Electronic device, external device, and method for operating electronic device and external device

Abstract

Disclosed is an electronic device comprising: a communication unit including a communication circuit; a memory storing at least one instruction; and a processor including a processing circuit, wherein the processor individually and / or collectively executes the at least one instruction stored in the memory to cause the electronic device to: receive an IR signal from an external device through the communication unit; obtain first network information from the IR signal; generate network configuration information on the basis of the first network information and second network information which is stored in the electronic device; and connect the processor to the external device through a network by using the network configuration information.

Description

Electronic devices, external devices, and methods of operating electronic devices and external devices

[0001] The disclosed various embodiments relate to electronic devices, external devices, and methods of operating electronic devices and external devices, for example, electronic devices, external devices, and methods of operating them that connect to a network using IR signals.

[0002] Manufacturers of electronic devices inspect their products for defects before shipping them to the market. To conduct product inspection, PCs are installed on the production line. When the PC sends an inspection command to an electronic device, the device performs the inspection and transmits the results to the PC.

[0003] Before conducting a test, the PC and product must be connected via a communications network. Pre-configuration is required depending on the type of connection interface. Various connection interfaces can be used, including Wi-Fi, which eliminates the need for physical connections and offers relatively high data transfer speeds.

[0004] An electronic device according to an embodiment may include a communication unit including a communication circuit, a memory storing at least one instruction, and at least one processor including a processing circuit for individually and / or collectively executing the at least one instruction stored in the memory.

[0005] In an embodiment, the at least one processor may individually and / or collectively receive an IR signal from an external device (200) via the communication unit.

[0006] In an embodiment, the at least one processor can obtain first network information from the IR signal.

[0007] In an embodiment, the at least one processor may generate network configuration information based on the first network information and second network information stored in the electronic device.

[0008] In an embodiment, the at least one processor may be connected to the external device via a network using the network configuration information.

[0009] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of specific embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0010] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a test device and a product being connected to a network.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of an electronic device and an external device operating according to various embodiments.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the format of an IR signal according to various embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of an external device and an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an external device and an electronic device being connected to a network according to various embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an external device transmitting information to an electronic device using an IR signal, according to various embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic device transmitting information to an external device using an IR signal according to various embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device receives an extended IR signal from an external device and generates network configuration information according to various embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of operating an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of operating an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0020] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of operating an external device according to various embodiments.

[0021] An external device according to an embodiment may include a communication unit including a communication circuit, a memory storing at least one instruction, and at least one processor including a processing circuit for executing the at least one instruction stored in the memory. In an embodiment, the at least one processor may individually and / or collectively control the external device to transmit an IR signal including first network information to an electronic device.

[0022] Here, the first network information may include a type identification signal and detailed information corresponding to the type identification signal.

[0023] In an embodiment, the at least one processor may be individually and / or collectively connected to the electronic device via a network, corresponding to the electronic device requesting a network connection using network configuration information generated based on the first network information and second network information stored in the electronic device.

[0024] In an embodiment, the network configuration information may include an electronic device IP address.

[0025] A method of operating an electronic device according to an embodiment may include a step of receiving an IR signal from an external device.

[0026] In an embodiment, a method of operating an electronic device may include obtaining first network information from an IR signal.

[0027] In an embodiment, a method of operating an electronic device may include a step of generating network configuration information based on the first network information and second network information previously stored in the electronic device.

[0028] In an embodiment, the method of operating the electronic device may include a step of connecting to the external device through a network using the network configuration information.

[0029] A method of operating an external device according to an embodiment may include transmitting an IR signal including first network information to an electronic device, wherein the first network information may include a type identification signal and detailed information corresponding to the type identification signal.

[0030] In an embodiment, the method of operating an external device may include a step of connecting to the electronic device through a network, corresponding to the electronic device requesting a network connection using network configuration information generated based on the first network information and second network information previously stored in the electronic device.

[0031] Here, the network configuration information may include an electronic device IP address.

[0032] Here, the external device and the electronic device can share the second network information.

[0033] Here, the second network information may include at least one of an IP band, SSID information of an AP (Access Point), channel information, and a port range.

[0034] A recording medium according to an embodiment may be a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program that can perform a method of operating an electronic device, including a step of receiving an IR signal from an external device, by a computer.

[0035] In an embodiment, the recording medium may be a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program that can cause a computer to perform an operating method of an electronic device, including a step of obtaining first network information from an IR signal.

[0036] In an embodiment, the recording medium may be a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program that can cause a computer to perform an operating method of an electronic device, including a step of generating network configuration information based on the first network information and the second network information previously stored in the electronic device.

[0037] In an embodiment, the recording medium may be a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program that can perform a method of operating an electronic device, including a step of connecting to the external device through a network using network configuration information, by a computer.

[0038] In this disclosure, the expression “at least one of a, b or c” may refer to “a”, “b”, “c”, “a and b”, “a and c”, “b and c”, “all of a, b and c”, or variations thereof.

[0039] Below, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the various embodiments described herein.

[0040] The terms used in this disclosure are described as currently common terms, taking into account the functions mentioned herein. However, these terms may refer to various other terms depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Therefore, the terms used in this disclosure should not be interpreted solely based on their names, but rather based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of this disclosure.

[0041] The terminology used in this disclosure is used to describe various embodiments and is not intended to limit the disclosure.

[0042] In the present disclosure, when a part is said to be “connected” to another part, this includes not only cases where it is “directly connected” but also cases where it is “electrically connected” with another element in between.

[0043] In this disclosure, and particularly in the claims, the terms "above" and similar referents are to be understood to refer to both singular and plural numbers. Furthermore, unless the order of steps in a method according to this disclosure is explicitly specified, the steps described may be performed in any appropriate order. The disclosure is not limited to the order in which the steps are described.

[0044] The phrases “in some embodiments” or “in one embodiment” appearing in various places throughout this disclosure do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment.

[0045] Various embodiments of the present disclosure may be represented by functional block configurations and various processing steps. Some or all of these functional blocks may be implemented by various numbers of hardware and / or software configurations that perform specific functions. For example, the functional blocks of the present disclosure may be implemented by one or more microprocessors or by circuit configurations for a given function. Furthermore, for example, the functional blocks of the present disclosure may be implemented in various programming or scripting languages. The functional blocks may be implemented by algorithms that execute on one or more processors. Furthermore, the present disclosure may employ conventional techniques for electronic configuration, signal processing, and / or data processing. Terms such as "mechanism," "element," "means," and "configuration" may be used broadly and are not limited to mechanical and physical configurations.

[0046] The connecting lines or connecting members between components depicted in the drawings are merely exemplary representations of functional connections and / or physical or circuit connections. In an actual device, connections between components may be represented by various functional, physical, or circuit connections that may be replaced or added.

[0047] The terms "part", "module", etc. described in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented as hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0048] The term "user" in this specification means a person who uses an electronic device, and may include a consumer, evaluator, viewer, administrator, or installer.

[0049] The present disclosure will be described in greater detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0050] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a test device and a product being connected to a network.

[0051] Referring to Figure 1, the inspection device can transmit information used for network connection to the product using IR signals. For example, the inspection device can transmit an SSID, channel information, and the inspection device Internet Protocol (IP) to the product. The SSID can indicate the name of the Access Point (AP), and the channel information indicates the communication channel used by the AP.

[0052] The product can receive information used for network connection from the inspection device as an IR signal.

[0053] A product can use the SSID and channel information received via IR signals to request a connection to an AP with a specific name and communication channel. The AP can then receive the connection request from the product and establish a connection with the product. For example, a product connecting to an AP can indicate that the product is connected to a network.

[0054] Network-connected products need an IP address to communicate with other devices on the same network, such as an inspection PC.

[0055] After the product is connected to the network, it can send a DHCP request message to the server.

[0056] The server may be a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server, connected to the inspection device via a wired connection, and performing DHCP functions. The server may be integrated into or connected to an Access Point (AP).

[0057] A DHCP request message may be a message requesting the allocation of an IP address (Internet Protocol address, IP address). A DHCP request message may be broadcast to all devices on the network.

[0058] DHCP can refer to a network protocol that automatically assigns IP addresses to devices connected to a network. A server, such as a router, can send a DHCP response containing the IP address to the device.

[0059] The server receives the DHCP request message sent by the product and can find an IP address available for assignment to the product. Using DHCP, the server can assign a dynamic IP address, subnet mask (SM), default gateway (DG) information, and domain name system (DNS) information to the product.

[0060] The server can respond to the product with a DHCP offer message. The DHCP offer message may contain information about the IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS assigned to the product.

[0061] The product can request a socket connection to the server using the IP address, subnet mask, default gateway information, DNS, etc. assigned by the server.

[0062] If the socket connection request from the product is valid, the inspection device can accept the socket connection request, connect to the product, and start communicating with the product using the socket.

[0063] In an environment where an inspection device is connected to multiple products via a network, inspects the products, and then disconnects them, a faster and simpler network connection between the inspection device and the products is required.

[0064] However, as shown in Fig. 1, when a server assigns an IP address to a product using DHCP, there is a problem in that it takes a lot of time because a series of operations must be performed according to the DHCP standard.

[0065] If the product being tested is a display device with multiple panels, such as a video wall, each panel must be individually tested, requiring each panel to be connected to the network. In this case, each panel requests an IP address from the server, which can generate broadcast traffic on the network due to increased data volume and resulting processing delays. This can impact overall network performance, especially in small networks.

[0066] Because DHCP relies on a server to assign IP addresses to products, it can be less reliable and less secure than static IP addressing.

[0067] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of an electronic device (100) and an external device (200) operating according to various embodiments.

[0068] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) may be an electronic product to be inspected.

[0069] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) may be implemented as various types of electronic devices capable of communicating with an external device (200).

[0070] For example, the electronic device (100) may include, but is not limited to, at least one of a TV, a desktop, a smartphone, a tablet personal computer, a mobile phone, a video phone, an e-book reader, a laptop personal computer, a netbook computer, a digital camera, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), a camcorder, a navigation device, a wearable device, a smart watch, home appliances, a home network system, a security system, and a medical device.

[0071] In an embodiment, the external device (200) may refer to an electronic device that inspects the electronic device (100) and may be implemented as a computer device of various forms. For example, and without limitation, the external device (200) may be a PC or a smartphone.

[0072] In an embodiment, the external device (200) may be connected to an AP (Access Point).

[0073] For example, the external device (200) may be connected to the AP via a wired cable.

[0074] In an embodiment, an external device (200) and an electronic device (100) may agree in advance to use prefix data between each other.

[0075] In an embodiment, the external device (200) and the electronic device (100) may share prefix data to generate network configuration information.

[0076] Prefix data can be a prefix attached to a word or number in the networking world. Prefix data can play a crucial role in addressing and variable naming conventions. Using prefix data allows for efficient management and identification of data structures, and can prevent / reduce address conflicts in network communications.

[0077] In an embodiment, the prefix data mutually agreed upon between the external device (200) and the electronic device (100) may refer to information that the external device (200) and the electronic device (100) share with each other to connect through a network, and may include at least one of an IP band, SSID information of an AP, channel information, and a port range.

[0078] An IP band can indicate the range of IP addresses. An IP address (Internet Protocol Address) is a concept that represents the address of a specific electronic device connected to a network, and can be used to identify which computer on which network the electronic device belongs.

[0079] An IP address can be expressed as a series of numbers. Electronic devices connected to the Internet are typically assigned four groups of numbers, following the IP addressing system. The IP addressing system using these four groups of numbers is called IPv4.

[0080] If the four chunks that represent an IP address are each called a class, then an IP address can be expressed as four classes, for example, class A, class B, class C, and class D. Here, if at least one of class A, class B, or class C changes, the IP band changes.

[0081] SSID stands for Service Set Identifier and represents the unique name of an access point. An SSID can be a Wi-Fi network name that contains letters, numbers, and symbols.

[0082] Port numbers can be used to distinguish applications / processes within an IP address. Port numbers can be used by the corresponding protocols when written alongside IP addresses. Port numbers can range from 0 to 65535.

[0083] In an embodiment, the memory or storage or software module of each of the external device (200) and the electronic device (100) may have pre-stored prefix data mutually agreed upon between the external device (200) and the electronic device (100).

[0084] The external device (200) and the electronic device (100) may receive prefix data settings to be used by the external device (200) and the electronic device (100) through user settings, or the preset prefix data may be changed.

[0085] However, it is not limited thereto, and the external device (200) and the electronic device (100) can mutually share and use prefix data using various methods.

[0086] In an embodiment, the external device (200) and the electronic device (100) can agree in advance on the IP band, SSID information, channel information, and port range to be used.

[0087] For example, the external device (200) and the electronic device (100) can promise the IP band to be used as 192.168.0.X, the SSID information of the AP as wififactory, and the port range as 5000 to 5100.

[0088] In an embodiment, the external device (200) can exclude an IP area to be allocated by the external device (200) from the DHCP area.

[0089] APs (Access Points) can automatically assign IP addresses within the DHCP domain. A DHCP domain refers to a range of IP addresses that can be automatically assigned using the DHCP protocol.

[0090] When an AP automatically assigns an IP address to a device connected to a network, such as an electronic device (100), using DHCP, there is a possibility that the IP address assigned using DHCP may be outside the IP band agreed upon in advance between the external device (200) and the electronic device (100).

[0091] For example, if the IP band agreed upon between the external device (200) and the electronic device (100) is 192.168.0.X, there may be a possibility that the AP may use DHCP to allocate an IP address in a different area from the agreed IP band.

[0092] In an embodiment, the external device (200) may cause the AP to exclude an IP range mutually agreed upon between the external device (200) and the electronic device (100), for example, the IP band of 192.168.0.X in the above example, from the DHCP range.

[0093] In an embodiment, the external device (200) can determine the IP address of the electronic device. For example, in the present disclosure, rather than DHCP allocating the IP address of the electronic device (100), the external device (200) can allocate the IP address of the electronic device (100).

[0094] In an embodiment, the external device (200) can determine a port number in addition to the IP address of the electronic device (100). The port number may be a number indicating a path that can be connected to the electronic device (100) indicated by the IP address.

[0095] In an embodiment, the external device (200) can include network information in an IR signal and transmit it to the electronic device (100).

[0096] In an embodiment, the network information may be information used to generate network configuration information.

[0097] In an embodiment, the network configuration information may include at least one of an external device IP, an electronic device IP, a subnet mask (SM), a default gateway (DG), a domain name system (DNS), an SSID, and a channel index.

[0098] In an embodiment, the network information may be used to generate at least one network configuration information among SSID information, channel information, external device IP information, electronic device IP information, and port information.

[0099] In an embodiment, the external device (200) may include an IR transmitter for transmitting an IR signal. If the external device (200) is a PC, the IR transmitter may be provided in a form mounted on the PC or in a form connected to the PC. The IR transmitter may include an IR remote control or an IR transmitter.

[0100] In an embodiment, an external device (200) may transmit an IR signal containing network information to an electronic device (100) via an IR remote control or IR transmitter.

[0101] In an embodiment, the IR transmitter may include an IR blaster. The IR blaster is a cable that functions to extend the IR transmitter and can perform an operation of emitting an IR signal.

[0102] In an embodiment, an external device (200) may transmit an IR (Infrared) signal containing network information to an electronic device (100) using an IR transmitter.

[0103] Network information that can be used to generate network configuration information, which is included in an IR signal transmitted from an external device (200) to an electronic device (100), may be referred to as first network information.

[0104] In an embodiment, the first network information may include a type identification signal and detailed information.

[0105] In an embodiment, the detailed information included in the first network information may include information corresponding to a type identification signal and may be data of a type identified by the type identification signal.

[0106] In an embodiment, the type identification signal may be information indicating the type of network configuration information. The type identification signal may indicate which type of network configuration information the detailed information transmitted with the type identification signal is about.

[0107] In an embodiment, the type identification signal may identify at least one of an SSID, a channel index, an external device IP, an electronic device IP, and a port number.

[0108] In an embodiment, the type identification signal may be one of a basic type identification signal and an extended type identification signal.

[0109] In an embodiment, the basic type identification signal may indicate that the detailed information transmitted together with the basic type identification signal is included in a data range mutually agreed upon between the electronic device (100) and the external device (200).

[0110] In an embodiment, the extended type identification signal may indicate that the detailed information transmitted together with the extended type identification signal is outside the data range mutually agreed upon between the electronic device (100) and the external device (200).

[0111] In an embodiment, the external device (200) may generate an extended IR signal to transmit data to the electronic device (100) that is outside the range of prefix data mutually agreed upon with the electronic device (100).

[0112] In an embodiment, the extended IR signal may be an IR signal including an extended type identification signal and corresponding detailed information.

[0113] In an embodiment, unlike an extended IR signal, an IR signal including a basic type identification signal and corresponding detailed information may be referred to as a basic IR signal.

[0114] In an embodiment, the external device (200) may transmit an extended IR signal including an extended type identification signal and detailed information corresponding to the extended type identification signal to the electronic device (100) in order to transmit data to the electronic device (100) that is outside the range of mutually agreed upon profile data.

[0115] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) can receive an IR signal from an external device (200).

[0116] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) can obtain first network information from an IR signal received from an external device (200).

[0117] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) can obtain a type identification signal and detailed information as first network information.

[0118] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) may obtain prefix data. The prefix data may be information that is shared between an external device (200) and the electronic device (100) to connect via a network.

[0119] In an embodiment, the memory of the electronic device (100) or the internal software module of the processor may have pre-stored prefix data mutually agreed upon between the electronic device (100) and the external device (200).

[0120] Information that is stored in the electronic device (100) and shared in advance between the external device (200) and the electronic device (100) to be connected through a network is referred to as second network information.

[0121] In an embodiment, the second network information may be information stored in the electronic device (100) and used to generate network configuration information.

[0122] In an embodiment, the second network information may include type-specific prefix data. The type-specific prefix data may be prefix data corresponding to each type of network configuration information.

[0123] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) can generate network configuration information based on first network information and second network information.

[0124] In an embodiment, when the electronic device (100) receives a basic IR signal, for example, when the type identification signal included in the first network information is a basic type identification signal, the electronic device may combine detailed information corresponding to the basic type identification signal with prefix data of the same type included in the second network information.

[0125] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) may receive an extended IR signal. In an embodiment, the first network information included in the extended IR signal may include an extended type identification signal.

[0126] In an embodiment, when the electronic device (100) receives an extended IR signal, it can generate extended data by using the extended IR signal and the basic IR signal together.

[0127] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) may utilize a basic IR signal including a basic type identification signal that identifies the same type as the type indicated by the extended type identification signal included in the extended IR signal, together with the extended IR signal.

[0128] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) can obtain extended data by using detailed information corresponding to an extended type identification signal included in an extended IR signal together with detailed information corresponding to a basic type identification signal of the same type as the extended type identification signal.

[0129] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) can generate network configuration information using extended data and connect to an external device (200) using the generated network configuration information.

[0130] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) can be connected to an external device (200) based on a static IP address using network configuration information.

[0131] In an embodiment, when the external device (200) is connected to the electronic device (100), it can stop transmitting IR signals to the electronic device (100).

[0132] According to various embodiments, an external device (200) can easily set a fixed IP address by transmitting a minimum number of IR signals to the electronic device (100). Unlike a dynamic IP address that changes each time the device is connected to the Internet, a fixed IP is an IP address that is assigned to the device and remains constant. Therefore, using a fixed IP allows for more consistent and stable network settings between the electronic device (100) and the network.

[0133] Additionally, according to the embodiment, the DHCP process can be omitted, thereby speeding up network connection setup.

[0134] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the format of an IR signal according to various embodiments.

[0135] IR signals can have a fixed format according to a preset sequence.

[0136] Referring to FIG. 3, the IR signal may include a leader code, a custom code, a command code (command data), and a stop code.

[0137] The leader code may be a signal indicating the start of a remote control signal.

[0138] Custom codes can indicate information about a business's address. Custom codes can be used to distinguish vendors and products.

[0139] Command data (command code) can be a data code that instructs a specific function and can consist of two bytes. The first byte of the two bytes included in the command code can be called the header, and the second byte can be called the body. Each of the two bytes included in the command code can contain eight bits, and each bit can be expressed as one of the values ​​0 or 1.

[0140] A stop code may include a continuous period of infrared transmission waveforms to signal the end of data transmission.

[0141] Since IR signals have an asynchronous serial communication format, information can be transmitted through timing control.

[0142] In an embodiment, the command data of the IR signal may include first network information. In an embodiment, the first network information may include a type identification signal and detailed information corresponding to the type identification signal.

[0143] In an embodiment, the external device (200) may include a type identification signal in the header of the command code included in the IR signal and include detailed information corresponding to the type identification signal in the body.

[0144] In an embodiment, the type identification signal may be expressed as an identifier indicating each type, which may be information for identifying at least one of an SSID, a channel index, an external device IP, an electronic device IP, and a port number.

[0145] In an embodiment, detailed information corresponding to the type identification signal included in the first network information may be included in the second byte of the command data of the IR signal. In an embodiment, the detailed information may be data of a type identified by the type identification signal. For example, the detailed information may be data used to complete network configuration information such as an SSID, a channel index, an external device IP, an electronic device IP, and a port number.

[0146] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) can receive an IR signal from an external device (200) and obtain first network information from the IR signal.

[0147] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) can obtain a type identification signal from a header of a command code / data included in an IR signal, and obtain detailed information corresponding to the type identification signal from the body.

[0148] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) may generate network configuration information by using the 17th network information together with the second network information previously stored in the electronic device (100), and may be connected to an external device (200) by using the network configuration information.

[0149] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of an external device (200) and an electronic device (100) according to various embodiments.

[0150] Referring to FIG. 4, an external device (200) and an electronic device (100) can be connected through a communication network.

[0151] Let’s first explain the external device (200).

[0152] An external device (200) according to an embodiment may include a processor (e.g., including a processing circuit) (210), a memory (220), and a communication unit (e.g., including a communication circuit) (230).

[0153] The memory (220) according to the embodiment can store at least one instruction. The memory (220) can store at least one program executed by the processor (210). Predefined operating rules or programs can be stored in the memory (220). In addition, the memory (220) can store data input to or output from an external device (200).

[0154] In an embodiment, the memory (220) may store prefix data mutually agreed upon between the external device (200) and the electronic device (100). In an embodiment, the prefix data is information that the external device (200) and the electronic device (100) share to connect through a network, and may be referred to as second network information in the present disclosure.

[0155] In an embodiment, the second network information may include at least one of an IP band, SSID information of an AP, channel information, and a port range.

[0156] In an embodiment, the memory (220) or processor (210) of the external device (200) may have second network information mutually agreed upon between the external device (200) and the electronic device (100) stored in advance.

[0157] The memory (220) may include, for example, at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read-Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk.

[0158] In an embodiment, the memory (220) may store one or more instructions for generating an IR signal including first network information.

[0159] In an embodiment, the memory (220) may store one or more instructions for transmitting IR information including first network information to the electronic device (100).

[0160] In an embodiment, the memory (220) may store one or more instructions for connecting to the electronic device (100) via a network, corresponding to the electronic device (100) requesting a network connection using network configuration information generated based on first network information and second network information previously stored in the electronic device (100).

[0161] In an embodiment, the memory (220) may store one or more instructions for controlling an AP connected to an external device (200).

[0162] In an embodiment, the memory (220) may store one or more instructions for controlling the AP to exclude the IP band included in the second network information from the DHCP area.

[0163] A processor (210) according to an embodiment may include various processing circuits and control the overall operation of an external device (200). A processor (210) according to an embodiment may control signal flow between internal components of an external device (200) and perform a function of processing data.

[0164] In an embodiment, the processor (210) may control the external device (200) to function by executing one or more instructions stored in the memory (220).

[0165] In an embodiment, the processor (210) may include single core, dual core, triple core, quad core, and multiples thereof.

[0166] In an embodiment, the processor (210) may be one or more. For example, the processor (210) may include multiple processors. In this case, the processor (210) may be implemented as a main processor and a sub processor.

[0167] Additionally, the processor (210) may include at least one of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and a VPU (Video Processing Unit). Alternatively, in an embodiment, the processor (210) may be implemented in the form of a SoC (System On Chip) that integrates at least one of a CPU, a GPU, and a VPU. Alternatively, in an embodiment, the processor (210) may further include an NPU (Neural Processing Unit).

[0168] The processor (210) may include various processing circuits and / or multiple processors. For example, the term "processor" as used herein, including in the claims, may include various processing circuits, including at least one processor, wherein one or more of the at least one processor may be configured to individually and / or collectively perform the various functions described herein. When the terms "processor," "at least one processor," and "one or more processors" as used herein are described as being configured to perform a number of functions, these terms encompass, for example, without limitation, situations where one processor performs some of the recited functions and other processor(s) perform other of the recited functions, and situations where a single processor may perform all of the recited functions. Furthermore, the at least one processor may include a combination of processors that perform the various recited / disclosed functions, for example, in a distributed manner. The at least one processor may execute program instructions to achieve or perform the various functions.

[0169] In an embodiment, at least one processor (210) may generate an IR signal including first network information.

[0170] In an embodiment, at least one processor (210) may transmit IR information including first network information to the electronic device (100).

[0171] In an embodiment, at least one processor (210) may connect an external device (200) to the electronic device (100) via a network in response to the electronic device (100) requesting a network connection using network configuration information generated based on the first network information and the second network information.

[0172] In an embodiment, at least one processor (210) can control an AP connected to an external device (200).

[0173] In an embodiment, at least one processor (210) may control the AP to cause the AP to exclude an IP band included in the second network information from the DHCP area.

[0174] Hereinafter, the electronic device (100) will be described.

[0175] An electronic device (100) according to an embodiment may include a processor (e.g., including a processing circuit) (110), a memory (120), and a communication unit (e.g., including a communication circuit) (130).

[0176] The memory (120) according to the embodiment can store at least one instruction. The memory (120) can store at least one program executed by the processor (110). The memory (120) can store predefined operating rules or programs. In addition, the memory (120) can store data input to or output from the electronic device (100).

[0177] In an embodiment, the memory (120) may store prefix data mutually agreed upon between the external device (200) and the electronic device (100). The prefix data may be referred to as second network information.

[0178] In an embodiment, the memory (120) or processor (110) of the electronic device (100) may have second network information mutually agreed upon between the external device (200) and the electronic device (100) stored in advance.

[0179] The memory (120) may include at least one type of storage medium among, for example, a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read-Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk.

[0180] In an embodiment, the memory (120) may store one or more instructions for receiving an IR signal from an external device (200).

[0181] In an embodiment, the memory (120) may store one or more instructions for obtaining first network information from an IR signal.

[0182] In an embodiment, the first network information may include a type identification signal and detailed information corresponding to the type identification signal.

[0183] In an embodiment, the type identification signal may include an identifier indicating at least one of an SSID, a channel index, an external device IP, an electronic device IP, and a port number.

[0184] In an embodiment, the memory (120) may store one or more instructions for reading second network information previously stored in the electronic device (100).

[0185] In an embodiment, the second network information may include type-specific prefix data.

[0186] In an embodiment, the second network information may include information shared with an external device (200), and may include information on at least one of an IP band, SSID information of an AP, channel information, and a port range.

[0187] In an embodiment, the memory (120) may store one or more instructions for generating network configuration information based on the first network information and the second network information.

[0188] In an embodiment, the memory (120) may store one or more instructions for identifying whether a type identification signal obtained from an IR signal is a basic type identification signal or an extended type identification signal.

[0189] In an embodiment, if the type identification signal obtained from the IR signal is a basic type identification signal, one or more instructions for generating network configuration information by combining detailed information corresponding to the type identification signal included in the first network information with prefix data of the type identified by the type identification signal included in the second network information may be stored in the memory (120).

[0190] In an embodiment, if the type identification signal acquired from the IR signal is an extended type identification signal rather than a basic type identification signal, one or more instructions for acquiring extended data may be stored in the memory (120) using detailed information corresponding to the extended type identification signal and detailed information corresponding to a basic type identification signal of the same type as the extended type identification signal.

[0191] In an embodiment, the memory (120) may store one or more instructions for using the extended data as network configuration information.

[0192] In an embodiment, the network configuration information may include an Internet Protocol (IP) address of the electronic device (100).

[0193] In an embodiment, the memory (120) may store one or more instructions for connecting to an external device (200) via a network using network configuration information.

[0194] In an embodiment, the memory (120) may store one or more instructions for connecting to a network with an external device (200) based on a static IP using network configuration information.

[0195] The processor (110) may include various processing circuits and control the overall operation of the electronic device (100). The processor (110) according to the embodiment may control signal flow between internal components of the electronic device (100) and perform a function of processing data.

[0196] In an embodiment, the processor (110) may control the electronic device (100) to function by executing one or more instructions stored in the memory (120).

[0197] In an embodiment, the processor (110) may include single core, dual core, triple core, quad core, and multiples thereof.

[0198] In an embodiment, the processor (110) may be one or more. For example, the processor (110) may include multiple processors. In this case, the processor (110) may be implemented as a main processor and a sub processor.

[0199] In addition, the processor (110) may include at least one of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and a VPU (Video Processing Unit). Alternatively, in an embodiment, the processor (110) may be implemented in the form of a SoC (System On Chip) that integrates at least one of a CPU, a GPU, and a VPU. Alternatively, in an embodiment, the processor (110) may further include an NPU (Neural Processing Unit). The processor 110 may include various processing circuits and / or multiple processors. For example, the term “processor” as used herein, including in the claims, may include various processing circuits, including at least one processor, wherein one or more of the at least one processor may be individually and / or collectively configured to perform various functions described herein in a distributed manner. When the terms "processor," "at least one processor," and "one or more processors" are used herein to describe a processor configured to perform a number of functions, these terms encompass, for example and without limitation, situations where one processor performs some of the recited functions and other processor(s) perform other of the recited functions, and situations where a single processor can perform all of the recited functions. Furthermore, the at least one processor may comprise a combination of processors that perform various recited / disclosed functions, for example, in a distributed manner. At least one processor may execute program instructions to achieve or perform various functions.

[0200] In an embodiment, at least one processor (110) may receive an IR signal from an external device (200).

[0201] In an embodiment, at least one processor (110) can obtain first network information from an IR signal.

[0202] In an embodiment, the first network information may include network information obtained from an IR signal received from an external device (200) and may be used to generate network configuration information.

[0203] In an embodiment, the first network information may include a type identification signal and detailed information corresponding to the type identification signal.

[0204] In an embodiment, the type identification signal may include an identifier indicating a type of network information, such as an SSID, a channel index, an external device IP, an electronic device IP, or a port number.

[0205] In an embodiment, detailed information corresponding to the type identification signal may be network information identified by the type identification signal, and may be used to set network configuration information together with second network information.

[0206] In an embodiment, the detailed information may be network information corresponding to at least one type of SSID, channel index, external device IP, electronic device IP, and port number.

[0207] In an embodiment, at least one processor (110) can read second network information previously stored in the electronic device (100).

[0208] In an embodiment, the second network information may be stored in advance in the electronic device (100) as information mutually agreed upon between the external device (200) and the electronic device (100).

[0209] In an embodiment, the second network information may include type-specific prefix data.

[0210] In an embodiment, the second network information is information shared with an external device (200), and may include information on at least one of an IP band, SSID information of an AP, channel information, and a port range.

[0211] In an embodiment, at least one processor (110) may generate network configuration information based on first network information and second network information.

[0212] In an embodiment, at least one processor (110) can identify whether a type identification signal obtained from an IR signal is a basic type identification signal or an extended type identification signal.

[0213] In an embodiment, at least one processor (110) may generate network configuration information by combining detailed information corresponding to the type identification signal included in the first network information with prefix data of the same type included in the second network information, if the type identification signal obtained from the IR signal is a basic type identification signal.

[0214] In an embodiment, the network configuration information may be information for configuring a network, and may be information for a process of assigning network settings, policies, flows, and controls.

[0215] In an embodiment, the network configuration information may include at least one of an external device IP, an electronic device IP, a subnet mask (SM), a default gateway (DG), a domain name system (DNS), an SSID, and a channel index.

[0216] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) may be connected to a network using network configuration information. Thereafter, the electronic device (100) may attempt to connect to an external device (200) using the network configuration information, and upon connection approval from the external device (200), the electronic device (100) may be connected to the external device (200) via the network and perform mutual communication.

[0217] In an embodiment, if the type identification signal acquired from the IR signal is an extended type identification signal rather than a basic type identification signal, at least one processor (110) can acquire extended data by using detailed information corresponding to the extended type identification signal together with detailed information corresponding to a basic type identification signal of the same type as the extended type identification signal.

[0218] In an embodiment, at least one processor (110) can obtain network configuration information from the extension data.

[0219] In an embodiment, the network configuration information may include an Internet Protocol (IP) address of the electronic device (100).

[0220] In an embodiment, at least one processor (110) may use network configuration information to connect the electronic device (100) to an external device (200) via a network.

[0221] In an embodiment, at least one processor (110) can connect the electronic device (100) to an external device (200) through a network based on a static IP using network configuration information.

[0222] According to an embodiment, the communication unit (230) included in the external device (200) and the communication unit (130) included in the electronic device (100) may include various communication circuits and may interconnect the external device (200) and the electronic device (100) and transmit and receive data or signals under the control of the processor (210) of the external device (200) and the processor (110) of the electronic device (100), respectively.

[0223] In an embodiment, the communication unit (230) included in the external device (200) and the communication unit (130) included in the electronic device (100) may include at least one of a short-range communication module (not shown), a wired communication module (not shown), and a mobile communication module (not shown) according to a short-range communication technology.

[0224] The short-range communication module (not shown) may include a module for short-range communication within a predetermined distance. Short-range communication technologies according to embodiments may include, but are not limited to, wireless LAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, zigbee, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct), UWB (ultra wideband), IR (infrared) communication, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), NFC (Near Field Communication), etc.

[0225] A wired communication module (not shown) may refer to a module for communication using an electrical signal or an optical signal, and wired communication technology according to one embodiment may include a pair cable, a coaxial cable, an optical fiber cable, an Ethernet cable, etc.

[0226] A mobile communication module (not shown) transmits and / or receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, or a server on a mobile communication network. Here, the wireless signals may include various forms of data, such as voice call signals, video call signals, or text / multimedia message transmission and reception.

[0227] In an embodiment, in order for the external device (200) to remotely inspect the electronic device (100), the external device (200) and the electronic device (100) must be connected to each other via a wireless network.

[0228] An example of a case where an external device (200) and an electronic device (100) transmit and receive data via Wi-Fi communication is described.

[0229] In an embodiment, the communication unit (230) of the external device (200) and the communication unit (130) of the electronic device (100) can transmit and receive data using a Wi-Fi network according to the Wi-Fi communication standard.

[0230] In an embodiment, in order for the electronic device (100) and the external device (200) to perform Wi-Fi communication, an IP address must be assigned to the electronic device (100).

[0231] In an embodiment, the external device (200) can determine the IP address, port number, etc. to be used by the electronic device (100).

[0232] In an embodiment, the communication unit (230) of the external device (200) and the communication unit (130) of the electronic device (100) can perform IR (Infrared) communication to quickly assign an IP address or port number to the electronic device (100).

[0233] IR communication can be said to be a communication method that transmits information using infrared rays, and a transmitter and a receiver are required to perform IR communication.

[0234] In an embodiment, the communication unit (230) of the external device (200) and the communication unit (130) of the electronic device (100) may each include a transmitter, a receiver, or a transceiver for performing IR communication.

[0235] The transmitter can modulate an infrared signal. The transmitter can modulate the IR signal using various modulation methods, such as amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, and pulse modulation. The transmitter includes an infrared light-emitting diode, which can transmit the modulated IR signal to the receiver.

[0236] The receiver can receive infrared signals through a photodiode and convert the infrared signals into electrical energy.

[0237] In an embodiment, the communication unit (230) of the external device (200) may include an IR transmitter for transmitting an IR signal. In an embodiment, the IR transmitter may include an IR remote control or an IR transmitter.

[0238] In an embodiment, the communication unit (230) of the external device (200) can transmit an IR signal including first network information to the communication unit (130) of the electronic device (100).

[0239] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) can receive an IR signal through the communication unit (130) and obtain first network information from the IR signal.

[0240] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) can generate network configuration information by using first network information together with pre-stored second network information.

[0241] In an embodiment, the network configuration information may include an IP address, port number, etc. of the electronic device (100).

[0242] In an embodiment, the communication unit (130) of the electronic device (100) can transmit network configuration information to an AP connected to an external device (200) and receive a response from the AP to connect to the AP.

[0243] In an embodiment, the communication unit (130) of the electronic device (100) and the communication unit (230) of the external device (200) can be connected through a network by performing a socket connection.

[0244] The communication unit (130) of the electronic device (100) and the communication unit (230) of the external device (200) can transmit and receive data by performing Wi-Fi communication.

[0245] In an embodiment, when the communication connection with the electronic device (100) is completed, the external device (200) may stop transmitting IR signals to the electronic device (100).

[0246] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an external device (200) and an electronic device (100) being connected to a network according to various embodiments.

[0247] In an embodiment, the external device (200) and the electronic device (100) may have agreed in advance on the IP band to be used, the SSID of the AP, and the port range.

[0248] In an embodiment, the external device (200) can control the AP (300) connected to the external device (200) by a wire to exclude the IP area to be allocated by the external device (200) from the DHCP area.

[0249] Referring to FIG. 5, an external device (200) can transmit information to an electronic device (100) using an IR signal.

[0250] In an embodiment, the external device (200) may include first network information used for network connection in the IR signal and transmit it to the electronic device (100).

[0251] In an embodiment, the first network information is information used to generate network configuration information, and may include at least one of SSID information, channel information, external device IP information, electronic device IP information, and port information.

[0252] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) can receive an IR signal from an external device (200).

[0253] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) can generate network configuration information using first network information obtained from an IR signal and second network information previously stored in the electronic device (100).

[0254] In an embodiment, the network configuration information may include at least one of an external device IP address, an electronic device IP address, a subnet mask (SM), a default gateway (DG), a domain name system (DNS), an SSID, and a channel index.

[0255] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) may request a network connection to the AP (300).

[0256] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) may request a connection to the AP (300) using information associated with the AP (300), such as SSID information and channel index, among network configuration information. The AP (300) may receive a connection request from the electronic device (100) and allow the electronic device (100) to connect to the network.

[0257] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) may request a network connection to the AP (300) and at the same time, set its own network information using network configuration information.

[0258] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) can set its own network information using the electronic device IP address, subnet mask (SM), default gateway (DG), and domain name system (DNS) among the network configuration information.

[0259] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) may attempt to establish a communication connection with an external device (200) using its own set network information.

[0260] For example, in an embodiment, an electronic device (100) connected to a network via an AP (300) may attempt to establish a communication connection with an external device (200) in the same network as the electronic device (100) using its own network information including the electronic device IP address.

[0261] In an embodiment, the external device (200) may receive a communication connection request from the electronic device (100) and respond to the communication connection request from the electronic device (100), thereby being connected to the electronic device (100) through a network.

[0262] Specifically, in an embodiment, the electronic device (100) may request a socket connection to an external device (200).

[0263] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) may obtain an electronic device IP address from network configuration information and use it to request a socket connection to an external device (200).

[0264] If the socket connection request from the electronic device (100) is correct, the external device (200) can accept the socket connection, connect to the electronic device (100), and start communicating with the electronic device (100) using the socket.

[0265] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an external device (200) transmitting information to an electronic device (100) using an IR signal according to various embodiments.

[0266] In an embodiment, the external device (200) may include first network information in an IR signal and transmit it to the electronic device (100).

[0267] An IR signal may contain command data (command code). Command data is a data code that instructs a specific function and may include two bytes: a header and a body.

[0268] In an embodiment, the external device (200) can include first network information in the command data of the IR signal and transmit it to the electronic device (100).

[0269] In an embodiment, the first network information may include a type identification signal and detailed information corresponding to the type identification signal.

[0270] In an embodiment, the external device (200) may include a type identification signal among the first network information in the first byte of the command data of the IR signal. In an embodiment, the type identification signal may be information identifying at least one of an SSID, a channel index, an external device IP, an electronic device IP, and a port number.

[0271] In an embodiment, the external device (200) may include detailed information corresponding to the type identification signal among the first network information in the second byte of the command data of the IR signal. In an embodiment, the detailed information may be data of a type identified by the type identification signal. For example, the detailed information may be data used to set network configuration information such as an SSID, a channel index, an external device IP, an electronic device IP, and a port number.

[0272] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) can receive an IR signal from an external device (200) and obtain first network information from the IR signal.

[0273] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) can obtain a type identification signal from the header (first byte) of the command code included in the IR signal, and obtain detailed information corresponding to the type identification signal from the body (second byte).

[0274] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) may generate network configuration information by using first network information together with second network information previously stored in the electronic device (100), and may be connected to an external device (200) by using the network configuration information.

[0275] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic device (100) transmitting information to an external device (200) using an IR signal according to various embodiments.

[0276] Figure 7 assumes that the external device (200) is a PC and the electronic device (100) is a TV.

[0277] In an embodiment, the external device (200) and the electronic device (100) may have agreed in advance on the IP band, SSID information, channel index, port range, etc. to be used by each other.

[0278] In an embodiment, the external device (200) can cause the AP (300) to exclude an IP area mutually agreed upon between the external device (200) and the electronic device (100) from the DHCP area.

[0279] For example, if the prefix data for the IP band mutually agreed upon between the external device (200) and the electronic device (100) is 192.168.0.X, the external device (200) can cause the IP range 192.168.0.X mutually agreed upon between the external device (200) and the electronic device (100) to be excluded from the DHCP range.

[0280] In an embodiment, the external device (200) may include first network information in an IR signal and transmit it to the electronic device (100).

[0281] In an embodiment, the external device (200) may include a type identification signal in the first byte of the two bytes included in the command data of the IR signal.

[0282] In an embodiment, the type identification signal may identify at least one of an SSID, a channel index, an external device IP, an electronic device IP, and a port number. The type identification signal may be an identifier indicating a type of network information.

[0283] For example, the type identification signal may be one of A1 to A5. For example, type identification signals A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5 may each include an identifier indicating an SSID, a channel index, an external device IP, an electronic device IP, and a port number.

[0284] In an embodiment, the external device (200) may include detailed information corresponding to the type identification signal in the second byte of the two bytes containing the command data of the IR signal.

[0285] In an embodiment, the external device (200) may include detailed information corresponding to one of the type identification signals A1 to A5 in the second byte of the IR signal.

[0286] In an embodiment, the external device (200) may transmit a plurality of IR signals to the electronic device (100) at predetermined intervals.

[0287] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) can receive an IR signal from an external device (200) whose type identification signal is one of A1 to A5.

[0288] For example, in FIG. 7, it is assumed that the electronic device (100) sequentially receives a plurality of IR signals illustrated in the direction from top to bottom of FIG. 7. However, this is only an example, and the order in which the external device (200) transmits the plurality of IR signals or the order in which the electronic device (100) receives the IR signals from the external device (200) may be modified in various ways.

[0289] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) can identify that network setup is initiated when it receives an IR signal whose type identification signal is one of A1 to A5.

[0290] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) may store all IR signals transmitted from the external device (200) until it receives all IR signals having type identification signals A1 to A5.

[0291] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) can store an IR signal by attaching detailed information corresponding to each type to type-specific prefix data included in the second network information.

[0292] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) can obtain a type identification signal called A1 from the first byte of the IR signal received first among the plurality of IR signals illustrated in FIG. 7, and obtain detailed information 5 from the second byte.

[0293] A1 may be an identification signal indicating an SSID. Detailed information 5 transmitted with the type identification signal A1 may indicate, for example, that the network information for the SSID identified by A1 is 5.

[0294] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) can identify that the network information for the SSID is 5 based on the type identification signal obtained from the first network information included in the IR signal being A1 and the detailed information corresponding to A1 being 5.

[0295] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) can read second network information previously stored in the electronic device (100). The second network information can include type-specific prefix data.

[0296] In an embodiment, the second network information may include prefix data for at least one of an IP band, SSID information of an AP, channel information, and a port range.

[0297] For example, in FIG. 7, it is assumed that the second network information includes prefix data for the IP band as 192.168.0., prefix data for the SSID information of the AP (300) as wififactory, channel information as channel data by channel index, and prefix data for the port range, for example, when the default port is 5000.

[0298] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) can identify prefix data corresponding to the type of A1, which is a type identification signal obtained from the first network information, for example, prefix data for an SSID, from the second network information.

[0299] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) may use data called wififactory5 as SSID information by attaching detailed information 5 corresponding to the type of A1 obtained from the first network information to wififactory in correspondence with the fact that the prefix data for the SSID included in the second network information is wififactory.

[0300] The electronic device (100) can receive an IR signal from an external device (200) in which the first byte includes a type identification signal called A2 and the second byte includes detailed information 1.

[0301] A2 may be an identification signal indicating a channel index. Detailed information 1 transmitted with A2 may indicate, for example, that the channel index identified by A2 has a value of 1.

[0302] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) may obtain information identified as A2 among the second network information, for example, prefix data for channel information.

[0303] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) may have a channel data table for each channel index included in the second network information and stored in advance.

[0304] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) may obtain prefix data corresponding to the A2 type from the second network information. In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) may obtain channel data 2417 corresponding to detailed information 1 obtained from the first network information as channel information among the prefix data corresponding to the A2 type, i.e., channel data according to the channel index.

[0305] The electronic device (100) can receive an IR signal from an external device (200) in which the first byte includes a type identification signal called A3 and the second byte includes detailed information 2.

[0306] A3 is an identification signal indicating an external device IP, and the detailed information 2 transmitted together with A3 can indicate that the network information for the external device IP identified by A3 is 2.

[0307] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) may obtain prefix data corresponding to the type of A3, which is a type identification signal obtained from the first network information, from the second network information, i.e., prefix data 192.168.0. for the external device IP, and may use 192.168.0.2 as IP information of the external device (200) by appending detailed information 2 corresponding to the A3 type to 192.168.0.

[0308] The electronic device (100) can receive an IR signal from an external device (200) in which the first byte includes a type identification signal called A4 and the second byte includes detailed information 10.

[0309] A4 is an identification signal indicating an electronic device IP, and the detailed information 10 transmitted together with A4 can indicate that the network information for the electronic device IP identified by A4 is 10.

[0310] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) may obtain prefix data corresponding to the type of A4 from the second network information, for example, prefix data 192.168.0. for the electronic device IP, and append detailed information 10 corresponding to the A4 type to 192.168.0., and use 192.168.0.10 as the IP information of the electronic device (100).

[0311] The electronic device (100) can receive an IR signal from an external device (200) in which the first byte includes a type identification signal called A5 and the second byte includes detailed information 1.

[0312] A5 may be an identification signal indicating a port number. The detail information 1 transmitted with A5 may indicate that the network information for the port number identified by A5 is 1.

[0313] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) may obtain prefix data corresponding to the type of A5, which is a type identification signal obtained from the first network information, from the second network information, for example, a default port value of 5000, and may use 5001 as a port number by adding detailed information 1 corresponding to the A5 type to the default port value 5000.

[0314] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) can generate network configuration information in the above-described manner.

[0315] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) can combine the first network information and the second network information according to a rule to generate SSID information, channel information, external device IP information, electronic device IP information, and port number, respectively.

[0316] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) can be connected to an external device (200) using network configuration information.

[0317] In an embodiment, when a network connection with the electronic device (100) is completed, the external device (200) may stop transmitting IR signals to the electronic device (100).

[0318] According to various embodiments, the external device (200) can be connected to a network based on a fixed IP with the electronic device (100) by including electronic device IP information and port information in an IR signal and transmitting it to the electronic device (100).

[0319] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (100) can generate network configuration information by using first network information received from an external device (200) and previously stored second network information together, and can omit the DHCP process through the AP, thereby enabling faster and simpler network connection.

[0320] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device (100) receives an extended IR signal from an external device (200) and generates network configuration information according to various embodiments.

[0321] In an embodiment, the external device (200) may send data to the electronic device (100) that is outside the range mutually agreed upon with the electronic device (100).

[0322] For example, in a situation where the IP band mutually agreed upon between an external device (200) and an electronic device (100) is 192.168, there may be a case where the external device (200) changes the IP band and must also use the third block of numbers in the IP address system, i.e., the third byte after 192.168.

[0323] There may be cases where ports are changed or ports are split into multiple ports and multiple ports must be used.

[0324] In an embodiment, the external device (200) may generate an extended IR signal to transmit data to the electronic device (100) that is outside the range of prefix data mutually agreed upon with the electronic device (100).

[0325] In an embodiment, the external device (200) can use the type identification signal to indicate whether the network information included in the IR signal is within the range of data mutually agreed upon with the electronic device (100).

[0326] In an embodiment, the type identification signal may be one of a basic type identification signal and an extended type identification signal.

[0327] In an embodiment, the basic type identification signal may indicate that the detailed information transmitted together with the basic type identification signal is included in the data range mutually agreed upon between the electronic device (100) and the external device (200). For example, the type identification signals A1 to A5 described in FIG. 7 may be basic type identification signals.

[0328] In an embodiment, an IR signal including a basic type identification signal and corresponding detailed information may be referred to as a basic IR signal.

[0329] In an embodiment, when the electronic device (100) receives a basic IR signal, for example, when the type identification signal included in the first network information is a basic type identification signal, the electronic device (100) may generate network configuration information by combining detailed information corresponding to the type identification signal with prefix data of the same type included in the second network information.

[0330] In an embodiment, an IR signal including an extended type identification signal and corresponding detailed information may be referred to as an extended IR signal.

[0331] If the type identification signal is not one of A1 to A5, for example, if the type identification signal is one of B1 to B5, then one of the type identification signals of B1 to B5 may be an extended type identification signal. Furthermore, an IR signal including one of the type identification signals of B1 to B5 may be an extended IR signal.

[0332] In an embodiment, when the electronic device (100) receives an extended IR signal, it can generate extended data by using the extended IR signal together with the basic IR signal.

[0333] Referring to FIG. 8, when an external device (200) wants to change a port number within a predetermined range, the external device (200) can transmit an extended IR signal to the electronic device (100).

[0334] For example, it is assumed that the port range mutually agreed upon between the external device (200) and the electronic device (100) is from 5001 to 5255. In addition, it is assumed that the prefix data corresponding to the type of A5 included in the second network information is the default port, 5000.

[0335] In an embodiment, the detailed information that the external device (200) can transmit to the electronic device (100) is at most 1 byte, and since 1 byte includes 8 bits, the detailed information can have one of the values ​​from 1 to 255. In this case, the network configuration information for the port number generated from the first network information and the second network information can be in the range of 5001 to 5255, which is the default port value 5000 plus one of the values ​​from 1 to 255 of the detailed information.

[0336] In an embodiment, if the port number is changed to a value outside the range of 5001 to 5225, for example, 65000, the external device (200) may generate an extended IR signal to notify the electronic device (100) of the port number being outside the agreed upon range.

[0337] In an embodiment, the external device (200) may generate a basic IR signal and an extended IR signal, each including a type identification signal for a port number.

[0338] In an embodiment, the external device (200) may transmit each IR signal to the electronic device (100) by including information about the lower byte in a basic IR signal including a basic type identification signal for a port number and information about the upper byte in an extended IR signal including an extended type identification signal for a port number.

[0339] In an embodiment, the external device (200) may transmit the basic IR signal first and then the extended IR signal, but is not limited thereto, and the order of the basic IR signal and the extended IR signal may be changed.

[0340] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) can receive an extended IR signal and a basic IR signal, respectively.

[0341] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) may receive an IR signal from an external device (200) in which the first byte includes a basic type identification signal of A5 and the second byte includes detailed information 0xE8.

[0342] A5 may contain an identification signal indicating a port number, and the detailed information 0xE8 transmitted with A5 may indicate that the network information for the port number identified by A5 is 0xE8.

[0343] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) may receive an extended IR signal from an external device (200) in which the first byte includes a type identification signal B5 and the second byte includes detailed information 0xFD.

[0344] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) can identify that the IR signal is an extended IR signal from the fact that the IR signal includes a type identification signal called B5, which is an extended type identification signal.

[0345] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) can identify a basic IR signal including a basic type identification signal indicating the same type as the extended type identification signal, and can use the basic IR signal together with the extended IR signal.

[0346] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) may utilize a basic IR signal including a basic type identification signal A5 indicating a port number identical to an extended type identification signal B5 together with an extended IR signal.

[0347] In an embodiment, rules may be pre-determined between the electronic device (100) and the external device (200) on how to obtain extended data by using detailed information included in the extended IR signal and detailed information included in the basic IR signal.

[0348] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) can obtain extended data by using detailed information corresponding to an extended type identification signal included in an extended IR signal as an upper byte and using detailed information included in a basic IR signal as a lower byte.

[0349] For example, the electronic device (100) can obtain a value, for example, 0xFDE8 (65000 in decimal), as extended data, which includes detailed information 0xFD corresponding to an extended type identification signal included in an extended IR signal as an upper byte and detailed information 0xE8 included in a basic IR signal as a lower byte.

[0350] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) can use the extension data 65000 generated for the port number together with other network configuration information. For example, the electronic device (100) can use the SSID information, channel information, external device IP information, and electronic device IP information acquired according to the method described in FIG. 7 together with the extension data for the port number acquired according to the method described above to ultimately generate network configuration information.

[0351] According to various embodiments, an external device (200) and an electronic device (100) can use extended IR signals to transmit and receive data outside of a mutually agreed upon range, thereby appropriately changing and using network configuration information according to a changed environment.

[0352] According to an embodiment, an external device (200) and an electronic device (100) can appropriately change and use network configuration information by generating and using an extended IR signal according to mutually agreed rules.

[0353] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of operating an electronic device (100) according to various embodiments.

[0354] Referring to FIG. 9, in an embodiment, the electronic device (100) can receive an IR signal from an external device (200) (step 910).

[0355] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) can obtain first network information from an IR signal (step 920).

[0356] In an embodiment, the IR signal may include a type identification signal and detailed information corresponding to the type identification signal as first network information.

[0357] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) can obtain previously stored second network information (step 930).

[0358] In an embodiment, the second network information may include prefix data for each type. In an embodiment, the second network information may include prefix data for at least one of an IP band, SSID information of an AP, channel information, and a port range.

[0359] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) can generate network configuration information based on first network information and second network information (step 940).

[0360] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) may generate network configuration information by combining detailed information corresponding to a type identification signal included in the first network information with prefix data of a type identified by the type identification signal included in the second network information.

[0361] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) can be connected to an external device (200) using network configuration information (step 950).

[0362] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of operating an electronic device (100) according to various embodiments.

[0363] Referring to FIG. 10, in an embodiment, the electronic device (100) can receive an IR signal from an external device (200).

[0364] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) may obtain first network information from an IR signal. In an embodiment, the first network information may include a type identification signal and detailed information.

[0365] In an embodiment, the type identification signal may be one of a basic type identification signal and an extended type identification signal.

[0366] In an embodiment, the basic type identification signal may indicate that the detailed information transmitted together with the basic type identification signal is included in a data range mutually agreed upon between the electronic device (100) and the external device (200).

[0367] In an embodiment, the extended type identification signal may indicate that the detailed information transmitted together with the extended type identification signal is outside the data range mutually agreed upon between the electronic device (100) and the external device (200).

[0368] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) can determine whether the type identification signal is an extended type identification signal (step 1010).

[0369] In an embodiment, if the electronic device (100) determines that the type identification signal is an extended type identification signal ('Yes' in step 1010), it can obtain detailed information corresponding to the extended type identification signal (step 1020).

[0370] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) can obtain extended data by using detailed information corresponding to an extended type identification signal together with detailed information corresponding to a basic type identification signal of the same type as the extended type identification signal (step 1030).

[0371] For example, the electronic device (100) can obtain extended data by using detailed information corresponding to an extended type identification signal as an upper byte and detailed information corresponding to a basic type identification signal as a lower byte, according to a rule agreed upon in advance with an external device (200).

[0372] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) can use the extended data as network configuration information (step 1040).

[0373] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) may be connected to an external device (200) through a network by using extended data and other network configuration information obtained by using the first network information and the second network information together.

[0374] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of operating an external device (200) according to various embodiments.

[0375] Referring to FIG. 11, an external device (200) can transmit an IR signal including first network information to an electronic device (100) (step 1110).

[0376] In an embodiment, the external device (200) may include a type identification signal in the first byte of the command code of the IR signal and include detailed information corresponding to the type identification signal in the second byte, and transmit the same to the electronic device (100).

[0377] In an embodiment, an external device (200) may receive a network connection request from an electronic device (100).

[0378] In an embodiment, an external device (200) may receive a network connection request from an electronic device (100) using network configuration information (step 1120).

[0379] In an embodiment, the external device (200) may be connected to the electronic device (100) via a network in response to a network connection request from the electronic device (100) (step 1130).

[0380] In an embodiment, after the external device (200) is connected to the electronic device (100), it may stop transmitting IR signals to the electronic device (100) (step 1140).

[0381] In an embodiment, the external device (200) can communicate with the electronic device (100) via Wi-Fi communication with the electronic device (100).

[0382] Electronic devices, external devices, and methods of operating electronic devices and external devices according to various embodiments may also be implemented in the form of a recording medium including computer-executable instructions, such as program modules executed by a computer. Computer-readable media may be any available media that can be accessed by a computer, and include both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. Furthermore, computer-readable media may include both computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media include both volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically includes computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave, or other transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery media.

[0383] The electronic device and the operating method thereof according to the above-described embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium / storage medium having recorded thereon a program for implementing the operating method of the electronic device, the program including the steps of receiving an IR signal from an external device, obtaining first network information from the IR signal, generating network configuration information based on the first network information and second network information previously stored in the electronic device, and connecting to the external device through a network using the network configuration information.

[0384] A device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, a "non-transitory storage medium" refers to a tangible device and may not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). The 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.

[0385] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program electronic device. The computer program electronic device may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program electronic device may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through an application store or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program electronic device (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0386] While the present disclosure has been described and illustrated with reference to various exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative and not limiting. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the disclosure, including the appended claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, it should be understood that any of the embodiments described herein can be used with any other embodiments described herein.

Claims

1. In an electronic device (100), A communication unit (130) including a communication circuit; A memory (120) storing at least one instruction; and At least one processor (110) comprising a processing circuit, The processor individually and / or collectively executes the at least one instruction stored in the memory, thereby causing the electronic device to Receives an IR signal from an external device (200) through the above communication unit, Obtaining first network information from the above IR signal, Generate network configuration information based on the first network information and the second network information stored in the electronic device, An electronic device that uses the above network configuration information to connect to the external device through a network.

2. In the first paragraph, the first network information includes a type identification signal and detailed information corresponding to the type identification signal, An electronic device wherein the type identification signal identifies at least one of an SSID, a channel index, an external device IP address, an electronic device IP address, and a port number.

3. In the second paragraph, the second network information includes type-specific prefix data, An electronic device, wherein at least one processor individually and / or collectively combines detailed information corresponding to the type identification signal included in the first network information with prefix data of a type identified by the type identification signal included in the second network information.

4. An electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second network information is information shared with the external device, and includes information on at least one of an IP band, SSID information of an AP, channel information, and port range.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, The above network configuration information includes an Internet Protocol (IP) address, An electronic device, wherein at least one processor is individually and / or collectively connected to a network on a static IP basis using said network configuration information.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, at least one processor individually and / or collectively Identify whether the type identification signal obtained from the above IR signal is an extended type identification signal or a basic type identification signal, An electronic device that obtains extended data based on detailed information corresponding to the extended type identification signal and detailed information corresponding to a basic type identification signal of the same type as the extended type identification signal, based on the type identification signal being the extended type identification signal.

7. An electronic device according to claim 6, wherein at least one processor individually and / or collectively generates network configuration information using the extension data.

8. In the external device (200), A communication unit (230) including a communication circuit; A memory (220) storing at least one instruction; and At least one processor (210) comprising a processing circuit, The processor individually and / or collectively causes the external device to execute at least one instruction stored in the memory, Transmitting an IR signal containing first network information to an electronic device (100), The above first network information includes a type identification signal and detailed information corresponding to the type identification signal, In response to the electronic device requesting a network connection using network configuration information generated based on the first network information and the second network information stored in the electronic device, the electronic device is connected to the network, The above network configuration information includes the electronic device IP address, an external device.

9. In the 8th paragraph, the external device and the electronic device are configured to share the second network information, An external device, wherein the second network information includes at least one of an IP band, SSID information of an AP (Access Point), channel information, and port range.

10. In the 8th paragraph, the external device is connected to an access point (AP) (300), At least one processor, individually and / or collectively An external device that controls the AP to exclude the IP band from the DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) area.

11. In the method of operating an electronic device, A step of receiving an IR signal from an external device; A step of obtaining first network information from the IR signal; A step of generating network configuration information based on the first network information and the second network information previously stored in the electronic device; and An operating method of an electronic device, comprising a step of connecting to the external device through a network using the above network configuration information.

12. In the 11th paragraph, the first network information includes a type identification signal and detailed information corresponding to the type identification signal, A method of operating an electronic device, wherein the type identification signal identifies at least one of an SSID, a channel index, an external device IP address, an electronic device IP address, and a port number.

13. In the 12th paragraph, the second network information includes type-specific prefix data, A method of operating an electronic device, wherein the step of generating the network configuration information includes a step of combining detailed information corresponding to the type identification signal included in the first network information with prefix data of a type identified by the type identification signal included in the second network information.

14. A method of operating an electronic device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the second network information includes information shared with the external device and includes information on at least one of an IP band, SSID information of an AP, channel information, and port range.

15. In any one of paragraphs 11 to 14, The above network configuration information includes an Internet Protocol (IP) address, A method of operating an electronic device, wherein the step of connecting to the external device through a network includes a step of connecting to a network based on a static IP using the network configuration information.

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