Electronic device and control method thereof, and control method of system including electronic device and at least one device

Abstract

An electronic device is provided. The present electronic device comprises: a communication circuit; a memory for storing at least one instruction; and at least one processor communicatively connected to the communication circuit and the memory. The at least one instruction, when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, causes the electronic device to: when connected to an access point by using first communication configuration information, record the first communication configuration information in a blockchain network, wherein the blockchain network stores information on at least one device registered using the same user account as the electronic device; when it is determined that an event for connecting to the access point by using second communication configuration information has occurred, record the second communication configuration information in the blockchain network; and when the recording of the second communication configuration information in the blockchain network is successful, perform connection to the access point by using the second communication configuration information.

Description

An electronic device and a method for controlling the same, and a method for controlling a system including an electronic device and at least one device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device capable of performing a communication connection using a blockchain network and a method for controlling the same. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an electronic device and a method for controlling a system comprising at least one device.

[0002] Recently, technologies related to the Internet of Things (IoT) have been developing rapidly. In particular, various electronic devices can be interconnected to form a home IoT system. Such home IoT systems provide a variety of services to users.

[0003] Meanwhile, in an IoT system, multiple devices can establish communication connections using a Wi-Fi access point. A guide was provided for measures to ensure that devices within the IoT system can connect to the Wi-Fi access point in a secure manner if the connected Wi-Fi access point is unsafe.

[0004] When such guides were provided, users directly connected to the Wi-Fi access point to change the settings. In other words, users manually entered the IP (Internet Protocol) address and password and changed the encryption method to enable devices within the IoT system to connect to the Wi-Fi access point securely. However, changing communication connection settings, such as the encryption method, disconnects other devices connected to that Wi-Fi access point. Consequently, users faced the inconvenience of having to manually reconnect other devices one by one.

[0005] Meanwhile, the information described above is provided as related art for the purpose of aiding understanding of the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the foregoing can be applied as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0006] The aspects of the present disclosure are to solve at least the problems and / or disadvantages described above and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, one aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for controlling a system comprising an electronic device and at least one device.

[0007] Additional aspects may be disclosed as part of the following description, become obvious from the description, or be learned through embodiments of the present invention.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device comprises: a communication circuit; a memory for storing at least one instruction; and at least one processor connected to communicate with the communication circuit and the memory. When the at least one instruction is executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device is connected to an access point using first communication setting information, the first communication setting information is recorded in a blockchain network, the blockchain network stores information regarding at least one device registered with the same user account as the electronic device, and when it is determined that an event for connecting to the access point using second communication setting information has occurred, the second communication setting information is recorded in the blockchain network, and when the recording of the second communication setting information in the blockchain network is successful, the connection to the access point is performed using the second communication setting information.

[0009] When the above at least one instruction is executed individually or collectively by the above at least one processor, the electronic device identifies the security strength of the first security protocol included in the first communication setting information and, based on the identified security strength, provides a UI for changing the security protocol for connecting to the access point from the first security protocol to the second security protocol, wherein the second security protocol has a higher security strength than the first security protocol, and when user input for changing to the second security protocol is received through the UI, it can be determined that an event for connecting to the access point and the second communication setting information including the second security protocol has occurred.

[0010] When the above at least one instruction is executed individually or collectively by the above at least one processor, the electronic device may acquire information regarding the above at least one device recorded in the blockchain network when the recording of the above second communication setting information in the blockchain network is successful, and when each of the above at least one device is identified as being in the blockchain network connection state and power on state, perform a connection with the access point using the above second communication setting information.

[0011] When the above at least one instruction is executed individually or collectively by the above at least one processor, the electronic device provides a UI that requests a blockchain network connection or power-on of the identified device when a device among the above at least one device is identified as being disconnected from the blockchain network or in a power-off state, and when the connection or power-on of the identified device is performed, it may perform a connection with the access point using the second communication setting information.

[0012] When the above at least one instruction is executed individually or collectively by the above at least one processor, if the electronic device identifies a device among the above at least one device that is disconnected from the blockchain network or is in a power-off state, it provides a UI for changing the first communication setting information after a waiting time, and when user input is received, it can perform a connection with the access point using the second communication setting information.

[0013] When the above at least one instruction is executed individually or collectively by the above at least one processor, the electronic device may perform a connection with the access point using the second communication setting information after the waiting time has elapsed when a user input corresponding to the change is received after the waiting time, and immediately perform a connection with the access point using the second communication setting information when a user input corresponding to the change is received without the waiting time, and the waiting time may include a time based on the usage pattern information of the identified device.

[0014] When the above at least one instruction is executed individually or collectively by the above at least one processor, if the electronic device is identified as being disconnected from the blockchain network or being powered off and unable to perform operations related to the blockchain among the above at least one devices, it can perform operations related to the blockchain, identify another device connected to the identified device, and cause the other device to transmit a signal corresponding to a user input for controlling the identified device to the identified device.

[0015] When the above at least one instruction is executed individually or collectively by the above at least one processor, the electronic device may be configured to perform a connection with the access point using the second communication setting information before changing the encryption setting value, if the encryption setting value included in the first communication setting information is configured to change at a preset period.

[0016] The above blockchain network may store communication setting information of a second communication circuit different from the above communication circuit, login information of a service used by a user, and security information.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method performed by an electronic device is provided. The method comprises: a step of recording the first communication setting information by the electronic device in a blockchain network when a connection is established with an access point using first communication setting information; wherein the blockchain network stores information regarding at least one device registered with the same user account as the electronic device, and when it is determined that an event for establishing a connection with the access point using second communication setting information has occurred, a step of recording the second communication setting information in the blockchain network by the electronic device; and a step of establishing a connection with the access point by the electronic device using the second communication setting information when the recording of the second communication setting information in the blockchain network is successful.

[0018] The above method may further include: a step of identifying the security strength of a first security protocol included in the first communication setting information; a step of providing a UI for changing the security protocol for connecting to the access point from the first security protocol to a second security protocol based on the identified security strength; wherein the second security protocol has a higher security strength than the first security protocol, and when user input for changing to the second security protocol is received through the UI, determining that an event for connecting to the access point and the second communication setting information including the second security protocol has occurred.

[0019] The step of performing the above connection may include: a step of obtaining information regarding the at least one device recorded in the blockchain network when the recording of the second communication setting information in the blockchain network is successful; and a step of performing a connection with the access point using the second communication setting information when each of the at least one device is identified as being in the blockchain network connection state and power on state.

[0020] The step of performing the above connection may include: providing a UI requesting a blockchain network connection or power-on of the identified device when a device among the at least one device is identified as being disconnected from the blockchain network or in a power-off state; and performing a connection with the access point using the second communication setting information when the connection or power-on of the identified device is performed.

[0021] The step of performing the above connection may include: a step of providing a UI for changing the first communication setting information after a waiting time when a device among the at least one device that is not connected to the blockchain network or is in a power-off state is identified; and a step of performing a connection with the access point using the second communication setting information when user input is received.

[0022] The step of performing the above connection may include: a step of performing a connection with the access point using the second communication setting information after the waiting time has elapsed when a user input corresponding to the change is received after the waiting time; and a step of performing a connection with the access point using the second communication setting information immediately when a user input corresponding to the change is received without the waiting time; and the waiting time may include a time based on the usage pattern information of the identified device.

[0023] The step of performing the above connection may include: identifying another device connected to the identified device that can perform operations related to the blockchain when at least one device is identified as being disconnected from the blockchain network or being in a powered-off state and unable to perform operations related to the blockchain; and transmitting a signal corresponding to a user input for the other device to control the identified device to the identified device.

[0024] The step of performing the above connection may include the step of performing a connection with the access point using the second communication setting information before changing the encryption setting value when the encryption setting value included in the first communication setting information is set to change at a preset period.

[0025] The above blockchain network may store communication setting information of a second communication circuit different from the above communication circuit, login information of a service used by a user, and security information.

[0026] Meanwhile, in a control method of a system comprising an electronic device and at least one device that shares communication setting information using a blockchain network according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the method comprises: a step of recording the first communication setting information in the blockchain network by the electronic device when the electronic device is connected to an access point using the first communication setting information; wherein the blockchain network stores information regarding at least one device registered with the same user account as the electronic device, and when it is determined that an event for connecting to the access point using the second communication setting information has occurred, the electronic device records the second communication setting information in the blockchain network; and when the recording of the second communication setting information in the blockchain network is successful, the electronic device performs a connection with the access point using the second communication setting information.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, one or more computer programs stored on one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media may be provided. When the computer programs are executed individually or collectively by one or more processors of an electronic device, the electronic device may be able to perform the following operations. Specifically, when the electronic device is connected to an access point using first communication configuration information, the first communication configuration information is recorded in a blockchain network, the blockchain network stores information regarding at least one device registered with the same user account as the electronic device, and when it is determined that an event for connecting to the access point using second communication configuration information has occurred, the second communication configuration information is recorded in the blockchain network, and when the recording of the second communication configuration information in the blockchain network is successful, the connection with the access point is performed using the second communication configuration information.

[0028] Additionally, the electronic device identifies the security strength of the first security protocol included in the first communication setting information and, based on the identified security strength, provides a UI for changing the security protocol for connecting to the access point from the first security protocol to the second security protocol. The second security protocol has a higher security strength than the first security protocol, and when user input to change to the second security protocol is received through the UI, it can be determined that an event has occurred to connect to the access point and the second communication setting information including the second security protocol.

[0029] In addition to these configurations, other aspects, advantages, and key features of the present disclosure may become apparent to those skilled in the art by referring to the detailed description of the embodiments set forth below and the accompanying drawings.

[0030] The description below can be more clearly understood when referred to together with the attached drawings, the aforementioned aspects and other aspects, features, and advantages of specific embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a diagram for illustrating a blockchain network according to one embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0032] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating an IoT system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0034] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating a control method of an IoT system for a communication connection according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c and 5d are drawings illustrating a method for controlling an IoT system for a communication connection according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 are flowcharts for illustrating an embodiment of changing a communication connection setting when a device is in a communication disconnected state or a power-off state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an electronic device for a communication connection using a blockchain network according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the process of registering an L3 device to a blockchain network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the process of recording updated information of an L3 device on a blockchain network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the process of deregistering an L3 device from a blockchain network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Throughout the drawings, similar reference numbers will be understood to refer to similar parts, components, and structures.

[0042] The following description, with reference to the attached drawings, is provided to aid in a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the present invention as defined by the claims and their equivalents. While this description includes various specific details to aid in such understanding, they are merely illustrative. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the various embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity and brevity, descriptions of known functions and configurations may be omitted.

[0043] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to their dictionary meanings but are used by the inventor to ensure that the invention is understood clearly and consistently. Accordingly, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the present invention is not intended to limit the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents, but is merely for illustrative purposes.

[0044] Unless clearly interpreted otherwise in the context, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” should be understood to include a plural meaning. For example, a reference to “a component surface” means that it includes one or more such surfaces.

[0045] In describing the present disclosure, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known functions or configurations could unnecessarily obscure the essence of the present disclosure, such detailed description is omitted.

[0046] Additionally, the following embodiments may be modified in various other forms, and the scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make the present disclosure more faithful and complete and to fully convey the technical concept of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0047] The terms used in this disclosure are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the rights.

[0048] In the present disclosure, expressions such as “have,” “may have,” “include,” or “may include” indicate the presence of such features (e.g., numerical values, functions, actions, or components such as parts) and do not exclude the presence of additional features.

[0049] In the present disclosure, expressions such as “A or B,” “at least one of A or / and B,” or “one or more of A or / and B” may include all possible combinations of items listed together. For example, “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” or “at least one of A or B” may refer to cases including (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) both at least one A and at least one B.

[0050] Expressions such as "first," "second," "first," or "second" used in this disclosure may modify various components regardless of order and / or importance, and are used only to distinguish one component from another and do not limit said components.

[0051] Where it is stated that a certain component (e.g., a first component) is "(operatively or communicatively) coupled with / to" or "connected to" another component (e.g., a second component), it should be understood that the said certain component may be directly connected to the said other component or indirectly connected through another component (e.g., a third component).

[0052] On the other hand, when it is stated that a certain component (e.g., a first component) is "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another component (e.g., a second component), it may be understood that no other component (e.g., a third component) exists between said certain component and said other component.

[0053] As used in this disclosure, the expression “configured to” may be replaced, depending on the context, with, for example, “suitable for,” “having the capacity to,” “designed to,” “adapted to,” “made to,” or “capable of.” The term “configured to” may not necessarily mean only “specifically designed to” in hardware.

[0054] Instead, in some situations, the expression “device configured to do something” may mean that the device is “capable of doing something” together with other devices or components. For example, the phrase “processor configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C” may mean a dedicated processor for performing those operations (e.g., an embedded processor), or a generic-purpose processor (e.g., a CPU or application processor) capable of performing those operations by executing one or more software programs stored in a memory device.

[0055] In the embodiments, a 'module' or 'part' performs at least one function or operation and may be implemented in hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software. Additionally, a plurality of 'modules' or a plurality of 'parts' may be integrated into at least one module and implemented by at least one processor, except for the 'module' or 'part' that needs to be implemented in specific hardware.

[0056] Meanwhile, the various elements and areas in the drawings are depicted schematically. Accordingly, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited by the relative sizes or spacing depicted in the attached drawings.

[0057] It is self-evident that combinations between the blocks and flows of each flowchart can be executed by one or more computer programs containing instructions. The entirety of such one or more computer programs may be stored in a single memory device, or different parts may be stored distributed across multiple different memory devices.

[0058] The functions or operations described in this specification may be processed by a single processor or a combination of multiple processors. Such a single processor or a combination of multiple processors may include circuits that perform processing, such as an application processor (AP, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a communication processor (CP, e.g., a modem), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural network processing unit (NPU) (e.g., an artificial intelligence (AI) chip), a wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) chip, a Bluetooth chip, a global positioning system (GPS) chip, a near-field communication (NFC) chip, a connectivity chip, a sensor controller, a touch controller, a fingerprint sensor controller, a display driver integrated circuit (IC), an audio codec chip, a universal serial bus (USB) controller, a camera controller, an image processing IC, a microprocessor unit (MPU), a system-on-chip (SoC), an integrated circuit (IC), etc. Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains can easily implement them.

[0059] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains can easily practice the present disclosure.

[0060] FIG. 1 is a drawing for illustrating a blockchain network according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 1, a plurality of devices (100-1 to 100-6) can form a blockchain network.

[0062] Here, a "blockchain network" refers to a decentralized network based on blockchain technology, a system in which transaction records or data are jointly managed and verified by multiple participants rather than by a centralized server.

[0063] In particular, blockchain networks have a decentralized structure where multiple nodes participating in the network, rather than a central server, store and manage information (or data). Information is stored in units of 'blocks,' and each block can be linked to the previous block to form a 'chain.' Furthermore, since all transactions or information changes must be verified and agreed upon by multiple participants before being recorded in a block, data is difficult to alter once recorded, thereby enhancing transparency.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 1, a plurality of devices (100-1 to 100-6) can form a blockchain network. The plurality of devices (100-1 to 100-6) can be implemented as a plurality of types of electronic devices included in an IoT system. For example, the plurality of devices (100) may include a TV (100-1), a smart cooker (100-2), a monitor (100-3), an air purifier (100-4), a refrigerator (100-5), and a smartphone (100-6), but this is merely one embodiment and other types of devices may be included.

[0065] Multiple devices (100-1 to 100-6) may be managed by at least one user account (such as a personal account or a family account). Specifically, multiple devices (100-1 to 100-6) may be managed by an account server (10).

[0066] A plurality of devices (100-1 to 100-6) may be classified into a plurality of levels of devices according to the computing power of the devices. For example, a plurality of devices (100-1 to 100-6) may be classified into first to third levels of devices according to criteria such as Table 1 below.

[0067] Presence or absence of level display Blockchain-related operation capability Computing capability device Level 1: Present / Possible / High (Smartphone, Smart TV, Family Hub, Laptop PC) Level 2: Present / Possible / Low (Speaker or audio device) Level 3: Absent / Impossible / High / Low (Air purifier, washing machine, sensor product, etc.)

[0068] For example, among the plurality of devices (100) shown in FIG. 1, the TV (100-1), monitor (100-3), refrigerator (100-5) and smartphone (100-6) may be devices of the first level (hereinafter referred to as "L1 devices"), the smart cooker (100-2) may be devices of the second level (hereinafter referred to as "L2 devices"), and the air purifier (100-4) may be devices of the third level (hereinafter referred to as "L3 devices").

[0069] A plurality of devices (100-1 to 100-6) may record (or store) information regarding the devices in a blockchain network. In one or more embodiments, the information regarding the devices may include communication configuration information and device status information. The communication configuration information is information related to a communication connection with an access point and may include a device identifier, SSID (service set identifier) ​​information of the access point (AP), MAC (medium access control) address information of the access point, information on the communication configuration method (e.g., security protocol, etc.), frequency band information, information on the channel band size, timestamp information, password information, information on whether the access point is hidden, etc. The device status information may include information on the communication connection status, information on the power on / off status, etc.

[0070] In one or more embodiments, information regarding the device may include communication setting information of a communication circuit different from the Wi-Fi communication circuit (e.g., Bluetooth communication interface), login information of a service used by the user, and security information.

[0071] In particular, multiple devices (100-1 to 100-6) can share communication setting information through a blockchain network to automatically change communication settings with an access point, thereby improving user convenience. The present disclosure will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0072] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating an IoT system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 2, the IoT system may include an account server (10), a blockchain server (20), an IoT cloud (30), and a plurality of devices (101, 102, 103). Meanwhile, the plurality of devices may include L1 devices (101), L2 devices (102), and L3 devices (103) according to the level.

[0074] The account server (10) can perform functions such as managing user accounts, registering multiple devices (101, 102, 103) associated with user accounts, and managing or controlling the registered devices. For example, a user can create a user account by accessing the account server (10) through a user terminal. A user account can be identified by an ID and password set by the user. The account server (10) can register multiple devices (101, 102, 103) to the user account according to a set procedure. For example, the account server (10) can register, manage, and control devices by linking device identification information (e.g., serial number or MAC address, etc.) to the user account. Meanwhile, in the case of the L3 device (103), the L3 device (103) is not directly connected to the account server (10), but can be registered with the account server (10) through the IoT cloud (30) or the L1 device (101) and L2 device (102).

[0075] The blockchain server (20) can manage multiple devices (101, 102, 103) as a single blockchain group (or blockchain membership, etc.). That is, multiple devices (101, 102, 103) of the same account can be managed as a single group through the blockchain server (20). The blockchain server (20) can perform the role of sending and receiving messages between devices within the blockchain group. In one or more embodiments, the L3 device (103) can be managed by the blockchain server (20) through the IoT cloud (30).

[0076] The IoT cloud (30) may be a server for storing, processing, analyzing, and managing data from devices (101, 102, 103) within an IoT system. Specifically, the IoT cloud (30) can store data (e.g., temperature, humidity, location, etc.) collected in real time by multiple devices (101, 102, 103). Additionally, the IoT cloud (30) can rapidly process large amounts of data, analyze data obtained from multiple devices (101, 102, 103) in real time, and respond immediately as needed. For example, the IoT cloud (30) can immediately perform actions such as turning a heater on or off when it detects a change in temperature within the home. The IoT cloud (30) can analyze data collected from multiple devices (101, 102, 103) to extract useful information. In particular, the L3 device (103) can provide IoT-related functions through the IoT cloud (30).

[0077] Multiple devices (101, 102, 103) may be connected to each other via a network. The network may include a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN) formed around an access point, and a short-range wireless network that does not go through an access point. The short-range wireless network may include Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1), Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), Wi-Fi Direct, NFC (Near Field Communication), Z-Wave, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0078] The access point can connect multiple devices (101, 102, 103) to an account server (10), a blockchain server (20), and an IoT cloud (30). Multiple devices (101, 102, 103) can be connected to various servers (10, 20, 30) via a wide area network (WAN).

[0079] The access point can communicate with multiple devices (101, 102, 103) using wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11), Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1), and Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), and can connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication, but is not limited thereto.

[0080] Meanwhile, among the plurality of devices (101, 102, 103), the L1 device (101) and the L2 device (102) can be connected directly (or via an access point) to the account server (10) or the blockchain server (20), but among the plurality of devices (101, 102, 103), the L3 device (103) can be connected to the account server (10) or the blockchain server (20) via the IoT cloud (30).

[0081] Additionally, multiple devices (101, 102, 103) may be connected via a blockchain network. Connection configuration information for a Wi-Fi network connection using an access point may be recorded in the blockchain network. This will be explained in detail later.

[0082] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 3, the electronic device (100) includes a communication interface (110), a display (120), a sensor (130), a user input unit (140), a memory (150), and a processor (160). However, this is merely one embodiment, and depending on the type of electronic device (100), some components may be removed or added. For example, if the electronic device (100) is an L1 device, components such as a camera, a microphone, etc. may be added, and if the electronic device (100) is an L3 device, components such as a display (120) may be removed.

[0084] The communication interface (110) includes at least one circuit and can communicate with various types of external devices or servers. The communication interface (110) may include at least one of a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) module, a Wi-Fi communication module, a cellular communication module, a 3G (3rd generation) mobile communication module, a 4G (4th generation) mobile communication module, a 4th generation LTE (Long Term Evolution) communication module, and a 5G (5th generation) mobile communication module.

[0085] In particular, the communication interface (110) can transmit and receive various information from at least one external device or server. The communication interface (110) can establish a communication connection with an access point based on communication configuration information recorded in a blockchain network. Additionally, when an event is detected in which the communication configuration information changes, the communication interface (110) can establish a communication connection with an access point based on the changed communication configuration information.

[0086] The communication interface (110) can obtain information about devices within a group recorded in a blockchain network. In one or more embodiments, the communication interface (110) can receive communication setting information and status information of devices within a group.

[0087] The display (120) may include various types of display panels such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel, an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diodes) panel, an AM-OLED (Active-Matrix Organic Light-Emitting Diode), an LcoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon), a QLED (Quantum dot Light-Emitting Diode) and DLP (Digital Light Processing), a PDP (Plasma Display Panel) panel, an inorganic LED panel, and a micro LED panel, but is not limited thereto. Meanwhile, the display (120) may form a touchscreen together with a touch panel and may be made of a flexible panel.

[0088] In particular, the display (120) may provide a UI for changing the first security protocol to a second security protocol with a higher security strength than the first security protocol. Additionally, the display (120) may provide a UI for requesting a communication connection or power-on of a device that is in a communication disconnected state or power-off state. Additionally, the display (120) may provide a UI for inquiring whether to change the communication connection settings after a waiting period.

[0089] The sensor (130) can detect the state of the electronic device (100) (e.g., movement, position) or the state of the external environment (e.g., user state) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. The sensor (130) may include, for example, a gesture sensor and an accelerometer.

[0090] In particular, the sensor (130) can detect location information of devices around the electronic device (100).

[0091] The user input unit (140) may include a button, a lever, a switch, a touch interface, etc. The touch interface may be implemented by receiving input by touching the user on the display (120) screen of the electronic device (100). In particular, the user input unit (140) may receive various user inputs for controlling not only the electronic device (100) but also other devices.

[0092] The memory (150) can store an operating system (OS) for controlling the overall operation of the components of the electronic device (100) and instructions or data related to the components of the electronic device (100). In particular, the memory (150) may include a plurality of modules for performing communication connections using a blockchain network. In particular, when a function for performing communication connections using a blockchain network is executed, the electronic device (100) can load data into volatile memory for various modules for performing communication connections using a blockchain network, which are stored in non-volatile memory, to perform various operations. Loading means the operation of bringing data stored in non-volatile memory into volatile memory and storing it so that the processor (160) can access it.

[0093] Meanwhile, memory (150) can be implemented as non-volatile memory (e.g., hard disk, SSD (Solid state drive), flash memory), volatile memory (memory within the processor (160)), etc.

[0094] A processor (160) can control an electronic device (100) according to at least one instruction stored in memory (150). In particular, the processor (160) may include one or more processors. Specifically, one or more processors may include one or more of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), APU (Accelerated Processing Unit), MIC (Many Integrated Core), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), NPU (Neural Processing Unit), hardware accelerator, or machine learning accelerator. One or more processors may control one or any combination of other components of the electronic device and may perform operations or data processing related to communication. One or more processors may execute one or more programs or instructions stored in memory. For example, one or more processors may perform a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure by executing one or more instructions stored in memory.

[0095] When a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of operations, the plurality of operations may be performed by a single processor or by a plurality of processors. That is, when a first operation, a second operation, and a third operation are performed by a method according to one embodiment, the first operation, the second operation, and the third operation may all be performed by a first processor, or the first operation and the second operation may be performed by a first processor (e.g., a general-purpose processor) and the third operation may be performed by a second processor (e.g., an artificial intelligence dedicated processor).

[0096] One or more processors may be implemented as a single-core processor comprising one core, or as one or more multicore processors comprising multiple cores (e.g., homogeneous multicore or heterogeneous multicore). When one or more processors are implemented as multicore processors, each of the multiple cores included in the multicore processor may include internal processor memory such as cache memory or on-chip memory, and a common cache shared by multiple cores may be included in the multicore processor. Additionally, each of the multiple cores included in the multicore processor (or some of the multiple cores) may independently read and execute program instructions for implementing a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, or all (or some) of the multiple cores may be linked together to read and execute program instructions for implementing a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0097] When a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of operations, the plurality of operations may be performed by one of the plurality of cores included in a multi-core processor, or may be performed by a plurality of cores. For example, when a first operation, a second operation, and a third operation are performed by a method according to one embodiment, the first operation, the second operation, and the third operation may all be performed by a first core included in a multi-core processor, or the first operation and the second operation may be performed by a first core included in a multi-core processor and the third operation may be performed by a second core included in a multi-core processor.

[0098] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor (160) may mean a system-on-chip (SoC) in which one or more processors and other electronic components are integrated, a single-core processor, a multi-core processor, or a core included in a single-core processor or a multi-core processor, and the core may be implemented as a CPU, GPU, APU, MIC, DSP, NPU, hardware accelerator or machine learning accelerator, etc., but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0099] In particular, the processor (160) records the first communication setting information in a blockchain network when it is connected to an access point using the first communication setting information by executing at least one instruction. The blockchain network stores the communication setting information of at least one device registered with the same user account as the electronic device (100). When an event for connecting to an access point using the second communication setting information is detected, the processor (160) records the second communication setting information in the blockchain network while performing a communication connection with the access point using the first communication setting information. When the recording of the second communication setting information in the blockchain network is successful, the processor (160) performs a communication connection with the access point using the second communication setting information.

[0100] In one or more embodiments, the processor (160) may provide a UI for changing the first security protocol to a second security protocol with a higher security strength than the first security protocol when the first communication setting information includes information about a first security protocol with a lower security strength. When user input to change to the second security protocol is received through the UI, the processor (160) may detect an event for connecting to the access point and the second communication setting information including the second security protocol.

[0101] In one or more embodiments, the processor (160) can obtain status information of at least one device recorded in the blockchain network when the recording of the second communication setting information in the blockchain network is successful. If, based on the status information of at least one device, it is identified that there is no device among the at least one device that is in a state of not being connected to communication or is in a state of being powered off, the processor (160) can perform a communication connection with an access point using the second communication setting information.

[0102] In one or more embodiments, the processor (160) may provide a UI requesting a communication connection or power-on of a device that is not connected to communication or is power-off, based on the status information of at least one device, if there is a device among at least one device that is not connected to communication or is power-off. When a communication connection or power-on of a device that is not connected to communication or is power-off is performed, the processor (160) may perform a communication connection with an access point using second communication setting information.

[0103] In one or more embodiments, the processor (160) may provide a UI for inquiring whether to change the communication connection settings after a waiting time if, based on the status information of at least one device, there is a device among at least one device that is in a state of not being connected to communication or is in a state of being powered off. When user input to change the communication connection settings after a waiting time is received through the UI, the processor (160) may identify the waiting time based on the usage pattern information of the device that is in a state of not being connected to communication or is in a state of being powered off, which is recorded in the blockchain network. After the waiting time has elapsed, the processor (160) may establish a communication connection with an access point using the second communication setting information.

[0104] In one or more embodiments, the processor (160) may provide a UI for inquiring whether to change the communication connection settings after a waiting time if, based on the status information of at least one device, there is a device among at least one device that is in a state of not being connected to communication or is in a state of being powered off. If user input to change the communication connection settings immediately without a waiting time is received through the UI, in one or more embodiments, the processor (160) may establish a communication connection with an access point using second communication setting information. A device in a state of not being connected to communication or is in a state of being powered off may establish a communication connection with an access point by obtaining second communication setting information recorded in a blockchain network through a communication interface different from the communication interface.

[0105] In one or more embodiments, if a device in a state of not being connected to communication or in a state of being powered off is a device that cannot perform operations related to the blockchain, the processor (160) can identify a high-spec device connected to a device in a state of not being connected to communication or in a state of being powered off based on the state information of at least one device, if there is a device in a state of not being connected to communication or in a state of being powered off among at least one device. The processor (160) can transmit a signal requesting the identified high-spec device to provide a UI requesting a communication connection or power-on of the device in a state of not being connected to communication or in a state of being powered off.

[0106] In one or more embodiments, the processor (160) can perform a communication connection with an access point using the second communication setting information before changing the encryption setting value when the encryption setting value included in the first communication setting information is changed at a preset period.

[0107] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating a control method for an IoT system for a communication connection according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 4, first, the electronic device (100) and the access point (50) can be connected via communication using first communication setting information (S405). For example, the first communication setting information may include information as shown in Table 2 below.

[0109] Data item format exampleDevice IdentifierString"f6b12601-996c-aad9-a0da-3895e72ec6a5"SSIDString"Test_AP"BSSIDString11:22:33:44:55:66Security CodeInt1SecurityStringWEPFrequency BandInt1FrequencyInt2412Frequency WidthInt20Timestamp StringString1669114106000PasspraseString1234567890Hidden StatusBooleanFalse

[0110] In one embodiment, the first communication setting information may include information regarding a security protocol of the WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) method, which is a first communication protocol with low security strength. The WEP security protocol is intended to enhance the security of a wireless network, but its security strength may be weak.

[0111] The electronic device (100) can record first communication setting information on a blockchain network (S410). That is, the electronic device (100) can record first communication setting information on a blockchain network to perform a communication connection with an access point (50). Meanwhile, the electronic device (100) can record status information of the electronic device (100) on a blockchain network in addition to the first communication setting information.

[0112] At least one device (200) can obtain first communication setting information recorded in a blockchain network (S315). At least one device (200) may be a device managed through the same account as the electronic device (100) within the IoT system. In particular, at least one device (200) may be managed as a group of the same blockchain network as the electronic device (100). Meanwhile, at least one device (200) can obtain first communication setting information recorded in a blockchain network through a Wi-Fi communication interface.

[0113] At least one device (200) can perform a communication connection using the first communication setting information (S420). That is, at least one device (200) can perform a communication connection with an access point using a first security protocol with low security strength included in the first communication setting information.

[0114] FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c and 5d are drawings illustrating a method for controlling an IoT system for a communication connection according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0115] Referring to FIGS. 5a through 5d, an electronic device (100) and at least one device (200-1 through 200-5) can be connected to an access point (50) with first communication setting information.

[0116] The electronic device (100) can detect the occurrence of an event to change to the second communication setting information (S425). In one or more embodiments, the electronic device (100) can identify that a communication connection has been established with the access point (50) through a first security protocol with low security strength included in the first communication setting information. That is, if the first communication setting information includes information about the first security protocol with low security strength, the electronic device (100) can provide a UI to change the first security protocol to a second security protocol (e.g., WPA, etc.) with higher security strength than the first security protocol. For example, as shown in FIG. 5b, the electronic device (100) can provide a UI (510) including a guidance message such as "Would you like to change to the secure WPA2 or WPA3?" Meanwhile, a visual form of UI (510) as shown in FIG. 5b may be provided, but this is merely one embodiment, and an auditory form of guidance message may also be provided. When user input to change to a second security protocol is received through the UI, the electronic device (100) can detect an event to connect to the access point (50) and the second communication setting information including the second security protocol. For example, when user input to select a "Yes" UI element is received in the UI (510) shown in FIG. 5b, the electronic device (100) can detect an event to connect to the access point (50) and the second communication setting information including the second security protocol.

[0117] In one or more embodiments, if the electronic device (100) is a device without a display, the electronic device (100) can identify a security protocol that has performed a communication connection with an access point (50) at a preset period. When it is identified that a communication connection has been performed with the access point (50) through a first security protocol with low security strength included in the first communication setting information, the electronic device (100) can detect an event to connect with the access point (50) through second communication setting information including a second security protocol.

[0118] The electronic device (100) can record second communication setting information on a blockchain network (S430). For example, the second communication setting information may include information as shown in Table 3 below.

[0119] Data item format exampleDevice IdentifierString"f6b12601-996c-aad9-a0da-3895e72ec6a5"SSIDString"Test_AP"BSSIDString11:22:33:44:55:66Security CodeInt1SecurityStringWPA3Frequency BandInt1FrequencyInt2412Frequency WidthInt20Timestamp StringString3869114106000PasspraseString1234567890Hidden StatusBooleanFalse

[0120] In one embodiment, the second communication setting information may be a communication setting information in which the security protocol and timestamp information are changed from the first communication setting information, as shown in Table 3. In particular, the second communication setting information may include information on the WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) security protocol, which has a higher security strength than the first security protocol. The WPA security protocol may be a security protocol developed to enhance the security of a wireless network. In particular, the WPA security protocol is a security protocol created to solve the security problems of the WEP security protocol, and has since evolved into WPA2 and WPA3.

[0121] The electronic device (100) may not immediately perform a communication connection with the second communication setting information, but may wait until the second communication setting information is successfully recorded on the blockchain network. Successful recording on the blockchain network may indicate that the information recording on the blockchain network has been agreed upon by multiple devices participating in the blockchain network. Specifically, if a communication connection is established with the access point (50) immediately through the second communication setting information, as illustrated in FIG. 5c, the electronic device (100) may immediately perform a communication connection with the access point using the second communication setting information, but at least one device (200-1 to 200-5) may have its communication connection terminated before acquiring the second communication setting information. Therefore, in order for at least one device (200-1 to 200-5) to acquire the second communication setting information, the electronic device (100) may not immediately perform a communication connection using the second communication setting information, but may wait until the second communication setting information is successfully recorded on the blockchain network.

[0122] When the second communication setting information is successfully recorded on the blockchain network, at least one device (200) can obtain the second communication setting information recorded on the blockchain network (S335). That is, at least one device (200) can obtain the changed second communication setting information.

[0123] When the second communication setting information is successfully recorded on the blockchain network, the electronic device (100) can establish a communication connection with the access point (50) using the second communication setting information (S440). When the device is connected to the access point (50) using the second communication setting information, at least one device (200) can be disconnected from the access point (50).

[0124] After the connection with the access point (50) is disconnected, at least one device (200) can establish a communication connection with the access point (50) using the second communication setting information (S445).

[0125] That is, the electronic device (100) and at least one device (200-1 to 200-5) can be connected to an access point (510) with second communication setting information as shown in FIG. 5d. By doing so, the communication settings of multiple devices existing within the IoT system can be automatically changed without separate user input.

[0126] Meanwhile, while recording the second communication configuration information on the blockchain network, at least one of the devices may be disconnected from communication or powered off. If a device disconnected from communication or powered off exists, and that device is a smartphone, the second communication configuration information recorded on the blockchain network can be verified through another communication interface (e.g., a cellular communication interface). However, if the device disconnected from communication or powered off does not have a cellular communication interface, it is difficult for that device to verify the second communication configuration information recorded on the blockchain network.

[0127] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8, a method for a device that is not connected to communication or is in a power-off state to check the second communication setting information when the device is not connected to communication or is in a power-off state exists while recording the second communication setting information in a blockchain network will be described.

[0128] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of changing communication connection settings when a device is in a state of not being connected to communication or in a state of being powered off, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0129] Referring to FIG. 6, first, the electronic device (100) can record second communication setting information on a blockchain network (S610).

[0130] The electronic device (100) can obtain status information of at least one device (200) from a blockchain network (S620). The status information may include information regarding the communication connection status or the power on / off status. For example, the status information may include information as shown in Table 4 below. The status information may be recorded on the blockchain network whenever the state of the device changes.

[0131] Data Item Format Description Example Power On / Off int Information about the device's current Power On / Off status "1" Connected / Disconnected int Information about the device's current Network Connected / Disconnected status "1"

[0132] The electronic device (100) can identify whether there is a device in a state of not being connected to communication or in a state of being powered off based on the state information of at least one device (200) (S630).

[0133] If it is identified that there is no device in a state of not being connected to communication or in a state of being powered off (S630-N), the electronic device (100) can establish a communication connection with the access point (50) using the second communication setting information (S640). That is, if the recording of the second communication setting information in the blockchain network is successful, the electronic device (100) can immediately establish a communication connection with the access point (50) using the second communication setting information.

[0134] If it is identified that a device is in a state of not being connected to communication or is in a state of being off (S630-Y), the electronic device (100) may provide a UI requesting a communication connection or power-on (S650). The UI may include a message requesting a communication connection for a device in a state of not being connected to communication or a message requesting a power-on for a device in a state of being off. Additionally, the UI may include information about the device in a state of not being connected to communication or is in a state of being off (e.g., device identification information, location information, etc.). For example, the UI may include a message such as "Please establish a communication connection for the robot vacuum cleaner that has lost its communication connection" or a message such as "Please turn on the power of the speaker that has been turned off."

[0135] After the UI is provided, the electronic device (100) can establish a communication connection with the access point (50) using the second communication setting information (S640). In one embodiment, the UI may include a UI element called "Yes" (or the first UI element) or "No" (or the second UI element). If "Yes" is selected, the electronic device (100) can establish a communication connection with the access point (50) using the second communication setting information after the device, which is in a state of not being connected to communication or is in a power-off state, is connected to communication or is powered on. If "No" is selected, the electronic device (100) can establish a communication connection with the access point (50) immediately using the second communication setting information without any waiting.

[0136] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating another embodiment of changing communication connection settings when a device is in a communication disconnected state or power off state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0137] Referring to FIG. 7, the S710, S720, and S730 operations correspond to the S610, S620, and S630 operations of FIG. 6, so a redundant description will be omitted.

[0138] If it is identified that there is no device in a state of not being connected to communication or in a state of being powered off (S730-N), the electronic device (100) can establish a communication connection with the access point (50) using the second communication setting information (S770). That is, if the recording of the second communication setting information in the blockchain network is successful, the electronic device (100) can immediately establish a communication connection with the access point (50) using the second communication setting information.

[0139] If it is identified that a device is in a state of not being connected to communication or is in a state of being turned off (S730-Y), the electronic device (100) may provide a UI that asks whether to change the communication connection settings after a waiting period (S740). For example, the electronic device (100) may provide a UI that says, "Would you like to change the communication settings after the robot vacuum cleaner that was turned off is turned back on?"

[0140] The electronic device (100) can identify whether to change the communication connection settings after a waiting time based on user input received through the UI (S750).

[0141] If it is identified that the communication connection settings are not changed after a waiting period (i.e., if a "NO" UI element is identified in the UI) (S750-N), the electronic device (100) can immediately establish a communication connection with the access point (50) using the second communication setting information without a separate waiting period. In one or more embodiments, at least one device (200) can establish a communication connection with the access point (50) by obtaining the second communication setting information recorded in the blockchain network through a communication interface different from the Wi-Fi communication interface (e.g., a cellular communication interface).

[0142] If it is identified that the communication connection settings are changed after the waiting time (i.e., if a “YES” UI element is identified in the UI) (S750-Y), the electronic device (100) can identify whether the waiting time has elapsed (S760). In particular, the electronic device (100) can identify the waiting time based on the status information of the device recorded on the blockchain network. Specifically, the electronic device (100) can obtain the status information of the device that is in a state of communication disconnection or power off recorded on the blockchain network. Then, the electronic device (100) can identify the usage pattern (or usage history) of the device that is in a state of communication disconnection or power off based on the status information of the device that is in a state of communication disconnection or power off, and can identify the waiting time based on the identified usage pattern. For example, if it is identified that the robot vacuum cleaner turns on at 9:00 AM every day based on the usage pattern of the robot vacuum cleaner that is in a power-off state, the electronic device (100) can identify the time until 9:00 AM the next day as the waiting time.

[0143] When the waiting time has elapsed (S760-Y), the electronic device (100) can establish a communication connection with the access point (50) using the second communication setting information (S770). That is, the electronic device (100) can establish a communication connection by waiting until a device that is in a state of not being connected to communication or is in a state of being powered off is reconnected to communication or powered on.

[0144] Meanwhile, in the above-described embodiment, the electronic device (100) is described as identifying a standby time based on the state information of the device in a state of disconnection from communication or power off; however, this is merely one embodiment, and it is obvious that the standby time can be identified based on user input.

[0145] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating another embodiment of changing communication connection settings when a device is in a communication disconnected state or power off state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0146] Referring to FIG. 8, the S810, S820, and S830 operations of FIG. 8 correspond to the S610, S620, and S630 operations of FIG. 6, so a redundant description will be omitted.

[0147] If it is identified that there is no device in a state of not being connected to communication or in a state of being powered off (S830-N), the electronic device (100) can establish a communication connection with the access point (50) using the second communication setting information (S860). That is, if the recording of the second communication setting information in the blockchain network is successful, the electronic device (100) can immediately establish a communication connection with the access point (50) using the second communication setting information.

[0148] If it is identified that a device is in a state of not being connected to communication or is in a state of being powered off (S830-Y), the electronic device (100) can identify whether the device in the state of not being connected to communication or is in a state of being powered off is a device that cannot perform operations related to the blockchain (S840). That is, the electronic device (100) can identify whether the device in the state of not being connected to communication or is in a state of being powered off is an L3 device. Information regarding whether the device in the state of not being connected to communication or is in a state of being powered off is an L3 device can be stored by the electronic device (100).

[0149] If the device in a state of not being connected to communication or in a state of being powered off is not a device that cannot perform operations related to the blockchain (S840-N), the electronic device (100) may provide a UI that requests a communication connection or power on (S850). The UI may include a message requesting a communication connection to be established for the device in a state of not being connected to communication or a message requesting a power on for the device in a state of being powered off.

[0150] After the UI is provided, the electronic device (100) can establish a communication connection with the access point (50) using the second communication setting information (S860).

[0151] If a device that is disconnected from communication or is powered off is a device that cannot perform operations related to the blockchain (S840-Y), the electronic device (100) can identify a high-spec device connected to the device that is disconnected from communication or is powered off (S870). The high-spec device may be called a parent device. The parent device may be a device that receives user input to control the device that is disconnected from communication or is powered off, and transmits a control command corresponding to the user input to the device that is disconnected from communication or is powered off. Additionally, the parent device may provide a management function to register or unregister the device that is disconnected from communication or is powered off as an IoT device. The parent device will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12.

[0152] The electronic device (100) can transmit a signal requesting the parent device to provide a UI requesting a communication connection or power-on (S880). The parent device can provide a UI requesting a communication connection or power-on.

[0153] After the UI is provided through the parent device, the electronic device (100) can establish a communication connection with the access point (50) using the second communication setting information (S860).

[0154] Meanwhile, although the above-described embodiment describes the electronic device (100) transmitting a signal for a UI provision request to a parent device, this is merely one embodiment, and it goes without saying that the electronic device (100) can transmit a signal for a UI provision request to a device frequently used by the user (e.g., a smartphone) or a device that has started changing communication settings.

[0155] In one or more embodiments, devices of an IoT system may be connected to an access point using first communication setting information. Among the devices included in the IoT system, a first user terminal (in particular, a smartphone) may have a Wi-Fi communication interface disabled (or off). When an event occurs in which the first communication setting information is changed to second communication setting information, the devices of the IoT system may establish a communication connection with the access point using the second communication setting information in the manner described above. When a user command to enable (or turn on) the Wi-Fi communication interface is input to the first user terminal, the first user terminal may obtain the second communication setting information recorded in a blockchain network through another communication interface (e.g., a cellular communication interface) and establish a communication connection with the access point using the obtained second communication setting information.

[0156] In one or more embodiments, a specific device among the devices of the IoT system may periodically change an encryption setting value (e.g., encryption password, etc.) among the communication setting information and record the changed encryption setting value on a blockchain network. When the encryption setting value included in the first communication setting information is changed at a preset period, the electronic device (100) may establish a communication connection with the access point (50) using the second communication setting information before changing the encryption setting value. Accordingly, other devices of the IoT system may establish a communication connection with the access point (50) using the communication setting information including the encryption setting value prior to change recorded on the blockchain network.

[0157] Meanwhile, communication configuration information of communication interfaces and other communication interfaces, login information for services used by users, and security information can be stored in the blockchain network.

[0158] In one or more embodiments, configuration information for a Wi-Fi communication interface and another communication interface (e.g., a Bluetooth communication interface) may be recorded in the blockchain network. For example, if a first device is connected to an external device via a Bluetooth communication interface, the first device may record communication configuration information with the external device in the blockchain network. Accordingly, within the IoT system, the first device and other devices can establish a communication connection with the external device via the Bluetooth communication interface using the communication configuration information with the external device recorded in the blockchain network.

[0159] In one or more embodiments, login information and security information for services used by a user may be stored in a blockchain network. Specifically, each device within an IoT system may obtain login information and security information required to use a specific service (e.g., F-Hub App Lock, F-Hub Backup and Restore). Devices that use the service may record the login information and security information of the service in the blockchain network. Accordingly, other devices within the IoT system can automatically perform login operations for the service based on the login information and security information of the service recorded in the blockchain network. In particular, if a user performs a software update or reset on any device within the IoT system, the login information and security information of the existing service stored in that device may be deleted. However, if the device subsequently becomes able to connect to Wi-Fi, the device can use the existing service as before based on the login information and security information of the existing service recorded in the blockchain network.

[0160] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an electronic device for a communication connection using a blockchain network according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0161] Referring to FIG. 9, the electronic device (100) can be connected to an access point (50) using first communication setting information (S910). In one or more embodiments, the first communication setting information includes information about a first security protocol with low security strength.

[0162] The electronic device (100) can record the first communication setting information on a blockchain network (S920). The blockchain network can store the communication setting information of at least one device registered with the same user account as the electronic device (100).

[0163] The electronic device (100) can detect an event for connecting to the access point (50) and the second communication setting information (S930). In one or more embodiments, if the first communication setting information includes information about a first security protocol with a low security strength, the electronic device (100) can detect an event for connecting to the second communication setting information that includes information about a second security protocol with a higher security strength than the first security protocol.

[0164] The electronic device (100) can record the second communication setting information on the blockchain network (S940). The electronic device (100) can record the second communication setting information on the blockchain network while maintaining a communication connection with the access point (50) using the first communication setting information.

[0165] The electronic device (100) can identify whether the recording of the second communication setting information to the blockchain network was successful (S950).

[0166] When it is identified that the recording of the second communication setting information on the blockchain network has been successful (S950-Y), the electronic device (100) can establish a communication connection with the access point (50) using the second communication setting information (S960). Specifically, at least one device (200) can obtain the second communication setting information recorded on the blockchain network. Then, when the electronic device (100) establishes a communication connection with the access point (50) using the second communication setting information, at least one device (200) can disconnect the communication connection using the first communication setting information and establish a communication connection with the access point (50) using the second communication setting information.

[0167] Meanwhile, within an IoT system, there may be low-spec devices (e.g., L3 devices) that cannot perform blockchain-related operations on their own. For instance, among devices in a home, there may be devices that lack a display and cannot perform blockchain-related operations independently due to low computing power and limited memory capacity.

[0168] In an IoT system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a high-spec device (e.g., an L1 device or an L2 device) may act on behalf of a low-spec device to manage the low-spec device so that the low-spec device can participate in the blockchain. The high-spec device may be referred to as a "parent device," and the low-spec device may be referred to as a "child device." Hereinafter, the low-spec device will be referred to as an "L3 device," and the description will be made assuming the high-spec device is an "L1 device."

[0169] Specifically, the L3 device can obtain security state information (hereinafter referred to as "security information") to be recorded on a blockchain network. The security information may include information regarding whether secure booting is performed, information regarding whether the latest software is updated, and information regarding whether automatic software updates are turned on or off.

[0170] The L3 device can select an agent to perform the operation of recording security information on a blockchain network through a policy for selecting an agent. In one or more embodiments, if there are multiple L1 devices within an IoT system to perform the operation of recording security information on a blockchain network, the L3 device can determine the L1 device with the fastest response among the multiple L1 devices as the agent. In another embodiment, the L3 device can determine the L1 device located closest among the multiple L1 devices, or an L1 device that has previously performed the role of an agent, as the agent.

[0171] The L1 device determined as the agent can receive security information from the L3 device and record the security information on the blockchain network.

[0172] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12, an embodiment in which an L3 device performs operations related to a blockchain network using an L1 device will be described.

[0173] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the process of registering an L3 device to a blockchain network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0174] Referring to FIG. 10, first, when the L3 device (1020) is booted, the L3 device can obtain security information.

[0175] And, the L1 device (1010) can register the L3 device (1020) as a new IoT device (①). Specifically, the L3 device (1020) may request security information from the L1 device (1010) during the IoT device registration process. The L3 device (1020) can select the L1 device (1010) as a device to act as an agent for participation in the blockchain network. That is, if the L1 device (1010) is selected as an agent, the L1 device (1010) can register the L3 device (1020) as a new IoT device.

[0176] After the device is registered, the L3 device (100) can obtain information and security information of the L3 device (1020) (②). The information of the L3 device (1020) may include identification information of the device, information on the Trust level, signature information, model information, communication setting information, etc., and the security information may include information on whether secure booting is performed, information on whether the latest software update is performed, and information on whether automatic software update is turned on / off.

[0177] Additionally, when registering an IoT device, the L3 device (100) can transmit information and security information of the L3 device (1020) to the IoT cloud (30) (③). The IoT cloud (30) can receive a request for information of the L3 device (1020) from the L1 device (1010), and can transmit information of the L3 device (1020) to the L1 device (1010) in response to the request (④).

[0178] The L1 device (1010) can store information of the L3 device (1020) received from the IoT cloud (30) (⑤), and can record updated information (i.e., information of the L3 device (1020)) on the blockchain network (20) (⑥).

[0179] Accordingly, the L1 device (1010) can register the L3 device (1020) as an IoT device within the IoT system through the process described above, and register the information of the L3 device (1020) in the blockchain network (20).

[0180] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the process of recording updated information of an L3 device on a blockchain network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0181] Referring to FIG. 11, first, the L3 device (1020) can obtain information and security information of the L3 device (1020) (①).

[0182] In particular, the L3 device (1020) can acquire information and security information of the L3 device (1020) at the time of booting of the L3 device (1020) or periodically, and update the information and security information of the L3 device (1020) to the IoT cloud (30) (②).

[0183] The IoT cloud (30) can transmit information from the updated L3 device (1020) to the L1 device (1010) (③). The L1 device (1010) may be a previously selected parent device, but this is merely one embodiment, and may be the L1 device with the fastest response or the closest L1 device.

[0184] The L1 device (1010) can record information of the updated L3 device (1020) on the blockchain network (④). In particular, if there is information among the updated L3 device (1020) that is different from the information of the existing L3 device (1020), the L1 device (1010) can record information of the L3 device (1020) on the blockchain network (20).

[0185] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the process of deregistering an L3 device from a blockchain network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0186] Referring to FIG. 12, the L1 device (1010) can receive a disconnection request from the L3 device (1020) (①). That is, the L1 device (1010) can receive a user command to disconnect the L3 device (1020) within the IoT system through the UI.

[0187] The L1 device (1010) can request the IoT cloud (30) to disconnect the L3 device (②).

[0188] The IoT cloud (30) can send a message to the L3 device (1020) to unregister the IoT device (③).

[0189] The L3 device (1020) can unregister from the IoT cloud (30) and unregister from participating in the blockchain (④). Additionally, the L1 device (1010) can update the blockchain network (20) to delete the security status information (including the information of the L3 device (1020)) of the L3 device (1020) (⑤).

[0190] In one or more embodiments, when there are multiple L1 devices and L3 devices (1020), the L3 device (1020) selects one of the multiple L1 devices (1010) as a proxy device through a policy for selecting a proxy device, and can record information about the L3 device (1020) on a blockchain network using the selected L1 device. By doing so, multiple L1 devices and users can verify information about the L3 device (1020) through the blockchain network (20).

[0191] In one or more embodiments, the L3 device (1020) may participate in the blockchain network (20) by transmitting information about the L3 device (1020) to the L1 device (1010) via the IoT cloud (30) at boot time or periodically. Additionally, if the existing proxy device, the L1 device, is in an inactive state (communication disconnected state or power off state), the L3 device (1020) may participate in the blockchain network (20) by selecting a new L1 device as the proxy device.

[0192] In one or more embodiments, when information about the L3 device (1020) is updated, the L3 device (1020) can not only select an existing L1 device as a proxy device, but also select a new L1 device as a proxy device and record information about the updated L3 device (1020) in the blockchain network (20).

[0193] In one or more embodiments, when a user command is entered to unregister the L3 device (1020) from the IoT cloud (30), information about the L3 device (1020) can be deleted from the blockchain network. By doing so, multiple L1 devices and users can verify information about the L3 device (1020) (i.e., unregister from the IoT cloud (30)) through the blockchain network (20).

[0194] Meanwhile, the method according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be provided by being included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or distributed online (e.g., download or upload) through 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., downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0195] A method according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as software comprising instructions stored on a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a computer). The machine may include an electronic device (e.g., a TV) according to the disclosed embodiments, which is a device capable of calling instructions stored from the storage medium and operating according to the called instructions.

[0196] Meanwhile, device-readable storage media may be provided in the form of non-transitory storage media. 'Non-transitory storage media' simply means that it is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and this term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily. For example, 'non-transitory storage media' may include a buffer in which data is stored temporarily.

[0197] When the above instruction is executed by a processor, the processor may perform the function corresponding to the instruction directly or by using other components under the control of the processor. The instruction may include code generated or executed by a compiler or an interpreter.

[0198] It is obvious that various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in the form of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software in accordance with the descriptions in the claims and specification.

[0199] Such software may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, and the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may store one or more computer programs (software modules). One or more computer programs may include computer execution instructions that control the electronic device to perform the method according to the present disclosure when executed individually or collectively by one or more processors of the electronic device.

[0200] Such software may be stored, for example, in the form of a temporary or non-temporary storage device. For example, the storage device may be in the form of ROM, RAM, memory chips, devices or integrated circuits, or optically or magnetically readable media, regardless of whether they are modifiable, and may be in the form of a compact disc (CD), a digital multi-purpose disc (DVD), a magnetic disc, or a magnetic tape. The storage device and the storage medium are examples of non-temporary computer-readable storage media suitable for storing computer programs or instructions that implement various embodiments of the present invention. Accordingly, various embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a program comprising code that implements the device or method described in any one of the claims of this specification, and a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium storing said program.

[0201] Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. It is understood that various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the essence of the present disclosure as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical spirit or perspective of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. In an electronic device, Communication circuit; Memory for storing at least one instruction; and It includes at least one processor connected to communicate with the communication circuit and the memory, and When the above at least one instruction is executed individually or collectively by the above at least one processor, the electronic device, When connected using an access point and first communication configuration information, the first communication configuration information is recorded in a blockchain network, and the blockchain network stores information regarding at least one device registered with the same user account as the electronic device. If it is determined that an event has occurred to connect the above access point and the second communication configuration information, the second communication configuration information is recorded in the blockchain network, and An electronic device that performs a connection with the access point using the second communication setting information when the recording of the second communication setting information in the blockchain network is successful.

2. In Paragraph 1, When the above at least one instruction is executed individually or collectively by the above at least one processor, the electronic device, Identifying the security strength of the first security protocol included in the first communication setting information above, and Based on the identified security strength, a UI is provided for changing the security protocol for connecting to the access point from a first security protocol to a second security protocol, wherein the second security protocol has a higher security strength than the first security protocol, and An electronic device that determines that an event has occurred to connect to the access point and the second communication setting information including the second security protocol when user input for changing to the second security protocol is received through the UI.

3. In Paragraph 1, When the above at least one instruction is executed individually or collectively by the above at least one processor, the electronic device, If the recording of the second communication setting information in the blockchain network is successful, information regarding the at least one device recorded in the blockchain network is obtained, and An electronic device that performs a connection with the access point using the second communication setting information when each of the above at least one device is identified as being in the blockchain network connection state and power-on state.

4. In Paragraph 3, When the above at least one instruction is executed individually or collectively by the above at least one processor, the electronic device, If a device among the above at least one device is identified as being disconnected from the blockchain network or being powered off, a UI is provided to request the identified device to connect to the blockchain network or be powered on. An electronic device that performs a connection with the access point using the second communication setting information when the connection or power-on of the identified device is performed.

5. In Paragraph 3, When the above at least one instruction is executed individually or collectively by the above at least one processor, the electronic device, If a device among the above at least one device that is disconnected from the blockchain network or is in a power-off state is identified, a UI for changing the first communication setting information is provided after a waiting period. An electronic device that, upon receiving user input, performs a connection with the access point using the second communication setting information.

6. In Paragraph 5, When the above at least one instruction is executed individually or collectively by the above at least one processor, the electronic device, When user input corresponding to the change is received after the above waiting time, a connection with the access point is performed using the second communication setting information after the above waiting time has elapsed, and When user input corresponding to the change is received without the above waiting time, a connection with the access point is immediately performed using the second communication setting information, and The above waiting time is an electronic device that includes time based on the usage pattern information of the identified device.

7. In Paragraph 3, When the above at least one instruction is executed individually or collectively by the above at least one processor, the electronic device, If a device among the above at least one device is identified as being disconnected from the blockchain network or being powered off and unable to perform operations related to the blockchain, another device connected to the identified device that can perform operations related to the blockchain is identified. An electronic device that causes the other device to transmit a signal corresponding to a user input for controlling the identified device to the identified device.

8. In Paragraph 1, When the above at least one instruction is executed individually or collectively by the above at least one processor, the electronic device, An electronic device that performs a connection with the access point using the second communication setting information before changing the encryption setting value, when the encryption setting value included in the first communication setting information is set to be changed at a preset period.

9. In Paragraph 1, The above blockchain network is, An electronic device that stores communication setting information of a second communication circuit different from the above communication circuit, login information of a service used by a user, and security information.

10. In a method performed by an electronic device, When connected using an access point and first communication configuration information, the electronic device records the first communication configuration information in a blockchain network; wherein the blockchain network stores information regarding at least one device registered with the same user account as the electronic device, and When it is determined that an event for connecting to the access point and the second communication setting information has occurred, the electronic device records the second communication setting information on the blockchain network; and A control method comprising the step of, when the recording of the second communication setting information in the blockchain network is successful, performing a connection with the access point by the electronic device using the second communication setting information.

11. In Paragraph 10, The above method is, A step of identifying the security strength of a first security protocol included in the first communication setting information; A step of providing a UI for changing the security protocol for connecting to the access point from a first security protocol to a second security protocol based on the identified security strength; wherein the second security protocol has a higher security strength than the first security protocol, and A control method further comprising the step of determining that an event has occurred to connect the access point and the second communication setting information including the second security protocol when user input for changing to the second security protocol is received through the UI.

12. In Paragraph 10, The step of performing the above connection is, If the recording of the second communication setting information in the blockchain network is successful, the step of obtaining information regarding the at least one device recorded in the blockchain network; and A control method comprising the step of performing a connection with the access point using the second communication setting information when each of the above at least one device is identified as being in the blockchain network connection state and power-on state.

13. In Paragraph 12, The step of performing the above connection is, If a device among the at least one device is identified as being disconnected from the blockchain network or in a power-off state, the step of providing a UI that requests the identified device to connect to the blockchain network or power on; and A control method comprising the step of performing a connection with the access point using the second communication setting information when the connection or power-on of the identified device is performed.

14. In Paragraph 12, The step of performing the above connection is, If a device among the at least one device is identified as being disconnected from the blockchain network or in a power-off state, a step of providing a UI for changing the first communication setting information after a waiting time; and A control method comprising the step of, when user input is received, performing a connection with the access point using the second communication setting information.

15. In Paragraph 14, The step of performing the above connection is, When user input corresponding to the change is received after the above waiting time, a step of performing a connection with the access point using the second communication setting information after the above waiting time has elapsed; and The method includes the step of immediately performing a connection with the access point using the second communication setting information when a user input corresponding to the change is received without the above waiting time, and A control method comprising a time based on usage pattern information of the identified device, wherein the above waiting time is a

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