Electronic device and control method therefor

Abstract

An electronic device is disclosed. This electronic device comprises: a communication interface; a memory for storing at least one instruction; and a processor connected to the memory and controlling the electronic device, wherein, if a resource state of a first hub device, among a plurality of hub devices, having an external device connected thereto does not satisfy a resource condition for controlling the external device, the processor transmits a signal corresponding to the release of the connection between the first hub device and the external device to the first hub device via the communication interface, and transmits a signal corresponding to the connection between a second hub device and the external device to the second hub device via the communication interface, the second hub device, among the plurality of hub devices, having a resource state that satisfies the resource condition for controlling the external device.

Description

Electronic device and method of controlling the same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to an electronic device and a control method thereof that adjusts a hub device to which an external device is connected according to the resource status of a plurality of hub devices.

[0002] Advances in electronic technology have led to the development and proliferation of diverse types of electronic products. For example, the use of various terminal devices, such as smartphones, smart pads (tablets), and PDAs, is steadily expanding. Terminal devices are not limited in their functionality, and their functionality can be modified and / or expanded through various applications.

[0003] The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to technologies and services that connect various objects, including home appliances and electronic devices, to a network and share information.

[0004] External devices can be connected to the hub device and perform various types of operations.

[0005] An electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure includes a communication interface, a memory storing at least one command, and a processor connected to the memory to control the electronic device, wherein the processor transmits a signal for disconnecting the external device from the first hub device through the communication interface when a resource state of a first hub device among a plurality of hub devices does not satisfy a resource condition for supporting control of the external device connected to the first hub device, and transmits a signal for connecting the external device to a second hub device among the plurality of hub devices having a resource state that satisfies a resource condition for supporting control of the external device through the communication interface.

[0006] The processor may, when a request to connect one of the plurality of hub devices to the external device is received from the external device, transmit a signal through the communication interface to the first hub device having resources necessary to support the operation of the external device as one of the plurality of hub devices.

[0007] The resources required to support the operation of the external device may be a computing device capable of supporting the operation of the external device.

[0008] The resources required to support the operation of the external device may be each communication interface that performs communication according to the communication standard through which the external device performs communication.

[0009] The processor may transmit a signal to disconnect the external device from the first hub device through the communication interface if the available resources of the first hub device are insufficient to control the external device.

[0010] The processor may, when receiving information corresponding to a shortage of available resources of the first hub device from the first hub device, transmit a signal to disconnect the external device from the first hub device through the communication interface.

[0011] The processor may transmit a signal to disconnect the external device from the first hub device through the communication interface when the first hub device performs an operation that uses resources of the first hub device exceeding a threshold value.

[0012] The processor can receive information corresponding to resource states of the plurality of hub devices from the plurality of hub devices through the communication interface at a preset cycle.

[0013] When a request to register a third hub device among the plurality of hub devices is received from an external server, the third hub device among the plurality of hub devices is registered, and resource information of the third hub device can be obtained from the third hub device through the communication interface.

[0014] A method for controlling an electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure includes, when a resource state of a first hub device among a plurality of hub devices does not satisfy a resource condition for supporting control of the external device connected to the first hub device, transmitting a signal for disconnecting the external device from the first hub device, and transmitting a signal for connecting the external device with a second hub device among the plurality of hub devices, the second hub device having a resource state that satisfies a resource condition for supporting control of the external device.

[0015] The control method may further include, when a request to connect one of the plurality of hub devices to the external device is received from the external device, a step of transmitting a signal to the first hub device having resources necessary to support the operation of the external device as one of the plurality of hub devices.

[0016] The resources required to support the operation of the external device may be a computing device capable of supporting the operation of the external device.

[0017] The resource required to support the above operation may be a communication interface that performs communication according to a communication standard through which the external device performs communication.

[0018] The step of transmitting a signal to disconnect the external device from the first hub device may be based on the fact that available resources of the first hub device are insufficient compared to resources required to control the external device.

[0019] The step of transmitting a signal to disconnect the external device from the first hub device may be based on information corresponding to a lack of available resources of the first hub device from the first hub device.

[0020] The step of transmitting a signal to disconnect the external device from the first hub device may be based on the first hub device performing an operation that uses resources of the first hub device more than a threshold value.

[0021] The above control method may further include a step of receiving information corresponding to resource states of the plurality of hub devices from the plurality of hub devices at preset cycles.

[0022] The above control method may further include a step of registering the third hub device among the plurality of hub devices when a request for registering the third hub device among the plurality of hub devices is received from an external server, and obtaining resource information of the third hub device from the second hub device.

[0023] A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium including a program for executing a control method of an electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the control method includes the steps of: transmitting a signal for disconnecting the external device from the first hub device when a resource state of a first hub device among a plurality of hub devices does not satisfy a resource condition for supporting control of the external device; and transmitting a signal for connecting the external device with a second hub device among the plurality of hub devices that has a resource state that satisfies a resource condition for supporting control of the external device.

[0024] The control method may further include, when a request to connect one of the plurality of hub devices to the external device is received from the external device, a step of transmitting a signal to the first hub device having resources necessary to support the operation of the external device as one of the plurality of hub devices.

[0025] FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are diagrams illustrating a home network system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are diagrams illustrating a home network system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating a method for an electronic device to obtain resource status of multiple hub devices connected to the electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating a method for an electronic device to register a new hub device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating a method for an electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure to connect an external device.

[0031] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating a method by which an electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure changes a hub device to which an external device is connected.

[0032] The present embodiments may be modified and have various embodiments. Therefore, 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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).

[0040] 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.

[0041] The expression "configured to" 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are diagrams illustrating a home network system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 1A, a home network system (1) may include an electronic device (100), a plurality of hub devices (200-1, 200-2, 200-3), and at least one external device (300-1, 300-2).

[0048] At this time, each of at least one external device (300-1, 300-2) can be connected to one of a plurality of hub devices (200-1, 200-2, 200-3) to perform various types of operations.

[0049] Here, connection may mean a state in which an external device and a hub device communicate and the hub device controls the operation of the external device.

[0050] The electronic device (100), hub device (200-1, 200-2, 200-3), and external device (300-1, 300-2) according to the present disclosure may be at least one of various types of home appliances. For example, the electronic device (100) or hub device (200-1, 200-2, 200-3) may be at least one of a TV, a washing machine, and a refrigerator, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the external device (300-1, 300-2) may be at least one of a robot vacuum cleaner and a camera, but is not limited thereto.

[0051] The aforementioned home appliances are merely examples, and the electronic device (100), hub device (200-1, 200-2, 200-3) and external device (300-1, 300-2) may be at least one of a dishwasher, an electric range, an electric oven, an air conditioner, a clothes manager, a dryer, a microwave oven, a vacuum cleaner, and a monitor, in addition to the aforementioned home appliances.

[0052] An electronic device (100) can communicate with a plurality of hub devices (200-1, 200-2, 200-3) and control the plurality of hub devices (200-1, 200-2, 200-3). At this time, the electronic device (100) can control the connection between the plurality of hub devices (200-1, 200-2, 200-3) and at least one external device (300-1, 300-2).

[0053] Specifically, the electronic device (100) can adjust the hub device connected to the first external device (300-1) based on the resource status of the plurality of hub devices (200-1, 200-2, 200-3). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1A, when the first external device (300-1) and the first hub device (200-1) are connected, and a resource shortage event occurs in the first hub device (200-1), the electronic device (100) can connect the first external device (300-1) to the second hub device (200-2), as illustrated in FIG. 1B.

[0054] Meanwhile, in the present disclosure, "connection" may refer to a state in which communication is performed between a hub device and an external device, and the hub device controls the external device. In this case, the hub device and the external device may perform communication by forming a P2P group, perform communication through a common AP (Access Point), or perform communication through an external server (10), but is not limited thereto. In addition, "connection" may also be referred to as "pairing," "linking," etc.

[0055] That is, the electronic device (100) according to the present disclosure can dynamically change the connection device of at least one external device (300-1, 300-2) as the resource status of a plurality of hub devices (200-1, 200-2, 200-3) in a home network system (1) changes.

[0056] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are diagrams illustrating a home network system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 2a, the electronic device (100) can obtain a connection request from a new external device (300-3).

[0058] And, the electronic device (100) can identify a hub device that includes resources capable of supporting the operation of a new external device (300-3) among a plurality of hub devices (200-1, 200-2, 200-3).

[0059] Specifically, a resource capable of supporting the operation of a new external device (300-3) may mean a computational device capable of supporting the operation of a new external device (300-3).

[0060] For example, the new external device (300-3) may be a robot vacuum cleaner including a camera, and a resource capable of supporting the operation of the new external device (300-3) may be a computing device (e.g., a neural processing unit (NPU)) having an image processing performance equal to or greater than a preset value. Accordingly, a hub device including a computing device having an image processing performance equal to or greater than a preset value may perform image processing of an image captured by the camera of the robot vacuum cleaner together with or independently of the robot vacuum cleaner.

[0061] At this time, the electronic device (100) can identify a first hub device (200-1) including a computing device whose image processing performance is higher than a preset value among the plurality of hub devices (200-1, 200-2, 200-3). Then, the electronic device (100) can connect a new external device (300-3) to the first hub device (200-1) among the plurality of hub devices (200-1, 200-2, 200-3), as illustrated in FIG. 2B.

[0062] Alternatively, the new external device (300-3) may be a robot vacuum cleaner that performs communication via the Zigbee communication standard, and a resource that can support the operation of the new external device (300-3) may be a communication interface that performs communication via the Zigbee communication standard.

[0063] At this time, the electronic device (100) can identify a first hub device (200-1) including a communication interface that performs communication via the Zigbee communication standard among the plurality of hub devices (200-1, 200-2, 200-3). Then, the electronic device (100) can connect a new external device (300-3) to the first hub device (200-1) among the plurality of hub devices (200-1, 200-2, 200-3), as illustrated in FIG. 2B.

[0064] That is, the electronic device (100) according to the present disclosure can connect an external device to a hub device among a plurality of hub devices (200-1, 200-2, 200-3) in a home network system (1) to effectively support the operation of the external device based on the resources included in the plurality of hub devices (200-1, 200-2, 200-3).

[0065] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an electronic device (100) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 3, the electronic device (100) may include at least one of a memory (110), a communication interface (120), and a processor (130). The electronic device (100) may further include other components in addition to the above components.

[0067] In addition to the examples described above, the electronic device (100) may be implemented in various forms, such as a smartphone, a TV, a smart TV, a set-top box, a mobile phone, a PDA (personal digital assistant), a laptop, a media player, an e-book reader, a digital broadcasting terminal, a navigation device, a kiosk, an MP3 player, a wearable device, a home appliance, and other mobile or non-mobile computing devices.

[0068] The memory (110) can store at least one instruction regarding the electronic device (100). The memory (110) can store an operating system (O / S) for driving the electronic device (100). In addition, the memory (110) can store various software programs or applications for operating the electronic device (100) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In addition, the memory (110) can include a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory or a magnetic storage medium such as a hard disk.

[0069] Specifically, the memory (110) can store various software modules for operating the electronic device (100) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, and the processor (130) can control the operation of the electronic device (100) by executing various software modules stored in the memory (110). That is, the memory (110) is accessed by the processor (130), and data reading / recording / modifying / deleting / updating, etc. can be performed by the processor (130).

[0070] Meanwhile, in the present disclosure, the term memory (110) may be used to mean a memory (110), a ROM (not shown), a RAM (not shown) in a processor (130), or a memory card (not shown) (e.g., a micro SD card, a memory stick) mounted on an electronic device (100).

[0071] And, the communication interface (120) includes a circuitry and is a configuration capable of communicating with external devices and servers. The communication interface (120) can communicate with external devices or servers based on a wired or wireless communication method. The communication interface (120) may include a Bluetooth module (not shown), a Wi-Fi module (not shown), an IR (infrared) module, a LAN (Local Area Network) module, an Ethernet module, etc. Here, each communication module may be implemented in the form of at least one hardware chip. In addition to the above-described communication method, the wireless communication module may include at least one communication chip that performs communication according to various wireless communication standards such as Zigbee, USB (Universal Serial Bus), MIPI CSI (Mobile Industry Processor Interface Camera Serial Interface), 3G (3rd Generation), 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project), LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (LTE Advanced), 4G (4th Generation), 5G (5th Generation), etc. However, this is only one embodiment, and the communication interface (120) can utilize at least one communication module among various communication modules.

[0072] The processor (130) can control the overall operation and function of the electronic device (100). Specifically, the processor (130) is connected to the configuration of the electronic device (100) including the memory (110), and can control the overall operation of the electronic device (100) by executing at least one command stored in the memory (110) as described above.

[0073] The processor (130) may be implemented in various ways. For example, the processor (130) may be implemented as at least one of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a logic integrated circuit, an embedded processor, a microcomputer (Micom), a microprocessor, hardware control logic, a hardware finite state machine (FSM), and a digital signal processor (DSP).

[0074] In particular, the processor (130) may include one or more processors. Specifically, the one or more processors may include one or more of a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), an Accelerated Processing Unit (APU), a Many Integrated Core (MIC), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), a Neural Processing Unit (NPU), a Main Processing Unit (MPU), a hardware accelerator, or a machine learning accelerator. The one or more processors may control one or any combination of other components of the electronic device, and may perform operations related to communication or data processing. The one or more processors may execute one or more programs or instructions stored in a memory. For example, the one or more processors may perform a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure by executing one or more instructions stored in a memory.

[0075] When a method according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure includes multiple operations, the multiple operations may be performed by one processor or by multiple processors. That is, when a first operation, a second operation, and a third operation are performed by a method according to one or more embodiments, the first operation, the second operation, and the third operation may all be performed by the first processor, or the first operation and the second operation may be performed by the first processor (e.g., a general-purpose processor) and the third operation may be performed by the second processor (e.g., an artificial intelligence-specific processor).

[0076] One or more processors may be implemented as a single core processor including one core, or may be implemented as one or more multicore processors including multiple cores (e.g., homogeneous multicores or heterogeneous multicores). When one or more processors are implemented as a multicore processor, each of the multiple cores included in the multicore processor may include internal processor memory, such as cache memory or on-chip memory, and a common cache shared by the multiple cores may be included in the multicore processor. In addition, each of the multiple cores (or some of the multiple cores) included in the multicore processor may independently read and execute program instructions for implementing a method according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, or all (or some) of the multiple cores may be linked to read and execute program instructions for implementing a method according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0077] When a method according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure includes a plurality of operations, the plurality of operations may be performed by one core among the plurality of cores included in a multi-core processor, or may be performed by the plurality of cores. For example, when a first operation, a second operation, and a third operation are performed by a method according to one or more embodiments, the first operation, the second operation, and the third operation may all be performed by a first core included in the multi-core processor, or the first operation and the second operation may be performed by a first core included in the multi-core processor, and the third operation may be performed by a second core included in the multi-core processor.

[0078] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor (130) may mean a system on a chip (SoC) in which one or more processors and other electronic components are integrated, a single-core processor, a multi-core processor, or a core included in a single-core processor or a multi-core processor, wherein the core may be implemented as a CPU, a GPU, an APU, a MIC, a DSP, an NPU, a hardware accelerator, or a machine learning accelerator, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0079] The operation of the processor (130) for implementing various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented through a plurality of modules.

[0080] Specifically, data for a plurality of modules according to the present disclosure can be stored in a memory (110), and the processor (130) can access the memory (110) to load the data for the plurality of modules into a memory or buffer within the processor (130), and then implement various embodiments according to the present disclosure using the plurality of modules.

[0081] However, at least one of the plurality of modules according to the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware and included in the processor (130) in the form of a system on chip.

[0082] Alternatively, at least one of the plurality of modules according to the present disclosure may be implemented as a separate external device, and the electronic device (100) and each module may communicate and perform operations according to the present disclosure. Hereinafter, the operation of the processor (130) according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0083] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating a method for an electronic device (100) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure to obtain resource status of a plurality of hub devices connected to the electronic device (100).

[0084] Referring to FIG. 4, the electronic device (100) can transmit a resource status request signal to each of the plurality of hub devices (200-1, 200-2) (S405, S410). At this time, the electronic device (100) can transmit the resource status request signal to each of the plurality of hub devices (200-1, 200-2) in a multicast manner. The electronic device (100) can transmit the resource status request signal to the plurality of hub devices (200-1, 200-2) at a preset cycle, but is not limited thereto.

[0085] In the present disclosure, the plurality of hub devices (200-1, 200-2) may be devices controlled by the electronic device (100) and controlling at least one external device. Specifically, the plurality of hub devices (200-1, 200-2) may be devices registered in profile information of the plurality of hub devices stored in the electronic device (100). Here, the profile information of the plurality of hub devices may include identification information of the hub devices and information on resource status of the hub devices.

[0086] Alternatively, the plurality of hub devices (200-1, 200-2) may be hub devices registered to a user account logged in to the electronic device (100). In this case, the hub devices registered to the user account may be devices registered to information corresponding to the user account. In this case, the information corresponding to the user account may include profile information (200-1, 200-2) of the plurality of hub devices including a list of the plurality of hub devices (200-1, 200-2). In addition, the information corresponding to the user account may be stored in the electronic device (100) or stored in an external server. If the information corresponding to the user account is stored in an external server, the electronic device (100) may receive profile information of the plurality of hub devices from the external server.

[0087] In the present disclosure, the electronic device (100) may be referred to as a "main hub device" that controls a plurality of hub devices (200-1, 200-2), and the plurality of hub devices (200-1, 200-2) may be referred to as "sub hub devices" that are controlled by the main hub device, but is not limited thereto. In this case, the electronic device (100) may also operate as a hub device that controls an external device, and may be connected to and control an external device without going through the plurality of hub devices (200-1, 200-2).

[0088] In the present disclosure, the resource status of the hub device may include at least one of hardware resource usage of the hub device, available hardware resource usage of the hub device, hardware resources included in the hub device, available hardware resources of the hub device, and communication standards through which the hub device performs communication.

[0089] Specifically, the hardware resources of the hub device may include at least one of a processor of the hub device and a memory of the hub device.

[0090] Additionally, the available hardware resources of the hub device may include, but are not limited to, at least one of an NPU (Neural Processing Unit), a display, and a speaker.

[0091] The communication standards by which the hub device communicates may include, but are not limited to, at least one of Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Bluetooth.

[0092] In addition, the electronic device (100) can obtain information on the resource status of each of the plurality of hub devices (200-1, 200-2) from the plurality of hub devices (200-1, 200-2) (S415, S420). That is, the electronic device (100) can receive information corresponding to the resource status of the plurality of hub devices (200-1, 200-2) from the plurality of hub devices (200-1, 200-2).

[0093] At this time, the electronic device (100) can receive identification information of each of the plurality of hub devices (200-1, 200-2) and resource status of each of the plurality of hub devices (200-1, 200-2) from each of the plurality of hub devices (200-1, 200-2).

[0094] In addition, the electronic device (100) can store the identification information of the received plurality of hub devices (200-1, 200-2) and the resource status of the plurality of hub devices (200-1, 200-2) in the memory (110) (S425).

[0095] At this time, if the electronic device (100) is connected to the network, the electronic device (100) can transmit identification information of multiple hub devices (200-1, 200-2) and resource status of multiple hub devices (200-1, 200-2) to an external server (10) (S430), thereby synchronizing resource status information of the hub devices stored in the electronic device with resource status information of the hub devices stored in the external server (10).

[0096] Meanwhile, in the present disclosure, the external server (10) may include a communication module capable of communicating with another server, an external device, or a user terminal device, at least one processor capable of processing data received from another server, a home appliance, or a user terminal device, and at least one memory capable of storing a program for processing data or processed data. The external server (10) may be implemented as various computing devices such as a workstation, a cloud, a data drive, or a data station. The external server (10) may be implemented as one or more servers that are physically or logically separated based on function, detailed configuration of function, or data, and may transmit and receive data through communication between each server and process the transmitted and received data.

[0097] The external server (10) can perform functions such as managing user accounts, registering external devices by linking them to user accounts, and managing or controlling registered external devices. For example, a user can access the external server (10) through a user terminal device and create a user account. The user account can be identified by an ID and password set by the user. The external server (10) can register an external device to the user account according to a set procedure. For example, the external server (10) can register, manage, and control the external device by linking identification information (e.g., serial number or MAC address) of the external device to the user account. The user terminal device can include a communication module capable of communicating with an external device or an external server, a user interface for receiving user input or outputting information to the user, at least one processor for controlling the operation of the user terminal device, and at least one memory storing a program for controlling the operation of the user terminal device.

[0098] Meanwhile, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, when a registration request is received from a new hub device, the electronic device (100) may register the new hub device in a list of a plurality of hub devices controlled by the electronic device (100).

[0099] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating a method by which an electronic device (100) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure adds a new hub device to a list of multiple hub devices.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 5, a new hub device (200-4) may transmit a registration request to an external server (10) (S505). At this time, the registration request may be a request to register the new hub device (200-4) in a list of multiple hub devices.

[0101] Specifically, the list of multiple hub devices may be included in the account information of a user logged in to the electronic device (100). At this time, the user's account information may include profile information of multiple hub devices including the list of multiple hub devices. Here, the user's account information may be stored in an external server (10), but is not limited thereto. In addition, the registration request may be a request to register a new hub device (200-4) in the list of multiple hub devices included in the user account information.

[0102] Accordingly, the external server (10) can register the new hub device (200-4) to the user account.

[0103] In addition, the external server (10) can transmit a registration request for a new hub device (200-4) to the electronic device (100) (S510). At this time, the external server (10) can transmit identification information of the new hub device (200-4) to the electronic device (100).

[0104] Meanwhile, the new hub device (200-4) may transmit a registration request to the electronic device (100) without going through an external server (10). In this case, the registration request may be a request to register the new hub device (200-4) in a list of multiple hub devices stored in the memory (110). When the registration request for the new hub device (200-4) is received, the electronic device (100) may search for the new hub device (200-4).

[0105] At this time, when a registration request for a new hub device (200-4) is received, the electronic device (100) displays a UI for checking whether the new hub device (200-4) is registered, and when a user input for registering the new hub device (200-4) is obtained through the displayed UI, the electronic device (100) can register the new hub device (200-4) in a list of multiple hub devices, but is not limited thereto.

[0106] Specifically, the electronic device (100) may transmit a search message to the new hub device (200-4) to search for the new hub device (200-4) on the network to which the electronic device (100) is connected (S515). At this time, the search message may include identification information of the new hub device (200-4).

[0107] When a search message including identification information of a new hub device (200-4) is received, the new hub device (200-4) can transmit a response message to the electronic device (S520).

[0108] When a response message is received, the electronic device (100) can register the new hub device (200-4) in a list of multiple hub devices controlled by the electronic device (100) (S525). Specifically, the memory (110) can store profile information of multiple hub devices including a list of multiple hub devices. The electronic device (100) can register the new hub device (200-4) in the list of multiple hub devices stored in the memory (110).

[0109] Accordingly, the electronic device (100) may perform communication by forming a P2P group with the new hub device (200-4), perform communication through an AP, or perform communication through an external server (10), but is not limited thereto. When the new hub device (200-4) is registered in the list of multiple hub devices, the electronic device (100) may transmit information to the new hub device (200-4) notifying that the new hub device (200-4) has been registered in the list of multiple hub devices (S530).

[0110] And, the electronic device (100) can receive resource status information of the new hub device (200-4) from the new hub device (200-4) through the communication interface (120) (S535).

[0111] At this time, the method by which the electronic device (100) obtains resource status information of the new hub device (200-4) may be as described with reference to FIG. 4, but is not limited thereto.

[0112] And, the electronic device (100) can store the resource status information of the received new hub device (200-4) in the memory (110) (S540).

[0113] In addition, the electronic device (100) can transmit resource status information of the new hub device to an external server (S545), thereby synchronizing the resource status information of the new hub device (200-4) stored in the electronic device (100) with the resource status information of the new hub device (200-4) stored in the external server (10).

[0114] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, when a connection request signal is received from an external device, the electronic device (100) may connect the external device to one of a plurality of hub devices. At this time, the electronic device (100) may connect the external device to a hub device that includes resources capable of supporting the operation of the external device.

[0115] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating a method for an electronic device (100) to connect an external device (300) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 6, when a user input for performing a connection mode is obtained, the external device (300) may start the connection mode (S605). At this time, the external device (300) may obtain the user input through the user interface of the external device (300) or obtain user input information for performing the connection mode from the user terminal device (20). When the connection mode is started, the external device (300) may transmit a request signal corresponding to a connection with one of a plurality of hub devices. When a connection request is received while the external device (300) is operating in the connection mode, the external device (300) may be connected with the hub device that transmitted the connection request.

[0117] Specifically, the user terminal device (20) can transmit a request to connect an external device (300) to an external server (10) (S610). At this time, when a user input for selecting an external device (300) among at least one device operating in a connection mode is obtained, the user terminal device (20) can transmit a request to connect the external device (300) to the hub device to the external server (10).

[0118] And, the external server (10) can transmit a request to connect an external device (300) to the electronic device (100) (S615).

[0119] However, it is not limited thereto, and the external device (300) may transmit a request to connect the external device (300) to the external server (10), and the external server (10) may transmit a request to connect the external device (300) to the electronic device (100).

[0120] Alternatively, the external device (300) may directly transmit a request to connect the external device (300) to the electronic device (100).

[0121] Alternatively, the user terminal device (20) may directly transmit a request to connect an external device (300) to the electronic device (100) without going through the external server (10).

[0122] When a request to connect an external device (300) is received, the electronic device (100) can transmit a request for resource information necessary to support the operation of the external device (300) to the external server (10) (S620).

[0123] In addition, the electronic device (100) can receive resource information necessary to support the operation of the external device (300) from an external server (10) (S625). However, this is not limited thereto, and the electronic device (100) can receive resource information by transmitting a request for resource information necessary to support the operation of the external device (300) to the external device (300) or the user terminal device (20).

[0124] When resource information required to support the operation of an external device (300) is received, the electronic device (100) can identify a hub device (200) that satisfies the resource conditions required to support the operation of the external device (300) among a plurality of hub devices (630).

[0125] And, the electronic device (100) can transmit a request signal to connect an external device (300) to the identified hub device (200) (S635).

[0126] When a connection request signal for connecting an external device (300) is received, the hub device (200) can perform a connection connection with the external device (300) (S640).

[0127] Meanwhile, if the electronic device (100) satisfies the resource conditions required to support the operation of the external device (300), the electronic device (100) can be connected to the external device (300) by transmitting a signal corresponding to the connection between the electronic device (100) and the external device (300) to the external device (300). Then, the electronic device (100) can control the connected external device (300).

[0128] Meanwhile, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, when an event occurs in which a resource status of a hub device to which an external device is connected does not satisfy a preset resource condition, the electronic device may connect the external device to a hub device other than the hub device to which the external device is connected among a plurality of hub devices.

[0129] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating a method for an electronic device (100) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure to change a hub device to which an external device is connected.

[0130] Referring to FIG. 7, an event may occur in which the resource status of the first hub device (200-1) connected to the external device (300) does not meet a preset resource condition (S705).

[0131] In addition, the electronic device (100) can identify whether an event occurs in which the resource status of the first hub device (200-1) to which the external device (300) is connected among the plurality of hub devices does not satisfy a preset resource condition (S710). At this time, the electronic device (100) can identify whether an event occurs in which the resource status of the first hub device (200-1) does not satisfy a preset resource condition based on information related to the resource status received from the first hub device (200-1).

[0132] Here, the preset resource conditions may be resource conditions required for the hub device to control the external device.

[0133] Specifically, an event in which the resource status of the first hub device (200-1) does not satisfy the resource condition for controlling the external device (300) may be an event in which the available resources of the first hub device (200-1) are less than the resources required to control the external device (300). In other words, it may be an event in which the available resources of the first hub device (200-1) are less than the resources required to control the external device (300).

[0134] Specifically, based on the resource status of the plurality of hub devices stored in the memory (110), the electronic device (100) can identify whether an event occurs in which the available resources of the first hub device (200-1) are less than the resources for controlling the external device (300).

[0135] In the present disclosure, available resources of a hub device may mean, but are not limited to, available processing power of a CPU of the hub device or available capacity of a memory of the hub device.

[0136] For example, the memory capacity required to control the external device (300) may be 100 MB. If the available memory capacity of the first hub device (200-1) is less than 100 MB, the electronic device (100) may identify that an event has occurred in which the resource status of the first hub device (200-1) does not satisfy the resource condition for controlling the external device (300). That is, the electronic device (100) may receive information about the resource status including the available memory capacity of the first hub device (200-1) from the first hub device (200-1). In addition, if the available memory capacity of the first hub device (200-1) is less than a preset memory capacity, the electronic device (100) may identify that the resource status of the first hub device (200-1) does not satisfy the resource condition required to control the external device (300).

[0137] Alternatively, an event in which the resource status of the first hub device (200-1) does not satisfy the resource condition for controlling the external device (300) may be an event in which the electronic device (100) receives information corresponding to a shortage of available resources of the first hub device (200-1) from the first hub device (200-1). Here, the information corresponding to a shortage of available resources may be information indicating that the available resources of the first hub device (200-1) are insufficient.

[0138] For example, if the available memory capacity of the first hub device (200-1) becomes less than 100 MB, the first hub device (200-1) can transmit information indicating a lack of available resources of the first hub device (200-1) to the electronic device (100). At this time, the electronic device (100) can identify that an event has occurred in which the resource status of the first hub device (200-1) does not satisfy the resource conditions for controlling the external device (300).

[0139] Alternatively, an event in which the resource status of the first hub device (200-1) does not satisfy the resource condition for controlling the external device (300) may be an event in which the first hub device (200-1) performs a predefined operation.

[0140] Here, the predefined operation may be an operation in which the first hub device (200-1) uses the resources of the first hub device (200-1) more than a threshold value. Specifically, the predefined operation may be an operation in which the CPU of the first hub device (200-1) uses more than a threshold value. Alternatively, the predefined operation may be an operation in which the memory of the first hub device (200-1) uses more than a threshold value. Alternatively, the predefined operation may be an operation in which a camera image is output while playing a video having a specific resolution (e.g., 4K resolution) or higher.

[0141] Alternatively, an event in which the resource status of the first hub device (200-1) does not satisfy the resource condition for controlling the external device (300) may be an event in which a resource supporting the operation of the external device (300) is unavailable. Specifically, an event in which a resource supporting the operation of the external device (300) is unavailable may be a case in which the resource supporting the operation of the external device (300) is in use or an error occurs. For example, if the resource supporting the operation of the external device (300) is a neural network processing device, an event in which the resource condition for controlling the external device (300) is not satisfied may be a case in which the neural network processing device is in use or unavailable externally.

[0142] When a resource condition non-fulfillment event is identified (i.e., when the resource status of the first hub device (200-1) does not satisfy the resource condition for controlling the external device (300), the electronic device (100) can identify a second hub device (200-2) among the plurality of hub devices whose resource status satisfies the resource condition for controlling the external device (300) (S715).

[0143] And, the electronic device (100) can transmit a disconnection request to the first hub device (200-1) through the communication interface (120) (S720) and transmit a connection request with an external device to the second hub device (200-2) (S725). Here, the disconnection request may be a signal corresponding to the disconnection between the first hub device (200-1) and the external device (300). And, the connection request may be a signal corresponding to the connection between the second hub device (200-2) and the external device (300). And, when the connection with the first hub device (200-1) is disconnected (S730), the external device (300) can start a connection mode (S735).

[0144] And, the external device (300) can be connected to the second hub device (200-2) (S740).

[0145] Meanwhile, in the above, embodiments in which the electronic device (100) controls connection and disconnection between a plurality of hub devices and an external device have been described, but the electronic device (100) may function as a hub device, and the electronic device (100) may be connected to an external device (300), or the connection between the electronic device (100) and the external device (300) may be disconnected. Meanwhile, according to the above, the electronic device (100) may change the device connected to the external device (300) from the first hub device (200-1) to the second hub device (200-2), but is not limited thereto, and the electronic device (100) may change the device connected to the external device (300) from the first hub device (200-1) to the electronic device (100). Alternatively, the electronic device (100) may disconnect from an external device (300) connected to the electronic device (100) and connect the external device (300) to the first hub device (200-1).

[0146] Specifically, while the first hub device (200-1) and the external device (300) are connected, if the resource status of the first hub device (200-1) does not satisfy the resource condition for controlling the external device (300), an electronic device (100) that satisfies the resource condition for controlling the external device (300) can be connected to the external device (300) and control the connected external device (300).

[0147] That is, if the resource status of the first hub device (200-1) among the plurality of hub devices (200-1, 200-2) to which the external device (300) is connected does not satisfy the resource condition for controlling the external device, the electronic device (100) can transmit a signal corresponding to the disconnection between the first hub device (200-1) and the external device (300) to the first hub device (200-1) through the communication interface (120). In addition, among the electronic device (100) and the plurality of hub devices (200-1, 200-2), the electronic device (100) whose resource status satisfies the condition for controlling the external device (300) can transmit a signal corresponding to the connection between the electronic device (100) and the external device (300) to the external device (300) through the communication interface (120).

[0148] Alternatively, while the electronic device (100) is connected to the external device (300), if the resource status of the electronic device (100) does not satisfy the resource condition for controlling the external device (300), the electronic device (100) may disconnect the connection between the electronic device (100) and the external device (300) and connect the external device (300) to a first hub device (200-1) that satisfies the resource condition for controlling the external device (300).

[0149] That is, if the resource status of the electronic device (100) connected to the external device (300) does not satisfy the resource condition for controlling the external device (300), the electronic device (100) can disconnect the connection between the electronic device (100) and the external device (300). In addition, the electronic device (100) can transmit a signal corresponding to the connection between the first hub device (200-1) that satisfies the resource condition for controlling the external device (300) among the plurality of hub devices (200-1, 200-2) and the external device (300) to the first hub device (200-1) through the communication interface (120).

[0150] Although various embodiments have been described above, each embodiment is not necessarily implemented individually, and may be implemented together in a single product by being combined in whole or in part with at least one other embodiment.

[0151] 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).

[0152] 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, which is a device capable of calling instructions stored in the storage medium and operating according to the called instructions, may include an electronic device (100) according to the disclosed embodiments. When the instructions are executed by a processor, the processor may directly or under the control of the processor perform a function corresponding to the instructions using other components. The instructions may include code generated or executed by a compiler or interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, "non-transitory" means that the storage medium does not contain signals and is tangible, but does not distinguish between data being stored semi-permanently or temporarily in the storage medium.

[0153] According to one or more embodiments, the methods according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided as a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a commodity between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or online through an application store (e.g., Play Store™). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0154] Each component (e.g., a module or a program) according to various embodiments may be composed of one or more entities, and some of the aforementioned sub-components may be omitted, or other sub-components may be further included in various embodiments. Alternatively or additionally, some components (e.g., a module or a program) 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. Operations performed by a module, program, or other component according to various embodiments may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or at least some operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or other operations may be added.

Claims

1. In electronic devices, communication interface; a memory storing at least one instruction; and A processor connected to said memory and controlling said electronic device, The above processor, If the resource status of a first hub device among multiple hub devices does not satisfy the resource condition for supporting control of the external device connected to the first hub device, a signal for disconnecting the external device from the first hub device is transmitted through the communication interface, An electronic device that transmits a signal for connecting the external device to a second hub device having a resource state that satisfies a resource condition for supporting control of the external device among the plurality of hub devices through the communication interface.

2. In paragraph 1, The above processor, An electronic device, wherein when a request to connect one of the plurality of hub devices to the external device is received from the external device, the electronic device transmits a signal through the communication interface to the first hub device having resources necessary to support operation of the external device as one of the plurality of hub devices.

3. In paragraph 2, An electronic device, which is a computing device capable of supporting the operation of the external device, and which is a resource required to support the operation of the external device.

4. In paragraph 2, An electronic device, wherein the resources required to support the operation of the external device are each a communication interface that performs communication according to a communication standard through which the external device performs communication.

5. In paragraph 1, The above processor, An electronic device that transmits a signal to disconnect the external device from the first hub device through the communication interface when the available resources of the first hub device are insufficient for controlling the external device.

6. In paragraph 1, The above processor, An electronic device, wherein when information corresponding to a shortage of available resources of the first hub device is received from the first hub device, the electronic device transmits a signal for disconnecting the external device from the first hub device through the communication interface.

7. In paragraph 1, The above processor, An electronic device that transmits a signal to disconnect the external device from the first hub device through the communication interface when the first hub device performs an operation that uses resources of the first hub device exceeding a threshold value.

8. In paragraph 1, The above processor, An electronic device that receives information corresponding to resource statuses of the plurality of hub devices from the plurality of hub devices through the communication interface at a preset cycle.

9. In paragraph 1, When a request to register a third hub device among the plurality of hub devices is received from an external server, the third hub device among the plurality of hub devices is registered, An electronic device that obtains resource information of the third hub device from the third hub device through the communication interface.

10. In a method for controlling an electronic device, A step of transmitting a signal to disconnect the external device from the first hub device when the resource status of the first hub device among the plurality of hub devices does not satisfy the resource condition for supporting control of the external device connected to the first hub device; and A control method, comprising: a step of transmitting a signal connecting the external device with a second hub device having a resource state that satisfies a resource condition for supporting control of the external device among the plurality of hub devices; 11. In paragraph 10, The above control method is, A control method further comprising: when a request to connect one of the plurality of hub devices to the external device is received from the external device, transmitting a signal to the first hub device having resources necessary to support operation of the external device as one of the plurality of hub devices; 12. In paragraph 11, A control method wherein the resource required to support the operation of the external device is a computing device capable of supporting the operation of the external device.

13. In paragraph 11, A control method, wherein the resource required to support the above operation is a communication interface that performs communication according to a communication standard by which the external device performs communication.

14. In paragraph 10, A control method, wherein the step of transmitting a signal for disconnecting the external device from the first hub device is based on the fact that available resources of the first hub device are insufficient for resources required to control the external device.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium including a program for executing a method of controlling an electronic device, The above control method is, A step of transmitting a signal to disconnect the external device from the first hub device when the resource status of the first hub device among the plurality of hub devices does not satisfy the resource condition for supporting control of the external device; and A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium, comprising: a step of transmitting a signal connecting the external device with a second hub device having a resource state that satisfies a resource condition for supporting control of the external device among the plurality of hub devices;

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