Electronic device and control method thereof

Abstract

This electronic device comprises a first communication interface, a second communication interface, a memory, and at least one processor, wherein the electronic device: senses a signal strength for an AP device through the first communication interface; on the basis that the electronic device is located in a shadow area or expected to enter a shadow area, identifies an advertising signal transmitted from an external device capable of network connection through the second communication interface; acquires information on a strength of the advertising signal; transmits a tethering request signal to the external device through the second communication interface on the basis of the information on the strength of the advertising signal; and establishes a network connection through the external device on the basis of tethering with the external device.

Description

Electronic device and control method thereof

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device and a method for controlling the same, and more specifically, to an electronic device and a method for controlling the same that enable the electronic device to be connected to a network through another electronic device capable of network connection.

[0002] Electronic devices capable of providing various services using wireless communication networks such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are widely used. For example, robotic vacuum cleaners that perform vacuuming or mopping can connect to a network and transmit various information collected while cleaning in the home to the user's mobile device.

[0003] In addition, home appliances that support IoT functions, such as refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners, can connect to an AP (Access Point) device to transmit various information to a user's mobile device or receive commands for operation from the user's mobile device via Wi-Fi communication.

[0004] Meanwhile, due to the performance limitations of AP devices, the signal strength received by electronic devices may weaken as the transmission distance increases. Alternatively, the signal strength may also weaken if obstacles exist between the electronic device and the AP device. If the signal strength transmitted from the AP device to the electronic device weakens for these various reasons, dead zones may occur where the electronic device cannot communicate smoothly with the AP device. When an electronic device enters a dead zone, the network connection may be lost, making it impossible to continuously provide services to the user's mobile device.

[0005] According to the present disclosure, an electronic device according to at least one embodiment may include a first communication interface, a second communication interface, a memory for storing instructions, and at least one processor. The at least one processor may execute instructions stored in the memory individually or collectively so that the electronic device detects a signal strength for an Access Point (AP) device through the first communication interface, and based on the electronic device anticipating that it is located in a shadow area where the signal strength of the AP device is below a reference value or is entering the shadow area, it may identify an advertising signal transmitted from an external device capable of network connection through the second communication interface, obtain information regarding the strength of the advertising signal, transmit a tethering request signal to the external device through the second communication interface based on the information regarding the strength of the advertising signal, and enable the external device to be connected to the network based on tethering with the external device.

[0006] According to the present disclosure, identifying the advertising signal includes obtaining a signal transmitted from the external device via a broadcasting method through scanning, and the electronic device may transmit a signal requesting the activation of a tethering function for a tethering connection to the external device through the second communication interface based on the strength of the advertising signal obtained through scanning being greater than or equal to a reference value.

[0007] The above tethering connection request signal may include a tethering SSID and a tethering PWD (password).

[0008] The electronic device can identify whether the external device is capable of tethering based on whether there is a code indicating tethering capability information in the advertising information.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, the electronic device may further include a driving unit. The electronic device identifies whether a user mobile device is located in the shaded area, and controls the driving unit to move the electronic device to a relay area to perform an operation to relay communication between the user mobile device and at least one of the AP device or an external device capable of network connection based on the fact that the user mobile device is located in the shaded area, and based on the fact that the electronic device enters the relay area, can perform a communication relay operation between the user mobile device and at least one of the AP device or the external device.

[0010] According to the present disclosure, the memory may store map information. Based on the driving path of the electronic device or the map information, the electronic device may transmit a tethering request signal to the external device before the electronic device enters the noise zone, based on the expectation that the electronic device will enter the noise zone.

[0011] According to the present disclosure, the electronic device may further include at least one sensor. Based on the fact that the electronic device is connected via tethering with the network-connectable external device through the second communication interface, the electronic device may control the first communication interface to transmit operation information of the electronic device or sensing information of the at least one sensor to a user mobile device through the external device.

[0012] Based on the fact that there are multiple external devices capable of network connection, the electronic device can acquire information on the strength of advertising signals received from the multiple external devices and identify the external device with the greatest strength of advertising signals among the multiple external devices as the external device to perform tethering connection.

[0013] Meanwhile, an electronic device capable of network connection according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include a first communication interface for connecting to the network, a second communication interface, a memory for storing instructions, and at least one processor. The at least one processor may execute the instructions stored in the memory individually or collectively so that the electronic device periodically transmits an advertising signal through the second communication interface, performs tethering based on a tethering request signal received from an external device that scans the advertising signal through the second communication interface, and connects the external device to the network connected through the first communication interface.

[0014] The electronic device can perform the tethering based on the tethering SSID and tethering PWD (Password) included in the tethering request signal.

[0015] According to the present disclosure, the electronic device further includes a driving unit, and the electronic device identifies whether the external device is located in a shadow zone where the signal strength with the AP device is less than a reference value, controls the driving unit to move to the shadow zone based on the identification that the external device is located in the shadow zone, and can perform tethering with the external device by controlling the second communication interface based on the electronic device entering the shadow zone.

[0016] The electronic device can identify whether the user mobile device is located in a shadow zone where the signal strength with the AP device is below a reference value, control the driving unit to move to the shadow zone based on the identification that the user mobile device is located in the shadow zone, and control the second communication interface based on the entry into the shadow zone to perform tethering with the user mobile device.

[0017] The electronic device can maintain a tethering active state for a preset standby time based on the cessation of tethering with the external device.

[0018] According to the present disclosure, the electronic device can periodically transmit an advertising signal through the second communication interface based on the cessation of tethering with the external device.

[0019] According to the present disclosure, the advertising information may include a code indicating tethering capability information of the electronic device.

[0020] Meanwhile, a control method for an electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include the steps of detecting a signal strength for an Access Point (AP) device, identifying an advertising signal transmitted from an external device capable of network connection based on the electronic device being located in a shadow area where the signal strength of the AP device is below a reference value or anticipating entry into said shadow area, obtaining information about the strength of said advertising signal, requesting tethering from the external device based on the strength of said advertising signal being above a reference value, and connecting to the network based on tethering with said external device.

[0021] Additionally, the step of identifying the advertising signal may include the step of scanning the advertising signal transmitted by broadcasting from the external device based on the identification that the electronic device is located in the shaded area, and the step of identifying whether the external device is capable of tethering based on the strength of the scanned advertising signal.

[0022] Additionally, the step of requesting tethering to the external device may include the step of transmitting a signal requesting tethering to the external device, the step of transmitting characteristic data to the external device based on an acknowledging signal received from the external device, and the step of transmitting a tethering SSID and a tethering PWD (password) to the external device.

[0023] According to the present disclosure, the control method may further include the steps of: identifying whether the user mobile device is located in the shaded area; moving the electronic device to a communication relay area based on identifying that the user mobile device is located in the shaded area to perform an operation to relay communication between the user mobile device and at least one of the AP device or the network-connectable external device; and performing a communication relay operation between the user mobile device and at least one of the AP device or the network-connectable external device based on the electronic device entering the communication relay area.

[0024] In addition, the control method may further include the step of transmitting operation information of the electronic device or sensing information of the electronic device to a user mobile device using the network.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a network system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3 are drawings for explaining the network connection operation of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a first electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining tethering information according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the network connection process of a first electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of a first electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a second electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of a second electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIGS. 10 and FIGS. 11 are flowcharts for illustrating a method of controlling an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] The terms used in this specification will be briefly explained, and the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[0035] The terms used in the embodiments of this disclosure have been selected to be as widely used as possible, taking into account their functions within this disclosure; however, these terms may vary depending on the intent of those skilled in the art, case law, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Additionally, in specific cases, terms have been arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the relevant explanatory section of this disclosure. Therefore, terms used in this disclosure should be defined not merely by their names, but based on their meanings and the overall content of this disclosure.

[0036] In this specification, expressions such as “have,” “may have,” “include,” or “may include” indicate the presence of such features (e.g., numerical values, functions, operations, or components such as parts) and do not exclude the presence of additional features.

[0037] 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.

[0038] Expressions such as "first," "second," "first," or "second" used in this specification 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.

[0039] Where it is stated that a component (e.g., Component 1) is "operatively or communicatively coupled with / to" or "connected to" another component (e.g., Component 2), it should be understood that the component may be directly connected to the other component or connected through the other component (e.g., Component 3).

[0040] The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "consisting of" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0041] In the present disclosure, 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 (not shown), except for a "module" or "part" that needs to be implemented in specific hardware.

[0042] An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0043] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a network system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 1, the network system (10) may include a first electronic device (100), an AP device (200), a second electronic device (300), and a user mobile device (400). If the first electronic device (100) cannot independently connect to the network, the first electronic device (100) may connect to the network through the AP device (200) to transmit and receive signals with the user mobile device (400). For example, the first electronic device (100) may connect to the Internet through the AP device (200) to provide various services to the user mobile device (400), such as pet care services, security services, home energy care services, and infant care services. As an example, if the first electronic device (100) is implemented as a robot vacuum cleaner, the robot vacuum cleaner may photograph the pet through a camera while driving and provide the captured video data to the user mobile device (400) through the AP device (200).

[0045] However, it is not limited thereto, and any service that can be provided using data collected while the first electronic device (100) is operating may be included. This is merely an example and is not limited thereto, and the first electronic device (100) can collect data to provide various additional services using at least one sensor.

[0046] In order for the first electronic device (100) to smoothly provide these various services, the signal strength of the AP device (200) must be maintained above a reference value. However, if the operating range of the first electronic device (100) widens, the signal strength of the AP device (200) weakens, and a dead zone where communication is not smooth may occur.

[0047] In this case, when the first electronic device (100) enters a dead zone where communication with the AP device (200) is not smooth, the first electronic device (100) identifies a second electronic device (300) capable of network connection, connects to the second electronic device (300), and can transmit and receive signals with the user mobile device (400) by connecting to the network through the second electronic device (300). For example, the first electronic device (100) can identify a second electronic device (300) capable of tethering, connect to it, and perform a network connection through the second electronic device (300). The operation of the first electronic device (100) performing a communication connection with a second electronic device (300) capable of tethering in a dead zone will be explained again with reference to FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3 in the following section.

[0048] Meanwhile, tethering refers to a network sharing technology that utilizes network-enabled devices, such as smartphones and PDAs, as modems to enable other external devices without network connectivity to connect to the network. For example, if an electronic device without internet access connects to a smartphone via tethering, it can use the internet by sharing the smartphone's internet connection capabilities.

[0049] Various devices, such as desktop computers, laptop computers, tablet computers, and smartphones, can be connected to a network through tethering. A device connected to the network and a device not connected to the network can be connected via a USB cable, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc., allowing both devices to access the network.

[0050] Below, the network sharing function between the first electronic device (100) and the second electronic device (300) is explained based on tethering.

[0051] The AP device (200) is configured to connect the first electronic device (100), the user mobile device (400), home appliances, etc. to a network. For example, the AP device (200) can connect the first electronic device (100), the second electronic device (300), the user mobile device (400), etc. to a network using a Wi-Fi communication method.

[0052] The second electronic device (300) may include home appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, washing machines, TVs, and air conditioners that have a tethering function. Additionally, the second electronic device (300) may include terminal devices capable of connecting to a network via Wi-Fi, such as smartphones, PDAs, desktop computers, laptop computers, and tablet computers. The second electronic device (300) may transmit signals based on BLE to indicate network availability status information with low power consumption. For example, the second electronic device (300) may periodically transmit BLE advertising signals.

[0053] When the second electronic device (300) is connected to the first electronic device (100) that scanned the advertising signal via tethering, it can transmit the signal transmitted from the first electronic device (100) to the user mobile device (400) via the network, or transmit the signal transmitted from the user mobile device (400) to the first electronic device (100). For example, the second electronic device (300) can connect to the network using Wi-Fi communication and transmit the signal transmitted from the first electronic device (100) to the user mobile device (400) via Wi-Fi communication.

[0054] FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3 are drawings for explaining the network connection operation of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0055] For example, FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating that a first electronic device (100) has entered a shaded area (100a) where connection with an AP (Access Point) device (200) is not smooth, and FIG. 3 is a diagram showing that the first electronic device (100) is connected to a network using a second electronic device (300) capable of tethering in the shaded area (100a).

[0056] Referring to FIG. 2, a first communication zone (200a) is shown in which the first electronic device (100) has a smooth communication connection with the AP device (200). Within the first communication zone (200a), the first electronic device (100) can transmit and receive signals with the AP device (200) with a signal strength greater than a reference value. However, when the first electronic device (100) moves out of the first communication zone (200a) and enters the shadow zone (100a), the signal strength of the AP device (200) weakens, so the first electronic device (100) cannot communicate smoothly with the user mobile device through the AP device (200).

[0057] For example, assuming that the first electronic device (100) is a robot vacuum cleaner, when the robot vacuum cleaner is located within the first communication zone (200a), the robot vacuum cleaner can connect to a network via the AP device (200) and provide collected information to the user mobile device (400). However, if the robot vacuum cleaner moves out of the first communication zone (200a) and enters a dead zone (100a) while driving and performing cleaning, the connection with the AP device (200) may be lost or the signal strength may weaken, so the robot vacuum cleaner cannot smoothly provide information to the user mobile device (400) using the network.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 3, a second electronic device (300) capable of tethering is shown. The second electronic device (300) may be located at the boundary between the first communication area (200a) and the shadow area, or it may be located in the shadow area outside the first communication area (200a). Additionally, there may be multiple second electronic devices (300).

[0059] If the first electronic device (100) is identified as being located in a shadow zone based on the signal strength with the AP device (200) or if entry into a shadow zone is expected, the first electronic device (100) identifies whether a second electronic device (300) capable of tethering is located, and can connect with the identified second electronic device (300) through tethering.

[0060] In FIG. 3, the second communication zone (300a) represents an area where the first electronic device (100) can smoothly establish a communication connection with the second electronic device (300). Within the second communication zone (300a), the first electronic device (100) can connect to a network with a signal strength greater than a reference value through the second electronic device (300).

[0061] For example, when the first electronic device (100) is located in a shaded area, if there is a refrigerator capable of tethering in the shaded area, the first electronic device (100) can connect to the refrigerator by utilizing the refrigerator's tethering function and continuously transmit and receive signals to the user mobile device (400) using the network connected to the refrigerator.

[0062] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a first electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0063] According to FIG. 4, the first electronic device (100) may include an interface (110), a memory (120), and a processor (130).

[0064] The interface (110) is configured to receive various data from a user, external memory, or external device, or to transmit data to an external device. The interface (110) can receive user commands or transmit and receive signals through the AP device (200) or the second electronic device (300). For example, the interface (110) can transmit various data collected while the first electronic device (100) is operating to the user mobile device (400) through the AP device (200) or the second electronic device (300).

[0065] The interface (110) may include a communication interface (111, 112), an operation interface, and an input / output interface, etc. The communication interface (111, 112) is configured to perform communication with at least one external device. The communication interface (111, 112) may include at least one wireless communication module, at least one wired communication module, etc. Each communication module may be implemented in the form of at least one hardware chip. The wireless communication module may include at least one module among a Wi-Fi module, a Bluetooth module, an infrared communication module, or other communication modules. For example, when the communication interface (111, 112) is implemented in multiples, the first communication interface (111) may be configured to include a Wi-Fi module for performing Wi-Fi communication, and the second communication interface (112) may be configured to include a Bluetooth module for performing Bluetooth communication.

[0066] In addition, the communication interface (111, 112) may include at least one communication chip that performs communication according to various wireless communication standards such as Zigbee, 3G (3rd Generation), 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project), LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (LTE Advanced), 4G (4th Generation), 5G (5th Generation), etc. The wired communication module may include, for example, at least one of a LAN (Local Area Network) module, an Ethernet module, a pair cable, a coaxial cable, a fiber optic cable, or a UWB (Ultra Wide-Band) module. The communication interface (111, 112) is implemented in various forms such as this, and by performing communication with an external device, it can receive user commands from the external device or transmit and receive data.

[0067] The operation interface and input / output interface will be explained in detail again through Fig. 6 in the following section.

[0068] The memory (120) can store at least one instruction, data, program, etc. required for the operation of the first electronic device (100) or the processor (130). The memory (120) can store a tethering SSID, tethering PWD (Password), MAC address, etc. for connecting to the second electronic device (300) when the first electronic device (100) performs tethering with the second electronic device (300).

[0069] The memory (120) may be implemented in the form of a memory embedded in the first electronic device (100) or in the form of a memory detachable from the first electronic device (100) depending on the purpose of data storage. For example, data for operating the first electronic device (100) may be stored in a memory embedded in the first electronic device (100), and data for the expansion function of the first electronic device (100) may be stored in a memory detachable from the first electronic device (100).

[0070] In the case of memory embedded in the first electronic device (100), it may be implemented as at least one of volatile memory (e.g., DRAM (dynamic RAM), SRAM (static RAM), or SDRAM (synchronous dynamic RAM), non-volatile memory (e.g., OTPROM (one time programmable ROM), PROM (programmable ROM), EPROM (erasable and programmable ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable and programmable ROM), mask ROM, flash ROM, flash memory (e.g., NAND flash or NOR flash), hard drive, or solid state drive (SSD).

[0071] The memory (120) may be implemented as a single memory that stores data generated in various operations according to the present disclosure. However, it is not limited thereto, and the memory (120) may be implemented to include a plurality of memories that each store different types of data or each store data generated in different stages.

[0072] A processor (130) is a component connected to each component of the first electronic device (100) to control the overall operation of the first electronic device (100). The processor (130) may be implemented as a digital signal processor (DSP), a microprocessor, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an AI (Artificial Intelligence) processor, a Neural Processing Unit (NPU), etc. However, it is not limited thereto, and may include or be defined by one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), a Micro Controller Unit (MCU), a micro processing unit (MPU), a controller, an application processor (AP), a communication processor (CP), or an ARM processor. Additionally, the processor (130) may be implemented as a System on Chip (SoC) or Large Scale Integration (LSI) with a built-in processing algorithm, or may be implemented in the form of an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) or Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA).

[0073] When the processor (130) is implemented as a dedicated processor, it may be implemented to include memory for implementing an embodiment of the present disclosure, or may be implemented to include a memory processing function for using external memory. The processor (130) may be implemented as one or a plurality of processors.

[0074] The processor (130) can detect the signal strength of the Access Point (AP) device (200) through the first communication interface (111) while the first electronic device (100) is operating. For example, the processor (130) can indicate the signal strength between the first electronic device (100) and the AP device (200) based on the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI).

[0075] RSSI can be used in wireless communications such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to measure the strength of radio waves or signals, or to indicate the strength of signals received by a receiver. RSSI values ​​are expressed as negative numbers, and the closer the value is to 0, the stronger the signal strength. If the signal range is expressed as 0 to -100 using RSSI, an RSSI value of -100 indicates a state where data transmission and reception are nearly impossible. Additionally, RSSI can express signal strength in units of dBm (decibel milliwatt).

[0076] The processor (130) can detect the signal strength transmitted from another AP device through the first communication interface (111) when the first electronic device (100) is located in a shadow zone where the signal strength of the AP device (200) is below a reference value, or when the first electronic device (100) is expected to enter a shadow zone. In this case, if there is another AP device capable of network connection on behalf of the AP device (200), the processor (130) can switch the network connection to the corresponding AP device.

[0077] However, when the first electronic device (100) is located in a shadow zone where the signal strength of the AP device (200) is below a reference value, or when the first electronic device (100) is expected to enter a shadow zone, if there is no other signal received through the first communication interface (111), the processor (130) can receive an advertising signal containing tethering information from a second electronic device (300) capable of network connection through the second communication interface (112).

[0078] The processor (130) can identify whether there is a second electronic device (300) capable of tethering in a shadow zone based on tethering information. For example, the processor (130) can identify whether tethering is possible for the second electronic device (300) by analyzing a BLE ADV_IND (Advertising Indications) packet containing tethering information.

[0079] When the processor (130) identifies that the first electronic device (100) is located in a shaded area, it can scan for an advertising signal transmitted via broadcasting from the second electronic device (300). When the advertising signal is scanned, the processor (130) can transmit a signal to request a tethering connection to the second electronic device (300) through the second communication interface (112) based on the strength of the scanned advertising signal. For example, the processor (130) can identify whether the signal strength is above a reference value based on the signal strength of the advertising signal, and if the signal strength of the advertising signal is above the reference value, it can transmit a signal to request a tethering connection to the scanned second electronic device (300).

[0080] In this case, when the processor (130) scans the advertising signal of the second electronic device (300), it may store the tethering information of the scanned second electronic device (300) in the memory (120). The memory (120) may store a list of networkable devices for networkable devices. The list of networkable devices may store tethering information of the networkable second electronic device (300), tethering signal strength, location information of the second electronic device (300), etc.

[0081] When the processor (130) anticipates that the first electronic device (100) is expected to enter a shadow zone based on driving path and map information, it may receive an advertising signal containing tethering information from a second electronic device (300) capable of network connection via the second communication interface (112) before the first electronic device (100) enters the shadow zone. Additionally, the processor (130) may obtain information regarding the strength of the advertising signal transmitted from the second electronic device (300). In this case, the processor (130) may activate the tethering function of the second electronic device (300) via the second communication interface (112) based on the tethering information and signal strength obtained before the first electronic device (100) enters the shadow zone.

[0082] Accordingly, the processor (130) can rapidly switch the network connection from the AP device (200) to the second electronic device (300) at or before the first electronic device (100) enters the shaded area, thereby maintaining the network connection continuously.

[0083] When a second electronic device (300) capable of tethering is identified, the processor (130) can obtain the signal strength transmitted from the identified second electronic device (300). For example, the processor (130) can obtain information about the strength of an advertising signal transmitted from the second electronic device (300).

[0084] Additionally, if the strength of the advertising signal is greater than or equal to a reference value, the processor (130) can activate the tethering function of the second electronic device (300) through the second communication interface (112) using tethering information. When the tethering of the second electronic device (300) is activated, the processor (130) can control the first communication interface (111) to perform a connection to a network through the second electronic device (300). For example, if the second electronic device (300) is connected to an internet communication network using a Wi-Fi communication method, the processor (130) can connect to the second electronic device (300) through the first communication interface (111) and connect to the internet communication network to which the second electronic device (300) is connected.

[0085] If there are multiple second electronic devices (300) capable of tethering, the processor (130) can obtain information on the strength of advertising signals received from multiple second electronic devices (300) and select the second electronic device (300) with the greatest strength of advertising signals among the multiple second electronic devices (300) to perform tethering. In this case, the processor (130) can distinguish each of the second electronic devices (300) based on a list of network-enabled devices or MAC addresses stored in memory (120).

[0086] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating tethering information according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, FIG. 5 shows a BLE ADV_IND (Advertising Indications) packet containing tethering information.

[0087] According to FIG. 5, the BLE ADV_IND packet provided by the second electronic device (300) may include manufacturer-specific data that can be set by the manufacturer of each electronic device. Additionally, the manufacturer-specific data may include information about the device transmitting the advertising signal, such as the device name, MAC address, and transmission signal strength (Tx Power), and code indicating the tethering capability of the device transmitting the advertising signal.

[0088] The processor (130) scans an advertising signal and can obtain tethering information through the scanned advertising signal. Additionally, when the processor (130) obtains tethering information, it can identify whether tethering is possible by analyzing manufacturer-specific feature data included in the obtained tethering information. For example, the processor (130) can identify whether the second electronic device (300) can be connected via tethering based on whether a code indicating tethering capability information exists in the tethering information.

[0089] When a second electronic device (300) capable of tethering is identified, the processor (130) may request tethering to the second electronic device (300) and perform a network connection to transmit a signal. For example, the processor (130) may perform a network connection with the second electronic device (300) based on a Generic Attribute Profile (GATT).

[0090] Here, GATT represents the BLE protocol for transmitting and receiving profiles and data via a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) connection. GATT defines rules regarding transmission procedures and transmission methods for BLE devices to transmit data to each other. Therefore, based on GATT, interoperability between different devices manufactured by different vendors can be guaranteed. For example, based on GATT, a BLE device can identify a BLE device manufactured by another vendor and connect with the identified BLE device to transmit and receive data.

[0091] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the network connection process of a first electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0092] When a second electronic device (300) capable of tethering is identified, the first electronic device (100) can transmit a signal to request a tethering connection to the second electronic device (300) (S610). For example, the first electronic device (100) can scan the advertising signal of the second electronic device (300) and transmit a tethering request signal to the scanned second electronic device (300).

[0093] The first electronic device (100) and the second electronic device (300) can transmit and receive signals for mutual acknowledging (S620). In this case, the first electronic device (100) can synchronize timing information, etc. with the second electronic device (300). When acknowledging between the first electronic device (100) and the second electronic device (300) is performed, the connection between the first electronic device (100) and the second electronic device (300) can be completed.

[0094] When the connection between the first electronic device (100) and the second electronic device (300) is completed, the second electronic device (300) transmits a signal requesting service data to the first electronic device (100) (S630), and the first electronic device (100) can transmit service data to the second electronic device (300) based on GATT (S640).

[0095] Additionally, when the second electronic device (300) transmits a signal requesting characteristic data to the first electronic device (100) (S650), the first electronic device (100) can transmit characteristic data to the second electronic device (300) based on GATT (S660). Here, the characteristic data may include information regarding the data structure and data transmission method for data transmission between the first electronic device (100) and the second electronic device (300). For example, the characteristic data may include information regarding the value, description, properties, and permissions, etc., of the data transmitted between the first electronic device (100) and the second electronic device (300).

[0096] The first electronic device (100) can transmit a tethering SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​and a tethering PWD (password) to the second electronic device (300) based on a GATT (Generic Attribute Profile), and enable tethering of the second electronic device (300) through the tethering SSID and tethering PWD (S670).

[0097] However, it is not limited thereto, and the tethering SSID and tethering PWD may be used to transmit a signal requesting tethering from the first electronic device (100) to the second electronic device (300) using the tethering SSID and tethering PWD generated by the second electronic device (300), or the first electronic device (100) may transmit a signal requesting tethering from the second electronic device (300) based on a preset tethering SSID and tethering PWD. In this case, the second electronic device (300) may activate tethering based on the tethering request signal transmitted from the first electronic device (100).

[0098] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of a first electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0099] According to FIG. 7, the first electronic device (100) may include an interface (110), a memory (120), a processor (130), a driving unit (140), a camera (150), a microphone (160), and at least one sensor (170). A detailed description of the configurations shown in FIG. 7 that overlap with the configuration shown in FIG. 4 will be omitted.

[0100] The interface (110) may include a communication interface (111, 112), an operation interface (113), and an input / output interface (114), etc. Since the communication interface (111, 112) has been described in FIG. 4, a redundant description will be omitted.

[0101] The operation interface (113) is configured to receive user operation input. The operation interface (113) may include various buttons, touch screens, etc. provided on the main body of the first electronic device (100). The user can control the operation of the first electronic device (100) or control the communication interface (111, 112) or the input / output interface (114) to receive data into the first electronic device (100) using the operation interface (113).

[0102] The input / output interface (114) is configured to input and output various external signals. The input / output interface (114) can be connected to various external memory or external sources (e.g., home appliances, mobile devices, web servers, user terminal devices, etc.) to transmit and receive various data. The input / output interface (114) can be implemented as at least one interface among HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface), MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link), USB (Universal Serial Bus), USB C-type, DP (Display Port), Thunderbolt, VGA (Video Graphics Array) port, RGB port, D-SUB (D-subminiature), and DVI (Digital Visual Interface). The first electronic device (100) can transmit collected data to an external memory or external source connected through the input / output interface (114).

[0103] The driving unit (140) is configured to move the first electronic device (100). The driving unit (140) is positioned on the lower surface of the first electronic device (100) and can move the first electronic device (100) forward, backward, and rotate. For example, the driving unit (140) may include at least one wheel and a motor for applying a moving force to each wheel. The processor (130) can control the driving unit (140) to control the driving direction and speed of the first electronic device (100).

[0104] The camera (150) is configured to capture video. The camera (150) may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, an image signal processor, or a flash. The processor (130) may use the camera (150) to capture video of the surrounding environment of the first electronic device (100) while the first electronic device (100) is operating, and may provide the captured video to the user mobile device (400) in real time.

[0105] The microphone (160) is configured to receive voice signals. The processor (130) can receive voice signals around the first electronic device (100) through the microphone (160) while the first electronic device (100) is operating and transmit them in real time to the user mobile device (400).

[0106] At least one sensor (170) is configured to sense various information in relation to the operation of the first electronic device (100). At least one sensor (170) can collect various surrounding information while the first electronic device (100) is operating. At least one sensor (170) may include at least one of a bumper sensor, a distance sensor, a gyroscope sensor, an accelerometer sensor, a gravity sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, and an image sensor. For example, the distance sensor is configured to sense the distance between the first electronic device (100) and an external object. The processor (130) can identify the distance to the external object based on the sensing value of the distance sensor. In this case, the distance sensor may include at least one of a LIDAR sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, a laser sensor, an optical distance sensor, a radar sensor, a photodiode sensor, and a Time of Flight (TOF) sensor.

[0107] For example, the bumper sensor is configured to detect an obstacle in front while the first electronic device (100) is driving. The first electronic device (100) can detect an obstacle in front using the sensing value of the bumper sensor and drive while avoiding the detected obstacle.

[0108] The lidar sensor can rotate 360 ​​degrees with respect to the space where the first electronic device (100) is located and irradiate a laser. When the laser is reflected from an object around the first electronic device (100) and received back by the lidar sensor, the lidar sensor can measure the distance to the object based on the time of reception, and can perform such distance measurements at various angles and directions to obtain data information about the surrounding environment.

[0109] The ultrasonic sensor can emit ultrasonic waves toward the floor surface on which the first electronic device (100) travels, and receive ultrasonic waves that are reflected from the floor and return to the ultrasonic sensor. The processor (130) can determine the material of the floor by analyzing the amount of reflected ultrasonic waves, reflection intensity, spectrum, etc. When the ultrasonic sensor (173) emits ultrasonic waves toward an external object, the processor (130) can calculate the distance to the external object using the time difference between the output time and the reception time of the ultrasonic waves.

[0110] The processor (130) can identify various information, such as location information about the space where the first electronic device (100) is located, information about objects present in the space, and information about the floor surface, based on the sensing value of at least one sensor (170). The processor (130) can control the operation of the first electronic device (100) based on the identified various information. For example, if the processor (130) identifies that foreign matter or an obstacle exists on the driving path set based on the sensing value of at least one sensor (170), it can control the driving unit (140) to change the driving path of the first electronic device (100).

[0111] The processor (130) may acquire map information based on the sensing value of at least one sensor (170). The processor (130) may store the acquired map information in memory (120). Additionally, the processor (130) may identify location information of a user mobile device (400) based on the sensing value of at least one sensor (170) or the map information.

[0112] For example, the processor (130) can measure the Wi-Fi signal strength value at each location while the first electronic device (100) is driving based on map information and obtain the Wi-Fi signal strength value for each location. The processor (130) can obtain a distance value corresponding to the Wi-Fi signal strength based on the collected Wi-Fi signal strength values ​​for each location. When the processor (130) receives a signal via Wi-Fi from the user mobile device (400), it can identify the location information of the user mobile device (400) using the direction of reception of the Wi-Fi signal and the distance value corresponding to the Wi-Fi signal strength.

[0113] Alternatively, the processor (130) may identify location information of the user mobile device (400) based on the sensing value of at least one sensor (170). The processor (130) may acquire feature information of the user mobile device (400) based on the sensing value of at least one sensor (170) and identify the user mobile device (400) by comparing the acquired feature information with the feature information of the user mobile device (400) previously stored in the memory (120). Additionally, the processor (130) may identify location information of the user mobile device (400) using distance information and direction information of the user mobile device (400) sensed through at least one sensor (170). However, it is not limited thereto, and the processor (130) may identify location information of the user mobile device (400) in various ways based on the sensing value of at least one sensor (170) or a signal transmitted from the first electronic device (100).

[0114] When the processor (130) identifies the location information of the user mobile device (400), it can identify whether the user mobile device (400) is located in a shadow zone based on the identified location information. When the processor (130) identifies that the user mobile device (400) is located in a shadow zone, it can move the first electronic device (100) by controlling the driving unit (140) to move to a relay area for performing communication relay operations between the user mobile device (400) and the AP device (200) or the second electronic device (300). The processor (130) can determine a location as a relay area where the signal strength for the user mobile device (400) and the signal strength for the AP device (200) or the second electronic device (300) are greater than or equal to a reference value.

[0115] In this case, when the first electronic device (100) enters the relay area, the processor (130) can perform a communication relay operation between the user mobile device (400) and the AP device (200) or the second electronic device (300) through the first communication interface (111).

[0116] Additionally, when tethering is established between the second electronic device (300) capable of tethering and the second communication interface (112), the processor (130) can control the first communication interface (111) to transmit status information, operation information, or sensing information of at least one sensor (170) of the first electronic device (100) to the user mobile device (400) through the second electronic device (300).

[0117] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a second electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0118] According to FIG. 8, the second electronic device (300) may include an interface (310), a memory (320), and a processor (330). A detailed description of the configurations shown in FIG. 8 that overlap with the configuration shown in FIG. 4 will be omitted.

[0119] The interface (310) is configured to receive various data from a user, external memory, or external device, or to transmit data to an external device. The interface (310) can receive user commands or transmit and receive signals with the AP device (200) or the first electronic device (100).

[0120] The interface (310) may include a communication interface (311, 312), an operation interface, and an input / output interface, etc. The communication interface (311, 312) is configured to perform communication with at least one external device. The communication interface (311, 312) may include at least one wireless communication module, at least one wired communication module, etc. The wireless communication module may include at least one module among a Wi-Fi module, a Bluetooth module, an infrared communication module, or other communication modules. For example, when the communication interface (311, 312) is implemented in multiple numbers, the first communication interface (311) may be configured to include a Wi-Fi module for performing Wi-Fi communication, and the second communication interface (312) may be configured to include a Bluetooth module for performing Bluetooth communication. The second electronic device (300) may be connected to a network through the first communication interface (311).

[0121] The memory (320) can store at least one instruction, data, program, etc. required for the operation of the second electronic device (300) or the processor (330). The memory (320) can store a tethering SSID, tethering PWD (Password), MAC address, etc. for connecting to the first electronic device (100) when the second electronic device (300) performs tethering with the first electronic device (100).

[0122] The processor (330) is a component connected to each component of the second electronic device (300) to control the overall operation of the second electronic device (300). The processor (330) may be implemented as one or multiple components.

[0123] The processor (330) may periodically transmit an advertising signal containing tethering information through the second communication interface (312). When the processor (330) receives a signal requesting tethering from the first electronic device (100) that scanned the advertising signal, it may activate the tethering function based on the received request signal. For example, when the processor (330) receives a tethering SSID and a tethering PWD (Password) from the first electronic device (100) based on the GATT (Generic Attribute Profile), it may perform a tethering connection with the first electronic device (100) based on the received tethering SSID and tethering PWD. When tethering is activated, the processor (330) may connect the first electronic device (100) to a network through the first communication interface (311).

[0124] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of a second electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0125] According to FIG. 9, the second electronic device (300) may include an interface (310), a memory (320), a processor (330), a driving unit (340), a camera (350), a microphone (360), and at least one sensor (370). A detailed description of the configurations shown in FIG. 9 that overlap with the configurations shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 will be omitted.

[0126] The interface (310) may include a communication interface (311, 312), an operation interface (313), and an input / output interface (314), etc. The operation interface (313) is configured to receive user operation input. The operation interface (313) may include various buttons, a touch screen, etc. provided on the main body of the second electronic device (300). The user may control the operation of the second electronic device (300) or control the communication interface (311, 312) or the input / output interface (314) to receive data into the second electronic device (300) using the operation interface (313).

[0127] The input / output interface (314) is configured to input and output various external signals. The input / output interface (314) is connected to various external memory or external sources (e.g., home appliances, mobile devices, web servers, user terminal devices, etc.) to transmit and receive various data. The second electronic device (300) can transmit collected data to the external memory or external source connected through the input / output interface (314).

[0128] The driving unit (340) is configured to move the second electronic device (300). The driving unit (340) is positioned on the lower surface of the second electronic device (300) and can move the second electronic device (300) forward, backward, and rotate. For example, the driving unit (340) may include at least one wheel and a motor for applying a moving force to each wheel. The processor (330) can control the driving unit (340) to control the driving direction and speed of the second electronic device (300).

[0129] The camera (350) is configured to capture video. The camera (350) may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, an image signal processor, or a flash. The processor (330) may use the camera (350) to capture video of the surrounding environment of the second electronic device (300) while the second electronic device (300) is operating, and may provide the captured video to the user mobile device (400) in real time.

[0130] The microphone (360) is configured to receive voice signals. The processor (330) can receive voice signals around the second electronic device (300) through the microphone (360) while the second electronic device (300) is operating and transmit them in real time to the user mobile device (400).

[0131] At least one sensor (370) is configured to sense various information in relation to the operation of the second electronic device (300). At least one sensor (370) can collect various surrounding information while the second electronic device (300) is operating. At least one sensor (370) may include at least one of a bumper sensor, a distance sensor, a gyroscope sensor, an accelerometer sensor, a gravity sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, and an image sensor.

[0132] The processor (330) can identify location information of the first electronic device (100) based on the sensing value of at least one sensor (370) or map information stored in the memory (320). Additionally, if the processor (330) identifies, based on the identified location information, that the first electronic device (100) is located in a shaded area where the signal strength with the AP device (200) is less than a reference value, the driving unit (340) can be controlled to move the second electronic device (300) to the shaded area.

[0133] In this case, when the second electronic device (300) enters the shaded area, the processor (330) can control the second communication interface (312) to perform a tethering connection with the first electronic device (100). For example, the processor (330) can periodically transmit an advertising signal containing tethering information through the second communication interface (312), and when a tethering request signal is received from the first electronic device (100) that scanned the advertising signal, the tethering function can be activated.

[0134] Additionally, the processor (330) may identify location information of the user mobile device (400) based on the sensing value of at least one sensor (370) or map information stored in the memory (320). If the processor (330) identifies, based on the location information of the user mobile device (400), that the user mobile device (400) is located in a shaded area where the signal strength with the AP device (200) is less than a reference value, the driving unit (340) may be controlled to move the second electronic device (300) to the shaded area.

[0135] When the second electronic device (300) enters a shadow zone, the processor (330) can control the second communication interface (312) to perform a tethering connection with the user mobile device (400). When the tethering connection with the user mobile device (400) is performed, the processor (330) can connect the user mobile device (400) to a network through the first communication interface (311).

[0136] The processor (330) may maintain a tethering active state for a preset waiting time when the tethering connection with the first electronic device (100) is interrupted while tethering with the first electronic device (100) is being performed. For example, the processor (330) may maintain a tethering active state for the first electronic device (100) for 10 minutes when tethering with the first electronic device (100) is terminated. If the tethering connection with the first electronic device (100) is not performed for more than 10 minutes, the processor (330) may disable tethering with the first electronic device (100). Additionally, when the tethering connection with the first electronic device (100) is interrupted, the processor (330) may periodically transmit an advertising signal containing tethering information through the second communication interface (312). In this case, the tethering information may include a code indicating tethering availability information for the second electronic device (300).

[0137] In this way, the electronic device according to the present disclosure can continuously maintain a network connection state even when the network connection with the AP device is cut off or when it enters a dead zone where the signal strength with the AP device is weak while the electronic device is operating.

[0138] FIGS. 10 and FIGS. 11 are flowcharts for illustrating a method of controlling an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0139] An electronic device can connect to a network via an AP device to provide the device's status information, operation information, and various information collected through sensors to a user's mobile device. In this case, since the electronic device does not operate only from a fixed location, the signal strength with the AP device may fluctuate.

[0140] For example, if the electronic device is implemented as a robot vacuum cleaner, the signal strength may weaken depending on the distance from the AP device because the robot vacuum cleaner moves continuously while performing cleaning. Alternatively, even if the electronic device is a home appliance without a moving part, its operating location may be moved by the user, such as with a humidifier, air purifier, or speaker.

[0141] According to FIG. 10, the electronic device can detect the signal strength of an AP (Access Point) device (S1010). While operating, the electronic device can transmit status information, operation information, etc., of the electronic device to a user's mobile device through the AP device. Alternatively, if the electronic device includes a camera, a microphone, at least one sensor, etc., information collected through the camera, microphone, or at least one sensor can be transmitted to the user's mobile device via a network. For example, if the electronic device is implemented as a robot vacuum cleaner, the robot vacuum cleaner can drive while performing its primary function of cleaning. Additionally, the robot vacuum cleaner can transmit operation information regarding the cleaning process, sensing information regarding the surrounding environment, etc., to the user's mobile device via a network.

[0142] However, if the signal strength between the electronic device and the AP device is weaker than a threshold value or if the signal is blocked, the electronic device cannot connect to the network through the AP device. Therefore, the electronic device can periodically detect the signal strength of the AP device. For example, the electronic device can measure the signal strength between the electronic device and the AP device based on the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI).

[0143] If an electronic device is located in a dead zone where the signal strength of the AP device is below a reference value, or if entry into a dead zone is expected, the electronic device may receive an advertising signal containing tethering information from an external device capable of network connection (S1020). For example, if the electronic device is identified as being located in a dead zone, it may scan for an advertising signal transmitted via broadcasting from an external device. In this case, the external device may periodically transmit an advertising signal containing tethering information.

[0144] The electronic device can identify whether an external device can be tethered based on the strength of the scanned advertising signal and the tethering information included in the advertising signal. The electronic device can obtain information regarding the strength of the advertising signal transmitted from the external device identified as being capable of tethered connection (S1030). In this case, if there are multiple external devices capable of network connection, the electronic device can obtain information regarding the strength of the advertising signal received from the multiple external devices and select the device with the highest strength of the advertising signal among the multiple external devices to perform tethering.

[0145] If the strength of the advertising signal is greater than or equal to a reference value, the electronic device can activate the tethering of the external device using tethering information (S1040). For example, the electronic device can transmit a signal requesting tethering to the external device. When the electronic device receives an acknowledging signal for tethering from the external device, it can transmit characteristic data to the external device based on the Generic Attribute Profile (GATT).

[0146] Here, characteristic data may include information regarding data structures and data transmission methods for data transmission between an electronic device and an external device. For example, characteristic data may include information regarding values, descriptions, properties, and permissions for data transmitted between the electronic device and the external device. Additionally, the electronic device may transmit a tethering SSID and a tethering PWD (password) to the external device based on GATT. The external device may enable tethering based on the received tethering SSID and tethering PWD (password).

[0147] When the tethering of an external device is enabled, the electronic device can establish a connection to a network through the external device (S1050). When the tethering of an external device is enabled, the electronic device can disconnect the communication connection with the AP device and connect to a network through the external device. For example, if the external device is a device that uses a Wi-Fi network, the electronic device can connect to an internet network via Wi-Fi.

[0148] When an electronic device is connected to a network through an external device, it can transmit operation information or sensing information of the electronic device to a user's mobile device using the network of the external device.

[0149] FIG. 11 illustrates a method for an electronic device to perform a communication relay operation between a device located in a shaded area and a device capable of network connection.

[0150] According to FIG. 11, the electronic device can identify location information of a user mobile device (S1110). For example, the electronic device can measure Wi-Fi signal strength values ​​at each location while the electronic device is driving based on map information and obtain Wi-Fi signal strength values ​​for each location. Based on the collected Wi-Fi signal strength values ​​for each location, the electronic device can obtain distance values ​​corresponding to the Wi-Fi signal strength. When a signal via Wi-Fi is received from the user mobile device, the electronic device can identify the location information of the user mobile device by using the direction of reception of the Wi-Fi signal and the distance values ​​corresponding to the Wi-Fi signal strength. Alternatively, the electronic device may identify the location information of the user mobile device based on the sensing value of at least one sensor. However, it is not limited thereto, and the electronic device may identify the location information of the user mobile device in various other ways.

[0151] When the location information of the user mobile device is identified, the electronic device can identify whether the user mobile device is located in a dead zone based on the identified location information. If it is identified that the user mobile device is located in a dead zone, the electronic device can move to a communication relay area to perform a communication relay operation between the user mobile device and an AP device or an external device capable of network connection (S1120). In this case, the electronic device can determine a location where the signal strength for the user mobile device and the signal strength for the AP device or external device are greater than or equal to a reference value based on the received signal strength as a communication relay area.

[0152] When the electronic device enters a communication relay area, the electronic device can perform a communication relay operation between the user mobile device and the AP device or an external device capable of network connection (S1130). Therefore, even if the user mobile device enters a dead zone where the signal strength to the AP device is below a reference value, it can continuously connect to the network with a signal strength greater than or equal to the reference value by utilizing the communication relay function of the electronic device.

[0153] Meanwhile, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the various embodiments described above may be implemented as software containing instructions stored on a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a computer). The machine may include an electronic device 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. When instructions are executed by a processor, the processor may perform a function corresponding to the instructions directly or by using other components under the control of the processor. Instructions may include code generated or executed by a compiler or an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, "non-transitory" means only that the storage medium does not contain a signal and is tangible, and does not distinguish whether data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily in the storage medium.

[0154] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the method according to the various embodiments described above may be provided as 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 online through an application store (e.g., Play Store™). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily created in a storage medium such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0155] Additionally, each component (e.g., module or program) according to the various embodiments described above may be composed of a single or multiple entities, and some of the aforementioned sub-components may be omitted, or other sub-components may be further included in the various embodiments. Generally or additionally, some components (e.g., module or program) may be integrated into a single entity to perform the functions performed by each of the respective components prior to integration in the same or similar manner. The operations performed by the module, program, or other components according to the various embodiments may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or at least some operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or other operations added.

[0156] 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, First communication interface; Second communication interface; Memory for storing instructions; and It includes at least one processor; and The above at least one processor executes instructions stored in the memory individually or collectively so that the electronic device, Detecting the signal strength of the AP (Access Point) device through the first communication interface, and Based on the fact that the electronic device is located in a shadow zone where the signal strength of the AP device is below a reference value, or anticipates entry into the shadow zone, it identifies an advertising signal transmitted from an external device capable of network connection through the second communication interface, and Acquire information regarding the strength of the above advertising signal, and Based on information regarding the strength of the advertising signal, a tethering request signal is transmitted to the external device through the second communication interface, and An electronic device that enables connection to the network through the external device based on tethering with the external device.

2. In Paragraph 1, Identifying the advertising signal includes obtaining a signal transmitted from the external device via a broadcasting method through scanning. The above electronic device is, An electronic device configured to transmit a signal requesting the activation of a tethering function for a tethering connection to an external device through the second communication interface based on the fact that the strength of the advertising signal obtained through the above scanning is greater than or equal to a reference value.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above tethering connection request signal is an electronic device comprising a tethering SSID and a tethering PWD (password).

4. In Paragraph 1, The above electronic device is, An electronic device that identifies whether the external device is capable of tethering based on whether there is a code indicating tethering capability information in the advertising information.

5. In Paragraph 1, Including a driving part; further The above electronic device is, Identify whether the user mobile device is located in the above shaded area, and Based on identifying that the user mobile device is located in the shaded area, the driving unit is controlled to move the electronic device to a relay area to perform an operation for relaying communication between the user mobile device and at least one of the AP device or an external device capable of network connection. An electronic device that performs a communication relay operation between at least one of the AP device or the external device and the user mobile device based on the electronic device entering the relay area.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above memory stores map information, and The above electronic device is, An electronic device that transmits a tethering request signal to an external device before the electronic device enters the noise zone, based on the expectation of entry into the noise zone according to the driving path of the electronic device or the map information.

7. In an electronic device capable of network connection, A first communication interface for connecting to the above network; Second communication interface; Memory for storing instructions; and It includes at least one processor; and The above at least one processor executes instructions stored in the memory individually or collectively so that the electronic device, Periodically transmitting an advertising signal through the second communication interface, and Tethering is performed based on a tethering request signal received from an external device that scans the advertising signal through the second communication interface, and An electronic device that connects the external device to the network connected through the first communication interface.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above electronic device is, An electronic device that performs the tethering based on the tethering SSID and tethering PWD (Password) included in the tethering request signal.

9. In Paragraph 7, Including a driving part; further The above electronic device is, Identify whether the above external device is located in a shadow zone where the signal strength of the AP device is below a reference value, and Based on identifying that the above external device is located in the shaded area, the driving unit is controlled to move to the shaded area, and An electronic device that controls the second communication interface to perform tethering with the external device based on the electronic device entering the shaded area.

10. In Paragraph 7, Including a driving part; further The above electronic device is, Identify whether the user mobile device is located in a dead zone where the signal strength with the AP device is below a threshold value, and Based on identifying that the user mobile device is located in the shaded area, the driving unit is controlled to move to the shaded area, and An electronic device that performs tethering with the user mobile device by controlling the second communication interface based on entering the above shaded area.

11. In Paragraph 7, The above advertising information includes a code indicating tethering capability information of the electronic device, an electronic device.

12. In a method for controlling an electronic device, A step of detecting the signal strength of an AP (Access Point) device; A step of identifying an advertising signal transmitted from an external device capable of network connection, based on the fact that the electronic device is located in a shadow zone where the signal strength of the AP device is below a reference value, or anticipating entry into the shadow zone; A step of obtaining information regarding the strength of the advertising signal; A step of requesting tethering to the external device based on the fact that the strength of the advertising signal is greater than or equal to a reference value; and A control method comprising the step of connecting to the network based on tethering with the external device.

13. In Paragraph 12, The step of identifying the above advertising signal is, Based on the fact that the electronic device is identified as being located in the shaded area, the step of scanning an advertising signal transmitted via broadcasting from the external device; and A control method comprising the step of identifying whether the external device can be tethered based on the strength of the scanned advertising signal.

14. In Paragraph 12, The step of requesting tethering to the above external device is, A step of transmitting a signal requesting tethering to the above external device; A step of transmitting characteristic data to the external device based on an acknowledging signal received from the external device; and A control method comprising the step of transmitting a tethering SSID and a tethering PWD (password) to the external device.

15. In Paragraph 12, A step of identifying whether the user mobile device is located in the shaded area; Based on identifying that the user mobile device is located in the shaded area, the step of moving the electronic device to a communication relay area to perform an operation for relaying communication between the user mobile device and at least one of the AP device or an external device capable of network connection; and A control method further comprising the step of performing a communication relay operation between at least one of the AP device or the external device capable of network connection and the user mobile device based on the electronic device entering the communication relay area.

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