Electronic device and control method for same

Abstract

An electronic device, according to one embodiment, may comprise: an input interface for receiving an operation mode from a user; a communication interface for performing communication with an external device, including a server device or a user device, so as to acquire, from the external device, time series data, including at least one among energy rate data or carbon intensity data per time period, and user-set energy consumption data; and a processor for obtaining processed time series data on the basis of a value derived by adding a correction value to the time series data, and determining a recommended operation time period on the basis of the processed time series data and the user-set energy consumption data.

Description

Electronic device and method of controlling the same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device and a control method thereof that automatically recommends an optimal operating time reflecting energy costs and carbon emissions.

[0002] Electronic devices initiate operations when the user presses a start button or sets a scheduled time. In particular, electronic devices with a scheduled function provide a simple delay execution method that waits until the user sets a time before initiating the operation.

[0003] Recently, more and more areas are implementing energy pricing systems that vary by time of day, with relatively higher rates charged during peak hours. Furthermore, carbon emissions vary by time of day depending on power generation methods and demand, becoming a crucial factor in environmental protection and carbon neutrality. Conventional electronic devices operate without considering this energy pricing and carbon emissions information, requiring users to manually determine appropriate operating times, resulting in the inconvenience of having to factor these factors in.

[0004] The electronic device according to the present disclosure relates to an electronic device and a control method thereof, which determines an optimal operating time that can minimize energy costs and carbon emissions as a recommended operating time zone and then provides a recommended operating time zone to a user.

[0005] An electronic device according to one embodiment may include: an input interface for receiving an operation mode from a user; a communication interface for communicating with an external device including a server device or a user device to obtain time series data including at least one of time-based energy rate data or carbon intensity data and user-set energy usage data from the external device; and a processor for obtaining processed time series data based on a value obtained by adding a correction value to the time series data, and determining a recommended operation time zone based on the processed time series data and the user-set energy usage data.

[0006] In one embodiment, a method for controlling an electronic device, comprising: an input interface for receiving an operation mode from a user; a communication interface for performing communication with an external device including a server device or a user device, and obtaining time series data including at least one of time-based energy rate data or carbon intensity data and user-set energy usage data from the external device; wherein the method for controlling the electronic device may include obtaining processed time series data based on a value obtained by adding a correction value to the time series data, and determining a recommended operation time zone based on the processed time series data and the user-set energy usage data.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device can help users reduce their energy bills and practice carbon neutrality.

[0008] In addition, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, an optimal operating time zone can be determined by processing time zone energy rate data or carbon intensity data from outside by applying correction values ​​and weights.

[0009] In addition, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, user convenience is improved as the user can flexibly select immediate execution and optimal scheduled execution as needed.

[0010] The technical problems to be achieved in the present disclosure are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates multiple devices within an IoT environment according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an electronic device in an IoT environment according to one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 3 is a control block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for obtaining user-defined energy usage data from a user according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 5 is a control flowchart of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a control flowchart of an electronic device for obtaining processing time series data according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 7 is an example of time series data (raw data) according to one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 8 is an example in which a correction value is applied to time series data according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 9 is an example in which a first weight is applied to a correction value to time series data according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 10 is a control flowchart of an electronic device for determining a recommended operation time zone according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for determining a recommended operation time zone according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating another example of a method for determining a recommended operation time zone according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 13 is a control flowchart of an electronic device for determining the start time of operation of the electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 14 is a control flowchart of an electronic device for controlling an operation step after an operation start time of the electronic device is determined according to one embodiment.

[0025] It should be understood that the various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0026] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0027] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0028] In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0029] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0030] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being “coupled” or “connected” to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicatively,” it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0031] The terms “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0032] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0033] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0034] The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0035] The operating principle and embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings below.

[0036] FIG. 1 illustrates a plurality of devices within an IoT environment (100) according to one embodiment.

[0037] An IoT environment (100) according to one embodiment may include a user device (2), a server (3), at least one electronic device (10), and / or a network connecting the user device (2), the server (3), or at least one electronic device (10). In the present disclosure, the user device (2) or at least one electronic device (10) of the IoT environment (100) may also be referred to as an IoT device (301).

[0038] The electronic device (10) may include a communication module capable of communicating with other home appliances, a user device (2), or a server (3), a user interface for receiving user input or outputting information to a user, at least one processor for controlling the operation of the electronic device (10), and at least one memory storing a program for controlling the operation of the electronic device (10).

[0039] The electronic device (10) may be at least one of various types of home appliances. For example, the electronic device (10) may include, but is not limited to, at least one of a refrigerator (11), a dishwasher (12), an electric range (13), an electric oven (14), an air conditioner (15), a clothes manager (16), a washing machine (17), a dryer (18), and a microwave oven (19) as illustrated, and may include, for example, various types of home appliances such as a cleaning robot, a vacuum cleaner, and a television, which are not illustrated in the drawing. In addition, the home appliances mentioned above are merely examples, and in addition to the home appliances mentioned above, a device that is connected to another home appliance, a user device (2), or a server (3) and can perform the operations described below may be included in the electronic device (10) according to one embodiment.

[0040] The server (3) may include a communication module capable of communicating with another server, an electronic device (10), or a user device (2), at least one processor capable of processing data received from another server, an electronic device (10), or a user device (2), and at least one memory capable of storing a program for processing data or processed data. The server (3) may be implemented as various computing devices such as a workstation, a cloud, a data drive, or a data station. The server (3) may be implemented as one or more servers that are physically or logically separated based on function, detailed configuration of function, or data, and may transmit and receive data through communication between each server and process the transmitted and received data.

[0041] The server (3) can perform functions such as managing user accounts, registering electronic devices (10) by linking them to user accounts, and managing or controlling registered electronic devices (10). For example, a user can access the server (3) through a user device (2) and create a user account. The user account can be identified by an ID and password set by the user. The server (3) can register an electronic device (10) to a user account according to a set procedure. For example, the server (3) can register, manage, and control the electronic device (10) by linking identification information (e.g., serial number or MAC address, etc.) of the electronic device (10) to the user account. The user device (2) can include a communication module capable of communicating with the electronic device (10) or the server (3), a user interface for receiving user input or outputting information to the user, at least one processor for controlling the operation of the user device (2), and at least one memory storing a program for controlling the operation of the user device (2).

[0042] The user device (2) may be carried by the user or placed in the user's home or office, etc. The user device (2) may include, but is not limited to, a personal computer, a terminal, a portable telephone, a smart phone, a handheld device, a wearable device, etc.

[0043] The memory of the user device (2) may store a program for controlling the electronic device (10), i.e., an application. The application may be sold installed on the user device (2) or downloaded and installed from an external server.

[0044] A user can access a server (3) by executing an application installed on a user device (2), create a user account, and register an electronic device (10) by communicating with the server (3) based on the logged-in user account.

[0045] For example, when the electronic device (10) is operated so that the electronic device (10) can be connected to the server (3) according to the procedure guided by the application installed on the user device (2), the electronic device (10) can be registered in the user account by registering the identification information (e.g., serial number or MAC address) of the electronic device (10) in the corresponding user account on the server (3).

[0046] A user can control an electronic device (10) using an application installed on the user device (2). For example, when a user logs into a user account using an application installed on the user device (2), an electronic device (10) registered to the user account appears, and when a control command for the electronic device (10) is input, the control command can be transmitted to the electronic device (10) via the server (3).

[0047] A network can include both wired and wireless networks. Wired networks include cable networks or telephone networks, while wireless networks can include any network that transmits and receives signals via radio waves. Wired and wireless networks can be interconnected.

[0048] A network may include a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN) formed around an access point (AP), and a short-range wireless network that does not use an access point (AP). Short-range wireless networks may include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1), Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), Wi-Fi Direct, Near Field Communication (NFC), Z-Wave, etc.

[0049] An access point (AP) can connect an electronic device (10) or a user device (2) to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server (3) is connected. The electronic device (10) or the user device (2) can be connected to the server (3) via the wide area network (WAN).

[0050] The access point (AP) can communicate with an electronic device (10) or a user device (2) using wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11), Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1), or Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), and can connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication, but is not limited thereto.

[0051] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (10) may be directly connected to the user device (2) or the server (3) without going through an access point (AP).

[0052] The electronic device (10) can be connected to a user device (2) or a server (3) via a long-range wireless network or a short-range wireless network.

[0053] For example, the electronic device (10) may be connected to the user device (2) via a short-range wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi Direct).

[0054] As another example, the electronic device (10) may be connected to a user device (2) or a server (3) via a wide area network (WAN) using a long-range wireless network (e.g., a cellular communication module).

[0055] As another example, the electronic device (10) may connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication and be connected to a user device (2) or a server (3) through the wide area network (WAN).

[0056] If the electronic device (10) can connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication, it may also function as an access relay. Accordingly, the electronic device (10) can connect other home appliances to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server (3) is connected. In addition, other home appliances can connect the electronic device (10) to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server (3) is connected.

[0057] An electronic device (10) can transmit information about its operation or status to another home appliance, a user device (2), or a server (3) via a network. For example, the electronic device (10) can transmit information about its operation or status to another home appliance, a user device (2), or a server (3) when a request is received from a server (3), when a specific event occurs in the electronic device (10), or periodically or in real time.

[0058] When information about an operation or status is received from an electronic device (10), the server (3) can update the stored information about the operation or status of the electronic device (10) and transmit the updated information about the operation and status of the electronic device (10) to the user device (2) via the network. Here, updating information can include various operations in which existing information is changed, such as an operation of adding new information to existing information and an operation of replacing existing information with new information.

[0059] The electronic device (10) can obtain various information from other home appliances, user devices (2), or servers (3), and provide the obtained information to the user. For example, the electronic device (10) can obtain information related to the functions of the electronic device (10) (e.g., recipes, washing instructions, etc.) and various environmental information (e.g., weather, temperature, humidity, etc.) from the server (3), and output the obtained information through a user interface.

[0060] The electronic device (10) can operate according to a control command received from another home appliance, a user device (2), or a server (3). For example, if the electronic device (10) has obtained prior approval from the user to operate according to a control command from the server (3) even without user input, the electronic device (10) can operate according to a control command received from the server (3). Here, the control command received from the server (3) may include, but is not limited to, a control command input by the user through the user device (2) or a control command based on preset conditions.

[0061] The user device (2) can transmit information about the user to the electronic device (10) or the server (3) via the communication module. For example, the user device (2) can transmit information about the user's location, the user's health status, the user's preferences, the user's schedule, etc. to the server (3). The user device (2) can transmit information about the user to the server (3) with the user's prior consent.

[0062] The electronic device (10), the user device (2), or the server (3) may determine a control command using technology such as artificial intelligence. For example, the server (3) may receive information regarding the operation or status of the electronic device (10) or information regarding the user of the user device (2), process the information using technology such as artificial intelligence, and transmit the processing result or control command to the electronic device (10) or the user device (2) based on the processing result.

[0063] FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an IoT device in an IoT environment (100) according to one embodiment.

[0064] In an IoT environment (100) according to one embodiment, the same device (e.g., IoT device (301)) can operate as the electronic device (10) of FIG. 1 and can also operate as the user device (2) of FIG. 1. Hereinafter, the configuration and / or function of the IoT device (301) that can operate as the electronic device (10) and / or the user device (2) will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 2, in an IoT environment (100), an IoT device (301) may communicate with another IoT device (302) via a first network (398) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of another IoT device (304) or a server (308) via a second network (399) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the IoT device (301) may also communicate with another IoT device (304) via the server (308).

[0066] According to one embodiment, the IoT device (301) may include a processor (320), a memory (330), an input module (350), an audio output module (355), a display module (360), an audio module (370), a sensor module (376), an interface (377), a connection terminal (378), a haptic module (379), a camera module (380), a power management module (388), a battery (389), a communication module (390), a subscriber identification module (396), and / or an antenna module (397).

[0067] In the IoT device (301), at least one of the aforementioned components (e.g., the connection terminal (378)) may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. In addition, in the IoT device (301), some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (376), the camera module (380), or the antenna module (397)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (360)).

[0068] The processor (320) may execute software (e.g., a program (340)) to control at least one other component of the IoT device (301) connected to the processor (320) and perform various data processing or operations. At this time, the components of the IoT device (301) connected to the processor (320) may include hardware or software components.

[0069] According to one embodiment, as at least part of data processing or calculation, the processor (320) may store commands or data received from another component (e.g., a sensor module (376) or a communication module (390)) in volatile memory (332), process the commands or data stored in volatile memory (332), and store resulting data in non-volatile memory (334). In this case, the data received from the other component may include information acquired by the sensor module (376).

[0070] According to one embodiment, the processor (320) may include a main processor (321) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (323) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together with the main processor (321). For example, when the IoT device (301) includes the main processor (321) and the auxiliary processor (323), the auxiliary processor (323) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (321) or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor (323) may be implemented separately from the main processor (321) or as a part thereof.

[0071] The auxiliary processor (323) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (360), a sensor module (376), or a communication module (390)) of the IoT device (301), for example, on behalf of the main processor (321) while the main processor (321) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (321) while the main processor (321) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. The auxiliary processor (323) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (380) or a communication module (390)).

[0072] According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (323) (e.g., a neural network processing device) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. Such learning may be performed, for example, in the IoT device (301) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or may be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (308)). The learning algorithm may include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers. The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.

[0073] The memory (330) can store various data acquired or used by at least one component (e.g., processor (320) or sensor module (376)) of the IoT device (301). For example, the data can include input data or output data for software (e.g., program (340)) and commands related thereto. The memory (330) can include volatile memory (332) or non-volatile memory (334).

[0074] The program (340) may be stored as software in the memory (330) and may include, for example, an operating system (342), middleware (344), or an application (346).

[0075] The input module (350) can receive commands or data to be used for a component of the IoT device (301) (e.g., a processor (320)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the IoT device (301). The input module (350) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0076] The audio output module (355) can output audio signals to the outside of the IoT device (301). The audio output module (355) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. In one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0077] The display module (360) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the IoT device (301). The display module (360) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. In addition, the display module (360) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the strength of a force generated by the touch.

[0078] The audio module (370) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. The audio module (370) can acquire sound through the input module (350), or output sound through an audio output module (355), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (302)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the IoT device (301).

[0079] The sensor module (376) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the IoT device (301) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (376) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0080] The interface (377) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the IoT device (301) to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (302)). In one embodiment, the interface (377) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0081] The connection terminal (378) may include a connector through which the IoT device (301) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (302)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (378) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0082] The haptic module (379) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. In one embodiment, the haptic module (379) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0083] The camera module (380) can capture still images and videos. According to one embodiment, the camera module (380) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0084] The power management module (388) can manage power supplied to the IoT device (301). According to one embodiment, the power management module (388) can be implemented, for example, as at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0085] A battery (389) may power at least one component of the IoT device (301). In one embodiment, the battery (389) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0086] The communication module (390) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the IoT device (301) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (302), electronic device (304), or server (308)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (390) may operate independently from the processor (320) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (390) may include a wireless communication module (392) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (394) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device (304) via a first network (398) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (399) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (392) can identify or authenticate the IoT device (301) within a communication network such as the first network (398) or the second network (399) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (396).

[0087] The wireless communication module (392) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (392) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (392) can support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (392) can support various requirements specified in an IoT device (301), an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (304)), or a network system (e.g., a second network (399)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (392) may support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

[0088] The antenna module (397) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module (397) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In one embodiment, the antenna module (397) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (398) or the second network (399), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by the communication module (390). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (390) and an external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. In some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (397).

[0089] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (397) may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band.

[0090] At least some of the above components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)).

[0091] In one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the IoT device (301) and an external device (302, or 304) via a server (308) connected to a second network (399). Each of the external devices (302, or 304) may be the same or a different type of device as the IoT device (301). In one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the IoT device (301) may be executed in one or more of the external devices (302, 304, or 308). For example, if the IoT device (301) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the IoT device (301) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service itself, request one or more external devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the IoT device (301). The IoT device (301) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be utilized, for example. The IoT device (301) may provide an ultra-low latency service by utilizing, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing.

[0092] In another embodiment, the external electronic device (304) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (308) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or neural networks.

[0093] According to one embodiment, an external device (304) or server (308) may be included in the second network (399). The IoT device (301) may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0094] Electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to the embodiments of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0095] Figure 3 is a control block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 3, the electronic device (10) may include a communication interface (410), a user interface (420), and / or a control unit (430). The control unit (430) may include at least one processor (431) and at least one memory (432).

[0097] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (10) may further include at least some of the configurations and / or functions of the IoT device (301) of FIG. 3, and may implement various embodiments of the present document even if some of the illustrated configurations are omitted or replaced. According to various embodiments, the electronic device (10) may be implemented as any one device within the IoT environment (100). For example, the electronic device (10) may be any one of the electronic device (10) or the user device (2) within the IoT environment (100).

[0098] The electronic device (10) may be a device that includes sensors including various sensors (e.g., a camera, a light sensor, or a microphone), such as a smart phone or tablet PC, and is equipped with at least one processor and / or memory resource. In this case, the electronic device (10) may install and execute an application that supports IoT services, thereby providing IoT services.

[0099] The communication interface (410) supports wireless communication (e.g., Wi-Fi, cellular communication) and can transmit and receive data with other IoT devices or cloud networks within the IoT environment. The communication interface (410) may include the communication module (39) and / or antenna module (397) of FIG. 4.

[0100] The communication interface (410) may communicate with other devices through an access point (AP), or may communicate directly with other devices using D2D (e.g., Bluetooth) or P2P (e.g., Wi-Fi Direct or Wi-Fi Aware) communication.

[0101] The user interface (420) can provide information necessary for providing IoT services to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (10) in the form of visual information or voice information.

[0102] The user interface (420) may include a display module (360), an input module (350), an audio output module (355), an audio module (370), and / or a sensor module (376) of FIG. 4.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the user interface (420) may include a touch screen including a touch sensing circuit (or touch sensor) (not shown), a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity of a touch, and / or a touch panel (e.g., a digitizer) capable of detecting a magnetic field-type stylus pen.

[0104] At this time, the touch screen may include, but is not limited to, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), an active matrix organic light emitting diode (AMOLED), a flexible display, or an expandable display.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the user interface (420) may provide guidance regarding the authentication operation of the electronic device (10) through various visual information.

[0106] Specifically, the user interface (420) may include a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, or a key (e.g., a button) for receiving commands or data to be used for an authentication operation of the electronic device (10) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (10). In addition, the user interface (420) may include a speaker to provide various information and / or guidance for guiding the authentication operation through voice information.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the user interface (420) may include at least one input interface (420a) and at least one display device (420b).

[0108] At least one input interface (420a) may include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0109] In the present disclosure, 'button' may be replaced with a UI element (User Interface Element), a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0110] At least one display device (420b) can transmit various information related to the authentication operation to the user by generating sensory information.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the display device (440) can output an image corresponding to content data generated based on mirroring content information received from the communication interface (410) and / or a user input signal transmitted from the input interface (420a).

[0112] For example, if the content in the video is at least one image, the display device (440) can output a still image for a selected area of ​​at least one image based on a user input signal transmitted from the communication interface (410) and / or the input unit (420a).

[0113] For example, at least one display device (420b) may output a notification regarding an action for mirroring an external device. Additionally, at least one display device (420b) may include a visual indicator regarding an action for device authentication.

[0114] At this time, the visual indicator may include at least one of an illustration, a graphic guide, or a visual reference.

[0115] The control unit (430) may include at least one processor (431) and at least one memory (432). When the control unit (430) includes at least one processor (431) and at least one memory (432), the at least one processor (431) and the at least one memory (432) may be integrated into one chip or may be physically separated.

[0116] The processor (431) is a configuration capable of performing calculations or data processing related to control and / or communication of each component of the electronic device (10), and may be operatively, functionally and / or electrically connected to each component of the electronic device (10), such as a communication interface (410), a user interface (420) and / or a memory (432).

[0117] According to various embodiments, there is no limitation to the computational and data processing functions that the processor (431) can implement within the electronic device (10). However, below, a function for determining whether a proximity movement event of an object has occurred using acceleration data acquired through a sensor as an input value will be described in detail. The operation of the processor (431) described below can be performed by executing instructions stored in the memory (432).

[0118] A processor (431) according to one embodiment may include the processor (320) of FIG. 3.

[0119] The memory (432) may include volatile memory and non-volatile memory, and may temporarily or permanently store various data used in at least one component (e.g., processor (431)) of the electronic device (10). The memory (432) may store various instructions that may be performed in the processor (431). Such instructions may include various control commands including arithmetic and logical operations, data movement, or input / output that may be recognized by the processor (431).

[0120] An electronic device according to one embodiment may include: an input interface for receiving an operation mode from a user; a communication interface for communicating with an external device including a server device or a user device to obtain time series data including at least one of time-based energy rate data or carbon intensity data and user-set energy usage data from the external device; and a processor for obtaining processed time series data based on a value obtained by adding a correction value to the time series data, and determining a recommended operation time zone based on the processed time series data and the user-set energy usage data.

[0121] The above correction value may correspond to a value determined for each time zone based on at least one of the operation mode reception time point or the time sensitivity characteristic of the electronic device.

[0122] The processor can calculate average values ​​of the processing time series data in preset time units, and determine the recommended operation time zone based on at least one time zone having a value lower than a preset threshold value among the average values.

[0123] The processor may determine the recommended operation time zone based on whether the at least one time zone is included in a user-defined energy usage minimum range determined based on the user-defined energy usage data.

[0124] The processor may calculate a value by reflecting the weights for each time period based on the energy usage for each operation step of the operation mode into the processing time series data, calculate average values ​​of the processing time series data to which the weights are reflected in preset time units, and determine the recommended operation time period based on at least one time period having a value lower than a preset threshold value among the average values.

[0125] The processor can determine whether the current time is included in the recommended operation time zone, and initiate operation of the electronic device according to the operation mode based on determining that the current time is included in the recommended operation time zone.

[0126] The processor may determine whether the sum of the power usage of the electronic device and at least one other electronic device located within the furniture where the electronic device is located and determined to operate during the recommended operating time period is less than or equal to a power circuit breaker threshold of the furniture based on the current time being not included in the recommended operating time period, and may provide a guide interface regarding the recommended operating time period based on the sum of the power usage being less than or equal to the power circuit breaker threshold.

[0127] The above guide interface may include a guidance message for receiving information about the recommended operation time zone and a user input regarding whether to initiate operation of the electronic device during the recommended operation time zone.

[0128] The processor may determine a priority between the electronic device and the at least one other electronic device based on whether the total power usage exceeds the power circuit breaker threshold, determine whether the electronic device can operate during the recommended operation time period based on the priority, and provide a guide interface regarding the recommended operation time period based on whether the electronic device is determined to be capable of operating during the recommended operation time period.

[0129] The processor may determine an operation start time of the electronic device based on receiving a user input from the user to start the operation of the electronic device during the recommended operation time zone, and may adjust the order of the plurality of operation steps based on energy usage of the plurality of operation steps preset according to the operation mode based on the determination of the operation start time of the electronic device.

[0130] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for obtaining user-defined energy usage data from a user according to one embodiment.

[0131] According to one embodiment, the screen (20) may be provided to the user through the user interface (410) of the electronic device (10) of the present disclosure or a user interface of another electronic device. Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the screen (20) may be provided to the user through the user device (2). The user device (2) may display the screen (20) and obtain user-set energy usage data from the user. The user-set energy usage data obtained by the user device (2) may be directly provided to the electronic device (10) through communication with the electronic device (10). Furthermore, the user device (2) may transmit the user-set energy usage data to the server (3), and the user-set energy usage data may be indirectly provided to the electronic device (10) via the server (3).

[0132] In one embodiment, a user can set energy usage by time zone through the screen (20). For example, the user can set the time zone as one of the first, second, or third time zones based on energy usage. The first time zone is the time zone with the highest energy usage and may be referred to as peak time or peak time. The third time zone is the time zone with the lowest energy usage and may be referred to as off-peak time. For example, the third time zone may correspond to the minimum power consumption time zone in which only essential appliances that must be always on, such as a refrigerator, are operated. The second time zone may be referred to as standard time zone, which has higher energy usage than the first time zone and lower energy usage than the third time zone. Each time zone may include continuous or non-consecutive time zones.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 4, a screen (20) according to one embodiment may include a first indicator (20a) and / or a second indicator (20b) for obtaining data regarding user-set energy usage from a user.

[0134] The first indicator (2a) may include a sub-indicator that provides visual information about time zones in the form of a bar. The user can set energy usage for each time zone by dragging the bar. Each section set according to user input may be displayed on the screen (20) with visual information. For example, the first, second, and third sections may be displayed in different colors.

[0135] The second indicator (2b) may include a sub-indicator that can directly receive specific start and end times for each section from the user via text input. The user can set energy usage for each time zone by directly entering the start and end times. When user-defined energy usage data is received from the user via text input, accurate and detailed time settings can be made possible. Each section set according to the user input can be displayed visually on the screen (20). For example, time zones corresponding to the first section, the second section, and the third section can be displayed in text format.

[0136] Figure 5 is a control flowchart of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0137] According to one embodiment, the processor (431) of the electronic device (10) may determine whether a user input regarding an operation mode has been received (1100). Here, the operation mode may be preset according to the type and function of the electronic device (10). For example, if the electronic device (10) is a washing machine (17), the operation mode may include a washing mode including a standard washing mode, a wool / delicate mode, a comforter washing mode, a baby clothes washing mode, or a sterilizing washing mode. For another example, if the electronic device (10) is a dryer (18), the operation mode may include a drying mode including a semi-drying mode, a rapid drying mode, a low-temperature drying mode, or a delicate drying mode. As another example, if the electronic device (10) is a dishwasher (12), the operation mode may include a washing mode including an automatic washing mode, a strong washing mode, a delicate washing mode, or a rapid washing mode. The operation mode may be referred to as an operation course. Each operation mode may include a plurality of operation steps. For example, if the electronic device (10) is a washing machine (17), the washing mode may include a washing step, a rinsing step, and a drying step.

[0138] The processor (431) can determine whether a user input regarding the operation mode has been received through the user interface (420). In addition, the processor (431) can also determine whether a user input regarding the operation mode of the electronic device (10) has been received from an external device (e.g., a user device (2) or a server (3)) through the communication interface (410).

[0139] If it is determined that user input regarding the operating mode has been received (example of 1100), the processor (431) may determine a correction value for the time series data or a weighting value for the correction value (1200).

[0140] Time series data is data recorded sequentially over time and may correspond to a set of values ​​observed or measured at regular time intervals. Time series data may consist of time information corresponding to the recorded data point (e.g., date, hour, minute, etc.) and values ​​corresponding to variables or observed data measured at that point. According to one embodiment, time series data may include at least one of hourly energy rate data or carbon intensity data. Hourly energy rate data may correspond to time series data indicating rates determined hourly based on electricity usage. For example, hourly energy rate data may include electricity rates (i.e., cost per kWh) applied at 15-minute intervals. In this case, electricity rates may be set higher during times with high electricity demand and lower during times with low electricity demand. Carbon intensity data may correspond to carbon dioxide emissions per unit energy (i.e., grams per kWh) generated during the process of generating or using energy. Carbon intensity data is used as an important indicator for measuring the environmental friendliness of energy production or use. For example, carbon intensity data may include carbon dioxide emissions data measured at 15-minute intervals when electricity is used. In this case, carbon dioxide emissions may be measured higher during times of high electricity demand and lower during times of low electricity demand. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (10) may acquire time-series data from an external device (e.g., a server (3) or a user device (2)).

[0141] A correction value may be a value added to process time series data acquired from an external device. Processing time series data may involve modifying or adjusting the raw data to reflect external factors not included in the original data (i.e., raw data). A correction value may be referred to as a correction value.

[0142] According to one embodiment, the processor (431) may determine a correction value as a set of values ​​that are added to each time series data and linearly increase based on the time at which the operating mode is received.

[0143] A weight may correspond to a value multiplied to adjust the scale of a correction value added to process time series data. In other words, a weight may correspond to a value multiplied to adjust the influence of a correction value on processed time series data obtained by processing time series data. The processor (431) may determine a preset constant value for the correction value as the weight (i.e., the first weight).

[0144] In the present disclosure, applying a correction value to time series data may include adding a corresponding correction value to each value included in the time series data. Furthermore, applying a weight to the time series data may include multiplying each value included in the time series data by a weight.

[0145] The processor (431) can acquire processing time series data based on a correction value or weight (1300). The processing time series data may correspond to data acquired by applying a correction value or a weight related to the correction value to time series data (i.e., raw data or raw data) acquired from an external device. A method for acquiring processing time series data according to one embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9 .

[0146] The processor (431) may determine a recommended operating time zone based on processing time series data and user-defined energy usage data (1400). The recommended operating time zone may correspond to a time zone in which energy efficiency is optimized for the electronic device (10) to operate according to the operating mode input by the user. For example, the recommended operating time zone may correspond to a time zone with the lowest electricity rates. As another example, the recommended operating time zone may correspond to a time zone with the lowest carbon emissions. A specific method for determining the recommended operating time zone according to one embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12 .

[0147] FIG. 6 is a control flowchart of an electronic device for obtaining processing time series data according to one embodiment.

[0148] A processor (431) according to one embodiment can process time series data to obtain processed time series data. The process of processing time series data to obtain processed time series data will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9.

[0149] Figure 7 is an example of time series data (raw data) according to one embodiment.

[0150] Figure 8 is an example in which a correction value is applied to time series data according to one embodiment.

[0151] FIG. 9 is an example in which a first weight is applied to a correction value to time series data according to one embodiment.

[0152] According to one embodiment, the processor (431) may acquire time-series data as raw data (1310). The time-series data may include at least one of time-based energy rate data or carbon intensity data. The time-series data may correspond to raw data that has not yet been analyzed, corrected, or processed.

[0153] For example, Fig. 7 illustrates a bar graph based on time series data. According to Fig. 7, the x-axis represents the time period in which the data was measured or determined, and the y-axis represents the value of the time series data. The value of the time series data may have a unit of won / kWh or g / kWh, depending on the type of the time series data. Each bar graph represents the size of the time series data value measured (or determined) at each time period. That is, each bar graph represents a value measured or determined at 15-minute intervals.

[0154] The processor (431) can obtain time series data from an external device (e.g., a user device (2) or a server (3)) via a communication interface (410). The processor (431) can process and / or analyze the time series data obtained from the external device as raw data.

[0155] The processor (431) can apply a correction value to time series data (1320).

[0156] The processor (431) can receive user input regarding the operating mode through the user interface (420) or the communication interface (41). The processor (431) can determine a set of values ​​that are added to each time series data and linearly increase based on the time at which the operating mode is received as a correction value.

[0157] The processor (431) can process data by adding each value included in the correction value to each value of the time series data.

[0158] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, values ​​that increase linearly based on the time point (t=0) at which input regarding the operation mode is received from the user can be added to each time series data value.

[0159] The data processing process using correction values ​​is intended to reflect the user's preference for actions to be performed in a timeframe close to the time when the action mode is entered. The further away from the time when the action mode is entered, the greater the correction value is added to the time series data values, which may increase the processed time series data values ​​for that timeframe. As described in detail below, when determining the recommended action timeframe, the interval with the minimum average value of the processed time series data values ​​is more likely to be selected as the recommended action timeframe. Therefore, applying correction values ​​to time series data can effectively reflect user preferences.

[0160] The processor (431) may apply a first weight to the time series data to which the correction value has been applied (1330). The first weight may correspond to a value for adjusting the scale when the correction value is applied to the time series data. The processor (431) may determine a preset constant value for the correction value as the first weight. In this case, the larger the first weight value, the more the correction value is reflected in the time series data, and the smaller the first weight value, the less the correction value is reflected in the time series data. If the first weight value is determined to be 1, only the correction value may be applied to the time series data.

[0161] Thereafter, the processor (431) can process the data by multiplying each value of the time series data applied to the correction value by the first weight.

[0162] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9, by multiplying each value of the time series data applied to the correction value by the first weight, the degree of reflection of the correction value can be further increased compared to FIG. 8, where the time series data to which only the correction value is applied is expressed. The data processing process using the weights regarding the correction value is intended to reflect the characteristics between an electronic device (10) (e.g., an electric range (13)) that is useful only when operated in a time zone as close as possible to the time when the user inputs the operation mode and an electronic device (10) (e.g., a washing machine (17)) that has a low correlation between the time when the user inputs the operation mode and the utility.

[0163] Accordingly, the processor (431) can obtain processing time series data (1340).

[0164] Processed time series data may correspond to data obtained by applying corrections or weights to time series data (i.e., raw data or raw data) acquired from an external device.

[0165] FIG. 10 is a control flowchart of an electronic device for determining a recommended operation time zone according to one embodiment.

[0166] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for determining a recommended operation time zone according to one embodiment.

[0167] According to one embodiment, the processor (431) can determine a recommended operation time zone using processing time series data. The process of determining a recommended operation time zone from processing time series data will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 11.

[0168] According to one embodiment, the processor (431) can calculate average values ​​of processing time series data in preset operation time units according to the operation mode input by the user (1410). The line graphs OT1, OT2, and OT3 of FIG. 11 each represent average values ​​of processing time series data for different unit times. For example, if the electronic device (10) is a washing machine (17) and the operation mode input by the user is a standard washing mode, the preset operation time unit may be 45 minutes. In this case, the processor (431) can calculate the average value of the processing time series data values ​​in 45-minute units. Accordingly, OT1 may correspond to a graph of average values ​​of processing time series data calculated in 45-minute units.

[0169] The processor (431) can extract at least one time zone in which the calculated average value is less than a preset threshold value (1420).

[0170] For example, referring to FIG. 11, among the average values ​​calculated in OT1, the section below the threshold value (T) may correspond to a first time zone in which the elapsed time from the time point (t=0) of receiving the user input is between 90 and 105 minutes, a second time zone in which the elapsed time from the time point (t=0) is between 105 and 120 minutes, a third time zone in which the elapsed time from the time point (t=0) is between 120 and 135 minutes, a fourth time zone in which the elapsed time from the time point (t=0) is between 135 and 150 minutes, and a fifth time zone in which the elapsed time from the time point (t=0) is between 150 and 165 minutes. Accordingly, the processor (431) may calculate the first to fifth time zones.

[0171] The processor (431) can determine a time zone included in the user-set minimum energy usage range among at least one time zone as a recommended operation time zone based on user-set energy usage data (1430).

[0172] As described above with reference to FIG. 4, the processor (431) can obtain information about a time zone based on energy usage set by the user through the communication interface (410) or the user input interface (420). For example, the processor (431) can obtain information about a first section, a second section, or a third section set by the user.

[0173] For example, the first time zone, the second time zone, and the third time zone may be included in the third time zone (Off-Peak Time), which is the time zone with the lowest energy usage, and the fourth time zone and the fifth time zone may be included in the first time zone (Peak Time), which is the time zone with the highest energy usage. In this case, the processor may determine a time zone that includes the first time zone, the second time zone, and the third time zone, which are included in the user-defined minimum energy usage time zone, as a recommended operation time zone.

[0174] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating another example of a method for determining a recommended operation time zone according to one embodiment.

[0175] According to one embodiment, the processor (431) may apply a second weight to the acquired processing time series data in calculating average values ​​of the processing time series data in preset operation time units according to the operation mode input by the user.

[0176] The processor (431) may determine a set of values ​​proportional to the energy usage per unit time within a preset operation time as the second weight. For example, if the electronic device (10) is a washing machine (17) and the operation mode input by the user is a standard washing mode, when performing the standard washing mode, the most energy may be used when performing the drying operation step and the least energy may be used when performing the rinsing operation step. Accordingly, when the preset operation time unit of 45 minutes is divided into 15-minute time units, the rinsing operation step will be mainly performed from 0 to 15 minutes, the washing operation step will be mainly performed from 15 to 30 minutes, and the drying operation step will be performed from 30 to 45 minutes, so the second weight may be determined as [0.5, 1, 1.5].

[0177] Accordingly, the processor (431) may multiply the processed time series data by the determined second weighting factor to calculate the average values ​​of the processed time series data in preset operating time units and then calculate the average values. Accordingly, the line graphs OT1, OT2, and OT3 corresponding to the average values ​​of the processed time series data for different unit times in FIG. 12 may differ from OT1, OT2, and OT3 in FIG. 11.

[0178] Accordingly, at least one time zone among the produced average values ​​having a value below a preset threshold may also be different. For example, referring to FIG. 12, among the average values ​​calculated in OT1, the section below the threshold value (T) may correspond to a 6th time zone in which the elapsed time from the time point (t=0) of receiving the user input is between 60 and 75 minutes, a 7th time zone in which the elapsed time from 75 to 90 minutes from the time point (t=0), an 8th time zone in which the elapsed time from 90 to 105 minutes from the time point (t=0), a 9th time zone in which the elapsed time from 105 to 120 minutes from the time point (t=0), a 10th time zone in which the elapsed time from 120 to 135 minutes from the time point (t=0), an 11th time zone in which the elapsed time from 135 to 150 minutes from the time point (t=0), and a 12th time zone in which the elapsed time from 150 to 165 minutes from the time point (t=0). Accordingly, the processor (431) may calculate the 6th to 12th time zones.

[0179] According to one embodiment, by applying a second weight to reflect the difference in energy usage in multiple operation stages included in an operation mode selected by a user, it is possible to provide an accurate recommended operation time zone, thereby improving energy efficiency.

[0180] FIG. 13 is a control flowchart of an electronic device for determining the start time of operation of the electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0181] According to one embodiment, the processor (431) may determine whether the operation of the electronic device (10) is possible according to an operation mode based on a user input based on the current time (1500). Determining whether the operation of the electronic device (10) is possible according to an operation mode based on the current time may include determining whether the current time is included in a recommended operation time zone. That is, if the current time is included in the recommended operation time zone, the processor (431) may determine that the operation of the electronic device (10) is possible according to the operation mode based on the current time zone. On the other hand, if the current time is not included in the recommended operation time zone, the processor (431) may determine that the operation of the electronic device (10) is impossible according to the operation mode based on the current time zone.

[0182] If the processor (431) determines that operation is possible based on the current time point (example of 1500), that is, if it determines that the current time point is included in the recommended time zone, it can immediately initiate operation of the electronic device (10) according to the operation mode (1501).

[0183] On the other hand, if the processor (431) determines that operation is impossible based on the current time (No in 1500), that is, if it determines that the current time is not included in the recommended time zone, it can determine whether the total power usage during the recommended operation time zone is below the household power circuit breaker threshold (1502). At this time, the total power usage during the recommended operation time zone may correspond to the sum of the power usage of the electronic device (10) and at least one other electronic device located within the household where the electronic device (10) is located and determined to operate during the recommended time zone. The processor (431) can obtain information about the power usage of at least one other electronic device located within the household where the electronic device (10) is located and determined to operate during the recommended time zone directly from the electronic device or indirectly from the server (3) through the communication interface (410).

[0184] The processor (431) may provide a guide interface regarding the recommended operating time zone when the total power usage during the recommended operating time zone is below the household power circuit breaker threshold (example of 1502) (1506).

[0185] At this time, the guide interface may include at least one of information about the recommended operation time zone or a guidance message for receiving user input about whether to initiate operation of the electronic device (10) during the recommended operation time zone.

[0186] The processor (431) may determine the priority between the electronic device (10) and at least one other electronic device (10) if the total power usage during the recommended operating time period exceeds the household power circuit breaker threshold (No in 1502), as applicable (1503). For example, the priority between each electronic device (10) may be preset and stored in the memory (432). As another example, the processor (431) may obtain user input regarding the priority between each electronic device through the communication interface (410) or the user interface (420) and determine the priority based on the user input.

[0187] The processor (431) may determine whether the electronic device (10) is operable during the recommended operating time based on the priority (1504). For example, the processor (431) may determine that the electronic device (10) is operable during the recommended operating time if the sum of the total power consumption of the electronic device (10) and other electronic devices (10) with a higher priority than the electronic device (10) is less than the household power circuit breaker threshold.

[0188] If the processor (431) determines that the electronic device (10) is inoperable during the recommended operating time period (No of 1504), it may output a notification regarding power saving mode (1505). At this time, the notification regarding power saving mode may include a guidance message for obtaining user input regarding whether to turn off the operation of other electronic devices (10) during the recommended operating time period to enable the electronic device (10) to operate during the recommended operating time period, or to operate other electronic devices (10) in power saving mode during the recommended operating time period.

[0189] If the processor (431) determines that the electronic device (10) is operable during the recommended operation time period (example of 1504), it can provide a guide interface regarding the recommended operation time period (1506).

[0190] FIG. 14 is a control flowchart of an electronic device for controlling an operation step after an operation start time of the electronic device is determined according to one embodiment.

[0191] According to one embodiment, the processor (431) may determine whether a user input to initiate operation of the electronic device (10) during a recommended operation time period has been received from the user (1507).

[0192] If the processor (431) determines that it has not received a user input to initiate operation of the electronic device (10) during the recommended operation time period (No of 1507), it can immediately initiate operation of the electronic device (10) according to the operation mode (1501).

[0193] If the processor (431) determines that a user input to initiate operation of the electronic device (10) within the recommended operation time period has been received (example of 1507), the processor (431) can determine an operation initiation time point so that the electronic device (10) operates according to the operation mode input by the user within the recommended operation time period (1508).

[0194] Thereafter, the processor (431) may adjust the order of the plurality of operation steps based on the energy usage of the plurality of operation steps preset according to the operation mode (1509). For example, if the electronic device (10) is a washing machine (17) and the operation mode input by the user is a standard washing mode, the plurality of operation steps included in the standard washing mode may include a washing operation step, a rinsing operation step, an anti-wrinkle operation step, and / or a drying operation step. In this case, the anti-wrinkle operation step may correspond to an operation step of rotating a drum to prevent wrinkling of the washing material to untwist the washing material. The anti-wrinkle operation step and the drying operation step may be performed alternately.

[0195] In performing the standard washing mode, the drying operation step may use the most energy, and the wrinkle-prevention operation step may use less energy than the drying operation step. Accordingly, the processor (431) may adjust the operation steps so that the drying operation step is performed when the processing time series data value is relatively small (i.e., when the energy rate is high or the carbon emission is high) within the recommended operation time zone, and the wrinkle-prevention operation step is performed when the processing time series data value is relatively large (i.e., when the energy rate is low or the carbon emission is low). Accordingly, the wrinkle-prevention operation step and the drying operation step may not be performed alternately, but the drying operation step may be performed after the wrinkle-prevention operation step is performed.

[0196] According to various embodiments, the processor (431) may adjust the operation content to improve energy efficiency when performing each operation step. For example, if the electronic device (10) is a washing machine (17), when the processing time series data value is relatively high during the time period in which the washing operation step is performed (i.e., when the energy bill is high or carbon emissions are high), the washing operation step may be performed by supplying cold water to reduce energy usage. Accordingly, the heater may not be driven to heat the water, thereby reducing energy usage.

[0197] An electronic device according to one embodiment may include: an input interface for receiving an operation mode from a user; a communication interface for communicating with an external device including a server device or a user device to obtain time series data including at least one of time-based energy rate data or carbon intensity data and user-set energy usage data from the external device; and a processor for obtaining processed time series data based on a value obtained by adding a correction value to the time series data, and determining a recommended operation time zone based on the processed time series data and the user-set energy usage data.

[0198] The above correction value may correspond to a value determined for each time zone based on at least one of the operation mode reception time point or the time sensitivity characteristic of the electronic device.

[0199] The processor can calculate average values ​​of the processing time series data in preset time units, and determine the recommended operation time zone based on at least one time zone having a value lower than a preset threshold value among the average values.

[0200] The processor may determine the recommended operation time zone based on whether the at least one time zone is included in a user-defined energy usage minimum range determined based on the user-defined energy usage data.

[0201] The processor may calculate a value by reflecting the weights for each time period based on the energy usage for each operation step of the operation mode into the processing time series data, calculate average values ​​of the processing time series data to which the weights are reflected in preset time units, and determine the recommended operation time period based on at least one time period having a value lower than a preset threshold value among the average values.

[0202] The processor can determine whether the current time is included in the recommended operation time zone, and initiate operation of the electronic device according to the operation mode based on determining that the current time is included in the recommended operation time zone.

[0203] The processor may determine whether the sum of the power usage of the electronic device and at least one other electronic device located within the furniture where the electronic device is located and determined to operate during the recommended operating time period is less than or equal to a power circuit breaker threshold of the furniture based on the current time being not included in the recommended operating time period, and may provide a guide interface regarding the recommended operating time period based on the sum of the power usage being less than or equal to the power circuit breaker threshold.

[0204] The above guide interface may include a guidance message for receiving information about the recommended operation time zone and a user input regarding whether to initiate operation of the electronic device during the recommended operation time zone.

[0205] The processor may determine a priority between the electronic device and the at least one other electronic device based on whether the total power usage exceeds the power circuit breaker threshold, determine whether the electronic device can operate during the recommended operation time period based on the priority, and provide a guide interface regarding the recommended operation time period based on whether the electronic device is determined to be capable of operating during the recommended operation time period.

[0206] The processor may determine an operation start time of the electronic device based on receiving a user input from the user to start the operation of the electronic device during the recommended operation time zone, and may adjust the order of the plurality of operation steps based on energy usage of the plurality of operation steps preset according to the operation mode based on the determination of the operation start time of the electronic device.

[0207] In one embodiment, a method for controlling an electronic device, comprising: an input interface for receiving an operation mode from a user; a communication interface for performing communication with an external device including a server device or a user device, and obtaining time series data including at least one of time-based energy rate data or carbon intensity data and user-set energy usage data from the external device; wherein the method for controlling the electronic device may include obtaining processed time series data based on a value obtained by adding a correction value to the time series data, and determining a recommended operation time zone based on the processed time series data and the user-set energy usage data.

[0208] Obtaining the processing time series data may include determining the correction value for each time zone based on at least one of the operation mode reception time point or a time sensitivity characteristic of the electronic device.

[0209] Determining the recommended operation time zone may include calculating average values ​​of the processing time series data in preset time units, and determining the recommended operation time zone based on at least one time zone having a value lower than a preset threshold value among the average values.

[0210] Determining the recommended operation time zone may include determining the recommended operation time zone based on whether the at least one time zone is included in a user-defined energy usage minimum range determined based on the user-defined energy usage data.

[0211] The control method of the electronic device may further include calculating a value by reflecting the time-period weight based on the energy usage for each operation step of the operation mode to the processing time series data, and determining the recommended operation time zone may include calculating average values ​​of the processing time series data to which the weight is reflected in a preset time unit, and determining the recommended operation time zone based on at least one time zone having a value lower than a preset threshold value among the average values.

[0212] The method for controlling the electronic device may include determining whether the current time is included in the recommended operation time zone, and initiating an operation of the electronic device according to the operation mode based on determining that the current time is included in the recommended operation time zone.

[0213] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device can help users reduce their energy bills and practice carbon neutrality.

[0214] In addition, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, an optimal operating time zone can be determined by processing time zone energy rate data or carbon intensity data from outside by applying correction values ​​and weights.

[0215] In addition, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, user convenience is improved as the user can flexibly select immediate execution and optimal scheduled execution as needed.

[0216] The technical problems to be achieved in the present disclosure are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0217] The disclosed embodiments have been described with reference to the attached drawings as described above. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in forms other than the disclosed embodiments without altering the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

[0218] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium storing computer-executable instructions. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, may generate program modules to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0219] Computer-readable storage media include all types of storage media that store instructions that can be deciphered by a computer. Examples include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic tape, magnetic disks, flash memory, and optical data storage devices.

[0220] Additionally, a computer-readable recording medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term "non-transitory storage medium" simply means a tangible device that does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between cases where data is permanently stored in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0221] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable recording medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated on a machine-readable recording medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

Claims

1. Input interface for receiving operation mode from the user; A communication interface for performing communication with an external device including a server device or a user device, and obtaining time series data including at least one of time-based energy rate data or carbon intensity data and user-defined energy usage data from the external device; and Obtain processing time series data based on the value obtained by adding a correction value to the above time series data, An electronic device comprising a processor that determines a recommended operation time zone based on the processing time series data and the user-set energy usage data.

2. In paragraph 1, The above correction value is, An electronic device, wherein the value is determined for each time zone based on at least one of the time of receiving the operation mode or the time sensitivity characteristics of the electronic device.

3. In paragraph 1, The above processor; Calculate the average values ​​of the above processing time series data in preset time units, An electronic device that determines the recommended operation time zone based on at least one time zone having a value below a preset threshold among the above average values.

4. In paragraph 3, The above processor; An electronic device that determines the recommended operation time zone based on whether at least one time zone falls within a user-defined energy usage minimum range determined based on the user-defined energy usage data.

5. In paragraph 1, The above processor; Calculate a value by reflecting the time-based weight based on the energy usage for each operation step of the above operation mode into the above processing time series data, Calculate the average values ​​of the processed time series data with the weights reflected in the preset time units, An electronic device that determines the recommended operation time zone based on at least one time zone having a value below a preset threshold among the above average values.

6. In paragraph 1, The above processor; Determine whether the current time is within the above recommended action time zone, An electronic device that initiates operation of the electronic device according to the operation mode based on determining that the current time is included in the recommended operation time zone.

7. In paragraph 6, The above processor; Based on the fact that the current time is not included in the recommended operating time zone, it is determined whether the sum of the power usage of the electronic device and at least one other electronic device located within the furniture where the electronic device is located and determined to operate during the recommended operating time zone during the recommended operating time zone is less than or equal to the power circuit breaker threshold of the furniture; Provide a guide interface regarding the recommended operating time period based on the total power usage being below the power circuit breaker threshold, The above guide interface is, An electronic device comprising information regarding the recommended operation time zone and a guidance message for receiving user input regarding whether to initiate operation of the electronic device during the recommended operation time zone.

8. In paragraph 7, The above processor; Determining the priority between the electronic device and the at least one other electronic device based on the total power usage exceeding the power circuit breaker threshold; Based on the above priority, determine whether the electronic device can operate during the recommended operating time period, An electronic device that provides a guide interface regarding the recommended operating time zone based on the electronic device determining that the electronic device is operable during the recommended operating time zone.

9. In paragraph 8, The above processor; Determining the time point at which the electronic device starts operating based on receiving a user input from the user to initiate the operation of the electronic device during the recommended operation time period; An electronic device that controls the order of a plurality of operation steps based on the energy usage of a plurality of operation steps preset according to the operation mode based on the determination of the operation start time of the electronic device.

10. An input interface for receiving an operation mode from a user; A control method of an electronic device including a communication interface for performing communication with an external device including a server device or a user device, and obtaining time series data including at least one of time-based energy rate data or carbon intensity data and user-set energy usage data from the external device, The method of controlling the above electronic device is as follows: Obtain processing time series data based on the value obtained by adding a correction value to the above time series data, A control method of an electronic device, comprising determining a recommended operation time zone based on the processing time series data and the user-set energy usage data.

11. In paragraph 10, Obtaining the above processing time series data is: A control method of an electronic device, comprising determining the correction value for each time zone based on at least one of the operation mode reception time and the time sensitivity characteristic of the electronic device.

12. In paragraph 10, Determining the above recommended operating time zone is: Calculate the average values ​​of the above processing time series data in preset time units, A control method of an electronic device, comprising determining the recommended operation time zone based on at least one time zone having a value below a preset threshold among the above average values.

13. In paragraph 12, Determining the above recommended operating time zone is: A control method of an electronic device, comprising determining the recommended operation time zone based on whether the at least one time zone is included in a user-defined energy usage minimum range determined based on the user-defined energy usage data.

14. In paragraph 10, The method of controlling the above electronic device is as follows: Further comprising calculating a value that reflects the time-based weight based on the energy usage for each operation step of the above operation mode in the processing time series data, Determining the above recommended operating time zone is: Calculate the average values ​​of the processed time series data with the weights reflected in the preset time units, A control method of an electronic device, comprising determining the recommended operation time zone based on at least one time zone having a value below a preset threshold among the above average values.

15. In paragraph 10, The method of controlling the above electronic device is as follows: Determine whether the current time is within the above recommended action time zone, A control method of an electronic device, comprising initiating an operation of the electronic device according to the operation mode based on determining that the current time point is included in the recommended operation time zone.

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