Electronic device and method for controlling electronic device

Abstract

Disclosed are an electronic device and a method for controlling the electronic device. In particular, the electronic device comprises: a communication unit; a display; a memory storing at least one instruction; and a processor that executes the at least one instruction. The processor: when a signal including a registration request for adding a target device as a device constituting an Internet of things (IoT) network and context information indicating that a user is located near the target device is received from the target device via the communication unit, obtains information about the strength of the signal; if the strength of the signal is greater than or equal to a preset threshold value, controls the display to provide a user interface; and when a user input for adding the target device as the device constituting the IoT network is received via the user interface, registers the target device as the device constituting the IoT network.

Description

Electronic devices and methods of controlling electronic devices

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device and a method for controlling the electronic device, and more particularly, to an electronic device capable of registering a target device as a device constituting an IoT network and a method for controlling the same.

[0002] Recently, technologies related to the Internet of Things (IoT) are rapidly developing. In particular, ongoing research is being conducted on technologies that minimize user inconvenience and efficiently conduct onboarding, the process of registering devices for IoT network configuration (onboarding).

[0003] According to the prior art, a target device to be onboarded periodically broadcasts a signal (advertisement packet), and when a helper device, which is a device already registered as a device for configuring an IoT network, receives a signal from the target device, a procedure for checking whether onboarding is in progress is performed, and then the target device can be registered as a device for configuring an IoT network.

[0004] However, in the case of the conventional technology, even when the target device is not located in the same space as the electronic device (e.g., inside the house) (e.g., located in a neighboring house), it is pointed out that the user is asked to confirm whether onboarding is in progress based on a signal periodically broadcast by the target device, which causes inconvenience to the user and consumes unnecessary power.

[0005] In addition, with regard to the conventional technology, the procedure for checking whether onboarding is in progress is complicated and requires the user to press multiple buttons, which not only causes inconvenience to the user, but also has the problem that if the user inputs the button incorrectly, onboarding may fail even when the target device is located in the same space as the electronic device.

[0006] The present disclosure is intended to solve the problems of the prior art as described above, and the purpose of the present disclosure is to provide an electronic device and a control method thereof that can efficiently and effectively perform the process of registering a target device as a device for forming an IoT network.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure for achieving the above-described object, an electronic device includes a communication unit, a display, a memory for storing at least one instruction, and a processor for executing the at least one instruction, wherein the processor, when a signal including a registration request for adding the target device as a device constituting an IoT (Internet of Things) network and context information indicating that a user is located near the target device is received from a target device through the communication unit, obtains information on the strength of the signal, and when the strength of the signal is equal to or greater than a preset threshold value, controls the display to provide a user interface, and when a user input for adding the target device as a device constituting the IoT network is received through the user interface, registers the target device as a device constituting the IoT network.

[0008] Here, the signal can be transmitted from the target device based on the context information being acquired by the target device.

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

[0010] Meanwhile, the context information may be included in the signal based on at least one of the target device detecting that the user is located near the target device and the target device receiving a user input for controlling the target device.

[0011] Here, the context information may be included in the signal based on at least one of: receiving a user input for pressing a button included in the target device; receiving a user voice command through a microphone included in the target device; and receiving a control command for controlling the target device from a remote control device for controlling the target device through a communication unit included in the target device.

[0012] Here, the context information may be included in the signal based on at least one of: sensing information indicating the presence of the user is acquired through a sensor included in the target device; and sound indicating the presence of the user is received through a microphone included in the target device.

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

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure for achieving the above-described object, a method for controlling an electronic device includes the steps of receiving a signal including a registration request for adding the target device as a device constituting an Internet of Things (IoT) network from a target device and context information indicating that a user is located near the target device, obtaining information on the strength of the signal, providing a user interface if the strength of the signal is greater than or equal to a preset threshold value, receiving a user input for adding the target device as a device constituting the IoT network through the user interface, and registering the target device as a device constituting the IoT network.

[0015] Here, the signal can be transmitted from the target device based on the context information being acquired by the target device.

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

[0017] Meanwhile, the context information may be included in the signal based on at least one of the target device detecting that the user is located near the target device and the target device receiving a user input for controlling the target device.

[0018] Here, the context information may be included in the signal based on at least one of: receiving a user input for pressing a button included in the target device; receiving a user voice command through a microphone included in the target device; and receiving a control command for controlling the target device from a remote control device for controlling the target device through a communication unit included in the target device.

[0019] Here, the context information may be included in the signal based on at least one of: sensing information indicating the presence of the user is acquired through a sensor included in the target device; and sound indicating the presence of the user is received through a microphone included in the target device.

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

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure for achieving the above-described object, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium including a program for executing a method for controlling an electronic device, the method for controlling an electronic device including a step of receiving, from a target device, a signal including a registration request for adding the target device as a device constituting an IoT (Internet of Things) network and context information indicating that a user is located near the target device, a step of obtaining information on the strength of the signal, a step of providing a user interface if the strength of the signal is equal to or greater than a preset threshold value, a step of receiving a user input for adding the target device as a device constituting the IoT network through the user interface, and a step of registering the target device as a device constituting the IoT network.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an electronic device and a target device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a user interface according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 4 is a block diagram briefly illustrating a configuration of an electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, and

[0026] FIG. 5 is a block diagram detailing the configuration of an electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] The present embodiments may be modified and have various embodiments. Specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the scope to specific embodiments, but should be understood to encompass various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of the embodiments of the present disclosure. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar components.

[0028] In describing the present disclosure, if it is determined that a specific description of a related known function or configuration may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0029] Additionally, the following embodiments may be modified in various other forms, and the scope of the technical concepts of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. Rather, these embodiments are provided to further faithfully and completely convey the technical concepts of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0030] The terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the rights. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0031] In this disclosure, expressions such as “has,” “can have,” “includes,” or “may include” indicate the presence of a corresponding feature (e.g., a component such as a number, function, operation, or part), and do not exclude the presence of additional features.

[0032] In this disclosure, expressions such as “A or B,” “at least one of A and / or B,” or “one or more of A or / and B” can include all possible combinations of the listed items. For example, “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” or “at least one of A or B” can all refer to (1) including at least one A, (2) including at least one B, or (3) including both at least one A and at least one B.

[0033] The expressions “first,” “second,” “first,” or “second,” etc., used in this disclosure can describe various components, regardless of order and / or importance, and are only used to distinguish one component from another, but do not limit the components.

[0034] When it is said that a component (e.g., a first component) is “(operatively or communicatively) coupled with / to” or “connected to” another component (e.g., a second component), it should be understood that said component may be directly coupled to said other component, or may be coupled via another component (e.g., a third component).

[0035] On the other hand, when it is said that a component (e.g., a first component) is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), it can be understood that no other component (e.g., a third component) exists between said component and said other component.

[0036] The expression "configured to" as used in the present disclosure may be used interchangeably with, for example, "suitable for," "having the capacity to," "designed to," "adapted to," "made to," or "capable of." The term "configured to" may not necessarily mean only "specifically designed to" in terms of hardware.

[0037] Instead, in some contexts, the phrase "a device configured to" may mean that the device, in conjunction with other devices or components, is "capable of" performing A, B, and C. For example, the phrase "a processor configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C" may refer to a dedicated processor (e.g., an embedded processor) for performing those operations, or a general-purpose processor (e.g., a CPU or application processor) that can perform those operations by executing one or more software programs stored in a memory device.

[0038] In the embodiments, a 'module' or 'part' performs at least one function or operation, and may be implemented as hardware or software, or as a combination of hardware and software. Furthermore, a plurality of 'modules' or 'parts' may be integrated into at least one module and implemented as at least one processor, except for a 'module' or 'part' that needs to be implemented as a specific hardware.

[0039] Meanwhile, the various elements and areas in the drawings are schematically drawn. Therefore, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited by the relative sizes or spacing depicted in the attached drawings.

[0040] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail so that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present disclosure pertains can easily implement the present disclosure.

[0041]

[0042] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an electronic device (100) and a target device (200) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an electronic device (100) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, and FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a user interface according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 together.

[0043] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include an electronic device (100) and a target device (200).

[0044] The 'electronic device (100)' refers to a device that can register a target device (200) as a device constituting an IoT network. Specifically, the electronic device (100) may be a device that has already been registered as a device constituting an IoT network, and can identify whether it is appropriate to register the target device (200) as a device constituting an IoT network, and register the target device (200) as a device constituting an IoT network.

[0045] The process of 'registering the target device (200) as a device that constitutes an IoT network' may be referred to as so-called 'onboarding', and the electronic device (100) may be said to be a device that performs the role of a 'helper' in the sense that it is a device that assists the onboarding process of the target device (200).

[0046] The term "target device (200)" refers to a device that can be registered as a device constituting an IoT network. In other words, the target device (200) is a device that has not been registered as a device constituting an IoT network, and refers to a candidate device that has the potential to be registered as a device constituting an IoT network. The term "target device (200)" may be replaced with terms such as "external device" or "candidate device."

[0047] For example, the electronic device (100) may be a device that is easy for a user to register as a device forming an IoT network, such as a smart phone, including a touch display (120), and the target device (200) may be a device that is relatively less easy for a user to register as a device forming an IoT network, such as a refrigerator, a washing machine, an air conditioner, etc. However, there are no particular limitations on the types of the electronic device (100) and the target device (200).

[0048] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a user may be positioned near a target device (200), and the target device (200) may transmit a signal including a registration request and context information to the electronic device (100). Here, the 'user' may be, but is not limited to, a user of the electronic device (100) and the target device (200). For example, a person who uses the same space as the user of the electronic device (100) and the target device (200), such as another family member who is not registered as a user of the electronic device (100) and the target device (200), may also be a user according to the present disclosure.

[0049] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 2, each step of a control method related to identifying whether the electronic device (100) will register the target device (200) as a device constituting an IoT network after the target device (200) transmits a signal including a registration request and context information to the electronic device (100), and registering the target device (200) as a device constituting an IoT network will be described.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 2, the electronic device (100) may receive a signal including a registration request and context information from the target device (200) (S210). In the present disclosure, the signal including the registration request and context information may be briefly referred to as a "signal" or a "wireless signal," and the term "signal" may also be referred to as an "advertisement signal (packet)" or the like. In particular, the signal may be a Wi-Fi or BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) signal, but there is no particular limitation on the type of signal according to the present disclosure.

[0051] Meanwhile, in the following description, it will be assumed that the registration request and context information are included in one signal and received from the target device (200), but the registration request and context information may also be included in separate signals and received from the target device (200).

[0052] A signal including a registration request and context information may be transmitted from the target device (200) based on the context information being acquired by the target device (200). Specifically, the target device (200) may not transmit a signal including a registration request and context information at a preset interval, but may include context information as well as a registration request in the signal and transmit it to the electronic device (100) whenever context information is acquired.

[0053] The target device (200) can broadcast a signal including a registration request and context information, and the electronic device (100) can receive the signal from the target device (200). Meanwhile, the target device (200) can not only broadcast the signal, but also transmit it in various ways, such as unicasting or multicasting.

[0054] A 'registration request' refers to a request for a target device (200) to register as a device constituting an IoT network, and may include identification information for the target device (200) and additional information for registering as a device constituting an IoT network.

[0055] "Context information" collectively refers to information indicating that a user is located near a target device (200). Furthermore, context information may include information indicating that an interaction has occurred between the target device (200) and the user. The term "context information" may be replaced with various terms such as "motion information" or "state information." Meanwhile, the distance that "nearby" refers to may be determined based on developer or user settings.

[0056] Context information may be included in a signal transmitted from the target device (200) to the electronic device (100) based on the user input for controlling the target device (200) being received at the target device (200). That is, when the target device (200) operates by the user inputting the user input to the target device (200), the target device (200) may include context information in a signal transmitted to the electronic device (100) and transmit the signal to the electronic device (100), and the electronic device (100) may receive a signal including context information from the target device (200).

[0057] In one or more embodiments, context information may be included in a signal transmitted from the target device (200) to the electronic device (100) based on receiving a user input pressing a button included in the target device (200).

[0058] For example, when a user presses a power button, an operation start button, a play button, etc. included in the target device (200), the target device (200) can obtain context information based on the button input and transmit a signal including a registration request and context information to the electronic device (100).

[0059] In one or more embodiments, context information may be included in a signal transmitted from the target device (200) to the electronic device (100) based on a user's voice command being received via a microphone included in the target device (200).

[0060] For example, when a user utters a voice command to control the operation of a target device (200), the target device (200) can obtain context information based on the utterance of the voice command and transmit a signal including a registration request and context information to the electronic device (100).

[0061] In one or more embodiments, context information may be included in a signal transmitted from the target device (200) to the electronic device (100) based on receiving a control command for controlling the target device (200) from a remote control device for controlling the target device (200) via a communication unit (110) included in the target device (200).

[0062] For example, when a user turns on a TV using a remote control device, even though the user did not directly press a button on the TV, it is possible to identify that the user is controlling the TV from a location near the TV, especially if the remote control device uses an infrared signal. Accordingly, the target device (200) can obtain context information based on the control command received from the remote control device and transmit a signal including a registration request and context information to the electronic device (100).

[0063] In addition, if an operation of the target device (200) is performed, which is assumed to be performed by the user near the target device (200), such as when a user's voice command is received through a microphone included in the remote device and then transmitted to the target device (200), or when an operation of opening or closing a door (e.g., a door of a refrigerator, a clothes care device, a washing machine, a vehicle, etc.) included in the target device (200) is performed, context information can be acquired by the target device (200) and transmitted to the electronic device (100).

[0064] Context information may be included in a signal transmitted from the target device (200) to the electronic device (100) based on the detection of a user being located near the target device (200). That is, even if the user does not input a user input to control the target device (200) into the target device (200), if the detection of a user being located near the target device (200) occurs, the target device (200) may include context information in a signal transmitted to the electronic device (100) and transmit the context information to the electronic device (100), and the electronic device (100) may receive a signal including context information from the target device (200).

[0065] In one or more embodiments, context information may be included in a signal transmitted from the target device (200) to the electronic device (100) based on sensing information indicating the presence of a user being acquired through a sensor included in the target device (200).

[0066] For example, when sensing information indicating a user's movement is acquired through a motion sensor included in the target device (200), or when image data indicating a user's presence is acquired through an image sensor included in the target device (200), the target device (200) can acquire context information based on the sensing information or image data, and transmit a signal including a registration request and context information to the electronic device (100).

[0067] In one or more embodiments, context information may be included in a signal transmitted from the target device (200) to the electronic device (100) based on a sound indicating the presence of a user being received through a microphone included in the target device (200). Here, the sound indicating the presence of the user may include not only a voice command for controlling the target device (200), but also sounds resulting from the user's everyday conversation.

[0068] When a signal including a registration request and context information is received (S210-Y), the electronic device (100) can obtain information about the strength of the signal (S220). Here, the information about the strength of the signal can include a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) value.

[0069] Specifically, the electronic device (100) can perform analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) on a signal received from the target device (200) and measure the energy intensity of the signal using frequency spectrum analysis, etc. The measured energy intensity can be expressed as a value in a unit such as decibel (dB) or decibel milliwatt (dBm).

[0070] As the distance between the electronic device (100) and the target device (200) increases, the RSSI value decreases, and as the distance between the electronic device (100) and the target device (200) decreases, the RSSI value decreases. Therefore, the electronic device (100) can obtain information about the distance between the electronic device (100) and the target device (200) based on the RSSI value.

[0071] Specifically, when an RSSI value is acquired, the electronic device (100) can acquire information about the distance between the electronic device (100) and the target device (200) by converting the RSSI value into a distance using a predefined distance estimation model. That is, the electronic device (100) can identify whether the target device (200) is located within a close distance (threshold distance) from the electronic device (100) based on the RSSI value, and thus can identify whether the target device (200) is located in the same space as the electronic device (100).

[0072] The electronic device (100) can identify whether the signal strength is greater than or equal to a preset threshold value (S230). If the signal strength is greater than or equal to the preset threshold value (S230-Y), the electronic device (100) can provide a user interface (S240).

[0073] Specifically, if the signal received from the target device (200) includes context information and the intensity of the received signal is greater than a preset threshold value, the electronic device (100) can identify that the target device (200) is in the same space as the electronic device (100) and provide a user interface for user confirmation.

[0074] Here, the 'threshold value' is a value that can determine whether the target device (200) is located in the same space as the electronic device (100). If it is set too low, a user interface will be provided even when a signal is transmitted from a target device (200) that is not located in the same space as the electronic device (100), which may cause inconvenience to the user. On the other hand, if it is set too high, a user interface will not be provided even when a signal is transmitted from a target device (200) that is located in the same space as the electronic device (100), making it impossible to perform the IoT registration procedure. Therefore, it is necessary to set it to an appropriate value. The threshold value may be changed according to the settings of the developer or the user.

[0075] A user interface (UI) according to the present disclosure may include information for identifying a target device (200), a guidance message for asking whether to add the target device (200) as a device constituting an IoT network, and at least one UI element for allowing a user to select whether to add the target device (200) as a device constituting an IoT network.

[0076] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the user interface may include information indicating that the target device (200) is a “washing machine ABC” and a guidance message asking whether to add the target device (200) as a device constituting the IoT network, such as “Have you just started the washing machine? Would you like to add the washing machine to conveniently use it remotely?” As in the example of FIG. 3, the guidance message may also include a message for confirming whether the target device (200) has been started.

[0077] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the user interface may include multiple UI elements to allow the user to select whether to add the target device (200) as a device constituting the IoT network, such as “Add Now,” “Do Not Add,” and “Later.”

[0078] Meanwhile, the user interface may not include information for user authentication to confirm whether the target device (200) is the user's device. That is, if the target device (200) is identified as being located in the same space as the electronic device (100) based on context information and signal strength information, an additional process for user authentication may not be performed.

[0079] Meanwhile, if the signal strength is below a preset threshold value (S230-N), the electronic device (100) may identify that the target device (200) is not in the same space as the electronic device (100) and may not provide a user interface for configuring an IoT network.

[0080] Meanwhile, the user interface may be displayed on the display (120) of the electronic device (100) in the form of a pop-up window. In addition, the electronic device (100) may provide a voice prompting whether to add the target device (200) as a device constituting the IoT network instead of the user interface.

[0081] Meanwhile, the user interface may be provided through the display (120) of the target device (200) as well as the display (120) of the electronic device (100). Specifically, if the signal received from the target device (200) includes context information and the intensity of the received signal is greater than a preset threshold value, the electronic device (100) may identify the target device (200) as being in the same space as the electronic device (100) and transmit a request to the target device (200) to provide a user interface for user confirmation.

[0082] The electronic device (100) can receive user input to add the target device (200) as a device constituting an IoT network through a user interface (S250). Then, when the user input is received (S250-Y), the electronic device (100) can register the target device (200) as a device constituting an IoT network (S260).

[0083] For example, when “Add Now” is selected among multiple UI elements through the user interface of FIG. 3, the electronic device (100) can identify that a user input for adding the target device (200) as a device constituting an IoT network has been received, and can register the target device (200) as a device constituting an IoT network.

[0084] Meanwhile, if no user input is received or a user input other than the user input for adding the target device (200) as a device configuring the IoT network is received (S250-N), the electronic device (100) may identify that the user does not want to add the target device (200) as a device configuring the IoT network and may not provide a user interface for configuring the IoT network.

[0085] For example, if “Do not add” or “Later” is selected among the multiple UI elements through the user interface of FIG. 3, the electronic device (100) may identify that the user does not want to add the target device (200) as a device configuring an IoT network, and may not provide a user interface for configuring an IoT network.

[0086] Meanwhile, if the user interface is provided through the display (120) of the target device (200), the user input is input through the user interface displayed on the display (120) of the target device (200), and the electronic device (100) can receive a user input from the target device (200) to add the target device (200) as a device configuring an IoT network.

[0087] The electronic device (100) can register the target device (200) as a device constituting an IoT network by controlling the communication unit (110) to transmit information about the target device (200) to a server providing a platform for IoT. In addition, the method for registering the target device (200) may vary depending on various methods for implementing a platform for IoT, such as when the electronic device (100) manages an IoT network.

[0088] According to the above-described embodiment with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the electronic device (100) can register the target device (200) as a device configuring an IoT network only when the user is located near the target device (200) and the target device (200) is located at a close distance from the electronic device (100).

[0089] Accordingly, the electronic device (100) can effectively identify that the target device (200) is located in the same space as the electronic device (100) and register the target device (200) as a device constituting an IoT network, while minimizing inconvenience to the user caused by the onboarding procedure being performed when unnecessary.

[0090] In addition, if the electronic device (100) identifies that the target device (200) is located in the same space as the electronic device (100), the procedure for confirming whether to proceed with onboarding to the user can be minimized, and accordingly, the possibility of onboarding failure due to the user incorrectly inputting a button can be significantly reduced.

[0091] In addition, the target device (200) can transmit a signal including a registration request and context information to the electronic device (100) only when a user is located near the target device (200) without periodically broadcasting a registration request signal, thereby preventing unnecessary power consumption.

[0092]

[0093] FIG. 4 is a block diagram briefly showing the configuration of an electronic device (100) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, and FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing in detail the configuration of an electronic device (100) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0094] As illustrated in FIG. 4, an electronic device (100) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a communication unit (110), a display (120), a memory (130), and a processor (140). In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 5, an electronic device (100) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a sensor, an input unit (150), and an output unit (160). However, the configurations illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 are merely exemplary, and it is to be understood that new configurations may be added or some configurations may be omitted in addition to the configurations illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 when implementing the present disclosure.

[0095] The display (120) can output an image under the control of the processor (140). Specifically, the display (120) can output an image previously stored in the memory (130) under the control of the processor (140). The display (120) can be implemented as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display Panel), an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diodes), etc., and the display (120) can also be implemented as a flexible display, a transparent display, etc., depending on the case. However, the display (120) according to the present disclosure is not limited to a specific type.

[0096] In particular, in one or more embodiments, the processor (140) may control the display (120) to provide a user interface when a signal including a registration request and context information is received through the communication unit (110) and the strength of the received signal is greater than or equal to a preset threshold value.

[0097] The communication unit (110) includes a circuit and can perform communication with external devices including the target device (200). Specifically, the processor (140) can receive various data or information from the target device (200) connected through the communication unit (110) and can also transmit various data or information to the target device (200).

[0098] The communication unit (110) may include at least one of a WiFi module, a Bluetooth module, a wireless communication module, an NFC module, and a UWB (Ultra-Wide Band) module. Specifically, the WiFi module and the Bluetooth module may each perform communication in the WiFi or Bluetooth manner. When using a WiFi module or a Bluetooth module, various connection information, such as an SSID, may be first transmitted and received, and then communication may be established using this, after which various pieces of information may be transmitted and received.

[0099] Additionally, the wireless communication module supports IEEE, Zigbee, 3G (3 rd Generation), 3GPP(3 rd Generation Partnership Project), LTE (Long Term Evolution), 5G (5 thGeneration) etc., can perform communication according to various communication standards. In addition, the NFC module can perform communication in the NFC (Near Field Communication) method using the 13.56MHz band among various RF-ID frequency bands such as 135kHz, 13.56MHz, 433MHz, 860~960MHz, 2.45GHz. In addition, the UWB module can accurately measure the ToA (Time of Arrival), which is the time it takes for a pulse to reach a target, and the AoA (Ange of Arrival), which is the pulse arrival angle at the transmitting device, through communication between UWB antennas, and accordingly, precise distance and location recognition is possible within an error range of several tens of centimeters indoors.

[0100] In particular, in one or more embodiments, the processor (140) may receive, through the communication unit (110), a signal from the target device (200) including a registration request for adding the target device (200) as a device constituting an IoT network and context information indicating that a user is located near the target device (200).

[0101] In addition, the processor (140) can register the target device (200) as a device that constitutes an IoT network by controlling the communication unit (110) to transmit information about the target device (200) to a server that provides a platform for IoT.

[0102] And, if the signal received from the target device (200) includes context information and the intensity of the received signal is greater than a preset threshold value, the processor (140) can transmit a request for user confirmation to the target device (200).

[0103] At least one instruction regarding the electronic device (100) may be stored in the memory (130). In addition, an O / S (Operating System) for driving the electronic device (100) may be stored in the memory (130). In addition, various software programs or applications for operating the electronic device (100) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be stored in the memory (130). In addition, the memory (130) may include a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory or a magnetic storage medium such as a hard disk.

[0104] Specifically, the memory (130) may store various software modules for operating the electronic device (100) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, and the processor (140) may control the operation of the electronic device (100) by executing the various software modules stored in the memory (130). That is, the memory (130) is accessed by the processor (140), and data reading / recording / modifying / deleting / updating, etc. may be performed by the processor (140).

[0105] Meanwhile, in the present disclosure, the term memory (130) may be used to mean a memory (130), a ROM, a RAM in a processor (140), or a memory card (e.g., a micro SD card, a memory stick) mounted in an electronic device (100).

[0106] In particular, in one or more embodiments, the memory (130) may store various information / data / signals, such as information about a signal including a registration request and context information, information about the strength of the signal, information about the user interface, etc.

[0107] In addition, various information necessary within the scope of achieving the purpose of the present disclosure may be stored in the memory (130), and the information stored in the memory (130) may be updated as received from the target device (200) or input by the user.

[0108] The processor (140) controls the overall operation of the electronic device (100). Specifically, the processor (140) is connected to the configuration of the electronic device (100) including the communication unit (110), the display (120), and the memory (130), and can control the overall operation of the electronic device (100) by executing at least one instruction stored in the memory (130) as described above.

[0109] The processor (140) may be implemented in various ways. For example, the processor (140) may be implemented as at least one of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an embedded processor, a microprocessor, hardware control logic, a hardware finite state machine (FSM), and a digital signal processor (DSP). Meanwhile, the term "processor (140)" in the present disclosure may be used to mean a central processing unit (CPU), a graphic processing unit (GPU), and a microprocessor unit (MPU).

[0110] In particular, in one or more embodiments, the processor (140) may perform various processes to register the target device (200) as a device constituting an IoT network.

[0111] In one or more embodiments, when a signal including a registration request for adding the target device (200) as a device constituting an IoT (Internet of Things) network and context information indicating that a user is located near the target device (200) is received from the target device (200) through the communication unit (110), the processor (140) obtains information about the strength of the signal, and when the strength of the signal is equal to or greater than a preset threshold value, controls the display (120) to provide a user interface, and when a user input for adding the target device (200) as a device constituting an IoT network is received through the user interface, the processor (140) can register the target device (200) as a device constituting an IoT network.

[0112] Since various other embodiments based on the control of the processor (140) have been described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, a duplicate description of the same content will be omitted. That is, various embodiments of the control method of the electronic device (100) described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 can be implemented through the processor (140) of the electronic device (100).

[0113] The input unit (150) includes a circuit, and the processor (140) can receive a user command to control the operation of the electronic device (100) through the input unit (150). Specifically, the input unit (150) can be configured with components such as a microphone, a camera, and a remote control signal receiving unit. In addition, the input unit (150) can be implemented in a form included in the display (120) as a touch screen. In particular, the microphone can receive a voice signal and convert the received voice signal into an electrical signal.

[0114] In particular, in one or more embodiments, the processor (140) may receive user input in the form of a voice signal to be added as a device constituting an IoT network via a microphone. When receiving the user input in the form of a voice signal, the processor (140) may obtain text corresponding to the voice signal using a learned artificial intelligence model, i.e., a voice recognition model (Automatic Speech Recognition, ASR), and may identify user input corresponding to the obtained text.

[0115] In one or more embodiments, the processor (140) may acquire an image of the target device (200) and / or the user via the camera. For example, the processor (140) may identify that the user is located near the target device (200) based on context information, but may also identify that the user is located near the target device (200) by using an image of the user alone or in addition. In addition, the processor (140) may identify that the target device (200) is located at a close distance to the electronic device (100) based on information about the strength of the signal, but may also identify that the target device (200) is located at a close distance to the electronic device (100) by using an image of the target device (200) alone or in addition.

[0116] The output unit (160) includes a circuit, and the processor (140) can output various functions that the electronic device (100) can perform through the output unit (160). In addition, the output unit (160) can include at least one of a display (120), a speaker, and an indicator. Since the display (120) has been described above, a duplicate description of the same content will be omitted. The speaker can output audio data under the control of the processor (140), and the indicator can be turned on under the control of the processor (140).

[0117] In particular, in one or more embodiments, the processor (140) may control the speaker to output a voice asking whether to add the target device (200) as a device constituting the IoT network, instead of or in addition to the user interface.

[0118] Meanwhile, the control method of the electronic device (100) according to the above-described embodiment may be implemented as a program and provided to the electronic device (100). In particular, the program including the control method of the electronic device (100) may be stored and provided in a non-transitory computer readable medium.

[0119] Specifically, in a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium including a program for executing a method for controlling an electronic device (100), the method for controlling an electronic device (100) may include a step of receiving a signal including a registration request for adding the target device (200) as a device constituting an IoT (Internet of Things) network from a target device (200) and context information indicating that a user is located near the target device (200), a step of obtaining information about the strength of the signal, a step of providing a user interface if the strength of the signal is greater than or equal to a preset threshold value, a step of receiving a user input for adding the target device (200) as a device constituting an IoT network through the user interface, and a step of registering the target device (200) as a device constituting an IoT network.

[0120] In the above, a method for controlling an electronic device (100) and a computer-readable recording medium including a program for executing the method for controlling an electronic device (100) have been briefly described, but this is only to omit redundant descriptions, and it goes without saying that various embodiments of the electronic device (100) can also be applied to a method for controlling an electronic device (100) and a computer-readable recording medium including a program for executing the method for controlling an electronic device (100).

[0121] The artificial intelligence-related function according to the present disclosure is operated through the processor (140) and memory (130) of the electronic device (100).

[0122] The processor (140) may be composed of one or more processors (140). At this time, the one or more processors (140) may include at least one of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphic Processing Unit), and an NPU (Neural Processing Unit), but is not limited to the examples of the processors (140) described above.

[0123] The CPU is a general-purpose processor (140) capable of performing not only general calculations but also artificial intelligence calculations. Its multi-layer cache structure allows for the efficient execution of complex programs. The CPU is advantageous in a serial processing method, which enables organic linking of previous and subsequent calculation results through sequential calculations. The general-purpose processor (140) is not limited to the aforementioned examples, except in cases where it is specifically designated as a CPU.

[0124] A GPU is a processor (140) for large-scale operations such as floating point operations used in graphic processing, and can perform large-scale operations in parallel by integrating a large number of cores. In particular, a GPU may be advantageous compared to a CPU in parallel processing methods such as convolution operations. In addition, a GPU may be used as a co-processor (140) to supplement the functions of a CPU. The processor (140) for large-scale operations is not limited to the examples described above, except in cases where it is specifically referred to as a GPU.

[0125] An NPU is a processor (140) specialized in artificial intelligence operations using an artificial neural network, and each layer constituting the artificial neural network can be implemented with hardware (e.g., silicon). At this time, since the NPU is designed specifically according to the required specifications of the company, it has a lower degree of freedom compared to a CPU or GPU, but it can efficiently process the artificial intelligence operations requested by the company. Meanwhile, as a processor (140) specialized in artificial intelligence operations, the NPU can be implemented in various forms such as a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), an Intelligence Processing Unit (IPU), a Vision Processing Unit (VPU), etc. The artificial intelligence processor (140) is not limited to the above-described examples, except in cases where it is specified as the above-described NPU.

[0126] Additionally, one or more processors (140) may be implemented as a System on Chip (SoC). In this case, the SoC may further include, in addition to one or more processors (140), a memory (130), and a network interface such as a bus for data communication between the processor (140) and the memory (130).

[0127] When a plurality of processors (140) are included in a SoC (System on Chip) included in an electronic device (100), the electronic device (100) may perform operations related to artificial intelligence (e.g., operations related to learning or inference of an artificial intelligence model) by using some of the plurality of processors (140). For example, the electronic device (100) may perform operations related to artificial intelligence by using at least one of a GPU, an NPU, a VPU, a TPU, and a hardware accelerator specialized in artificial intelligence operations such as convolution operations and matrix multiplication operations among the plurality of processors (140). However, this is merely an example, and it is of course possible to process operations related to artificial intelligence by using a CPU or a general-purpose processor (140).

[0128] In addition, the electronic device (100) can perform operations related to functions related to artificial intelligence by utilizing multiple cores (e.g., dual cores, quad cores, etc.) included in one processor (140). In particular, the electronic device (100) can perform artificial intelligence operations such as convolution operations, matrix multiplication operations, etc. in parallel by utilizing multiple cores included in the processor (140).

[0129] One or more processors (140) are controlled to process input data according to predefined operation rules or artificial intelligence models stored in the memory (130). The predefined operation rules or artificial intelligence models are characterized by being created through learning.

[0130] Here, "created through learning" means that a predefined set of behavioral rules or an AI model with desired characteristics is created by applying a learning algorithm to a large number of learning data. This learning may be performed on the device itself, where the AI ​​according to the present disclosure is implemented, or through a separate server / system.

[0131] An artificial intelligence model may be composed of multiple neural network layers. At least one layer has at least one weight value and performs its operation through the operation result of the previous layer and at least one defined operation. Examples of neural networks include a convolutional neural network (CNN), a deep neural network (DNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), deep Q-networks, and a transformer. The neural networks in the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described examples unless otherwise specified.

[0132] A learning algorithm is a method for training a target device (e.g., a robot) using a large amount of learning data, enabling the target device to make decisions or predictions on its own. Examples of learning algorithms include supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning. Unless otherwise specified, the learning algorithms in this disclosure are not limited to the aforementioned examples.

[0133] A device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term "non-transitory storage medium" simply means a tangible device that does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between cases where data is permanently stored in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present 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., smartphones), online distribution (e.g., downloading or uploading). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., downloadable app) may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily created in a device-readable storage medium, such as a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a memory (130) of an intermediary server.

[0135] Each of the components (e.g., modules or programs) according to the various embodiments of the present disclosure as described above may be composed of a single or multiple entities, and some of the sub-components described above may be omitted, or other sub-components may be further included in the various embodiments. Alternatively or additionally, some components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single entity, which may perform the same or similar functions as those performed by each of the respective components prior to integration.

[0136] According to various embodiments, operations performed by a module, program or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively or heuristically, or at least some operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or other operations may be added.

[0137] Meanwhile, the terms "part" or "module" used in the present disclosure include units composed of hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A "part" or "module" may be an integrally composed component, a minimum unit performing one or more functions, or a portion thereof. For example, a module may be composed of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0138] Various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as software including instructions stored in a machine-readable storage medium that can be read by a machine (e.g., a computer). The device may include an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (100)) according to the disclosed embodiments, which is a device capable of calling instructions stored in the storage medium and operating according to the called instructions.

[0139] When the above instruction is executed by the processor, the processor may perform the function corresponding to the instruction directly or by using other components under the control of the processor. The instruction may include code generated or executed by a compiler or interpreter.

[0140] Although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications may be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains without departing from the gist of the present disclosure as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical idea or prospect of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. In electronic devices, Department of Communications; display; a memory storing at least one instruction; and a processor executing at least one instruction; The above processor, When a signal including a registration request for adding the target device as a device forming an IoT (Internet of Things) network and context information indicating that a user is located near the target device is received from the target device through the above communication unit, information about the strength of the signal is acquired, If the strength of the signal is greater than a preset threshold, the display is controlled to provide a user interface; An electronic device that registers the target device as a device constituting the IoT network when a user input for adding the target device as a device constituting the IoT network is received through the user interface.

2. In paragraph 1, An electronic device wherein the signal is transmitted from the target device based on the context information being acquired by the target device.

3. In paragraph 1, The above electronic device is an electronic device that is a device pre-registered as a device constituting the IoT network.

4. In paragraph 1, An electronic device wherein said context information is included in said signal based on at least one of: detecting at said target device that said user is located near said target device; and receiving at said target device a user input for controlling said target device.

5. In paragraph 4, An electronic device in which the context information is included in the signal based on at least one of: receiving a user input for pressing a button included in the target device; receiving a voice command from the user through a microphone included in the target device; and receiving a control command for controlling the target device from a remote control device for controlling the target device through a communication unit included in the target device.

6. In paragraph 5, An electronic device in which the context information is included in the signal based on at least one of: sensing information indicating the presence of the user is acquired through a sensor included in the target device; and sound indicating the presence of the user is received through a microphone included in the target device.

7. In paragraph 1, An electronic device, wherein the user interface comprises information for identifying the target device, a guidance message for asking whether to add the target device as a device forming an IoT network, and at least one UI element for allowing the user to select whether to add the target device as a device forming the IoT network.

8. In a method for controlling an electronic device, A step of receiving a signal including a registration request for adding the target device as a device constituting an IoT (Internet of Things) network from a target device and context information indicating that a user is located near the target device; A step of obtaining information about the intensity of the above signal; A step of providing a user interface when the strength of the signal is greater than a preset threshold value; A step of receiving a user input for adding the target device as a device configuring the IoT network through the user interface; and A method for controlling an electronic device, comprising: a step of registering the target device as a device constituting the IoT network; 9. In paragraph 8, A method of controlling an electronic device, wherein the signal is transmitted from the target device based on the context information being acquired by the target device.

10. In paragraph 8, A method for controlling an electronic device, wherein the electronic device is a device that has already been registered as a device constituting the IoT network.

11. In paragraph 8, A method for controlling an electronic device, wherein the context information is included in the signal based on at least one of: detecting that the user is located near the target device at the target device; and receiving a user input for controlling the target device at the target device.

12. In paragraph 11, A method for controlling an electronic device, wherein the context information is included in the signal based on at least one of: receiving a user input for pressing a button included in the target device; receiving a voice command from the user through a microphone included in the target device; and receiving a control command for controlling the target device from a remote control device for controlling the target device through a communication unit included in the target device.

13. In paragraph 12, A control method of an electronic device, wherein the context information is included in the signal based on at least one of: sensing information indicating the presence of the user is acquired through a sensor included in the target device; and sound indicating the presence of the user is received through a microphone included in the target device.

14. In paragraph 8, A method for controlling an electronic device, wherein the user interface includes information for identifying the target device, a guidance message for asking whether to add the target device as a device constituting an IoT network, and at least one UI element for allowing the user to select whether to add the target device as a device constituting the IoT network.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium including a program for executing a method of controlling an electronic device, The method of controlling the above electronic device is: A step of receiving a signal including a registration request for adding the target device as a device constituting an IoT (Internet of Things) network from a target device and context information indicating that a user is located near the target device; A step of obtaining information about the intensity of the above signal; A step of providing a user interface when the strength of the signal is greater than a preset threshold value; A step of receiving a user input for adding the target device as a device configuring the IoT network through the user interface; and A computer-readable recording medium comprising: a step of registering the target device as a device constituting the IoT network;

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