Electronic device and control method therefor

Abstract

The present invention comprises a memory for storing one or more instructions, and at least one processor, wherein the one or more instructions, when executed collectively or individually by the at least one processor, cause a robot cleaner to: identify at least one external device that is not communicatively connected to a server device; when the at least one external device is identified, acquire first information about the at least one external device; identify, on the basis of the first information, whether an update of the at least one external device is required; when it is identified that the update of the at least one external device is required, acquire data for the update of the at least one external device and travel close to the at least one external device; and transmit the data for the update to the at least one external device.

Description

Electronic device and control method thereof

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a robot vacuum cleaner and a control method, and more specifically, to a robot vacuum cleaner and a control method thereof that enables a plurality of electronic devices not connected to an Access Point (AP) device to be updated through a communication connection with the robot vacuum cleaner.

[0002] Recently, the Internet of Things (IoT) is being widely used. For example, multiple home appliances can be connected to a single Access Point (AP) within a home, allowing information about the appliances to be displayed or their operation to be controlled through a user terminal device.

[0003] To use such Internet of Things services, all electronic devices within the home must be connected to the Internet. For example, multiple electronic devices can communicate wirelessly by connecting to an AP device, such as a router, that provides a wireless network.

[0004] However, depending on the installation location of the AP device within the home, if some electronic devices are located in a dead zone outside the AP device's wireless signal coverage range, communication between devices may be restricted.

[0005] Accordingly, if some electronic devices not connected to the AP device need to be updated, it is necessary to explore a method to enable them to be updated by directly connecting to the devices via a robot vacuum cleaner.

[0006] A robot vacuum cleaner according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure comprises: a memory for storing at least one instruction; and at least one processor; wherein, when the at least one instruction is executed collectively or individually by the at least one processor, the robot vacuum cleaner identifies at least one external device that is not connected to a server device for communication, and when the at least one external device is identified, it acquires first information regarding the at least one external device, and based on the first information, identifies whether an update of the at least one external device is required, and when it is identified that an update of the at least one external device is required, it acquires data for updating the at least one external device, drives to approach the at least one external device, and transmits the data for updating to the at least one external device.

[0007] When the above at least one instruction is executed collectively or individually by the above at least one processor, if at least one external device that is not connected to the server device is identified, the robot vacuum cleaner may disconnect the connection between the robot vacuum cleaner and the AP (Access Point) device, transmit a signal requesting a communication connection to the at least one external device, and if a communication connection is established with the at least one external device, obtain the first information.

[0008] The first information above may include at least one of version information, operation status information, or location information of the external device.

[0009] When the above at least one instruction is executed collectively or individually by the above at least one processor, the robot vacuum cleaner may obtain second information corresponding to the at least one external device stored in the server from the server, and transmit information including a user response request regarding whether the at least one external device is updated to a user terminal based on the first information and the second information.

[0010] When the above at least one instruction is executed collectively or individually by the above at least one processor, the robot vacuum cleaner may transmit the first information to the server and, based on the server, transmit information including a user response request regarding whether the above at least one external device is updated to a user terminal.

[0011] When the above at least one instruction is executed collectively or individually by the above at least one processor, if the robot vacuum cleaner is identified as needing an update of the at least one external device, it transmits information including a request for a user response regarding whether to update the at least one external device to a user terminal, and when a user response requesting an update of the at least one external device is received, it can obtain data for updating the at least one external device.

[0012] When the above at least one instruction is executed collectively or individually by the above at least one processor, if the robot vacuum cleaner identifies that an update to the above at least one external device is required, it transmits information including a request for a user response regarding whether to update the above at least one external device to a user terminal, and if a user response rejecting the update of the above at least one external device is received, or if a user response is not received within a preset time, the operation related to the update of the above at least one external device may be terminated.

[0013] A control method for a robot vacuum cleaner according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure comprises: identifying at least one external device that is not connected to a server device for communication; when the at least one external device is identified, acquiring first information about the at least one external device; based on the first information, identifying whether an update of the at least one external device is required; when it is identified that an update of the at least one external device is required, acquiring data for updating the at least one external device and driving to approach the at least one external device; and transmitting the data for updating to the at least one external device.

[0014] The above control method may include: a step of disconnecting the connection between the robot vacuum cleaner and the AP (Access Point) device when at least one external device that is not connected to the server device is identified; a step of transmitting a signal requesting a communication connection to the at least one external device; and a step of obtaining the first information when a communication connection is established with the at least one external device.

[0015] The first information above may include at least one of version information, operation status information, or location information of the external device.

[0016] The above control method may include: a step of obtaining second information corresponding to at least one external device stored in the server from the server; and a step of transmitting information including a user response request regarding whether the at least one external device is updated, based on the first information and the second information, to a user terminal.

[0017] The above control method may include the step of transmitting the first information to the server; and the step of transmitting information to a user terminal, including a user response request regarding whether the at least one external device is updated, based on the server.

[0018] The above control method may include: a step of transmitting information to a user terminal including a request for a user response regarding whether to update the at least one external device when it is identified that an update of the at least one external device is required; and a step of obtaining data for updating the at least one external device when a user response requesting an update of the at least one external device is received.

[0019] The above control method may include: a step of transmitting information to a user terminal including a request for a user response regarding whether to update the at least one external device when it is identified that an update of the at least one external device is required; and a step of terminating an operation related to the update of the at least one external device when a user response rejecting the update of the at least one external device is received or when no user response is received within a preset time.

[0020] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a non-transient computer-readable recording medium comprising a program for executing a control method for a robot vacuum cleaner, wherein the control method comprises: a step of identifying at least one external device that is not in a state of communication connection with a server device; a step of obtaining first information about the at least one external device when the at least one external device is identified; a step of identifying whether an update of the at least one external device is required based on the first information; a step of obtaining data for updating the at least one external device and driving to approach the at least one external device when it is identified that an update of the at least one external device is required; and a step of transmitting the data for updating to the at least one external device.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining the operation of a robot vacuum cleaner, a user terminal device, an AP device, a plurality of external devices and a server device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and

[0022] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a robot vacuum cleaner according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, and

[0023] FIG. 3 is a drawing for illustrating a step of identifying at least one external device that is not connected to a communication connection with an AP (Access Point) device, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIGS. 4 and 5 are drawings for illustrating a guide UI for guiding whether to update an external device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, and

[0025] FIG. 6 is a drawing for illustrating the step of a robot vacuum cleaner driving to an external device for updating an external device, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, and

[0026] FIGS. 7 and 8 are flowcharts illustrating the operation of a robot vacuum cleaner according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, and

[0027] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a robot vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] The embodiments described herein are subject to various modifications and may have various forms; specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the scope of specific embodiments and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of the embodiments of the present disclosure. In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar components.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] The terms used in this disclosure are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the rights. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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 connected through another component (e.g., a third component).

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail using the attached drawings.

[0042] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining the operation of a robot vacuum cleaner (100), a user terminal device (200), an AP device (300), a plurality of external devices (400-1, 400-2, 400-n) and a server device (500) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] First, the robot vacuum cleaner (100) can drive around the house by loading map data of the house stored in memory (120) or by using an image acquired by a camera (not shown). At this time, the robot vacuum cleaner (100), user terminal device (200), AP device (300), or a plurality of external devices (400-1, 400-2, 400-n) can be placed in the same space (e.g., inside a home).

[0044] The robot vacuum cleaner (100) operates as a client of a wireless network when connected to an AP device (300), but may also operate as a provider of a wireless network through the AP function included in the robot vacuum cleaner (100). According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the robot vacuum cleaner (100) can obtain information about an external device (400-1) that is not connected to a communication connection with an AP (Access Point) device among a plurality of external devices (400-1 400-n). Additionally, the robot vacuum cleaner (100) can determine whether to transmit data for a firmware update to the external device (400-1) based on the information of the external device (400-1).

[0045] Firmware is software used to control and operate hardware, enabling the connection between hardware and software. Firmware updates can be performed to improve the performance of hardware devices or add new features.

[0046] Meanwhile, the following description is based on the premise that the robot vacuum cleaner (100) transmits data for a firmware update to an external device (400-1), but this is merely one embodiment, and it is obvious that it may include cases where data for a software update, a driver update, or a security update is transmitted.

[0047] The user terminal device (200) may be a device capable of performing various functions, such as providing information to the user or receiving user commands. The user terminal device (200) may be carried by the user or placed in the user's home or office. The user terminal device (200) may include, but is not limited to, a personal computer, terminal, portable telephone, smartphone, handheld device, wearable device, etc. A program, i.e., an application, for controlling a plurality of external devices (400-1, 400-2, 400-n) may be stored in the memory of the user terminal device (200). The application may be sold with the user terminal device (200) installed on it, or may be downloaded and installed from an external server.

[0048] By running an application installed on a user terminal device (200), the user can access the server device (500) to create a user account and register an external device by communicating with the server device (500) based on the logged-in user account.

[0049] For example, if an external device is operated to connect to a server device (500) according to the procedure guided by an application installed on a user terminal device (200), the external device can be registered to a user account by registering the identification information of the external device (e.g., serial number or MAC address, etc.) to the corresponding user account on the server device (500).

[0050] The user can control external devices (400-1, 400-2, 400-n) using an application installed on the user terminal device (200). For example, when the user logs into a user account using an application installed on the user terminal device (200), external devices registered to the user account appear, and when a control command for an external device is entered, the control command can be transmitted to the external device through the server device (500).

[0051] In particular, in the present disclosure, the user terminal device (200) may request a guide UI that requests a response regarding whether to proceed with the firmware update, and may receive a response from the user regarding whether to proceed with the firmware update.

[0052] For example, the user terminal device (200) can display a UI that says "Would you like to proceed with the firmware update?" if the version of the external device (400-1) is not the latest version. Additionally, the user terminal device (200) can transmit the user's response data entered into the UI that says "Would you like to proceed with the firmware update?" to the robot vacuum cleaner (100).

[0053] Meanwhile, this is merely one embodiment, and after the server device (500) determines that a firmware update is required, it may transmit data including the content that a firmware update is required to the robot vacuum cleaner (100). At this time, the robot vacuum cleaner (100) may, of course, obtain response data regarding whether the user proceeds with the firmware update.

[0054] The AP device (300) may refer to a Wi-Fi router, a wireless extender, or an IoT dedicated hub. In this case, the AP device (300) may provide a communication connection function to a robot vacuum cleaner (100) and an external device (400-1 400-n).

[0055] The AP device (300) can connect an external device or user terminal device (200) to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server device (500) is connected. The external device or user terminal device (200) can be connected to the server device (500) through the wide area network (WAN).

[0056] The access point (AP) can communicate with an external device or user terminal device (200) 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.

[0057] According to various embodiments, an external device may be directly connected to a user terminal device (200) or a server device (500) without passing through an access relay (AP).

[0058] The external device can be connected to the user terminal device (200) or server device (500) via a long-distance wireless network or a short-distance wireless network.

[0059] For example, an external device can be connected to a user terminal device (200) via a short-range wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi Direct).

[0060] As another example, an external device can be connected to a user terminal device (200) or a server device (500) via a wide area network (WAN) using a long-distance wireless network (e.g., a cellular communication module).

[0061] As another example, an external device can be connected to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication and connected to a user terminal device (200) or a server device (500) through the wide area network (WAN).

[0062] If an external device can connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication, it may operate as a connection relay. Accordingly, the external device can connect other home appliances to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server device (500) is connected. Additionally, other home appliances can connect the external device to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server device (500) is connected.

[0063] An external device may transmit information regarding operation or status to another external device, a user terminal device (200), or a server device (500) via a network. For example, when a request is received from the server device (500), when a specific event occurs in the external device, or periodically or in real time, the external device may transmit information regarding operation or status to another home appliance, a user terminal device (200), or a server device (500). When the server device (500) receives information regarding operation or status from the external device, it may update the stored information regarding operation or status of the external device and transmit the updated information regarding operation and status of the external device to the user terminal device (200) via a network. Here, updating information may include various operations that modify existing information, such as adding new information to existing information or replacing existing information with new information.

[0064] A plurality of external devices (400-1, 400-2, 400-n) may include at least one of a refrigerator, dishwasher, electric range, electric oven, air conditioner, garment care system, washing machine, dryer, and microwave oven, but are not limited thereto, and may include various types of home appliances such as a vacuum cleaner and a television not shown in the drawings. In addition, the aforementioned home appliances are merely examples, and in addition to the aforementioned home appliances, devices capable of performing operations described below by connecting to other home appliances, user devices, or servers may be included in the external devices according to one embodiment. Additionally, the external devices may include Wi-Fi-enabled IoT (Internet of Things) devices.

[0065] At this time, among the plurality of external devices (400-1, 400-2, 400-n), the device (400-1) that is not connected to the AP device (300) can establish a communication connection with the robot vacuum cleaner (100) using at least one of Wi-Fi or BLE communication methods and transmit information of the external device (400-1) to the robot vacuum cleaner (100).

[0066] The server device (500) may refer to an electronic device that collects and processes data from external devices. For example, the server device (500) may be implemented not only as a device that performs server-specific functions, such as a cloud server, but also as various electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, wearable devices, and PCs that can perform server functions along with other functions. However, this is merely an example of an embodiment, and the server device (500) may also be implemented as various types of electronic devices not listed herein. Additionally, the server device (500) may be implemented as a single device or as an assembly composed of multiple devices. For example, the server (500) may be a server that provides SmartThings™ services. Meanwhile, for the convenience of explanation, the server (500) will be described below assuming that it is a server that provides SmartThings™ services.

[0067] The server device (500) can store version information of an external device (400-1) that is not connected to the AP device (300). Additionally, the server device (500) can perform an operation to compare the version information of the external device (400-1) that is not connected to the AP device, which is acquired by the robot vacuum cleaner (100), with the version information of the external device (400-1) stored in the server device (500). The server device (500) can transmit the result of the operation to compare the version information to the user terminal device (200) or the robot vacuum cleaner (100).

[0068] Below, the process of a robot vacuum cleaner (100) communicating with a user terminal device (200), an AP device (300), or a server device (500) to transmit data for a firmware update to an external device (400-1) will be described later.

[0069] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for showing the configuration of a robot vacuum cleaner (100) according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The configuration shown in FIG. 2 is merely an example of various embodiments, and some configurations may be omitted and new configurations may be added.

[0070] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the robot vacuum cleaner (100) may include a communication interface (110), a memory (120), a drive unit (130), and a processor (140). The configuration illustrated in FIG. 2 is merely one embodiment, and it is understood that some components may be deleted or added depending on the configuration of the robot vacuum cleaner (100).

[0071] The communication interface (110) is configured to communicate with various types of external devices according to various types of communication methods.

[0072] In particular, the communication interface (110) can receive information from an external device (400-1) that is not connected to the AP device (300). Additionally, the received information from the external device (400-1) can be transmitted to a user terminal device (200) or a server device (500).

[0073] The communication interface (110) can receive response data entered by the user regarding whether to update the firmware after transmitting information to the server device (500) and the user terminal device (200). Additionally, the communication interface (110) may receive data for updating the firmware from the server device (500) based on the acquired response data.

[0074] After performing a firmware update, the communication interface (110) may transmit data for the latest version to the server device (500) to update the version information of the robot vacuum cleaner (100) stored in the server device (500).

[0075] Hereinafter, the process of communicating with the AP device (300), a plurality of external devices (400-1, 400-2, 400-n) or a server device (500) using the communication interface (110) will be described in detail below.

[0076] A wireless communication module may be a module that communicates wirelessly with an external device. For example, a 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.

[0077] Wi-Fi modules and Bluetooth modules can perform communication via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth methods, respectively. When using a Wi-Fi module or a Bluetooth module, various connection information, such as the SSID (service set identifier) ​​and session key, is transmitted and received first; after establishing a communication connection using this information, various types of information can be transmitted and received.

[0078] The infrared communication module performs communication according to infrared communication (IrDA, Infrared Data Association) technology, which uses infrared rays located between visible light and millimeter waves to wirelessly transmit data over short distances.

[0079] Other communication modules 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), and 5G (5th Generation), in addition to the communication method described above.

[0080] A wired communication module may be a module that communicates with an external device via a wire. For example, a wired communication module may include at least one of a Local Area Network (LAN) module, an Ethernet module, a pair cable, a coaxial cable, a fiber optic cable, or an Ultra Wide-Band (UWB) module.

[0081] The memory (120) can store an operating system (OS) for controlling the overall operation of the components of the robot vacuum cleaner (100) and instructions or data related to the components of the robot vacuum cleaner (100). In particular, the memory (120) can store map data of the space where the robot vacuum cleaner (100) is located or map data updated while the robot vacuum cleaner (100) performs a cleaning operation.

[0082] Additionally, the memory (120) can store information of the external device (400-1) (e.g., version information, MAC address, or type of external device) or data for updating the firmware of the external device (400-1).

[0083] Memory (120) can be implemented in various forms such as 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).

[0084] The drive unit (130) can drive the robot vacuum cleaner (100). The drive unit (130) can control the driving direction and driving speed of the robot vacuum cleaner (100) according to the control of the processor (140). For example, the drive unit (130) can control various driving actions such as moving, stopping, speed control, and changing direction of the robot vacuum cleaner (100). At this time, the drive unit (130) can be implemented as a wheel.

[0085] The drive unit (130) can drive based on map data stored in the memory (120). Additionally, if an external device is detected while the robot vacuum cleaner (100) is driving, the drive unit (130) can drive while avoiding the external device.

[0086] The processor (140) may include one or more processors. Specifically, the 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. The processor (140) may control one or any combination of other components of an electronic device and may perform operations or data processing related to communication. The one or more processors may execute one or more programs or instructions stored in memory. For example, the 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] In particular, the processor (140) can acquire information about at least one external device (400-1) among a plurality of external devices (400-1, 400-2, 400-n) that is not connected to an AP (Access Point) device during a cleaning operation, and can control the drive unit (130) to drive to a charging station when the cleaning operation is completed. The processor (140) can transmit the acquired information about the external device (400-1) to the server device (500) and identify whether the external device (400-1) needs to be updated based on the acquired information about the external device (400-1). Meanwhile, although an embodiment in which the processor (140) identifies whether to update the external device (400-1) based on the information about the external device (400-1) has been described above, this is merely one embodiment, and it is obvious that the server device (500) can identify whether to update the external device (400-1).

[0089] Meanwhile, if the processor (140) identifies that an update to the external device (400-1) is required, it can control an input / output interface (not shown) to obtain a user's response regarding whether to update the external device (400-1).

[0090] However, this is merely one example, and it is obvious that a user's response regarding whether to update the external device (400-1) can be obtained through the user terminal device (200).

[0091] Additionally, the processor (140) can control the drive unit (130) to drive to the external device (400-1) according to the judgment result, and transmit data to the external device (400-1) to update the external device (400-1).

[0092] At this time, the processor (140) can identify at least one external device (400-1) that is not connected to the AP device (300) while moving around the space within the house. This will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 3.

[0093] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the processor (140) can identify an external device (400-1) that is not connected to the AP device (300) while moving around the space within the house. The external device (400-1) may not be connected to the AP device (300) due to Wi-Fi signal problems, network configuration problems, or router configuration problems.

[0094] For example, if the external device (400-1) is far from the Wi-Fi router, communication between the external device (400-1) and the Wi-Fi router may not be established. Alternatively, if the external device (400-1) connects to the Wi-Fi router, communication with the Wi-Fi router may not be established even if an incorrect password is entered. Additionally, communication may not be established if the router is set to 5GHz only and the external device (400-1) only supports 2.4GHz.

[0095] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the processor (140) can drive to the bedroom to identify an air dresser or a smart air purifier, or identify a multifunctional kitchen appliance (400-1) in the kitchen. Additionally, the processor (140) can identify an external device (400-1) among a plurality of external devices (400-1, 400-2 ... 400-n) that is not connected to the AP device (300) for communication.

[0096] Specifically, the processor (140) can search for or identify an external device (400-1) using packet sniffing or MAC address analysis methods.

[0097] In one embodiment, the processor (140) can identify an external device (400-1) that is not connected to the AP device (300) by using a packet sniffing method. Packet sniffing is a method of analyzing network traffic by acquiring packets transmitted in a Wi-Fi network.

[0098] For example, the processor (140) can intercept packets transmitted from a Wi-Fi network and detect traffic generated by an external device (400-1) that is not connected to the Wi-Fi network.

[0099] In one or more embodiments, the processor (140) can analyze the MAC address to identify an external device (400-1) that is not connected to the AP device (300) for communication. Specifically, the processor (140) can obtain the MAC address of the external device and analyze the obtained MAC address to identify a device that is not connected to the AP device (300).

[0100] However, this is merely one example, and the processor (140) can identify a device not connected to the AP device (300) using a signal strength analysis (RSSI) method. The signal strength analysis (RSSI) method measures the wireless signal strength of a peripheral device and recognizes a device as an external device if the signal exceeds a specific range or has a weak signal. At this time, the processor (140) can identify a device as an external device (400-1) that is not connected to the AP device (300) if the signal is weaker than a specific range.

[0101] If the processor (140) identifies at least one external device (400-1) that is not connected to the AP device (300) for communication, it may disconnect the connection between the robot vacuum cleaner (100) and the AP device (300) and transmit a signal to establish a communication connection with at least one external device (400-1) while performing a cleaning operation. Additionally, based on the transmitted signal, the processor (140) may establish a communication connection between the robot vacuum cleaner (100) and at least one external device (400-1) using at least one of Wi-Fi or BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication methods and obtain information about the identified external device (400-1).

[0102] In one embodiment, the processor (140) can connect with an external device (400-1) using a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication method. Specifically, the processor (140) can receive a connection advertising signal from the external device (400-1). When the processor (140) receives the signal, it can connect with the external device (400-1) using a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication method and then obtain information about the external device (400-1).

[0103] In one or more embodiments, the processor (140) may transmit an advertising packet to an external device (400-1). The advertising packet may include a data packet transmitted to the external device (400-1) to notify the presence of the robot vacuum cleaner (100). At this time, when the external device (400-1) receives the advertising packet, it may switch to an Access Point (AP) mode. After establishing a Wi-Fi communication connection with the external device (400-1), the processor (140) may obtain information about the external device (400-1).

[0104] In one or more embodiments, the processor (140) may, after connecting to an external device (400-1) via a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connection, transmit a signal to the peripheral device (400-1) to switch to Access Point (AP) mode. At this time, after establishing a Wi-Fi communication connection with the external device (400-1), information of the external device (400-1) may be obtained.

[0105] By the method described above, the processor (140) can establish a communication connection with the received external device (400-1) and transmit the acquired information of the external device (400-1) to the user terminal device (200). Specifically, the information regarding the external device (400-1) includes at least one of version information, operating status information, or location information of the external device (400-1), and the processor (140) can control the communication interface (110) to transmit the information regarding the external device (400-1) to the user terminal device (200).

[0106] Meanwhile, an embodiment in which the processor (140) transmits information acquired to a user terminal device (200) will be described later, but this is merely one embodiment, and it is obvious that an embodiment in which the processor (140) transmits information to a server device (500) and then transmits information from the server device (500) to the user terminal device (200) may also be included. This will be described later with reference to FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 5.

[0107] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the user terminal device (200) can display to distinguish and display external devices identified through the AP device (300) and the processor (140).

[0108] Specifically, the processor (140) can transmit information to the user terminal device (200) that the robot vacuum cleaner, air purifier, dryer, washing machine, and refrigerator are "directly connected," and the refrigerator and dishwasher are "indirectly connected."

[0109] Meanwhile, although an embodiment in which the processor (140) transmits acquired information to the user terminal device (200) has been described above, this is merely one embodiment, and it is obvious that an embodiment in which the processor (140) transmits information to the server device (500) and then transmits information from the server device (500) to the user terminal device (200) may also be included.

[0110] The user terminal device (200) can display a UI (410) that includes information that the robot vacuum cleaner, air purifier, dryer, washing machine, and refrigerator are "directly connected," and the refrigerator and dishwasher are "indirectly connected."

[0111] At this time, the indirectly connected device refers to a device that is not connected to the AP device (300) but is temporarily connected to the robot vacuum cleaner (100) through the communication interface (110), and the directly connected device may refer to a device connected to the AP device (300).

[0112] Additionally, the processor (140) can control the communication interface (110) to transmit information about an indirectly connected external device to the user terminal device (200).

[0113] Meanwhile, although an embodiment in which the processor (140) transmits acquired information to the user terminal device (200) has been described above, this is merely one embodiment, and it is obvious that an embodiment in which the processor (140) transmits information to the server device (500) and then transmits information from the server device (500) to the user terminal device (200) may also be included.

[0114] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the processor (140) can control the communication interface (110) to acquire mode, temperature, cooking time, updated time, or location information of an indirectly connected multifunctional kitchen appliance (400-1) and to transmit the acquired information to a user terminal device (200). Additionally, the user terminal device (200) can display a UI (510, 520, 530) containing information of the multifunctional kitchen appliance (400-1).

[0115] Specifically, the processor (140) can control the communication interface (110) to provide information to the user terminal device (200) regarding the date the multifunctional kitchen appliance (400-1) was recently updated and information that the multifunctional kitchen appliance (400-1) is set to "air fry mode" and "temperature is 190 degrees." At this time, the user terminal device (200) can display a UI (510) containing information regarding the date the multifunctional kitchen appliance (400-1) was recently updated and a UI (520) containing information regarding "air fry mode" and "temperature is 190 degrees."

[0116] At this time, the processor (140) cannot control the cooking and temperature of the indirectly connected multifunctional kitchen appliance (400-1) as shown in FIG. 5, but can control it to display information about the current temperature and current mode status of the multifunctional kitchen appliance.

[0117] Meanwhile, since the cooking and temperature control functions of the indirectly connected multifunctional kitchen appliance (400-1) are not possible, the scroll bar between 40 degrees and 200 degrees, which can control the temperature, may be controlled to be displayed in an opaque state to indicate that the multifunctional kitchen appliance (400-1) is in an indirectly connected state.

[0118] Additionally, the processor (140) can control the communication interface (110) to provide location information of the multifunctional kitchen appliance (400-1) to the user terminal device (200). Specifically, the processor (140) can transmit location information to the user terminal device (200) when the multifunctional kitchen appliance (400-1) is located in an edge area of ​​the kitchen. At this time, the user terminal device (200) can display a UI containing the location information of the multifunctional kitchen appliance (400-1).

[0119] As described above, the processor (140) can transmit data for firmware update to an external device (400-1) based on information obtained through the processor (140) and a user's response input to the user terminal device (200).

[0120] Specifically, the processor (140) can transmit version information of an external device (400-1) to a server device (500) and compare the transmitted version information of the external device (400-1) with the version information of the external device (400-1) stored in the server device (500). Additionally, if the version information included in the information regarding the identified external device (400-1) and the version information of the external device stored in the server device (500) are different, the processor (140) can transmit data containing a request for a user's response regarding whether to update the external device (400-1) to a user terminal device (200).

[0121] Meanwhile, for the convenience of explanation, an embodiment in which the processor (140) compares version information has been described in detail, but this is only one embodiment, and it is obvious that the operation of version information can be performed in the server device (500).

[0122] The user terminal device (200) may display a guide UI (620) containing data that includes content requesting a user's response. This will be described later with reference to FIG. 6.

[0123] At this time, the processor (140) can update the external device (400-1) when a response requesting an update of the external device (400-1) is received from the user terminal device (200) regarding the guide UI. Additionally, the processor (140) can obtain data for updating the external device (400-1) from the server device (500), control the driving unit (130) to move to the external device (400-1), and enable the external device (400-1) to be updated based on the obtained data.

[0124] The processor (140) can transmit information about the version of the external device (400-1) to the server device (500). For example, the current version of the multifunctional kitchen appliance (400-1) among the external devices may be 2401001-01. The server device (500) may include information that the latest version of the multifunctional kitchen appliance (400-1) is 240624-01. At this time, the server device (500) may determine that the version of the multifunctional kitchen appliance (400-1) is not the latest version. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the user terminal device (200) can display on the display a UI (610) containing the phrase "Firmware update required" or a UI (610) containing the phrase "Firmware update is possible using the robot vacuum cleaner", "Firmware update required", or "Current version: 240101-01, latest version: 240624-01".

[0125] Additionally, the user terminal device (200) may display a UI (620) requesting a firmware update of the external device (400-1) with the message "Would you like to proceed with the firmware update?". When the user's response "YES" is entered, the processor (140) may obtain data from the server device (500) to update the firmware of the external device (400-1).

[0126] After the processor (140) travels to the external device (400-1), it can transmit data to the external device (400-1) for firmware update.

[0127] Meanwhile, although the processor (140) has been described in detail as transmitting data for firmware update to the external device (400-1) after moving to the external device (400-1), this is merely one embodiment, and it is obvious that data for firmware update to the external device (400-1) can be transmitted without moving to the external device (400-1).

[0128] When a negative response is received from a UI (620) requesting a firmware update of an external device (400-1), the processor (140) may obtain data for firmware updating of the external device (400-1) from a server device (500). Additionally, the processor (140) may obtain information regarding the time required for firmware updating of the external device (400-1) based on the size of the obtained data, and may set a time to firmware update the external device based on the obtained information. Additionally, the processor (140) may transmit data for updating the external device (400-1) to the external device (400-1) at the set time.

[0129] When the processor (140) receives a response of "NO" or a response delaying the firmware update in response to the guide UI (620) containing the phrase "Would you like to proceed with the firmware update?", the processor (140) can return to the charging station when the cleaning operation is completed.

[0130] Specifically, the processor (140) can control the external device (400-1) to maintain its current version when a response denying the user's firmware update progress is received. At this time, the processor (140) can control the drive unit (130) to return to the station after the cleaning operation is completed.

[0131] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the process of a robot vacuum cleaner (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure acquiring information from an external device (400-1) while performing a cleaning operation.

[0132] First, the robot vacuum cleaner (100) can perform a cleaning operation (S710). At this time, the robot vacuum cleaner (100) can perform a cleaning operation by having the user operate the robot vacuum cleaner (100) or by loading information about a cleaning schedule stored in the memory (120) of the robot vacuum cleaner (100).

[0133] The robot vacuum cleaner (100) can enter a specific space or search for external devices at preset intervals (S720). Specifically, the robot vacuum cleaner (100) can enter a specific space within the home and search for external devices by loading map data stored in memory (120). Alternatively, the robot vacuum cleaner (100) can search for external devices at preset intervals.

[0134] Afterwards, the robot vacuum cleaner (100) can identify whether all external devices are connected to the AP device (300) (S730).

[0135] At this time, if all external devices are connected to the AP device (300) (S730-Y), a cleaning operation can be performed and other external devices can be searched.

[0136] However, if at least one external device (400-1) among the external devices is not connected to the AP device (300) (S730-N), the robot vacuum cleaner (100) and the external device (400-1) can be connected to obtain information about the external device (400-1) (S740).

[0137] Specifically, while the robot vacuum cleaner (100) performs a cleaning operation, it can identify whether there is an external device among a plurality of external devices around the robot vacuum cleaner (100) that is not connected to the AP device (300) for communication.

[0138] At this time, if the robot vacuum cleaner (100) identifies an external device (400-1) that is not connected to the AP device (300) for communication, the robot vacuum cleaner (100) may disconnect the connection between the robot vacuum cleaner (100) and the AP device (300) and establish a communication connection between the robot vacuum cleaner (100) and the external device (400-1) in order to obtain information about the external device (400-1). At this time, since the method for obtaining information about the external device (400-1) has been described above, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0139] The robot vacuum cleaner (100) can disconnect the communication connection between the robot vacuum cleaner (100) and the external device (400-1) and establish a communication connection with the wireless AP device (300) (S750). Specifically, after the robot vacuum cleaner (100) obtains information from the external device (400-1), it can disconnect the communication connection with the external device (400-1) and establish a communication connection with the AP device (300).

[0140] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the process of performing a firmware update using information from an external device (400-1) obtained by a robot vacuum cleaner (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0141] First, the robot vacuum cleaner (100) can return to the charging station when the cleaning operation is completed (S810).

[0142] The robot vacuum cleaner (100) can transmit information about the acquired external device (400-1) to the server device (500) (S815). At this time, the information about the external device (400-1) may include version information of the external device (400-1). However, this is merely one embodiment, and it goes without saying that the robot vacuum cleaner (100) may also transmit information about the IP address, MAC address, or type of the external device (400-1) to the server device (500).

[0143] The robot vacuum cleaner (100) can control the communication interface (110) to display a UI containing information of an external device (400-1) on a user terminal device (S820). Specifically, the robot vacuum cleaner is not connected to the AP device (300), so the robot vacuum cleaner can control the communication interface (110) to transmit version information or location information of the external device (400-1) acquired by the robot vacuum cleaner. At this time, the user terminal device (200) can display a UI containing version information or location information of the external device (400-1).

[0144] The robot vacuum cleaner (100) can compare the version information of the external device (400-1) stored in the server device (500) with the version information of the external device (400-1) obtained by the robot vacuum cleaner (100) (S825).

[0145] At this time, if the user does not enter a response requesting an update (S830-N), the robot vacuum cleaner (100) can perform a cleaning operation without proceeding with the update of the external device (400-1) and then return to the charging station (S835).

[0146] However, the robot vacuum cleaner (100) can obtain data to update an external device (400-1) when the user inputs a response requesting an update (S830-Y) (S840).

[0147] The robot vacuum cleaner (100) can obtain a response requesting an update to a user terminal device (200) input by a user through a communication interface (110), or obtain a response from a user through an input / output interface (not shown) of the robot vacuum cleaner (100).

[0148] At this time, the robot vacuum cleaner (100) can obtain data for updating from the server device (500) when the version information of the external device (400-1) stored in the server device (500) and the version information of the external device (400-1) obtained by the robot vacuum cleaner (100) are different and the user inputs a response requesting an update.

[0149] Meanwhile, this is merely one embodiment, and if the version information of the external device (400-1) stored in the server device (500) and the version information of the external device (400-1) acquired by the robot vacuum cleaner (100) are different, and the update is configured to proceed even if no response from the user is entered, it is obvious that the update can proceed without waiting for a response from the user requesting an update. The robot vacuum cleaner (100) can acquire data for the update, calculate the time required for the update, and set the time to proceed with the update (S845).

[0150] Specifically, the robot vacuum cleaner (100) can calculate the time required for the update based on the size of the update file, the transmission speed, or the processing time.

[0151] At this time, the robot vacuum cleaner (100) can control the drive unit (130) to drive to the external device (400-1) to be updated. Additionally, the robot vacuum cleaner (100) can update the external device (400-1) using data for updating (S855).

[0152] After the update of the external device (400-1) is completed, the robot vacuum cleaner (100) can return to the charging station and then transmit the version information of the external device (400-1) to the server device (500) (S860).

[0153] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a robot vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0154] First, the robot vacuum cleaner (100) can obtain information about at least one external device (400-1) among a plurality of external devices (400-1 400-n) that is not connected to an AP (Access Point) device during the cleaning operation (S910).

[0155] The robot vacuum cleaner (100) can control the drive unit (130) to drive to the charging station when the cleaning operation is completed (S920).

[0156] The robot vacuum cleaner (100) can transmit information of the acquired external device (400-1) to the server device (500) (S930).

[0157] The robot vacuum cleaner (100) can determine whether to update the external device (400-1) based on the information of the external device (400-1) obtained (S940). At this time, the robot vacuum cleaner (100) can determine whether the version of the external device (400-1) is the latest version based on the version information of the external device (400-1) obtained and the version information stored in the server device (500), and then determine whether to update based on the response of the user entered into the user terminal device (200). Since this process has been described above, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0158] The robot vacuum cleaner (100) can acquire data for updating an external device (400-1) based on the judgment result (S950). However, this is only one embodiment, and it is known that the robot vacuum cleaner (100) can transmit data for updating to the external device (400-1) without driving to the external device (400-1).

[0159] The robot vacuum cleaner (100) can control the drive unit (130) to drive to the external device (400-1) (S960). That is, the robot vacuum cleaner (100) can transmit data to update the external device (400-1) so that the external device (400-1) has the latest version of the firmware.

[0160] Additionally, the robot vacuum cleaner (100) can transmit data to the external device (400-1) to update the external device (400-1) (S970).

[0161] According to the present disclosure, a robot vacuum cleaner (100) can identify version information of at least one external device among a plurality of external devices surrounding the robot vacuum cleaner (100) and perform an update.

[0162] Additionally, methods 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 (20) 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 in a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0163] 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 a server device or 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.

[0164] Meanwhile, a device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory readable recording medium. Here, 'non-transitory readable recording medium' 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, a 'non-transitory storage medium' may include a buffer in which data is stored temporarily.

[0165] 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.

[0166] 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. Regarding robot vacuum cleaners, Memory for storing at least one instruction; and Includes at least one processor; and When the above at least one instruction is executed collectively or individually by the above at least one processor, the robot vacuum cleaner, Identify at least one external device that is not connected to the server device, and When the above-mentioned at least one external device is identified, first information regarding the above-mentioned at least one external device is obtained, and Based on the above first information, identify whether an update of the at least one external device is required, and If it is identified that an update is required for at least one external device, data for updating the at least one external device is obtained and the vehicle is driven to approach the at least one external device. A robot vacuum cleaner that transmits data for the above update to at least one external device.

2. In Paragraph 1, When the above at least one instruction is executed collectively or individually by the above at least one processor, the robot vacuum cleaner, If at least one external device that is not connected to the server device is identified, the connection between the robot vacuum cleaner and the AP (Access Point) device is disconnected, and Transmitting a signal requesting a communication connection to at least one external device, and A robot vacuum cleaner that acquires the first information when a communication connection is established with at least one external device.

3. In Paragraph 2, A robot vacuum cleaner, wherein the first information above includes at least one of version information, operation status information, or location information of the external device.

4. In Paragraph 1, When the above at least one instruction is executed collectively or individually by the above at least one processor, the robot vacuum cleaner, Second information corresponding to at least one external device stored in the server is obtained from the server, and A robot vacuum cleaner that transmits information to a user terminal, including a user response request regarding whether the at least one external device is updated, based on the first information and the second information.

5. In Paragraph 1, When the above at least one instruction is executed collectively or individually by the above at least one processor, the robot vacuum cleaner, Transmit the above first information to the above server, and A robot vacuum cleaner that transmits information to a user terminal, including a user response request regarding whether the at least one external device is updated, based on the above server.

6. In Paragraph 1, When the above at least one instruction is executed collectively or individually by the above at least one processor, the robot vacuum cleaner, If it is identified that an update is required for at least one external device, information including a user response request regarding whether to update the at least one external device is transmitted to a user terminal, and A robot vacuum cleaner that, upon receiving a user response requesting an update of at least one external device, acquires data for updating the at least one external device.

7. In Paragraph 1, When the above at least one instruction is executed collectively or individually by the above at least one processor, the robot vacuum cleaner, If it is identified that an update is required for at least one external device, information including a user response request regarding whether to update the at least one external device is transmitted to a user terminal, and A robot vacuum cleaner that terminates an update-related operation of at least one external device when a user response rejecting an update of at least one external device is received, or when a user response is not received within a preset time.

8. In a method for controlling a robot vacuum cleaner, A step of identifying at least one external device that is not connected to a server device for communication; When the above-mentioned at least one external device is identified, a step of obtaining first information about the above-mentioned at least one external device; A step of identifying whether an update of the at least one external device is required based on the first information above; If it is identified that an update is required for at least one external device, the method comprises the steps of obtaining data for updating the at least one external device and driving to approach the at least one external device; and A control method comprising the step of transmitting data for the above update to at least one external device.

9. In Paragraph 8, If at least one external device that is not connected to the server device is identified, the step of disconnecting the connection between the robot vacuum cleaner and the AP (Access Point) device; A step of transmitting a signal requesting a communication connection to at least one external device; and A control method comprising the step of acquiring the first information when a communication connection is established with at least one external device.

10. In Paragraph 9, The above first information is a control method comprising at least one of version information, operation status information, or location information of the external device.

11. In Paragraph 8, A step of obtaining from the server second information corresponding to the at least one external device stored in the server; and A control method comprising the step of transmitting information to a user terminal, including a user response request regarding whether the at least one external device is updated, based on the first information and the second information.

12. In Paragraph 8, A step of transmitting the above first information to the server; and A control method comprising the step of transmitting information to a user terminal, including a user response request regarding whether the at least one external device is updated, based on the above server.

13. In Paragraph 8, If it is identified that an update is required for at least one external device, the step of transmitting information including a user response request regarding whether to update the at least one external device to a user terminal; and A control method comprising the step of obtaining data for updating the at least one external device when a user response requesting an update of the at least one external device is received.

14. In Paragraph 8, If it is identified that an update is required for at least one external device, the step of transmitting information including a user response request regarding whether to update the at least one external device to a user terminal; and A control method comprising the step of terminating an update-related operation of at least one external device when a user response rejecting an update of at least one external device is received, or when a user response is not received within a preset time.

15. A non-transient computer-readable recording medium comprising a program for executing a control method of a robot vacuum cleaner, The above control method is, A step of identifying at least one external device that is not connected to a server device for communication; When the above-mentioned at least one external device is identified, a step of obtaining first information about the above-mentioned at least one external device; A step of identifying whether an update of the at least one external device is required based on the first information above; If it is identified that an update is required for at least one external device, the method comprises the steps of obtaining data for updating the at least one external device and driving to approach the at least one external device; and A non-transient computer-readable recording medium comprising the step of transmitting data for the above update to at least one external device.

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