive home in 10 minutes, it is too hot outside" (1120). The server (10) may identify target devices (air conditioners and lights) that include management characteristics related to "I will arrive home in 10 minutes" and "it is too hot" in the chat message.

[0218] The server (10) can provide a management message (1130) such as, "Chairman Peter, the current temperature of the room is 31 degrees. I will turn on the air conditioner. I will turn on the lights in time for arrival." (1130), based on the management information regarding the air conditioner and lighting of the manager account. Here, the management message (1130) can be provided in the form of a speech message of the manager account (1113).

[0219] When the server (10) controls the IoT device (30), the server (10) may provide response messages (1141, 1143) from the device accounts (1115, 1117) to the user terminal (20). For example, if the detailed setting temperature of the air conditioner in the management information for the device is "23℃" and the lighting characteristic is "customized for the user (e.g., turn on the light when the user is at home)," the server (10) may control the air conditioner temperature to 23℃ and the lighting to turn on after 10 minutes. In this case, the user terminal (20) may display response messages such as "I will turn on the air conditioner in advance. The air conditioner temperature will be set to 23℃." (1141) from the air conditioner account (1115) and "I will turn on the soft light after 10 minutes." (1143) from the lighting account (1117).

[0221] FIG. 12 illustrates a screen in which a user terminal (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention controls an IoT device (30) through a profile list (1200) of a chat room.

[0222] Referring to FIG. 12, the profile list (1200) of the chat room may include a user account list (1201) including users and additional participants, and an IoT device account list (1203) including device accounts.

[0223] The IoT device account list (1203) may include a control interface (1220) capable of controlling the IoT device (30). Specifically, when the user terminal (20) obtains an interaction from the user with a detail view interface (1210) included in the IoT device account list (1203), the user terminal (20) may display the control interface (1220) in the IoT device account list (1203).

[0224] The user can perform various functions through the control interface (1220). Specifically, the user can control the IoT device (30), change the characteristic information of the IoT device (30), or check related information.

[0225] For example, if the device account is an air conditioner account, the user can turn the air conditioner ON / OFF, change the set temperature, or adjust the wind speed through the control interface (1220). Additionally, the user can change the characteristic information of the air conditioner account through the control interface (1220). Additionally, the user can check the power consumption of the air conditioner through the control interface (1220).

[0227] FIG. 13 illustrates a screen in which the characteristic information of a device account is changed based on a user's control command and a chat message related to the control command by a server (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0228] Referring to FIG. 13, characteristic information stored in the database can be changed based on control commands and chat messages. Specifically, compared to FIG. 6, it can be seen that the energy consumption characteristic (1311) of the air conditioner has changed from "fast" to "saving." Additionally, it can be seen that the energy consumption characteristic (1313) of the boiler has changed from "saving" to "fast," and the heating characteristic (1315) has changed from "hot sensitive" to "cold sensitive." Additionally, it can be seen that the usage permission characteristic (1317) of the game console has changed from "ample" to "limited."

[0229] This may be the result of a user frequently sending control messages in a chat room containing control commands such as "change the set temperature to 24℃" while the air conditioner is operating. Additionally, it may be the result of a user frequently sending control messages in a chat room containing control commands such as "raise the boiler temperature a little" while the boiler is operating. Additionally, it may be the result of a user frequently sending control messages in a chat room containing control commands such as "activate the game console for only 30 minutes" regarding the allowed usage time of the game console.

[0231] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method for a user terminal (20) of the present invention to control an IoT device (30) through a chat room.

[0232] For the convenience of explanation, the description of the step in Fig. 14 that is substantially identical to the step in Fig. 2 will be replaced with the description referring to Fig. 2.

[0233] In step (1401), the user terminal (20) requests the server (10) to create information about the device (30) connected via IoT and a device account corresponding to the device. Since step (1401) is substantially the same as steps (201) and (203) of FIG. 2, the description of step (1401) is replaced by the description of steps (201) and (203) of FIG. 2.

[0234] In step (1403), the user terminal (20) transmits information related to the operation characteristics of the device to the server (10). Since step (1403) is substantially the same as step (205) of FIG. 2, the description of step (1403) is replaced by the description of step (205) of FIG. 2.

[0235] In step (1405), the user terminal (20) displays a chat room in which it participates along with a device account. Since step (1405) is substantially the same as step (207) of FIG. 2, the description of step (1405) is replaced by the description of step (207) of FIG. 2.

[0236] In step (1407), the user terminal (20) displays a control message containing a control command for the device through a chat room. Since step (1407) is substantially the same as step (209) of FIG. 2, the description of step (1407) is replaced by the description of step (209) of FIG. 2.

[0237] In step (1409), the user terminal (20) displays a response message from a device account corresponding to a control command through a chat room. Since step (1409) is substantially the same as step (211) of FIG. 2, the description of step (1409) is replaced by the description of step (211) of FIG. 2.

[0239] The technical features disclosed in each embodiment of the present invention are not limited to that embodiment only, and as long as they are not mutually incompatible, the technical features disclosed in each embodiment may be combined and applied to different embodiments.

[0240] Therefore, in each embodiment, the technical features are described primarily, but as long as the technical features are not mutually incompatible, they may be combined and applied together.

[0241] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and the attached drawings, and various modifications and variations may be possible from the perspective of those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be defined not only by the claims of this specification but also by equivalents thereof. Explanation of the symbols

[0242] 10: Server 20: User terminal 30: IoT devices

Claims

Claim 1 A method for a server to control a device through a chat room comprises: receiving information about at least one device connected via IoT from a user terminal; creating a device account corresponding to the device for a chat service; receiving information related to operational characteristics of the device from the user terminal; providing a chat room to the user terminal that participates with the device account; receiving a control message containing a control command for the device through the chat room from the user terminal; determining a detailed control command for the control command based on the operational characteristics; and providing a response message of the device account corresponding to the control command to the user terminal through the chat room, wherein the detailed control command is determined differently according to the operational characteristics even if the control command is the same, and the operational characteristics are pre-set based on the user's selection and can be changed independently of the user's selection based on the user's usage habits. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 A method for controlling a device through a chat room, wherein the operation characteristics include at least one of energy consumption characteristics, heating and cooling characteristics, lighting characteristics, and operation allowable time characteristics for the device. Claim 4 In claim 1, a method of controlling a device through a chat room in the step of receiving information related to the operation characteristics, wherein the server receives information related to the operation characteristics from a chat message of the chat room. Claim 5 A method for controlling a device through a chat room, wherein, in claim 1, the method further comprises the step of receiving information related to response characteristics for the device account from the user terminal, and the response message is determined based on the response characteristics. Claim 6 In claim 5, the method of controlling a device through a chat room wherein the response characteristics include at least one of the tone, tone, politeness, and chat participation level for the response message of the device account. Claim 7 A method for controlling a device through a chat room according to claim 1, further comprising the step of providing a control interface to a user terminal that enables the device to be controlled through the chat room, which is performed after the step of providing the chat room. Claim 8 In claim 7, the control interface is a method of controlling the device through a chat room provided in the form of a speech message of the device account. Claim 9 A method of controlling the device through a chat room in which first and second device accounts corresponding to the first and second devices, respectively, participate together, wherein the device comprises first and second devices. Claim 10 A method for controlling a device through a chat room, wherein the response message is provided in the form of a speech message of a device account corresponding to the target device among the first and second device accounts, and wherein the response message is provided after the step of receiving the control message. Claim 11 In claim 10, a method of controlling a device through a chat room in the step of determining the target device, wherein the server determines the target device based on at least one of the control message and the chat message of the chat room associated with the control message. Claim 12 A method for controlling a device through a chat room according to claim 1, further comprising: adding an additional user to the chat room; receiving information regarding the additional user's control authority over the device from the user terminal; receiving an additional control message containing an additional control command over the device through the chat room from the additional user's terminal; and, when the additional user's control authority is confirmed, providing an additional response message of the device account corresponding to the additional control command through the chat room to the user terminal and the additional user's terminal. Claim 13 A method for controlling a device through a chat room according to claim 1, further comprising the step of providing a list of friends of the chat service containing the device account to the user terminal, which is performed after the step of creating the device account. Claim 14 A method for controlling a device through a chat room according to claim 1, further comprising the step of providing a profile page of the device account, which includes a control interface capable of controlling the device to the user terminal, performed after the step of creating the device account. Claim 15 A method for controlling a device through a chat room according to claim 1, wherein a participant in the chat room includes a manager account that manages the operation of the device, and further comprising the step of providing a management message of the manager account that corresponds to the control command through the chat room and includes management information for the device, which is performed between the step of receiving the control message and the step of providing the response message. Claim 16 In claim 15, the method further comprises the step of receiving information related to management characteristics for the manager account from the user terminal, and the method of controlling the device through a chat room in which the management message is determined based on the management characteristics. Claim 17 In claim 16, a method of controlling a device through a chat room wherein the management characteristics include at least one of the following: speech style, tone, politeness, chat participation, consumption characteristics, heating and cooling characteristics, lighting characteristics, and operation allowance time characteristics for the manager account. Claim 18 A server for controlling a device through a chat room, comprising: a memory; and a processor connected to the memory and configured to execute commands included in the memory, wherein the processor performs the steps of: receiving information about at least one device connected via IoT from a user terminal; creating a device account corresponding to the device for a chat service; receiving information related to operational characteristics of the device from the user terminal; providing a chat room to the user terminal in which the device account participates; receiving a control message containing a control command for the device through the chat room from the user terminal; determining a detailed control command for the control command based on the operational characteristics; and providing a response message of the device account corresponding to the control command to the user terminal through the chat room, wherein the detailed control command is determined differently according to the operational characteristics even if the control command is the same, and the operational characteristics are pre-set based on the user's selection and can be changed regardless of the user's selection based on the user's usage habits. Claim 19 A method for controlling a device through a chat room by a user terminal comprises: providing information about at least one device connected to a server via IoT and requesting the creation of a device account corresponding to the device for a chat service; transmitting information related to the operating characteristics of the device to the server; displaying a chat room in which the device account participates; transmitting a control message containing a control command for the device to the server through the chat room; and displaying a response message of the device account corresponding to the control command through the chat room, wherein the device operates based on a detailed control command determined based on the operating characteristics, and the detailed control command is determined differently according to the operating characteristics even if the control command is the same, and the operating characteristics are pre-set based on the user's selection and can be changed regardless of the user's selection based on the user's usage habits. Claim 20 A user terminal controlling a device through a chat room, comprising: a memory; and a processor connected to the memory and configured to execute commands included in the memory, wherein the processor performs the steps of: providing information about at least one device connected to a server via IoT and requesting the creation of a device account corresponding to the device for a chat service; transmitting information related to the operating characteristics of the device to the server; displaying a chat room in which the device account participates; transmitting a control message containing a control command for the device to the server through the chat room; and displaying a response message of the device account corresponding to the control command through the chat room, wherein the device operates based on a detailed control command determined based on the operating characteristics, and the detailed control command is determined differently according to the operating characteristics even if the control command is the same, and the operating characteristics are pre-set based on the user's selection and can be changed regardless of the user's selection based on the user's usage habits. Claim 21 A computer program stored on a storage medium in combination with hardware to execute the method of any one of claims 1, 3 through 17 and 19.

Images