Electronic device for controlling external electronic device and operating method thereof

Abstract

An embodiment of the present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for controlling an external electronic device by an electronic device. The electronic device may comprise a communication circuit and a processor, wherein the processor identifies a second AP to which an external electronic device to be controlled by the electronic device is connected, connects to the second AP when a first AP to which the electronic device is connected and the second AP are different from each other, and transmits data related to control to the external electronic device on the basis of the connection to the second AP. Other embodiments may also be possible.

Description

Electronic device for controlling external electronic devices and method of operating the same

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a device and method for controlling an external electronic device in an electronic device.

[0002] Advances in wireless communication technology have enabled various devices to incorporate communication capabilities, forming networks and providing the Internet of Things (IoT) functionality, which allows devices to conveniently exchange information.

[0003] Internet of Things capabilities can be applied in a variety of fields, such as smart homes, smart buildings, smart cities, smart cars (or connected cars), smart grids, healthcare, smart appliances, or advanced medical services.

[0004] Electronic devices (e.g., smartphones) can provide a variety of Internet of Things-based services by leveraging various devices with communication capabilities. Electronic devices can control (or manage) various devices by executing IoT-related application programs.

[0005] Electronic devices can control various devices within the same subnet as the electronic device based on wireless local area network (WLAN) communications. For example, subnets can be divided based on access points (APs) (or gateways) for WLAN communications.

[0006] Electronic devices located in a space (e.g., an office or a home) where multiple APs (or gateways) are installed may have limited control over the devices if they are connected to an AP other than the Internet of Things devices among the multiple APs.

[0007] An embodiment of the present invention discloses a device and method for controlling at least one external electronic device based on wireless LAN communication in an electronic device.

[0008] The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0009] According to one embodiment, an electronic device may include a communication circuit supporting wireless LAN communication, and at least one processor and memory operatively connected to the communication circuit. According to one embodiment, the memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to identify a second access point (AP) to which an external electronic device to be controlled by the electronic device is connected. According to one embodiment, the memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to connect to a second AP when the first AP to which the electronic device is connected and the second AP to which the external electronic device is connected are different. According to one embodiment, the memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to transmit control-related data to the external electronic device based on connection to the second AP.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the method of operating an electronic device may include an operation of identifying a second access point (AP) to which an external electronic device for controlling the electronic device is connected. According to one embodiment, the method of operating the electronic device may include an operation of connecting to the second AP when the first AP to which the electronic device is connected and the second AP to which the external electronic device is connected are different. According to one embodiment, the method of operating the electronic device may include an operation of transmitting control-related data to the external electronic device based on the connection to the second AP.

[0011] According to one embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (or computer program product) storing one or more programs may be described. According to one embodiment, the one or more programs may include instructions that, when executed by a processor of an electronic device, perform an operation of identifying a second access point (AP) to which an external electronic device for controlling the electronic device is connected, an operation of connecting to the second AP if the first AP to which the electronic device is connected is different from the second AP, and an operation of transmitting control-related data to the external electronic device based on the connection to the second AP.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an electronic device can control (or manage) external electronic devices related to the Internet of Things based on wireless LAN communication by automatically switching the wireless LAN connection of the electronic device based on AP (access point) information of external electronic devices (e.g., IoT devices) related to the Internet of Things.

[0013] The effects that can be obtained from various embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which various embodiments of the present invention belong from the description below.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment, according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 2 is an example of a wireless LAN system for providing Internet of Things functions according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an electronic device for providing wireless LAN communication according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 4 is an example for verifying an AP of an external electronic device in an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for controlling an external electronic device in an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 6A is an example of an application program related to the Internet of Things running on an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 6b is an example of a user interface for controlling an external electronic device in an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 7 is a flowchart for switching a wireless LAN connection in an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 8 is a flowchart for wireless LAN communication in an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 9 is a flowchart for selecting an AP in an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0024] The following various embodiments are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) within a network environment (100), according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1 , in the network environment (100), the electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with an electronic device (104) or a server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

[0026] The processor (120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) and perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or calculations, the processor (120) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store result data in a non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or a secondary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor)) that can operate independently or together therewith. For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and a secondary processor (123), the secondary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a specified function. The secondary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0027] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (160), a sensor module (176), or a communication module (190)) of the electronic device (101), for example, on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, in the electronic device (101) itself where artificial intelligence is performed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of, but is not limited to, a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more thereof. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may also include a software structure.

[0028] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0029] The program (140) may be stored as software in memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0030] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The input module (150) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0031] The audio output module (155) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output module (155) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. In one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0032] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. In one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by a touch.

[0033] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150), output sound through the sound output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

[0034] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0035] The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). In one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0036] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0037] A haptic module (179) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. In one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0038] The camera module (180) can capture still images and videos. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0039] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented, for example, as at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0040] A battery (189) may power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0041] The communication module (190) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can verify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0042] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) can support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.According to one embodiment, the subscriber identification module (196) may include multiple subscriber identification modules. For example, the multiple subscriber identification modules may store different subscriber information.

[0043] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. In some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

[0044] In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. In one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC positioned on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) positioned on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high frequency band.

[0045] At least some of the components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, general purpose input and output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)).

[0046] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102 or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included in the second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0047] An electronic device according to an embodiment disclosed in this document may take various forms. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance. The electronic device according to an embodiment of this document is not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0048] It should be understood that the embodiments of this document and the terminology used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to a specific embodiment, but include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiment. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the item, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0049] The term "module" used in one embodiment of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0050] An embodiment of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (136) or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0051] The method according to one embodiment disclosed in this document may be provided as a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between sellers and buyers as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or may be provided through an application store (e.g., Play Store). TM ) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones), online distribution (e.g., downloading or uploading). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily created in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0052] According to one embodiment, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to one embodiment, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to one embodiment, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0053] FIG. 2 is an example of a wireless LAN system for providing Internet of Things functions according to one embodiment.

[0054] According to one embodiment referring to FIG. 2, a space (240) where an electronic device (101) is located may include a plurality of access points (APs) (e.g., AP1 (210) and AP2 (220)). For example, AP1 (210) and AP2 (220) may be nodes that provide wireless LAN communication within the space (240) and may act as gateways for wireless LAN communication. For example, the wireless LAN communication may include Wi-Fi. For example, the space where an electronic device (101) is located may include at least one of a home, an office, a building, a workplace, or a hospital.

[0055] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) is located within the space (240), it can perform wireless LAN communication through AP1 (210) or AP2 (220). For example, the electronic device (101) can be connected to AP1 (210) or AP2 (220) based on channel state information of AP1 (210) and AP2 (220). For example, the channel state information can include at least one of a received signal strength indicator (RSSI), a reference signal received quality (RSRQ), a reference signal received power (RSRP), a signal to interference and noise ratio (SINR), or a bit error rate (BER). For example, the electronic device (101) can be connected to AP1 (210) or AP2 (220) selected based on at least one of a user input or a wireless LAN connection history.

[0056] According to one embodiment, an external electronic device (200) may be connected (or linked) to AP2 (220) for Internet of Things (IoT) functionality within a space (240). Based on the connection to AP2 (220), the external electronic device (200) may transmit information related to the external electronic device (200) to at least one of a server (e.g., server (108) of FIG. 1) or an electronic device (101). For example, AP2 (220) to which the external electronic device (200) is connected may represent a subnet formed by AP2 (220). For example, the server may include a separate device that stores and manages information related to the external electronic device (200) for the Internet of Things functionality. For example, information related to an external electronic device (200) may include at least one of identification information of the external electronic device (200) (e.g., international mobile station identity (IMSI) or phone number), identification information of AP2 (220) to which the external electronic device (200) is connected (e.g., service set identifier (SSID)), or security information of AP2 (220). For example, the security information of AP2 (220) may include information related to a password for connection to AP2 (220).

[0057] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) detects the occurrence of an event related to the control of the external electronic device (200), it can check the AP (e.g., AP2 (220)) (or subnet) to which the external electronic device (200) is connected. For example, the electronic device (101) can check the AP2 (220) to which the external electronic device (200) is connected for the Internet of Things function based on information related to the external electronic device (200) obtained from at least one of the external electronic device (200) or a server. For example, the electronic device (101) can check the AP2 (220) to which the external electronic device (200) is connected for the Internet of Things function based on information related to the external electronic device (200) stored in the electronic device (101) (e.g., the memory (320) of FIG. 3) at a previous point in time. For example, an event related to the control of an external electronic device (200) may be generated based on at least one of a user input (e.g., touch input), a gesture input, a change in the position of the electronic device (101), execution of an application (or function), or reception of a control signal related to the control of the external electronic device (200). For example, a change in the position of the electronic device (101) may include a series of operations in which the electronic device (101) enters (or is positioned) in a designated area related to the external electronic device (200). For example, the designated area is an area in which the external electronic device (200) is determined to be positioned (or placed), and may be set based on at least one of a user input or the position of the external electronic device (200). For example, the position of the external electronic device (200) may include the position of the external electronic device (200) obtained at the time the external electronic device (200) is registered with the server. For example, the location of an external electronic device (200) can be obtained based on a specified location estimation method associated with the external electronic device (200) (e.g., an IoT device).For example, the designated location estimation method may include at least one of a location estimation method based on satellite signals (e.g., global positioning system (GPS) signals), a location estimation method based on wireless signals (e.g., radio frequency (RF) signals) with a communication network (e.g., triangulation), or a method of estimating a relative location with respect to the electronic device (101) based on a signal received from an external electronic device (200).

[0058] According to one embodiment, when the AP (or subnet) of the electronic device (101) and the AP (e.g., AP2 (220)) (or subnet) to which the external electronic device (200) is connected are the same, the electronic device (101) may perform at least one of transmitting or receiving at least one of a signal or data to or from the external electronic device (200) through the AP (e.g., AP2 (220)) of the electronic device (101). For example, the electronic device (101) may transmit data related to the control of the external electronic device (200) to the external electronic device (200) through the AP (e.g., AP2 (220)) of the electronic device (101). For example, the AP of the electronic device (101) may represent the AP (or subnet) to which the electronic device (101) is connected (or linked) for wireless LAN communication.

[0059] According to one embodiment, when the AP (or subnet) of the electronic device (101) and the AP (e.g., AP2 (220)) (or subnet) to which the external electronic device (200) is connected are different, the electronic device (101) may switch (or change) the wireless LAN communication (or subnet) of the electronic device (101) based on information related to the AP to which the external electronic device (200) is connected. For example, the switching of the wireless LAN communication may include a series of operations to switch the AP (e.g., AP1 (210)) to which the electronic device (101) is connected to the AP (e.g., AP2 (220)) to which the external electronic device (200) is connected. For example, the electronic device (101) may transmit data related to the control of the external electronic device (200) to the external electronic device (200) through the switched AP (e.g., AP2 (220)) of the electronic device (101) based on the switching of the wireless LAN communication.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can switch the AP for wireless LAN communication when the control of the external electronic device (200) is terminated. For example, when the control of the external electronic device (200) is terminated, the electronic device (101) can check (or select) an AP to which the electronic device (101) can connect through a search (or scan) related to the AP. The electronic device (101) can perform wireless LAN communication by connecting to an AP to which the electronic device (101) can connect. For example, the AP to which the electronic device (101) can connect can be checked (or selected) based on at least one of channel state information or wireless LAN connection history.

[0061] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an electronic device for providing wireless LAN communication according to one embodiment.

[0062] According to one embodiment referring to FIG. 3, the electronic device (101) may include at least one of a processor (300), a communication circuit (310), or a memory (320). According to one embodiment, the processor (300) may be substantially the same as the processor (120) of FIG. 1 or may include the processor (120). The communication circuit (310) may be substantially the same as the wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1 or may include the wireless communication module (192). The memory (320) may be substantially the same as the memory (130) of FIG. 1 or may include the memory (130). According to one embodiment, the processor (300) may be operatively, functionally, or electrically connected to at least one of the communication circuit (310) or the memory (320). For example, the processor (300) may include at least one processor including a processing circuit.

[0063] According to one embodiment, when a plurality of APs (e.g., AP1 (210) and AP2 (220) of FIG. 2) exist in a space (e.g., space (240) of FIG. 2) where the electronic device (101) is located, the processor (300) may control the communication circuit (310) to connect to one of the plurality of APs (e.g., AP1 (210) or AP2 (220)). For example, the processor (300) may select an AP (e.g., AP1 (210) or AP2 (220)) having a relatively good channel state among AP1 (210) and AP2 (220) as the AP to which the electronic device (101) is to connect. For example, the channel state information may include at least one of a received signal strength indicator (RSSI), a reference signal received quality (RSRQ), a reference signal received power (RSRP), a signal to interference and noise ratio (SINR), or a bit error rate (BER). For example, the processor (300) may select an AP to which the electronic device (101) is to connect among AP1 (210) and AP2 (220) based on at least one of user input or wireless LAN connection history.

[0064] According to one embodiment, when the processor (300) detects the occurrence of an event related to the control of the external electronic device (200), the processor (300) may check the AP (e.g., AP2 (220)) (or subnet) to which the external electronic device (200) is connected. For example, when at least one of a user input (e.g., a touch input) or a gesture input related to the control of the external electronic device (200) is detected, the processor (300) may determine that an event related to the control of the external electronic device (200) has occurred. For example, the processor (300) may determine that an event related to the control of the external electronic device (200) has occurred based on the execution of an application program related to the control of the external electronic device (200). For example, the processor (300) may determine that an event related to the control of the external electronic device (200) has occurred based on the reception of information related to the external electronic device (200). For example, information related to an external electronic device (200) may be received via Bluetooth or BLE (Bluetooth low energy). For example, information related to an external electronic device (200) may include at least one of identification information (e.g., IMSI or phone number) of the external electronic device (200), identification information (e.g., SSID) of an AP (e.g., AP2 (220)) to which the external electronic device (200) is connected, or security information of an AP (e.g., AP2 (220)) to which at least one of the external electronic devices (200) is connected. For example, when entry (or movement, location) of the electronic device (101) into a designated area (or designated place) (e.g., space (240) of FIG. 2) is confirmed, the processor (300) may determine that an event related to control of the external electronic device (200) has occurred. For example, the designated area may include a space (or area) where at least one external electronic device (200) controllable from the electronic device (101) is located (or arranged) and is set up for the electronic device (101) to use the Internet of Things.For example, the designated area may be set based on at least one of a user input or a location of the external electronic device (200). For example, the location of at least one of the electronic device (101) or the external electronic device (200) may be acquired based on a designated location estimation method. For example, the designated location estimation method may include at least one of a location estimation method based on satellite signals (e.g., a GPS estimation method), a location estimation method based on wireless signals (e.g., RF signals) with a communication network (e.g., triangulation), or a method of estimating a relative location with respect to the electronic device (101) (or the external electronic device (200)) based on a signal received from the external electronic device (200) (or the electronic device (101)).

[0065] For example, if the processor (300) determines that the distance between the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (200) is within a specified reference distance, the processor (300) may determine that an event related to control of the external electronic device (200) has occurred.

[0066] For example, the processor (300) can identify AP2 (220) to which the external electronic device (200) is connected for the Internet of Things function based on information related to the external electronic device (200) obtained from at least one of the external electronic device (200) or the server.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the processor (300) may control the communication circuit (310) to perform at least one of transmission or reception of at least one of a signal or data with the external electronic device (200) through the AP (e.g., AP2 (220)) of the electronic device (101), if the AP (e.g., AP2 (220)) (or subnet) to which the electronic device (101) is connected is the same. For example, the processor (300) may control the communication circuit (310) to transmit data related to the control of the external electronic device (200) to the external electronic device (200) through the AP (e.g., AP2 (220)) of the electronic device (101). As an example, the AP of the electronic device (101) may represent the AP (or subnet) to which the electronic device (101) is connected (or linked) for wireless LAN communication.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the processor (300) may control the communication circuit (310) to switch the wireless LAN communication (or subnet) of the electronic device (101) based on information related to the AP (e.g., at least one of identification information or security information of the AP) to which the external electronic device (200) is connected, when the AP of the electronic device (101) and the AP (e.g., AP2 (220)) (or subnet) to which the external electronic device (200) is connected are different. The processor (300) may control the communication circuit (310) to transmit data related to the control of the external electronic device (200) to the external electronic device (200) through the AP (e.g., AP2 (220)) to which the electronic device (101) is connected based on the switching of the wireless LAN communication. For example, the processor (300) may control the communication circuit (310) to connect to the AP (e.g., AP2 (220)) to which the external electronic device (200) is connected.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the processor (300) may control the communication circuit (310) to perform wireless LAN communication through an AP (e.g., AP2 (220)) to which the electronic device (101) is connected when control of the external electronic device (200) is terminated. For example, the connection with the AP (e.g., AP2 (220)) to which the electronic device (101) is connected may be maintained even when control of the external electronic device (200) is terminated.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the processor (300) may control the communication circuit (310) to switch the AP for wireless LAN communication when the control of the external electronic device (200) is terminated. For example, the processor (300) may control the communication circuit (310) to perform a search (or scan) related to the AP when the control of the external electronic device (200) is terminated. For example, the search related to the AP may be performed when the channel status with the AP (e.g., AP2 (220)) to which the electronic device (101) is connected satisfies a specified switching condition. For example, the state of satisfying the specified switching condition may include a state in which the channel status with the AP (e.g., AP2 (220)) to which the electronic device (101) is connected is lower than or equal to a specified reference value. For example, the processor (300) may check (or select) an AP to which the electronic device (101) can connect through the search related to the AP. For example, an AP to which an electronic device (101) can connect may be identified (or selected) based on at least one of channel status information and wireless LAN connection history. For example, the processor (300) may control the communication circuit (310) to perform wireless LAN communication through the switched AP of the electronic device (101).

[0071] According to one embodiment, the communication circuit (310) may support wireless LAN communication between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device (200) of FIG. 2). According to one embodiment, the communication circuit (310) may include at least one communication circuit (e.g., a WLAN modem) for processing at least one of a signal or data transmitted or received through a plurality of frequency bands.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the memory (320) can store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., at least one of the processor (300) or the communication circuit (310). For example, the data may be information related to an external electronic device (200).

[0073] According to one embodiment, the memory (310) can store various instructions that can be executed by the processor (300).

[0074] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, or FIG. 3) may include a communication circuit that supports wireless LAN communication (e.g., a wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1 or a communication circuit (310) of FIG. 3), at least one processor (e.g., a processor (120) of FIG. 1 or a processor (300) of FIG. 3) operatively connected to the communication circuit, and a memory (e.g., a memory (130) of FIG. 1 or a memory (320) of FIG. 3). According to one embodiment, the memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to identify a second access point (AP) to which an external electronic device to be controlled by the electronic device is connected. According to one embodiment, the memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to connect to the second AP when the first AP to which the electronic device is connected and the second AP to which the external electronic device is connected are different. According to one embodiment, the memory may store instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the electronic device to transmit control-related data to an external electronic device based on a connection to a second AP.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, cause the electronic device to determine a second AP to which the external electronic device is connected based on information related to the external electronic device stored in the memory when an application program related to controlling the external electronic device is executed.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the instructions may store instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the electronic device to, when receiving a control signal related to an AP from a server or an external electronic device, determine from the control signal a second AP to which the external electronic device is connected.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, may store instructions that cause the electronic device to, if a first AP to which the electronic device is connected and a second AP to which an external electronic device is connected are different, check security information associated with the second AP and connect to the second AP based on the security information associated with the second AP.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the instructions may store instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the electronic device to determine a second AP to which the external electronic device is connected based on information related to the external electronic device stored in the memory, if the electronic device determines that the electronic device is located in a designated area related to the external electronic device.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, may store instructions that cause the electronic device to determine whether a second AP is detected when a first AP to which the electronic device is connected is different from a second AP to which an external electronic device is connected, and to connect to the second AP if the second AP is detected.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the memory may store instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the electronic device to output information related to usage restrictions of the external electronic device when a second AP to which the external electronic device is connected is not detected.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the memory may store instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the electronic device to transmit control-related data to an external electronic device while maintaining a connection with the first AP to which the electronic device is connected and the second AP to which the external electronic device is connected, if the first AP to which the electronic device is connected and the second AP to which the external electronic device is connected are the same.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the memory may store instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the electronic device to connect to an AP to which the electronic device is to be connected, if the electronic device determines that control of the external electronic device has ended.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, cause the electronic device to determine, when the control of the external electronic device is terminated, to check a channel state with an AP to which the electronic device is connected, and to perform an AP search based on the channel state with the AP to which the electronic device is connected (e.g., when a specified condition is satisfied), store instructions that cause the electronic device to check an AP to which to connect through the AP search.

[0084] FIG. 4 is an example for verifying an AP of an external electronic device in an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0085] According to one embodiment referring to FIG. 4, the external electronic device (200) may transmit information related to the external electronic device (200) to the server (400) (e.g., the server (108) of FIG. 1) (operation 411). For example, the external electronic device (200) may transmit information related to the external electronic device (200) to the server (400) at the time of registration with the server (400) (or IoT framework) for the Internet of Things function. For example, when a change (or transition) in information related to the external electronic device (200) (e.g., an AP to which the external electronic device (200) is connected) is detected, the external electronic device (200) may transmit information (or change information) related to the external electronic device (200) to the server (400). For example, the external electronic device (200) may transmit information related to the external electronic device (200) to the server (400) based on a specified cycle. For example, information related to an external electronic device (200) may include at least one of identification information of the external electronic device (200) (e.g., IMSI or phone number), identification information of AP2 (220) to which the external electronic device (200) is connected (e.g., SSID), or security information of AP2 (220). For example, security information of AP2 (220) may include information related to a password for connection to AP2 (220).

[0086] According to one embodiment, the server (400) may store information related to the external electronic device (200) received from the external electronic device (200) (operation 413). For example, the server (400) may store at least one of the identification information (e.g., SSID) of AP2 (220) or the security information of AP2 (220) by matching it with the identification information (e.g., IMSI or phone number) of the external electronic device (200).

[0087] According to one embodiment, the server (400) may transmit information related to an external electronic device (200) to the electronic device (101) (operation 415). For example, when the server (400) receives information related to the external electronic device (200) from the external electronic device (200), the server (400) may transmit the information related to the external electronic device (200) to the electronic device (101). For example, when a change in information related to the external electronic device (200) stored in the server (400) is detected, the server (400) may transmit information related to the external electronic device (200) to the electronic device (101). For example, when the execution of an application program related to controlling the external electronic device (200) is detected on the electronic device (101), the server (400) may transmit information related to the external electronic device (200) to the electronic device (101). For example, the server (400) can transmit information related to AP2 (220) to which the external electronic device (200) is connected to the electronic device (101) based on a specified cycle.

[0088] FIG. 5 is a flowchart (500) for controlling an external electronic device in an electronic device according to one embodiment. In the following embodiments, the respective operations may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of the respective operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. For example, the electronic device of FIG. 5 may be the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, or FIG. 3. For example, at least a portion of FIG. 5 may be described with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B. FIG. 6A is an example of an application program related to the Internet of Things running in an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 6B is an example of a user interface for controlling an external electronic device in an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0089] According to one embodiment referring to FIGS. 5, 6A, and 6B, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, 2, or 3) or a processor (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1 or the processor (300) of FIG. 3) may, in operation 501, identify an AP (or subnet) of an external electronic device (200) to be controlled by the electronic device (101) through an Internet of Things function. For example, when the processor (300) detects the occurrence of an event related to the control of the external electronic device (200), the processor (300) may identify an AP (e.g., AP2 (220)) (or subnet) to which the external electronic device (200) is connected. For example, the processor (300) can identify AP2 (220) to which the external electronic device (200) is connected from information related to the external electronic device (200) stored in the memory (320) of the electronic device (101) based on the occurrence of an event related to the control of the external electronic device (200). For example, the processor (300) can identify AP2 (220) to which the external electronic device (200) is connected from information related to the external electronic device (200) received from the external electronic device (200) based on the occurrence of an event related to the control of the external electronic device (200).

[0090] For example, the processor (300) may determine that an event related to the control of the external electronic device (200) has occurred when at least one of a user input (e.g., a touch input) or a gesture input related to the control of the external electronic device (200) is detected. For example, the processor (300) may determine that an event related to the control of the external electronic device (200) has occurred based on the execution of an application program related to the control of the external electronic device (200). For example, the processor (300) may determine that an event related to the control of the external electronic device (200) has occurred based on the reception of information related to the external electronic device (200). For example, information related to the external electronic device (200) may be received via Bluetooth or BLE. For example, information related to the external electronic device (200) may include at least one of identification information (e.g., IMSI or phone number) of the external electronic device (200), identification information (e.g., SSID) of an AP (e.g., AP2 (220)) to which the external electronic device (200) is connected, or security information of an AP (e.g., AP2 (220)) to which at least one of the external electronic devices (200) is connected. For example, when entry (or movement, location) of the electronic device (101) into a designated area (or designated place) (e.g., space (240) of FIG. 2) is confirmed, the processor (300) may determine that an event related to control of the external electronic device (200) has occurred. For example, the designated area may include a space in which at least one external electronic device (200) to be controlled by the electronic device (101) via the Internet of Things is located (or arranged). For example, the processor (300) may determine that an event related to control of the external electronic device (200) has occurred when the distance between the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (200) is within a specified reference distance.

[0091] For example, the processor (300) may control an output device (e.g., a display) of the electronic device (101) to output (or display) a user interface (or service screen) (600) related to the application program based on the execution of the application program related to the control of the external electronic device (200), as shown in FIG. 6A. When a selection input of an object (610) related to the control of the external electronic device (200) is detected in the user interface (600) related to the application program, the processor (300) may determine that an event related to the control of the external electronic device (200) has occurred. For example, the user interface (600) related to the application program may include a list of external electronic devices (200) controllable by the electronic device (101) and an object (610) related to the control of each external electronic device (200).

[0092] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)) may, in operation 503, determine whether an AP of the electronic device (101) and an AP to which an external electronic device (200) is connected are different. For example, the AP of the electronic device (101) may represent an AP (or subnet) to which the electronic device (101) is connected (or linked) for wireless LAN communication.

[0093] According to one embodiment, if the AP of the electronic device (101) and the AP to which the external electronic device (200) is connected are different (e.g., 'Yes' in operation 503), the electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or the processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)) may connect to the AP to which the external electronic device (200) is connected (e.g., AP2 (220) of FIG. 2) in operation 505. For example, if the AP of the electronic device (101) and the AP (e.g., AP2 (220)) (or subnet) to which the external electronic device (200) is connected are different, the processor (300) may control the communication circuit (310) to switch (or change) the wireless LAN communication (or subnet) of the electronic device (101) to the AP to which the external electronic device (200) is connected based on information related to the AP to which the external electronic device (200) is connected.

[0094] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)) may transmit control information related to an external electronic device (200) to the external electronic device (200) in operation 507. For example, when the wireless LAN communication of the electronic device (101) is switched, the processor (300) may control an output device (e.g., a display) of the electronic device (101) to output (or display) a user interface (620) related to the control of the external electronic device (200), as shown in FIG. 6B. The processor (300) may control a communication circuit (310) to transmit control information obtained through the user interface (620) related to the control of the external electronic device (200) to the external electronic device (200). For example, switching of wireless LAN communication of an electronic device (101) may include a series of operations for switching the AP to which the electronic device (101) is connected to an AP to which an external electronic device (200) is connected.

[0095] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)) may transmit control information related to the external electronic device (200) to the external electronic device (200) in operation 507 when the AP of the electronic device (101) and the AP to which the external electronic device (200) is connected are the same (e.g., 'No' in operation 503). For example, the processor (300) may control an output device (e.g., a display) of the electronic device (101) through a user interface (620) related to control of the external electronic device (200), as shown in FIG. 6B, when the AP of the electronic device (101) and the AP (e.g., AP2 (220)) (or subnet) to which the external electronic device (200) is connected are the same. The processor (300) can control the communication circuit (310) to transmit control information obtained through a user interface (620) related to the control of the external electronic device (200) to the external electronic device (200).

[0096] FIG. 7 is a flowchart (700) for switching a wireless LAN connection in an electronic device according to one embodiment. According to one embodiment, at least a portion of FIG. 7 may include detailed descriptions of operations 503 and 505 of FIG. 5 . In the following embodiments, the operations may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. For example, the electronic device of FIG. 7 may be the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 , FIG. 2 , or FIG. 3 .

[0097] According to one embodiment referring to FIG. 7, when an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2 or FIG. 3) or a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1 or processor (300) of FIG. 3) obtains information related to an AP (e.g., AP2 (220) of FIG. 2) to which an external electronic device (200) is connected (e.g., operation 501 of FIG. 5), in operation 701, it may determine whether the AP of the electronic device (101) and the AP to which the external electronic device (200) is connected are different. For example, the AP of the electronic device (101) may indicate an AP (or subnet) to which the electronic device (101) is connected (or linked) for wireless LAN communication.

[0098] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)) may terminate an embodiment for switching a wireless LAN connection of the electronic device (101) if the AP of the electronic device (101) and the AP to which the external electronic device (200) is connected are the same (e.g., 'No' in operation 701). For example, the processor (300) may determine that the external electronic device (200) can be controlled through the AP to which the electronic device (101) is connected if the AP of the electronic device (101) and the AP (e.g., AP2 (220)) (or subnet) to which the external electronic device (200) is connected are the same.

[0099] According to one embodiment, if the AP of the electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or the processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)) is different from the AP to which the external electronic device (200) is connected (e.g., 'Yes' in operation 701), in operation 703, the processor (300) may determine whether the AP to which the external electronic device (200) is connected has been detected. For example, if the processor (300) receives a signal having a reception signal strength exceeding a specified size from the AP to which the external electronic device (200) is connected, the processor (300) may determine that the AP to which the external electronic device (200) is connected has been detected. For example, if the processor (300) does not receive a signal having a reception signal strength exceeding a specified size from the AP to which the external electronic device (200) is connected, the processor (300) may determine that the AP to which the external electronic device (200) is connected has not been detected. For example, the specified size may include the minimum signal strength at which a signal received from an external electronic device (200) is determined to be decryptable.

[0100] According to one embodiment, when an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)) detects an AP to which an external electronic device (200) is connected (e.g., 'Yes' in operation 703), in operation 705, the processor (300) may check security information related to the AP to which the external electronic device (200) is connected. For example, the processor (300) may check security information related to AP2 (220) to which the external electronic device (200) is connected, which is stored in the memory (320). For example, security information related to AP2 (220) may be stored in the memory (320) based on the connection history of the electronic device (101). For example, security information related to AP2 (220) may be stored in the memory (320) based on receiving information related to the external electronic device (200) from the server (400). For example, the processor (300) can check security information related to AP2 (220) to which the external electronic device (200) is connected from information related to the external electronic device (200) received from the external electronic device (200) based on the occurrence of an event related to the control of the external electronic device (200).

[0101] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)) may, at operation 707, connect to an AP (e.g., AP2 (220) of FIG. 2) to which the external electronic device (200) is connected based on security information related to the AP to which the external electronic device (200) is connected. For example, a connection between the electronic device (101) and the AP of the electronic device (101) may be released based on the connection to the AP to which the external electronic device (200) is connected.

[0102] According to one embodiment, if an AP to which an external electronic device (200) is connected is not detected (e.g., 'No' in operation 703), the electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or the processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)) may output restriction information related to control of the external electronic device (200) in operation 709. For example, if an AP to which the external electronic device (200) is connected is not detected, the processor (300) may determine that the AP (or subnet) of the external electronic device (200) is different from the AP of the electronic device (101) and thus the external electronic device (200) cannot be controlled. The processor (300) may control an output device of the electronic device (101) to output information indicating that use (or control) of the external electronic device (200) is restricted. For example, the output device of the electronic device (101) may include at least one of a vibration motor, a display, an audio output device, or a flash.

[0103] FIG. 8 is a flowchart (800) for wireless LAN communication in an electronic device according to one embodiment. In the following embodiments, the operations may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. For example, the electronic device of FIG. 8 may be the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, or FIG. 3.

[0104] According to one embodiment referring to FIG. 8, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, or FIG. 3) or a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1 or processor (300) of FIG. 3) may determine, in operation 801, whether control of an external electronic device (200) is terminated. For example, the processor (300) may determine that control of the external electronic device (200) is terminated when an application program (or function) related to control of the external electronic device (200) is terminated. For example, the processor (300) may determine that control of the external electronic device (200) is terminated when an application program (or function) related to control of the external electronic device (200) is terminated. For example, if the processor (300) determines that the electronic device (101) has left a designated area (or designated location) (e.g., space (240) of FIG. 2), the processor (300) may determine that control of the external electronic device (200) has ended. For example, if the distance between the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (200) exceeds a designated reference distance, the processor (300) may determine that control of the external electronic device (200) has ended.

[0105] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)) may terminate one embodiment for wireless LAN communication of the electronic device (101) if control of the external electronic device (200) is not terminated (e.g., 'No' in operation 801).

[0106] According to one embodiment, when an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)) determines that control of an external electronic device (200) is terminated (e.g., 'Yes' in operation 801), in operation 803, the electronic device (101) may check an AP to be connected. For example, when the processor (300) determines that control of the external electronic device (200) is terminated, the processor (300) may control the communication circuit (310) to perform a search related to an AP. The processor (300) may check (or select) an AP to be connected by the electronic device (101) based on channel state information of at least one AP detected through the search related to the AP. For example, the AP to be connected by the electronic device (101) may include an AP having the best channel state among at least one AP detected through the search related to the AP. For example, the channel state information may include at least one of a received signal strength indicator (RSSI), a reference signal received quality (RSRQ), a reference signal received power (RSRP), a signal to interference and noise ratio (SINR), or a bit error rate (BER).

[0107] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)) may, in operation 805, determine whether an AP to which the electronic device (101) is connected and an AP to which the electronic device (101) is to connect are different.

[0108] According to one embodiment, if the AP to which the electronic device (101) is connected and the AP to which the electronic device (101) is to be connected are different (e.g., 'Yes' in operation 805), in operation 807, the electronic device (101) or the processor (120 or 300)) may connect to the AP to which the electronic device (101) is to be connected, which has been identified through a search related to the AP. For example, the processor (300) may control the communication circuit (310) so that the AP of the electronic device (101) is switched to the AP to which the electronic device (101) is to be connected, which has been identified through a search related to the AP.

[0109] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)) may maintain a connection to the AP of the electronic device (101) in operation 809 if the AP to which the electronic device (101) is connected and the AP to which the electronic device (101) is to connect are the same (e.g., 'No' in operation 805).

[0110] FIG. 9 is a flowchart (900) for selecting an AP in an electronic device according to one embodiment. According to one embodiment, at least a portion of FIG. 9 may include a detailed description of operation 803 of FIG. 8 . In the following embodiments, the operations may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. For example, the electronic device of FIG. 9 may be the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 , FIG. 2 , or FIG. 3 .

[0111] According to one embodiment referring to FIG. 9, when an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, or FIG. 3) or a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1 or processor (300) of FIG. 3) determines that control of an external electronic device (200) has ended (e.g., 'Yes' of operation 801 of FIG. 8), in operation 901, the electronic device (101) can check the channel status with the AP to which it is connected.

[0112] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)) may, in operation 903, determine whether a channel state with an AP to which the electronic device (101) is connected satisfies a specified condition. For example, the processor (300) may determine that a specified condition is satisfied when a received signal strength (e.g., RSSI) with an AP to which the electronic device (101) is connected is lower than a specified reference value. For example, a state of satisfying a specified condition may include a state in which an AP search is determined to be performed.

[0113] For example, the processor (300) may determine that a specified condition is not satisfied when the received signal strength (e.g., RSSI) from the AP to which the electronic device (101) is connected exceeds a specified reference value. For example, a state in which the specified condition is not satisfied may include a state in which the electronic device (101) maintains a connection with the AP to which it is connected and a state in which an AP search is not performed.

[0114] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)) may perform a search related to an AP in operation 905 when a channel state with an AP to which the electronic device (101) is connected satisfies a specified condition (e.g., 'Yes' in operation 903). For example, if the channel state with the AP to which the electronic device (101) is connected satisfies a specified condition, the processor (300) may determine that wireless LAN communication may be restricted through the AP to which the electronic device (101) is connected. The processor (300) may control the communication circuit (310) to perform a search related to the AP based on the determination that wireless LAN communication may be restricted. For example, a state in which wireless LAN communication is restricted may include a state in which communication quality (e.g., quality of service (QoS)) of wireless LAN communication cannot satisfy a specified quality, or a state in which wireless LAN communication is impossible.

[0115] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)) may, in operation 907, identify (or select) an AP to which the electronic device (101) is to connect based on a search result related to the AP. For example, the processor (300) may select an AP with the best channel status among at least one AP detected through the search related to the AP as the AP to which the electronic device (101) is to connect. For example, the AP with the best channel status may include an AP with the strongest received signal strength.

[0116] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 300)) may maintain the connection of the electronic device (101) to the AP if the channel status with the AP to which the electronic device (101) is connected does not satisfy a specified condition (e.g., 'No' in operation 903), in operation 909. For example, if the channel status with the AP to which the electronic device (101) is connected does not satisfy a specified condition, the processor (300) may determine that the electronic device (101) can perform wireless LAN communication through the AP to which it is connected. Based on the determination that the wireless LAN communication can be performed, the processor (300) may control the communication circuit (310) to maintain the connection with the AP to which the electronic device (101) is connected.

[0117] According to one embodiment, a method of operating an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, or FIG. 3) may include an operation of identifying a second access point (AP) to which an external electronic device for control is connected. According to one embodiment, the method of operating the electronic device may include an operation of connecting to a second AP when the first AP to which the electronic device is connected and the second AP to which the external electronic device is connected are different. According to one embodiment, the method of operating the electronic device may include an operation of transmitting control-related data to the external electronic device based on the connection to the second AP.

[0118] According to one embodiment, the operation of identifying the second AP may include an operation of identifying the second AP to which the external electronic device is connected based on information related to the external electronic device stored in a memory of the electronic device when an application program related to controlling the external electronic device is executed.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the operation of identifying the second AP may include, when a control signal related to the AP is received from at least one of the server or the external electronic device, identifying the second AP to which the external electronic device is connected in the control signal.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the operation of connecting to the second AP may include, when the first AP to which the electronic device is connected and the second AP to which the external electronic device is connected are different, the operation of checking security information related to the second AP, and the operation of connecting to the second AP based on the security information related to the second AP.

[0121] According to one embodiment, the act of identifying the second AP may include an act of identifying the second AP to which the external electronic device is connected based on information related to the external electronic device stored in a memory of the electronic device, when the electronic device determines that the electronic device is located in a designated area related to the external electronic device.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the operation of connecting to the second AP may include an operation of checking whether the second AP is detected when the first AP to which the electronic device is connected and the second AP to which the external electronic device is connected are different, and an operation of connecting to the second AP when the second AP is detected.

[0123] According to one embodiment, a method of operating an electronic device may include outputting information related to usage restrictions of an external electronic device when a second AP is not detected.

[0124] According to one embodiment, a method of operating an electronic device may include an operation of transmitting control-related data to an external electronic device while maintaining a connection with the first AP to which the electronic device is connected, when the first AP to which the electronic device is connected and the second AP to which the external electronic device is connected are the same.

[0125] According to one embodiment, an operating method of an electronic device may include an operation of checking an AP to which the electronic device is to connect through an AP search when it is determined that control of an external electronic device has ended, and an operation of connecting to the identified AP.

[0126] According to one embodiment, the operation of checking the AP may include an operation of checking a channel status with an AP to which the electronic device is connected when it is determined that control of the external electronic device has ended, and an operation of checking an AP to which the electronic device is to connect through an AP search when it is determined that an AP search is to be performed based on the channel status with the AP to which the electronic device is connected (e.g., when a specified condition is satisfied).

[0127] The embodiments of the present invention disclosed in this specification and drawings are merely specific examples presented to easily explain the technical contents according to the embodiments of the present invention and to help understand the embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the embodiments of the present invention should be interpreted to include all changes or modified forms derived based on the technical idea of ​​the embodiments of the present invention, in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. In an electronic device (101), A communication circuit (310) supporting wireless LAN communication; and At least one processor (300) operatively connected to the above communication circuit, When executed by at least one processor (300), the electronic device (101), Check the second AP (access point) to which the external electronic device (200) is connected, If the first AP to which the electronic device (101) is connected and the second AP are different, it connects to the second AP, An electronic device including a memory (320) storing instructions for transmitting control-related data to the external electronic device (200) based on connection to the second AP.

2. In paragraph 1, The above instructions, when executed by the at least one processor (300), cause the electronic device (101) to check the second AP to which the external electronic device (200) is connected based on information related to the external electronic device (200) stored in the memory (320) when an application program related to controlling the external electronic device (200) is executed.

3. In paragraph 1, The above instructions, when executed by the at least one processor (300), cause the electronic device (101) to, when receiving a control signal related to an AP from at least one of a server (400) or the external electronic device (200), check the second AP to which the external electronic device (200) is connected from the control signal.

4. In paragraph 1, The above instructions, when executed by the at least one processor (300), cause the electronic device (101) to, if the first AP to which the electronic device (101) is connected is different from the second AP, check security information related to the second AP, An electronic device comprising instructions for connecting to a second AP based on security information associated with the second AP.

5. In paragraph 1, The above instructions, when executed by the at least one processor (300), cause the electronic device (101) to check the second AP to which the external electronic device (200) is connected based on information related to the external electronic device (200) stored in the memory (320), if the electronic device (101) determines that the electronic device (101) is located in a designated area related to the external electronic device (200).

6. In paragraph 1, The above instructions, when executed by the at least one processor (300), cause the electronic device (101) to determine whether the second AP is detected if the first AP to which the electronic device (101) is connected is different from the second AP, An electronic device comprising instructions for connecting to a second AP when the second AP is detected.

7. In paragraph 6, Including additional output devices, The above memory (320) is an electronic device that stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor (300), cause the electronic device (101) to output information related to usage restrictions of the external electronic device (200) through the output device when the second AP is not detected.

8. In paragraph 1, The above memory (320) is an electronic device that stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor (300), cause the electronic device (101) to transmit control-related data to the external electronic device (200) while maintaining connection with the first AP to which the electronic device (101) is connected, if the first AP to which the electronic device (101) is connected and the second AP are the same.

9. In the operating method of the electronic device (101), An operation of checking a second AP (access point) to which an external electronic device (200) is connected for control from the above electronic device (101); When the first AP to which the electronic device (101) is connected and the second AP are different, an operation of connecting to the second AP, and A method comprising an action of transmitting control-related data to the external electronic device (200) based on connection to the second AP.

10. In paragraph 9, The operation of checking the second AP includes an operation of checking the second AP to which the external electronic device (200) is connected based on information related to the external electronic device (200) stored in the memory (320) of the electronic device (101) when an application program related to the control of the external electronic device (200) is executed.

11. In paragraph 9, The method of verifying the second AP includes verifying the second AP to which the external electronic device (200) is connected in the control signal when a control signal related to the AP is received from at least one of the server (400) or the external electronic device (200).

12. In paragraph 9, The action of connecting to the above second AP is as follows: When the first AP to which the electronic device (101) is connected is different from the second AP, an operation of checking security information related to the second AP, and A method comprising an action of connecting to the second AP based on security information associated with the second AP.

13. In paragraph 9, The operation of checking the second AP includes an operation of checking the second AP to which the external electronic device (200) is connected based on information related to the external electronic device (200) stored in the memory (320) of the electronic device (101), when it is determined that the electronic device (101) is located in a designated area related to the external electronic device (200).

14. In paragraph 9, The action of connecting to the above second AP is as follows: When the first AP and the second AP to which the electronic device (101) is connected are different, an operation for checking whether the second AP is detected, and A method including an action of connecting to the second AP when the second AP is detected.

15. In paragraph 14, A method further comprising an action of outputting information related to usage restrictions of the external electronic device (200) if the second AP is not detected.

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