Electronic device and system including same

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an electronic device and a system including same. The electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise: a first interface for supporting communication with an external device; a memory for storing data regarding a Thread network configured using Thread; and a processor, wherein the processor communicates with a first external device corresponding to a first Thread network via the first interface, and transmits data regarding a second Thread network, stored in the memory, to the first external device via the first interface on the basis of a predetermined condition causing a device included in the second Thread network to be included in the first Thread network.

Description

Electronic device and system including the same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device and a system including the same, and more specifically, to an electronic device using a mesh network and a system including the same.

[0002] The era of the Internet of Things (IoT) is dawning due to the development of wireless communication technology and the increase in wireless communication devices. The Internet of Things refers to a technology or environment in which data is exchanged in real time over the Internet through sensors equipped on objects.

[0003] With the advent of the Internet of Things era, Home IoT is being implemented. Home IoT is a term combining "smart home" and "IoT," referring to a platform that collects and exchanges information by connecting mobile devices, home appliances, and more via the internet and communication networks. Through Home IoT, it is possible to control home appliances from outside the house using smart devices.

[0004] Meanwhile, along with the advancement of Internet of Things (IoT) technology, various communication technologies and services are being developed. In particular, among these diverse communication technologies, research on mesh networks, in which multiple devices are interconnected to form a single network, is being actively conducted.

[0005] Among communication technologies that utilize mesh networks, thread communication is a wireless mesh network technology based on IEEE 802.15.4. Thread communication is a communication technology based on a low-power short-range wireless network that uses an IPv6-based wireless protocol, and enables efficient data transmission through routing.

[0006] A thread network, which is a mesh network implemented based on thread communication, includes a thread leader acting as a master, a border router connecting the thread network to an external network, a thread router providing routing functions, and thread end devices connected to the thread router. A thread router to which an end device is connected is named the parent device with respect to the connected end device.

[0007] Meanwhile, if the border router fails to connect the thread network and the external network—for example, if the border router is turned off, if an error occurs regarding the operation of the border router, or if the communication performance of the border router deteriorates—communication between the thread network and the external network is severed, causing problems in which the user cannot check the status of the configuration included in the thread network or control each configuration. In addition, since the user must reconnect the device included in the thread network that has been disconnected from the external network to the new thread network, it causes inconvenience to the user.

[0008] The present disclosure aims to solve the aforementioned problems and other problems.

[0009] Another objective is to provide an electronic device capable of using a communication method optimized for connection with an external network and a system including the same.

[0010] Another objective is to provide an electronic device capable of configuring the provision of routing functions for a communication-connected external device in various ways, and a system including the same.

[0011] Another objective is to provide an electronic device and a system including the same that can provide a connection to another thread network to a configuration included in a thread network when communication with an external network by a border router is not possible.

[0012] Another objective is to provide an electronic device capable of providing information about a device connected to a thread network and a system including the same.

[0013] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure for achieving the above objective comprises: a first interface supporting communication with an external device; a memory storing data for a thread network configured through a thread; and a processor, wherein the processor communicates with a first external device corresponding to a first thread network through the first interface and, based on a predetermined condition of including a device included in a second thread network in the first thread network, can transmit data for the second thread network stored in the memory to the first external device through the first interface.

[0014] A system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure for achieving the above objective comprises: an electronic device including a memory for storing data for a thread network configured through a thread; and at least one external device, wherein the electronic device communicates with a first external device corresponding to a first thread network through a first interface that supports communication with the external device, and transmits data for the second thread network stored in the memory to the first external device through the first interface based on a predetermined condition for including a device included in the second thread network in the first thread network, and the first external device can perform an operation related to the addition of a device included in the second thread network to the first thread network based on the data for the second thread network.

[0015] The effects of the electronic device and the system including the same according to the present disclosure are described as follows.

[0016] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method optimized for connection with an external network can be used, thereby improving the communication performance of the thread network.

[0017] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the provision of routing functions of an external device connected via communication can be configured in various ways, thereby improving ease of use.

[0018] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, when communication with an external network by a border router is not possible, a connection to another thread network can be provided to a configuration included in the thread network, thereby improving the communication stability of the configuration included in the thread network.

[0019] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, information about a device connected to a thread network can be provided, so that information about the end device can be easily verified.

[0020] Further scopes of the applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure are clearly understood by those skilled in the art, specific embodiments, such as the detailed description and preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, should be understood as being given merely as examples.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a remote control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an example of the configuration of a remote control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing an example of utilizing a remote control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a drawing referenced in the description of thread communication according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an electronic device supporting thread communication according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 7 is a drawing referenced in the description of the connection of an electronic device to a thread network according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIGS. 8 to 15c are drawings referenced in the description of the operation of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a method of operation of a system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIGS. 17a and FIGS. 17b are drawings referenced in the description of the operation of a system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] The present disclosure is described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In order to clearly and concisely explain the present disclosure, parts unrelated to the description have been omitted from the drawings, and the same reference numerals are used throughout the specification for identical or extremely similar parts.

[0032] The suffixes "module" and "part" for components used in the following description are assigned solely for the ease of drafting this specification and do not inherently confer any particularly significant meaning or role. Accordingly, the terms "module" and "part" may be used interchangeably.

[0033] In this application, terms such as “comprising” or “having” 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.

[0034] Additionally, in this specification, terms such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various elements, but these elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another.

[0035] In this specification, the technical specifications for Thread communication, which is a wireless mesh network technology based on IEEE 802.15.4, are described with reference, but are not limited thereto, and the main points of this disclosure are applicable to other communication methods.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, the display device (100) may include a broadcast receiver (130), an external device interface (135), a memory (140), a user input interface (150), a controller (170), a wireless communication interface (173), a display (180), a speaker (185), and a power supply circuit (190).

[0038] The broadcast receiver (130) may include a tuner (131), a demodulator (132), and a network interface (133).

[0039] The tuner (131) can tune to a specific broadcast channel according to a channel tuning command. The tuner (131) can receive a broadcast signal for the tuned specific broadcast channel.

[0040] The demodulator (132) can separate the received broadcast signal into a video signal, an audio signal, and a data signal related to the broadcast program, and can restore the separated video signal, audio signal, and data signal into a form that can be output.

[0041] The external device interface (135) can receive an application or a list of applications within an adjacent external device and transmit it to the controller (170) or memory (140).

[0042] The external device interface (135) can provide a connection path between the display device (100) and an external device. The external device interface (135) can receive one or more of video and audio output from an external device connected to the display device (100) wirelessly or via a wired connection, and transmit them to the controller (170). The external device interface (135) may include a plurality of external input terminals. The plurality of external input terminals may include an RGB terminal, one or more HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) terminals, and a component terminal.

[0043] The video signal of an external device input through the external device interface (135) can be output through the display (180). The audio signal of an external device input through the external device interface (135) can be output through the speaker (185).

[0044] The external device that can be connected to the external device interface (135) may be any one of a set-top box, Blu-ray player, DVD player, game console, soundbar, smartphone, PC, USB memory, or home theater, but this is merely an example.

[0045] The network interface (133) may provide an interface for connecting the display device (100) to a wired / wireless network including the Internet network. The network interface (133) may transmit or receive data to or from other users or other electronic devices through the connected network or another network linked to the connected network.

[0046] In addition, some of the content data stored in the display device (100) can be transmitted to another user or other electronic device selected among other users or other electronic devices that are previously registered in the display device (100).

[0047] The network interface (133) can access a specific web page through a connected network or another network linked to the connected network. That is, it can access a specific web page through a network and transmit or receive data with the corresponding server.

[0048] Additionally, the network interface (133) can receive content or data provided by a content provider or network operator. That is, the network interface (133) can receive content such as movies, advertisements, games, VOD, broadcast signals, and related information provided by a content provider or network provider through a network.

[0049] Additionally, the network interface (133) can receive firmware update information and update files provided by the network operator, and can transmit data to the internet or a content provider or network operator.

[0050] The network interface (133) can select and receive a desired application among the applications that are open to the public through the network.

[0051] The memory (140) can store a program for each signal processing and control within the controller (170), and can store a signal-processed image, voice, or data signal.

[0052] Additionally, the memory (140) may perform the function of temporarily storing video, audio, or data signals input from an external device interface (135) or a network interface (133), and may also store information regarding a predetermined image through a channel memory function.

[0053] The memory (140) can store an application or a list of applications input from an external device interface (135) or a network interface (133).

[0054] The display device (100) can play content files (video files, still image files, music files, document files, application files, etc.) stored in memory (140) and provide them to the user.

[0055] The user input interface (150) can transmit a signal input by the user to the controller (170) or transmit a signal from the controller (170) to the user. For example, the user input interface (150) can receive and process control signals such as power on / off, channel selection, and screen setting from the remote control device (200) according to various communication methods such as Bluetooth, Ultra Wideband (WB), ZigBee, Radio Frequency (RF) communication, or Infrared (IR) communication, or process to transmit control signals from the controller (170) to the remote control device (200).

[0056] Additionally, the user input interface (150) can transmit control signals input from local keys (not shown), such as power key, channel key, volume key, and setting value, to the controller (170).

[0057] The image signal processed by the controller (170) can be input to the display (180) and displayed as an image corresponding to the image signal. Additionally, the image signal processed by the controller (170) can be input to an external output device through the external device interface (135).

[0058] The voice signal processed by the controller (170) can be output as audio to the speaker (185). Additionally, the voice signal processed by the controller (170) can be input to an external output device through the external device interface (135).

[0059] In addition, the controller (170) can control the overall operation within the display device (100).

[0060] Additionally, the controller (170) can control the display device (100) by means of user commands or internal programs entered through the user input interface (150), and can connect to a network to allow the user to download an application or a list of applications desired by the user into the display device (100).

[0061] The controller (170) enables the processed video or audio signal, such as channel information selected by the user, to be output through the display (180) or speaker (185).

[0062] Additionally, the controller (170) enables a video signal or audio signal from an external device, such as a camera or camcorder, input through the external device interface (135) according to an external device video playback command received through the user input interface (150), to be output through the display (180) or speaker (185).

[0063] Meanwhile, the controller (170) can control the display (180) to display video, for example, broadcast video input through the tuner (131), external input video input through the external device interface (135), video input through the network interface, or video stored in the memory (140) can be controlled to be displayed on the display (180). In this case, the video displayed on the display (180) may be a still image or a video, and may be a 2D image or a 3D image.

[0064] Additionally, the controller (170) can control the playback of content stored in the display device (100), received broadcast content, or external input content input from the outside, and the content may be in various forms such as broadcast video, external input video, audio file, still image, connected web screen, and document file.

[0065] The wireless communication interface (173) can communicate with an external device via wired or wireless communication. The wireless communication interface (173) can perform short-range communication with an external device. To this end, the wireless communication interface (173) can support short-range communication by using at least one of Bluetooth, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, Near Field Communication (NFC), Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless Universal Serial Bus (Wireless USB) technologies. Such wireless communication interface (173) can support wireless communication between the display device (100) and a wireless communication system, between the display device (100) and another display device (100), or between the display device (100) and a network where the display device (100, or an external server) is located, through a wireless area network. Short-range wireless communication networks can be Wireless Personal Area Networks.

[0066] Here, another display device (100) may be a mobile terminal such as a wearable device (e.g., a smartwatch, smart glass, HMD (head mounted display)), a smartphone, etc., capable of exchanging data with (or interacting with) the display device (100) according to the present disclosure. A wireless communication interface (173) may detect (or recognize) a wearable device capable of communicating around the display device (100).

[0067] Furthermore, if the detected wearable device is a device authenticated to communicate with the display device (100) according to the present disclosure, the controller (170) may transmit at least a portion of the data processed in the display device (100) to the wearable device through the wireless communication interface (173). Accordingly, the user of the wearable device may use the data processed in the display device (100) through the wearable device.

[0068] The display (180) can generate a driving signal by converting the video signal, data signal, OSD signal processed by the controller (170) or the video signal, data signal, etc. received from the external device interface (135) into R, G, and B signals, respectively.

[0069] Meanwhile, since the display device (100) illustrated in FIG. 1 is merely an embodiment of the present disclosure, some of the illustrated components may be integrated, added, or omitted depending on the specifications of the actual display device (100) being implemented.

[0070] That is, as needed, two or more components may be combined into a single component, or a single component may be subdivided into two or more components. In addition, the function performed in each block is intended to explain the embodiments of the present disclosure, and the specific operation or device does not limit the scope of the rights of the present disclosure.

[0071] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the display device (100) may receive and play video through a network interface (133) or an external device interface (135) without having a tuner (131) and a demodulator (132), unlike as shown in FIG. 1.

[0072] For example, the display device (100) may be implemented by separating it into a video processing device, such as a set-top box, for receiving broadcast signals or content according to various network services, and a content playback device for playing content input from the video processing device.

[0073] In this case, the method of operation of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure described below may be performed not only by the display device (100) described with reference to FIG. 1, but also by any one of an image processing device such as the separated set-top box, or a content playback device having a display (180) and a speaker (185).

[0074] Next, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, a remote control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0075] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a remote control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an example of the configuration of a remote control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] First, referring to FIG. 2, the remote control device (200) may include a fingerprint scanner (210), a wireless communication circuit (220), a user input interface (230), a sensor (240), an output interface (250), a power supply circuit (260), a memory (270), a controller (280), and a microphone (290).

[0077] Referring to FIG. 2, the wireless communication circuit (220) transmits and receives signals with any one of the display devices according to the embodiments of the present disclosure described above.

[0078] The remote control device (200) is equipped with an RF circuit (221) capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the display device (100) according to RF communication standards, and may be equipped with an IR circuit (223) capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the display device (100) according to IR communication standards. Additionally, the remote control device (200) may be equipped with a Bluetooth circuit (225) capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the display device (100) according to Bluetooth communication standards. Furthermore, the remote control device (200) may be equipped with an NFC circuit (227) capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the display device (100) according to NFC (Near Field Communication) communication standards, and may be equipped with a WLAN circuit (229) capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the display device (100) according to WLAN (Wireless LAN) communication standards.

[0079] Additionally, the remote control device (200) transmits a signal containing information regarding the movement of the remote control device (200), etc., to the display device (100) through a wireless communication circuit (220).

[0080] Meanwhile, the remote control device (200) can receive a signal transmitted by the display device (100) through the RF circuit (221), and, if necessary, can transmit commands regarding power on / off, channel change, volume change, etc. to the display device (100) through the IR circuit (223).

[0081] The user input interface (230) may be composed of a keypad, buttons, a touchpad, or a touch screen. The user can input commands related to the display device (100) to the remote control device (200) by operating the user input interface (230). If the user input interface (230) is equipped with a hard key button, the user can input commands related to the display device (100) to the remote control device (200) through a push operation of the hard key button. This will be explained with reference to FIG. 3.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 3, the remote control device (200) may include a plurality of buttons. The plurality of buttons may include a fingerprint recognition button (212), a power button (231), a home button (232), a live button (233), an external input button (234), a volume control button (235), a voice recognition button (236), a channel change button (237), a confirmation button (238), and a back button (239).

[0083] The fingerprint recognition button (212) may be a button for recognizing a user's fingerprint. In one embodiment, the fingerprint recognition button (212) may be capable of a push operation and may receive a push operation and a fingerprint recognition operation.

[0084] The power button (231) may be a button for turning the power of the display device (100) on / off.

[0085] The home button (232) may be a button for moving to the home screen of the display device (100).

[0086] The live button (233) may be a button for displaying a live broadcast program.

[0087] The external input button (234) may be a button for receiving an external input connected to the display device (100).

[0088] The volume control button (235) may be a button for adjusting the volume output by the display device (100).

[0089] The voice recognition button (236) may be a button for receiving the user's voice and recognizing the received voice.

[0090] The channel change button (237) may be a button for receiving a broadcast signal of a specific broadcast channel.

[0091] The confirmation button (238) may be a button for selecting a specific function, and the back button (239) may be a button for returning to the previous screen.

[0092] Figure 2 is explained again.

[0093] If the user input interface (230) is equipped with a touchscreen, the user can input commands related to the display device (100) to the remote control device (200) by touching the soft keys on the touchscreen. Additionally, the user input interface (230) may be equipped with various types of input means that the user can operate, such as scroll keys or jog keys, and this embodiment does not limit the scope of the rights of this disclosure.

[0094] The sensor (240) may be equipped with a gyroscope sensor (241) or an accelerometer sensor (243), and the gyroscope sensor (241) may sense information regarding the movement of the remote control device (200).

[0095] For example, the gyroscope sensor (241) can sense information regarding the operation of the remote control device (200) based on the x, y, and z axes, and the accelerometer sensor (243) can sense information regarding the movement speed of the remote control device (200). Meanwhile, the remote control device (200) may further be equipped with a distance measuring sensor to sense the distance to the display (180) of the display device (100).

[0096] The output interface (250) can output a video or audio signal corresponding to the operation of the user input interface (230) or a signal transmitted from the display device (100).

[0097] The user can recognize whether the output interface (250) is operated by the user input interface (230) or whether the display device (100) is controlled.

[0098] For example, the output interface (250) may be equipped with an LED (251) that lights up when the user input interface (230) is operated or when a signal is transmitted or received with the display device (100) through the wireless communication circuit (220), a vibrator (253) that generates vibration, a speaker (255) that outputs sound, or a display (257) that outputs video.

[0099] In addition, the power supply circuit (260) supplies power to the remote control device (200), and can reduce power waste by stopping the power supply when the remote control device (200) does not move for a predetermined period of time.

[0100] The power supply circuit (260) can resume power supply when a predetermined key provided in the remote control device (200) is operated.

[0101] The memory (270) can store various types of programs, application data, etc. required for the control or operation of the remote control device (200).

[0102] When the remote control device (200) transmits and receives signals wirelessly through the RF circuit (221) and the display device (100), the remote control device (200) and the display device (100) transmit and receive signals through a predetermined frequency band.

[0103] The controller (280) of the remote control device (200) can store and refer to information regarding frequency bands, etc., that can wirelessly transmit and receive signals with the display device (100) paired with the remote control device (200) in the memory (270).

[0104] The controller (280) controls all matters related to the control of the remote control device (200). The controller (280) can transmit a signal corresponding to a predetermined key operation of the user input interface (230) or a signal corresponding to the movement of the remote control device (200) sensed by the sensor (240) to the display device (100) through the wireless communication circuit (220).

[0105] In addition, the microphone (290) of the remote control device (200) can acquire voice.

[0106] The microphone (290) may be provided in multiple numbers.

[0107] Next, Figure 4 is explained.

[0108] FIG. 4 shows an example of utilizing a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0109] FIG. 4(a) illustrates a pointer (205) corresponding to a remote control device (200) being displayed on a display (180).

[0110] The user can move or rotate the remote control device (200) up and down, left and right. The pointer (205) displayed on the display (180) of the display device (100) corresponds to the movement of the remote control device (200). Since the pointer (205) of the remote control device (200) moves and is displayed according to the movement in 3D space as shown in the drawing, it can be named a spatial remote control.

[0111] FIG. 4(b) illustrates that when the user moves the remote control device (200) to the left, the pointer (205) displayed on the display (180) of the display device (100) also moves to the left in response.

[0112] Information regarding the movement of the remote control device (200) detected through the sensor of the remote control device (200) is transmitted to the display device (100). The display device (100) can calculate the coordinates of the pointer (205) from the information regarding the movement of the remote control device (200). The display device (100) can display the pointer (205) to correspond to the calculated coordinates.

[0113] FIG. 4(c) illustrates a case where, while pressing a specific button within the remote control device (200), the user moves the remote control device (200) away from the display (180). By doing so, the selected area within the display (180) corresponding to the pointer (205) can be zoomed in and enlarged.

[0114] Conversely, when the user moves the remote control device (200) closer to the display (180), the selected area within the display (180) corresponding to the pointer (205) can be zoomed out and reduced in size.

[0115] Meanwhile, when the remote control device (200) moves away from the display (180), the selected area may be zoomed out, and when the remote control device (200) moves closer to the display (180), the selected area may be zoomed in.

[0116] Additionally, when a specific button within the remote control device (200) is pressed, recognition of up-down and left-right movement may be excluded. That is, when the remote control device (200) moves away from or closer to the display (180), up-down, left-right movement is not recognized, and only forward-backward movement is recognized. When the specific button within the remote control device (200) is not pressed, only the pointer (205) moves according to the up-down, left-right movement of the remote control device (200).

[0117] Meanwhile, the movement speed or direction of movement of the pointer (205) can correspond to the movement speed or direction of movement of the remote control device (200).

[0118] Meanwhile, the pointer in this specification refers to an object displayed on the display (180) in response to the operation of the remote control device (200). Accordingly, the pointer (205) can be an object of various shapes other than the arrow shape shown in the drawing. For example, it may be a concept including a point, a cursor, a prompt, a thick outline, etc. Furthermore, the pointer (205) can be displayed corresponding to either a point on the horizontal axis or a vertical axis on the display (180), and it is also possible to display it corresponding to multiple points, such as a line or a surface.

[0119] FIG. 5 is a drawing referenced in the description of thread communication according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 5, the system (10) may include at least one thread network (20) and an external network (30).

[0121] The thread network (20) may include a plurality of electronic devices. The thread network (20) may include a thread leader, a border router, a thread router, a thread end device, etc. The border router may be named a thread border router.

[0122] Multiple electronic devices included in the thread network (20) can communicate with each other. The thread network (20) can communicate with an external network (30) through a border router.

[0123] The external network (30) may include an access point (AP) (300) such as a router that provides router functions, a network (400) such as the internet, a user terminal (500), etc.

[0124] An electronic device included in the thread network (20) can communicate with an access point (300) through a border router. An electronic device included in the thread network (20) can access a network (400) through the access point (300). An electronic device included in the thread network (20) can also communicate with a user terminal (500) connected to the access point (300) through the access point (300).

[0125] The electronic device included in the thread network (20) can connect to the network (400) through a border router. For example, the border router can connect to the network (400) using a local area network (LAN). The electronic device included in the thread network (20) can communicate with an external server (not shown) through the network (400).

[0126] A user terminal (500) can communicate with an electronic device included in the thread network (20). For example, the user terminal (500) can transmit commands to an electronic device included in the thread network (20) through an access point (300). For example, the user terminal (500) can communicate with an external server so that the external server transmits commands to an electronic device included in the thread network (20) through a network (400).

[0127] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an electronic device supporting thread communication according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0128] Referring to FIG. 6, the electronic device (600) may include a communication circuit (610), an interface (620), a memory (630), and / or a processor (640). In the present disclosure, a display device (100) may be included in the electronic device (600) that supports thread communication.

[0129] The communication circuit (610) may include at least one communication circuit corresponding to a predetermined communication method. For example, the predetermined communication method may include wireless communication methods such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, low-power Bluetooth (BLE), Zigbee, and Thread communication methods. For example, the predetermined communication method may include wired communication methods such as USB (universal serial bus).

[0130] The electronic device (600) may include at least one antenna. The communication circuit (610) may transmit and receive signals through at least one antenna.

[0131] The interface (620) may provide a wired and / or wireless interface. The interface (620) may support at least one specific protocol for communication with an external device. For example, the electronic device (600) may support a Matter standard.

[0132] The interface (620) may include an interface corresponding to a connection to a wired / wireless network (e.g., network interface (133) of FIG. 1), an interface corresponding to a connection to an external device (e.g., external device interface (135) of FIG. 1), an interface corresponding to user input (e.g., user input interface (150) of FIG. 1), an interface corresponding to wireless communication (e.g., wireless communication interface (173) of FIG. 1), etc.

[0133] The memory (630) can store a program for each signal processing and control of the processor (640).

[0134] The processor (640) may be a component that controls the overall operation of the electronic device (600) (e.g., the controller (170) of FIG. 1). The processor (640) may be electrically connected to each component included in the electronic device (600). The processor (640) may control each component included in the electronic device (600).

[0135] FIG. 7 is a drawing referenced in the description of the connection of an electronic device to a thread network according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0136] Referring to FIG. 7, a user terminal (500) can obtain data about an electronic device (700). Here, the data about the electronic device (700) may include a manufacturer, a unique identifier of the electronic device (700), the role of the electronic device (700) (e.g., end device), PSKd (Pre-Shared Key for Joining Device), etc.

[0137] For example, a user terminal (500) can capture a first identification code (710) corresponding to data for an electronic device (700) through a camera (not shown) included in the user terminal (500). At this time, the user terminal (500) can obtain data for the electronic device (700) from the first identification code (710).

[0138] Meanwhile, in the present disclosure, it is described that a user terminal (500) obtains data about an electronic device (700) through a first identification code (710), but is not limited thereto. For example, the user terminal (500) may download data about the electronic device (700) through a network (400) such as the internet, or obtain data about the electronic device (700) from a signal transmitted by the electronic device (700) using a low-power Bluetooth (BLE) method.

[0139] A user terminal (500) can obtain data about a thread network. Here, the data about the thread network may include the network name of the thread network, a network key, a PSKc (Pre-Shared Key for Commissioning), a PAN ID (Personal Area Network ID), an extended PAN ID, a channel mask, etc.

[0140] For example, a display device (100) connected to a thread network can display a second identification code (720) corresponding to the thread network through a display (180). At this time, a user terminal (500) can capture the second identification code (720) through a camera and obtain data about the thread network from the second identification code (720).

[0141] Meanwhile, in the present disclosure, it is described that a user terminal (500) obtains data regarding a thread network through a second identification code (720), but is not limited thereto. For example, the user terminal (500) may download data regarding a thread network through a network (400) such as the internet, receive data regarding a thread network from an electronic device (600) included in the thread network through an access point (300), or receive data regarding a thread network through short-range communication with an electronic device (600) included in the thread network.

[0142] The user terminal (500) and the electronic device (700) can perform authentication for access to the Thread Network. For example, the user terminal (500) and the electronic device (700) can perform authentication for access to the Thread Network through an authentication procedure using a DTLS (Datagram Transport Layer Security) handshake.

[0143] The user terminal (500) can transmit data about the thread network to the electronic device (700) when authentication of the electronic device (700) is successful. For example, the user terminal (500) can transmit data about the thread network to the electronic device (700) using a low-power Bluetooth (BLE) method.

[0144] The electronic device (700) can connect to a thread network based on data about the thread network received from a user terminal (500). For example, the electronic device (700) can be connected to a display device (100) through a process according to the Mesh Link Establishment (MLE) protocol. At this time, the display device (100) can perform the role of a thread router as a parent device.

[0145] According to one embodiment, a user terminal (500) can communicate wirelessly with a display device (100). At this time, the user terminal (500) can determine the distance between the user terminal (500) and the display device (100) based on a signal received from the display device (100).

[0146] For example, a user terminal (500) can receive a signal from a display device (100) using a UWB method. At this time, the user terminal (500) can determine the distance between the user terminal (500) and the display device (100) by calculating the time of flight (ToF) taken for the signal to be transmitted from the display device (100) to the user terminal (500).

[0147] In the present disclosure, the user terminal (500) calculates the ToF to determine the distance between the user terminal (500) and the display device (100) as an example, but is not limited thereto. For example, the user terminal (500) may determine the distance between the user terminal (500) and the display device (100) based on the strength of a signal received from the display device (100), such as RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indication).

[0148] The user terminal (500) can transmit data regarding the distance between the user terminal (500) and the display device (100) to the electronic device (700). For example, the user terminal (500) can transmit data regarding the distance between the user terminal (500) and the display device (100) to the electronic device (700), along with data regarding the thread network.

[0149] The electronic device (700) can transmit data regarding the distance between the user terminal (500) and the display device (100) to the display device (100). That is, the electronic device (700) can provide data regarding the distance between the user terminal (500) and the display device (100) to a thread network. For example, the electronic device (700) can transmit data regarding the distance between the user terminal (500) and the display device (100) to the display device (100) in a process according to the MLE protocol.

[0150] At this time, the distance between the user terminal (500) and the display device (100) can be used as the distance between the display device (100) and the electronic device (700). For example, the display device (100) can transmit data regarding the distance between the user terminal (500) and the display device (100) to the thread leader of the thread network. At this time, the thread leader can determine the distance between the display device (100) and the electronic device (700) in correspondence with the distance between the user terminal (500) and the display device (100).

[0151] Through this, the location of the electronic device (700) connected to the thread network can be provided to the user, so that the user can easily check the location of the electronic device (700).

[0152] According to one embodiment, the user terminal (500) can determine the type of the electronic device (700).

[0153] For example, the user terminal (500) can obtain the type of the electronic device (700) from the first identification code (710).

[0154] For example, the user terminal (500) can determine the type of the electronic device (700) based on an image of the electronic device (700) obtained by photographing the electronic device (700) through a camera. At this time, the user terminal (500) can determine the type of the electronic device (700) based on the result of processing the image of the electronic device (700) using an object detection algorithm. Meanwhile, the user terminal (500) may request processing of the image of the electronic device (700) from an external server and determine the type of the electronic device (700) based on the result of processing the image of the electronic device (700) received from the external server.

[0155] The user terminal (500) can transmit data regarding the type of the electronic device (700) to the electronic device (700). For example, the user terminal (500) can transmit data regarding the type of the electronic device (700) to the electronic device (700) along with data regarding the thread network.

[0156] The electronic device (700) can transmit data regarding the type of the electronic device (700) to the display device (100). For example, the electronic device (700) can transmit data regarding the type of the electronic device (700) to the display device (100) in a process according to the MLE protocol. Meanwhile, the display device (100) can transmit data regarding the type of the electronic device (700) to the thread leader of the thread network.

[0157] Through this, the type of electronic device (700) connected to the thread network can be provided to the user, so that the user can easily check the type of electronic device (700).

[0158] FIGS. 8 through 15c are drawings referenced for the description of the operation of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed descriptions of content that overlaps with the present disclosure will be omitted.

[0159] Referring to FIG. 8, the display device (100) can perform the role of a thread border router. That is, through the display device (100), the thread network (10) including the display device (100) and the external network (20) can be connected.

[0160] The display device (100) can connect the thread network (10) and the external network (20) using a predetermined communication method. For example, the display device (100) can communicate with an access point (300) using a first communication method (e.g., Wi-Fi). For example, the display device (100) can connect to a network (400) using a second communication method (e.g., LAN).

[0161] The end devices (810, 820) included in the thread network can communicate with the external network (20) through the display device (100). For example, a command transmitted from the external network (20) can be transmitted to the end devices (810, 820) via the display device (100). At this time, the end devices (810, 820) can perform an operation corresponding to the command transmitted from the external network (20).

[0162] The display device (100) may also perform the role of a thread router. For example, the display device (100) may communicate with at least one end device (810, 820) as a parent device. Meanwhile, the display device (100) may also perform the role of a thread leader.

[0163] The display device (100) can set one of a plurality of communication methods as a communication method used for communication with an external network (20). For example, the display device (100) can set either a first communication method (e.g., Wi-Fi) or a second communication method (e.g., LAN) as a communication method used for communication with an external network (20).

[0164] The display device (100) can change the communication method used for communication with the external network (20). For example, the display device (100) can change the communication method used for communication with the external network (20) to a second communication method (e.g., LAN) while the first communication method (e.g., Wi-Fi) is set as the communication method used for communication with the external network (20).

[0165] The display device (100) can determine the communication method used for communication with an external network (20) based on a priority set for a plurality of communication methods.

[0166] For example, a first communication method (e.g., Wi-Fi) may be pre-configured to have a higher priority than a second communication method (e.g., LAN). In this case, if multiple communication methods are all available, the display device (100) may determine the first communication method (e.g., Wi-Fi) as the communication method used for communication with the external network (20) according to the pre-configured priority. Meanwhile, if the first communication method (e.g., Wi-Fi) cannot be used, the display device (100) may determine the second communication method (e.g., LAN) as the communication method used for communication with the external network (20).

[0167] Referring to FIG. 9, the external device (900) may correspond to an electronic device (600) that supports thread communication. The external device (900) may perform at least one role assigned in the thread network. For example, the external device (900) may be a device that performs the role of a thread border router. For example, the external device (900) may be a device that performs the role of a thread router.

[0168] The display device (100) can be connected to an external device (900) through an external device interface (135). For example, the external device (900) can be connected to the display device (100) through a USB (universal serial bus) interface.

[0169] When an external device (900) is connected to a display device (100), it can receive power from the display device (100). At this time, the external device (900) can perform a role assigned in the thread network by using the power supplied from the display device (100).

[0170] The display device (100) can communicate with an external device (900). For example, the display device (100) can transmit and receive data to and from the external device (900). For example, the display device (100) can transmit commands to the external device (900).

[0171] The display device (100) and the external device (900) may each be included in different thread networks. For example, the display device (100) may be included in a first thread network, and the external device (900) may be included in a second thread network. In this case, if the display device (100) acts as a thread border router in the first thread network, the first end device (810) and the second end device (820) included in the first thread network can communicate with the external network (30) through the display device (100). Meanwhile, if the external device (900) acts as a thread border router in the second thread network, the third end device (830) and the fourth end device (840) included in the second thread network can communicate with the external network (30) through the external device (900).

[0172] According to one embodiment, the display device (100) can operate such that one of the display device (100) and the external device (900) performs a role assigned in the thread network.

[0173] For example, the display device (100) may stop supplying power to the external device (900) when a user input is received selecting the display device (100) as a device used for thread communication. At this time, the display device (100) may perform the role of a thread border router in the first thread network.

[0174] For example, the display device (100) can supply power to the external device (900) when a user input is received selecting the external device (900) as a device used for thread communication. At this time, the external device (900) can perform the role of a thread border router in the second thread network.

[0175] For example, when a user input is received that selects the display device (100) as a device to be used for thread communication, the display device (100) may send a command to an external device (900) to disable thread communication. At this time, the external device (900) may stop thread communication according to the command received from the display device (100).

[0176] For example, when a user input is received in which the display device (100) selects the external device (900) as a device to be used for thread communication, the display device (100) may transmit a command to the external device (900) to activate thread communication. At this time, the external device (900) may perform thread communication according to the command received from the display device (100).

[0177] Meanwhile, both the display device (100) and the external device (900) may perform assigned roles in the thread network. For example, the display device (100) may supply power to the external device (900) while performing the role of a thread border router in the first thread network. At this time, the external device (900) may perform the role of a thread border router in the second thread network by using the power supplied from the display device (100).

[0178] Referring to FIG. 10, the display device (100) can be connected to a plurality of external devices (910, 920) through an external device interface (135).

[0179] A plurality of external devices (910, 920) may each be included in different thread networks. For example, the first external device (910) may be included in the first thread network, and the second external device (920) may be included in the second thread network.

[0180] Each of the multiple external devices (910, 920) can perform a role assigned in the thread network. For example, the first external device (910) can perform the role of a thread router in the first thread network. For example, the second external device (920) can perform the role of a thread router in the second thread network.

[0181] When the first external device (910) acts as a thread border router in the first thread network, the first end device (810) and the second end device (820) included in the first thread network can communicate with the external network (30) through the first external device (910). Meanwhile, when the second external device (920) acts as a thread border router in the second thread network, the third end device (830) and the fourth end device (840) included in the second thread network can communicate with the external network (30) through the second external device (920).

[0182] The display device (100) can operate such that at least one of the plurality of external devices (910, 920) performs a role assigned in the thread network. For example, if the plurality of external devices (910, 920) are all selected as devices used for thread communication, the display device (100) can supply power to each of the plurality of external devices (910, 920).

[0183] Referring to FIGS. 11a to 11c, the display device (100) can be connected to an external device (900) through an external device interface (135).

[0184] Referring to FIG. 11a, a display device (100) may be included in a first thread network. The display device (100) may perform at least one of a thread leader, a thread router, and a thread border router in the first thread network.

[0185] An external device (900) may be included in the second thread network. The external device (900) may perform at least one of a thread leader, a thread router, and a thread border router in the second thread network.

[0186] When the display device (100) acts as a thread border router in the first thread network, the first end device (810) included in the first thread network can communicate with the external network (30) through the display device (100). When the external device (900) acts as a thread border router in the second thread network, the second end device (820) included in the second thread network can communicate with the external network (30) through the external device (900).

[0187] Referring to FIG. 11b, the display device (100) may store data for a first thread network in memory (140). Here, the data for the first thread network may include the network name of the first thread network, network key, PSKc, PAN ID, extended PAN ID, channel mask, address of a device included in the first thread network (e.g., first end device (810)), unique identifier, etc.

[0188] The display device (100) can transmit data for the first thread network to an external device (900).

[0189] According to one embodiment, the performance of the role of a thread border router in the first thread network of the display device (100) may be stopped. At this time, communication between the first thread network and the external network (30) may be impossible.

[0190] The display device (100) can transmit data about the first thread network to an external device (900) in response to the cessation of the performance of the role of the thread border router in the first thread network.

[0191] For example, the display device (100) may stop thread communication when user input regarding the disabling of thread communication is received. For example, the display device (100) may stop thread communication when performance degradation regarding thread communication occurs. For example, the display device (100) may stop thread communication when communication with an external network (30) is impossible.

[0192] According to one embodiment, the display device (100) can compare the communication performance between the display device (100) and the first terminal device (810) with the communication performance between the external device (900) and the first terminal device (810). Here, the communication performance between the two devices can be determined based on the strength (e.g., RSSI) and quality (e.g., LQI (Link Quality Indicator)) of the signal transmitted between the two devices. At this time, the display device (100) can compare the communication performance for each of the plurality of channels used for communication between the two devices.

[0193] The display device (100) can transmit data for the first thread network to the external device (900) when the communication performance of the external device (900) is superior to the communication performance of the display device (100). Meanwhile, the display device (100) can stop thread communication.

[0194] The external device (900) can perform an operation related to adding a device included in the first thread network to the second thread network based on data regarding the first thread network received from the display device (100). For example, the external device (900) can perform an operation related to adding a device included in the first thread network to the second thread network in response to the reception of data regarding the first thread network. For example, the external device (900) can perform an operation related to adding a device included in the first thread network to the second thread network when a command corresponding to adding a device included in the first thread network to the second thread network is received from the display device (100).

[0195] According to one embodiment, an external device (900) may transmit data regarding a first thread network received from a display device (100) to a thread leader of a second thread network. At this time, the thread leader of the second thread network may determine whether to include a device included in the first thread network in the second thread network. For example, the external device (900) may transmit a request for the addition of a device included in the first thread network to the thread leader of the second thread network.

[0196] Meanwhile, if the external device (900) acts as a thread leader in the second thread network, the external device (900) can determine whether to include the device included in the first thread network in the second thread network.

[0197] If the thread leader of the second thread network decides to include a device included in the first thread network in the second thread network, it may transmit data for the second thread network to a device included in the first thread network based on data for the first thread network.

[0198] The thread leader of the second thread network can directly transmit data regarding the second thread network to a device included in the first thread network. Meanwhile, the thread leader of the second thread network may also control another device included in the second thread network to transmit data regarding the second thread network to a device included in the first thread network. For example, the second end device (820) can transmit data regarding the second thread network to the first end device (810) under the control of the thread leader of the second thread network.

[0199] A device included in the first thread network can receive data regarding the second thread network. Based on the data regarding the second thread network, the device included in the first thread network can be connected to the second thread network.

[0200] According to one embodiment, when the external device (900) receives data regarding the first thread network from the display device (100), it may transmit data regarding the second thread network to a device included in the first thread network based on the data regarding the first thread network. That is, the data regarding the first thread network may not be transmitted to the thread leader of the second thread network. For example, if the first end device (810) is a child device of the display device (100), the external device (900) may transmit data regarding the second thread network to the first end device (810).

[0201] Referring to FIG. 11c, the display device (100) may store data for a second thread network in memory (140). Here, the data for the second thread network may include the network name of the second thread network, network key, PSKc, PAN ID, extended PAN ID, channel mask, address of a device included in the second thread network (e.g., second end device (820)), unique identifier, etc. For example, when data for the second thread network is transmitted from an external device (900), the display device (100) may store the data for the second thread network received from the external device (900) in memory (140).

[0202] The display device (100) can perform operations related to the addition of a device included in a second thread network to a first thread network.

[0203] According to one embodiment, the display device (100) can compare the communication performance between the display device (100) and the second end device (820) with the communication performance between the external device (900) and the second end device (820). If the communication performance of the display device (100) is superior to the communication performance of the external device (900), the display device (100) can perform an operation related to adding a device included in the second thread network to the first thread network. Meanwhile, the display device (100) can stop the thread communication of the external device (900).

[0204] According to one embodiment, the performance of the role of a thread border router in the second thread network by the external device (900) may be stopped. At this time, communication between the second thread network and the external network (30) may be impossible. The display device (100) may perform an operation related to adding a device included in the second thread network to the first thread network in response to the cessation of the performance of the role of a thread border router in the second thread network by the external device (900).

[0205] For example, the external device (900) may stop thread communication when a command to disable thread communication is received from the display device (100). For example, thread communication of the external device (900) may be stopped when the power supply of the display device (100) to the external device (900) is interrupted. For example, thread communication of the external device (900) may be stopped when performance degradation regarding thread communication of the external device (900) occurs.

[0206] The display device (100) can determine whether the performance of the role of the thread border router in the second thread network of the external device (900) is interrupted. For example, the display device (100) can determine whether the performance of the role of the thread border router in the second thread network of the external device (900) is interrupted based on whether the power supply to the external device (900) is interrupted, whether performance degradation regarding thread communication of the external device (900) occurs, whether user input regarding the disabling of thread communication for the external device (900) is received, etc.

[0207] According to one embodiment, the display device (100) can transmit data for a second thread network stored in memory (140) to a thread leader of a first thread network. At this time, the thread leader of the first thread network can determine whether to include a device included in the second thread network in the first thread network. For example, the display device (100) can transmit a request for the addition of a device included in the first thread network to the thread leader of the second thread network.

[0208] Meanwhile, if the display device (100) performs the role of a thread leader in the first thread network, the display device (100) can determine whether to include a device included in the second thread network in the first thread network.

[0209] If the thread leader of the first thread network decides to include a device included in the second thread network in the first thread network, it may transmit data about the first thread network to a device included in the second thread network based on data about the second thread network.

[0210] The thread leader of the first thread network can directly transmit data regarding the first thread network to a device included in the second thread network. Meanwhile, the thread leader of the first thread network may also control another device included in the first thread network to transmit data regarding the first thread network to a device included in the second thread network. For example, the first end device (810) can transmit data regarding the first thread network to the second end device (820) under the control of the thread leader of the first thread network.

[0211] According to one embodiment, the display device (100) may transmit data regarding the first thread network to a device included in the second thread network based on data regarding the first thread network. That is, data regarding the second thread network may not be transmitted to the thread leader of the first thread network. For example, if the second end device (820) is a child device of the external device (900), the display device (100) may transmit data regarding the first thread network to the second end device (820).

[0212] A device included in the second thread network can receive data regarding the first thread network. Based on the data regarding the first thread network, a device included in the second thread network can be connected to the first thread network.

[0213] Referring to FIG. 12a, the display device (100) can be connected to a plurality of external devices (910, 920) through an external device interface (135).

[0214] The first external device (910) can perform at least one of the roles of a thread leader, a thread router, and a thread border router in the first thread network. When the first external device (910) performs the role of a thread border router in the first thread network, the first end device (810) and the second end device (820) included in the first thread network can communicate with the external network (30) through the first external device (910).

[0215] The second external device (920) can perform at least one of the roles of a thread leader, a thread router, and a thread border router in the second thread network. When the second external device (920) performs the role of a thread border router in the second thread network, the third end device (830) and the fourth end device (840) included in the second thread network can communicate with the external network (30) through the second external device (920).

[0216] The display device (100) can receive data regarding the first thread network from the first external device (910). The display device (100) can store the data regarding the first thread network received from the first external device (910) in memory (140).

[0217] The display device (100) can receive data regarding the second thread network from the second external device (920). The display device (100) can store the data regarding the second thread network received from the second external device (920) in memory (140).

[0218] Referring to FIG. 12b, the display device (100) can determine whether the performance of the thread border router role of each of the plurality of external devices (910, 920) is interrupted.

[0219] The performance of the role of the thread border router in the first thread network of the first external device (910) may be interrupted. At this time, communication between the first thread network and the external network (30) may be impossible.

[0220] For example, if the connection between the display device (100) and the first external device (910) is disconnected, the power supply of the display device (100) to the external device (900) may be interrupted. At this time, the performance of the role of the thread border router in the first thread network of the first external device (910) may be interrupted.

[0221] For example, if communication between the display device (100) and the first external device (910) is impossible, the display device (100) may determine that the performance of the role of the thread border router in the first thread network of the first external device (910) has been stopped.

[0222] The display device (100) can transmit data regarding the first thread network stored in memory (140) to the second external device (920) in response to the cessation of the performance of the role of the thread border router in the first thread network of the first external device (910).

[0223] The second external device (920) can perform an operation related to adding a device included in the first thread network to the second thread network based on data for the first thread network received from the display device (100).

[0224] For example, the second external device (920) can transmit data for the first thread network received from the display device (100) to the thread leader of the second thread network. At this time, the thread leader of the second thread network determines whether to include a device included in the first thread network in the second thread network, and based on the data for the first thread network, can transmit data for the second thread network to a device included in the first thread network.

[0225] For example, the second external device (920) can transmit data for the second thread network to a device included in the first thread network based on data for the first thread network.

[0226] A device included in the first thread network can receive data regarding the second thread network. A device included in the first thread network can be connected to the second thread network based on the data regarding the second thread network. For example, when the first end device (810) and the second end device (820) are connected to the second thread network, they can communicate with the external network (30) through the second external device (920).

[0227] Referring to FIG. 12c, the display device (100) can compare the communication performance between the first external device (910) and a plurality of terminal devices (810 to 840) with the communication performance between the second external device (920) and a plurality of terminal devices (810 to 840).

[0228] If the communication performance between the second external device (920) and the second terminal device (820) is superior to the communication performance between the first external device (910) and the second terminal device (820), the display device (100) can transmit a command to the second external device (920) corresponding to the addition of the second terminal device (820) to the second thread network. Meanwhile, the display device (100) can transmit data regarding the first thread network to the second external device (920).

[0229] The second external device (920) can perform operations related to the addition of the second end device (820) to the second thread network. Meanwhile, the display device (100) can stop thread communication to the second end device (820) of the first external device (910).

[0230] If the communication performance between the first external device (910) and the fourth end device (840) is superior to the communication performance between the second external device (920) and the fourth end device (840), the display device (100) can transmit a command to the first external device (910) corresponding to the addition of the fourth end device (840) to the first thread network. Meanwhile, the display device (100) can transmit data regarding the second thread network to the first external device (910).

[0231] The first external device (910) can perform operations related to the addition of the fourth end device (840) to the first thread network. Meanwhile, the display device (100) can stop thread communication to the fourth end device (840) of the second external device (920).

[0232] When the first end device (810) and the fourth end device (840) are connected to the first thread network, they can communicate with the external network (30) through the first external device (910). When the second end device (820) and the third end device (830) are connected to the second thread network, they can communicate with the external network (30) through the second external device (910).

[0233] Referring to FIGS. 13a and 13b, the first display device (100a) can perform the role of a thread border router in the first thread network. The first end device (810) and the second end device (820) included in the first thread network can communicate with an external network (30) through the first display device (100a).

[0234] The second display device (100b) can perform the role of a thread border router in the second thread network. The third end device (830) and the fourth end device (840) included in the second thread network can communicate with the external network (30) through the second display device (100b).

[0235] The first display device (100a) and the second display device (100b) can communicate with each other. For example, the first display device (100a) and the second display device (100b) can transmit and receive signals to and from each other using short-range communication. For example, the first display device (100a) and the second display device (100b) can transmit signals to and from each other via an access point (AP) (300), such as a router.

[0236] The performance of the role of the thread border router in the first thread network of the first display device (100a) may be interrupted. At this time, communication between the first thread network and the external network (30) may be impossible.

[0237] The first display device (100a) can transmit data regarding the first thread network to the second display device (100b). For example, the first display device (100a) can transmit data regarding the first thread network to the second display device (100b) in response to the cessation of the performance of the role of the thread border router in the first thread network.

[0238] The second display device (100b) can perform an operation related to adding a device included in the first thread network to the second thread network based on data for the first thread network received from the first display device (100a).

[0239] For example, the second display device (100b) can transmit data regarding the first thread network received from the first display device (100a) to the thread leader of the second thread network. At this time, the thread leader of the second thread network determines whether to include a device included in the first thread network in the second thread network, and based on the data regarding the first thread network, can transmit data regarding the second thread network to a device included in the first thread network.

[0240] For example, the second display device (100b) can transmit data for the second thread network to a device included in the first thread network based on data for the first thread network.

[0241] A device included in the first thread network can receive data regarding the second thread network. A device included in the first thread network can be connected to the second thread network based on the data regarding the second thread network. For example, when the first end device (810) and the second end device (820) are connected to the second thread network, they can communicate with an external network (30) through the second display device (100b).

[0242] Referring to FIGS. 14a and 14b, the first display device (100a) can be connected to the first external device (910). When the first external device (910) is connected to the first display device (100a), it can receive power from the first display device (100a).

[0243] The first external device (910) can perform the role of a thread border router in the first thread network. The first end device (810) and the second end device (820) included in the first thread network can communicate with the external network (30) through the first external device (910).

[0244] The first display device (100a) can store data for the first thread network in memory (140). For example, when data for the first thread network is transmitted from the first external device (910), the first display device (100a) can store the data for the first thread network received from the first external device (910) in memory (140).

[0245] The second display device (100b) can be connected to the second external device (920). When the second external device (920) is connected to the second display device (100b), it can receive power from the second display device (100b).

[0246] The second external device (920) can perform the role of a thread border router in the second thread network. The third end device (830) and the fourth end device (840) included in the second thread network can communicate with the external network (30) through the second external device (920).

[0247] The second display device (100b) can store data for the second thread network in memory (140). For example, when data for the second thread network is transmitted from the second external device (920), the second display device (100b) can store the data for the second thread network received from the second external device (920) in memory (140).

[0248] A plurality of display devices (100) can each determine whether the performance of the thread border router role of a plurality of external devices (910, 920) is interrupted.

[0249] The performance of the role of the thread border router in the second thread network of the second external device (920) may be interrupted. At this time, communication between the second thread network and the external network (30) may be impossible. For example, if the connection between the second display device (100b) and the second external device (920) is disconnected, the power supply of the second display device (100b) to the second external device (920) may be interrupted. At this time, the performance of the role of the thread border router in the second thread network of the second external device (920) may be interrupted.

[0250] The second display device (100b) can transmit data regarding the second thread network stored in memory (140) to the first display device (100a) in response to the cessation of the performance of the role of the thread border router in the second thread network of the second external device (920).

[0251] The first display device (100a) can perform an operation related to adding a device included in the second thread network to the first thread network based on data regarding the second thread network received from the second display device (100b). For example, the first display device (100a) can transmit data regarding the second thread network received from the second display device (100b) to the first external device (910).

[0252] At this time, the first external device (910) can transmit data for the second thread network to the thread leader of the first thread network. The thread leader of the first thread network determines whether to include a device included in the second thread network in the first thread network, and based on the data for the second thread network, can transmit data for the first thread network to a device included in the second thread network.

[0253] Meanwhile, the first external device (910) may transmit data about the first thread network to a device included in the second thread network based on data about the second thread network received from the first display device (100a).

[0254] A device included in the second thread network can receive data regarding the first thread network. A device included in the second thread network can be connected to the first thread network based on the data regarding the first thread network. For example, when the third end device (830) and the fourth end device (840) are connected to the first thread network, they can communicate with the external network (30) through the first external device (910).

[0255] Referring to FIGS. 15a through 15c, the first display device (100a) can be connected to an external device (900). When the external device (900) is connected to the first display device (100a), it can receive power from the first display device (100a).

[0256] The external device (900) can perform the role of a thread border router in the first thread network. The first end device (810) and the second end device (820) included in the first thread network can communicate with the external network (30) through the external device (900).

[0257] The first display device (100a) can store data for the first thread network in memory (140). For example, when data for the first thread network is transmitted from an external device (900), the first display device (100a) can store the data for the first thread network received from the external device (900) in memory (140).

[0258] The second display device (100b) can perform the role of a thread border router in the second thread network. The third end device (830) and the fourth end device (840) included in the second thread network can communicate with the external network (30) through the second display device (100b).

[0259] Referring to FIG. 15b, the performance of the role of the thread border router in the second thread network of the second display device (100b) may be interrupted. At this time, communication between the second thread network and the external network (30) may be impossible.

[0260] The second display device (100b) can transmit data regarding the second thread network to the first display device (100a). For example, the second display device (100b) can transmit data regarding the second thread network to the first display device (100a) in response to the cessation of the performance of the role of the thread border router in the second thread network.

[0261] The first display device (100a) can perform an operation related to adding a device included in the second thread network to the first thread network based on data for the second thread network received from the second display device (100b).

[0262] For example, the first display device (100a) can transmit data about the second thread network received from the second display device (100b) to an external device (900).

[0263] At this time, the external device (900) can transmit data for the second thread network to the thread leader of the first thread network. The thread leader of the first thread network determines whether to include a device included in the second thread network in the first thread network, and based on the data for the second thread network, can transmit data for the first thread network to a device included in the second thread network.

[0264] Meanwhile, the external device (900) may transmit data about the first thread network to a device included in the second thread network based on data about the second thread network received from the first display device (100a).

[0265] A device included in the second thread network can receive data regarding the first thread network. A device included in the second thread network can be connected to the first thread network based on the data regarding the first thread network. For example, when the third end device (830) and the fourth end device (840) are connected to the first thread network, they can communicate with the external network (30) through the external device (900).

[0266] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 15c, the performance of the role of the thread border router in the first thread network of the external device (900) may be interrupted. At this time, communication between the first thread network and the external network (30) may be impossible.

[0267] The first display device (100a) can transmit data regarding the first thread network to the second display device (100b). For example, the first display device (100a) can transmit data regarding the first thread network to the second display device (100b) in response to the cessation of the performance of the role of the thread border router in the first thread network of the external device (900).

[0268] The second display device (100b) can perform an operation related to adding a device included in the first thread network to the second thread network based on data for the first thread network received from the first display device (100a).

[0269] A device included in the first thread network can receive data regarding the second thread network. A device included in the first thread network can be connected to the second thread network based on the data regarding the second thread network. For example, when the first end device (810) and the second end device (820) are connected to the second thread network, they can communicate with an external network (30) through the second display device (100b).

[0270] FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a method of operation of a system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, at least some of the operations of the method of operation of the system (10) may be omitted.

[0271] Referring to FIG. 16, in operation S1601, the end device (1600) of the first thread network and the first thread border router (1610) can perform thread communication. For example, the first thread border router (1610) can transmit commands received from the external network (30) to the end device (1600).

[0272] In operation S1602, the first thread leader (1615) of the first thread network can determine whether the first thread border router (1610) is unusable. For example, the first thread leader (1615) can determine that the first thread border router (1610) is unusable if a signal corresponding to the disconnection of the first thread border router (1610) is received from a device included in the first thread network. For example, the first thread leader (1615) can determine that the first thread border router (1610) is unusable if communication between the first thread network and the external network (30) is unusable. For example, the first thread leader (1615) can determine that the first thread border router (1610) is unusable if communication with the first thread border router (1610) is unusable.

[0273] In operation S1603, the first thread leader (1615) may notify the end device (1600) that the first thread border router (1610) is unusable if the first thread border router (1610) is unusable.

[0274] In operation S1604, the end device (1600) may request the first thread leader (1615) to transmit data for the first thread network to the second thread network. Here, the data for the first thread network may be referred to as commissioning data.

[0275] In operation S1605, the first thread leader (1615) can transmit commissioning data to the second thread leader (1620) of the second thread network. For example, the first thread leader (1615) can communicate with the second thread leader (1620) using short-range communication. For example, the first thread leader (1615) can communicate with the second thread leader (1620) via an access point (AP) (300), such as a router.

[0276] In operation S1606, the second thread leader (1620) can determine whether to include a device included in the first thread network in the second thread network. For example, the second thread leader (1620) can determine whether to include a device included in the first thread network in the second thread network based on the number of end devices connected to the thread router of the second thread network, etc.

[0277] In operation S1607, the second thread leader (1620) may transmit to the terminal device (1600) a result of determining whether to include the second thread network (hereinafter, network joining result). Here, the network joining result may include acceptance or rejection of the connection to the second thread network. Additionally, the network joining result corresponding to the acceptance of the connection to the second thread network may include data regarding the second thread network.

[0278] For example, the second thread leader (1620) can transmit a network join result to the end device (1600) based on commissioning data. Meanwhile, the second thread leader (1620) may also transmit a network join result to the first thread leader (1615). At this time, the first thread leader (1615) can transmit the network join result to the end device (1600).

[0279] In operation S1608, the end device (1600) can check the network joining result. For example, the end device (1600) can check the acceptance or rejection of the connection to the second thread network from the network joining result.

[0280] The terminal device (1600) can obtain data for the second thread network from the network joining result corresponding to the acceptance of the connection to the second thread network.

[0281] In operation S1609, the terminal device (1600) can perform thread communication for the second thread network based on data for the second thread network. For example, the device (1600) can perform a process according to the MLE protocol based on data for the second thread network.

[0282] Referring to FIGS. 17a and 17b, the first thread network (1800) may include a first thread leader, a first thread border router (1820), and a first end device (1830). The second thread network (1900) may include a second thread leader, a second thread border router (1920), and second end devices (1931, 1932, 1933). The third thread network (2000) may include a third thread leader, a third thread border router (2020), and a third end device (2030).

[0283] The first thread leader (1810), the second thread leader (1820), and the third thread leader (1830) can communicate with each other. The second thread leader (1820) can transmit data regarding the second thread network to the first thread leader (1810) and the third thread leader (1830), respectively, when the second thread border router (1920) is unavailable.

[0284] The first thread leader (1810) can perform operations related to adding a device included in the second thread network to the first thread network. The third thread leader (2010) can perform operations related to adding a device included in the second thread network to the third thread network.

[0285] Each of the second end devices (1931, 1932, 1933) can receive data for the first thread network and data for the third thread network. Each of the second end devices (1931, 1932, 1933) can perform thread communication with respect to the first thread network and the third thread network, respectively. Each of the second end devices (1931, 1932, 1933) may be included in either the first thread network or the third thread network. For example, each of the second end devices (1931, 1932, 1933) may join either the first thread network or the third thread network by comparing the communication performance with a device included in the first thread network and the communication performance with a device included in the third thread network.

[0286] A second end device (1933) included in the first thread network can communicate with an external network (30) through the first thread border router (1820). Meanwhile, a second end device (1931, 1932) included in the third thread network can communicate with an external network (30) through the third thread border router (2020).

[0287] As described above, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method optimized for connection with an external network can be used, thereby improving the communication performance of the thread network.

[0288] In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the provision of routing functions of external devices connected via communication can be configured in various ways, thereby improving ease of use.

[0289] In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, when communication with an external network by a border router is not possible, a connection to another thread network can be provided to a configuration included in the thread network, thereby improving the communication stability of the configuration included in the thread network.

[0290] In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, information about a device connected to a thread network can be provided, so that information about the end device can be easily verified.

[0291] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 17b, an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure for achieving the above objective comprises: a first interface supporting communication with an external device; a memory storing data for a thread network configured through a thread; and a processor, wherein the processor communicates with a first external device corresponding to a first thread network through the first interface and, based on a predetermined condition of including a device included in a second thread network in the first thread network, can transmit data for the second thread network stored in the memory to the first external device through the first interface.

[0292] Additionally, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the processor may receive data regarding the predetermined thread network from the predetermined external device based on being connected to the predetermined external device included in the predetermined thread network through the first interface, and may store the received data regarding the predetermined thread network in the memory.

[0293] Additionally, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the processor may transmit data for the second thread network to the first external device in response to the cessation of the performance of the role of the thread border router of the second thread network.

[0294] Additionally, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the processor may transmit data for the second thread network to the first external device in response to the disconnection of the connection through the first interface with the second external device performing the role of a thread border router in the second thread network.

[0295] Additionally, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a second interface supporting communication using the thread is further included, and the processor can transmit data for the second thread network to the first external device when the first communication performance between the predetermined device included in the second thread network and the first external device included in the first thread network is superior to the second communication performance between the predetermined device and the electronic device when the electronic device is included in the second thread network through the second interface.

[0296] Additionally, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the processor communicates with a second external device included in the second thread network through the first interface, and if the first communication performance between a predetermined device included in the second thread network and the first external device included in the first thread network is superior to the second communication performance between the predetermined device and the second external device, the processor may transmit data regarding the second thread network to the first external device.

[0297] Additionally, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a second interface supporting communication using the thread rule is further included, and the processor can perform an operation related to adding a device included in the first thread network to the second thread network based on data regarding the first thread network stored in the memory, based on a predetermined condition for including a device included in the first thread network to the second thread network, when the electronic device is included in the second thread network through the second interface.

[0298] Additionally, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the processor may transmit data for the second thread network to a device included in the first thread network through the second interface, based on data for the first thread network stored in the memory.

[0299] Additionally, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the processor may transmit to the thread leader of the second thread network a request for the addition of a device included in the first thread network and data for the first thread.

[0300] Additionally, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the processor may communicate with a second external device included in the second thread network through the first interface and, based on a predetermined condition of including a device included in the first thread network in the second thread network, transmit data for the first thread network stored in the memory to the second external device.

[0301] A system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure for achieving the above objective comprises: an electronic device including a memory for storing data for a thread network configured through a thread; and at least one external device, wherein the electronic device communicates with a first external device corresponding to a first thread network through a first interface that supports communication with the external device, and transmits data for the second thread network stored in the memory to the first external device through the first interface based on a predetermined condition for including a device included in the second thread network in the first thread network, and the first external device can perform an operation related to the addition of a device included in the second thread network to the first thread network based on the data for the second thread network.

[0302] Additionally, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the first external device may transmit data for the first thread network to a device included in the second thread network using the thread, based on data for the second thread network.

[0303] Additionally, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the first external device may transmit to the thread leader of the first thread network a request for the addition of a device included in the second thread network and data for the second thread.

[0304] Additionally, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the electronic device may receive data regarding the predetermined thread network from the predetermined external device based on being connected to the predetermined external device included in the predetermined thread network through the first interface, and may store the received data regarding the predetermined thread network in the memory.

[0305] Additionally, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the electronic device may transmit data for the second thread network to the first external device in response to the cessation of the performance of the role of the thread border router of the second thread network.

[0306] Additionally, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the electronic device further comprises a second external device that performs the role of a thread border router in the second thread network, and the electronic device can transmit data for the second thread network to the first external device in response to the disconnection of the connection through the first interface with the second external device.

[0307] Additionally, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, when the electronic device is included in the second thread network through a second interface that supports communication using the thread, if the first communication performance between a predetermined device included in the second thread network and the first external device included in the first thread network is superior to the second communication performance between the predetermined device and the electronic device, the data regarding the second thread network can be transmitted to the first external device.

[0308] Additionally, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the electronic device further comprises a second external device included in the second thread network, and the electronic device communicates with the second external device through the first interface, and if the first communication performance between a predetermined device included in the second thread network and the first external device included in the first thread network is superior to the second communication performance between the predetermined device and the second external device, the electronic device may transmit data regarding the second thread network to the first external device.

[0309] Additionally, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the electronic device further comprises a second external device included in the second thread network, and the electronic device communicates with the second external device through the first interface and can transmit data for the first thread network stored in the memory to the second external device based on a predetermined condition of including a device included in the first thread network in the second thread network.

[0310] Additionally, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the apparatus further comprises a user terminal; and an end device, wherein the user terminal determines a first distance between the user terminal and the electronic device based on a signal received from the electronic device, transmits data for a predetermined thread network including the electronic device to the end device, transmits data for the first distance to the end device, and the end device joins the predetermined thread network through communication with the electronic device using the thread based on the data for the predetermined thread network, provides data for the first distance to the predetermined thread network, and in the predetermined thread network, a second distance between the electronic device and the end device may correspond to the first distance.

[0311] The attached drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical concept disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the concept and technical scope of this disclosure.

[0312] Meanwhile, the method of operation of the present disclosure can be implemented as processor-readable code on a processor-readable recording medium. A processor-readable recording medium includes all types of recording devices in which data that can be read by a processor is stored. Examples of processor-readable recording media include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical data storage device, etc., and also include implementation in the form of a carrier wave, such as transmission over the Internet. Furthermore, the processor-readable recording medium may be distributed across networked computer systems, so that processor-readable code can be stored and executed in a distributed manner.

[0313] Furthermore, 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. A first interface that supports communication with an external device; Memory for storing data for a thread network configured through threads; and Includes a processor, The above processor is, Communicate with a first external device corresponding to a first thread network through the first interface, and An electronic device characterized by transmitting data regarding the second thread network stored in the memory to the first external device through the first interface, based on a predetermined condition of including a device included in the second thread network in the first thread network.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above processor is, Based on being connected to a predetermined external device included in a predetermined thread network through the first interface, data regarding the predetermined thread network is received from the predetermined external device, and An electronic device characterized by storing data for a predetermined thread network received above in the memory.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above processor is, An electronic device characterized by transmitting data for the second thread network to the first external device in response to the cessation of the performance of the role of the thread border router of the second thread network.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above processor is, An electronic device characterized by transmitting data for the second thread network to the first external device in response to the disconnection of the connection through the first interface with the second external device performing the role of a thread border router in the second thread network.

5. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a second interface that supports communication using the above thread, and The above processor, in the case where the electronic device is included in the second thread network through the second interface, An electronic device characterized by transmitting data for the second thread network to the first external device when the first communication performance between a predetermined device included in the second thread network and the first external device included in the first thread network is superior to the second communication performance between the predetermined device and the electronic device.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above processor is, Communicate with a second external device included in the second thread network through the first interface, and An electronic device characterized by transmitting data for the second thread network to the first external device when the first communication performance between a predetermined device included in the second thread network and the first external device included in the first thread network is superior to the second communication performance between the predetermined device and the second external device.

7. In Paragraph 2, It further includes a second interface that supports communication using the above thread rule, and The above processor, in the case where the electronic device is included in the second thread network through the second interface, An electronic device characterized by performing an operation related to adding a device included in the first thread network to the second thread network based on data regarding the first thread network stored in the memory, based on a predetermined condition for including a device included in the first thread network to the second thread network.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above processor is, An electronic device characterized by transmitting data for the second thread network to a device included in the first thread network through the second interface, based on data for the first thread network stored in the memory.

9. In Paragraph 7, The above processor is, An electronic device characterized by transmitting a request for the addition of a device included in the first thread network and data for the first thread to the thread leader of the second thread network.

10. In Paragraph 1, The above processor is, Communicate with a second external device included in the second thread network through the first interface, and An electronic device characterized by transmitting data for the first thread network stored in the memory to the second external device based on a predetermined condition of including a device included in the first thread network in the second thread network.

11. In the system, An electronic device including memory for storing data for a thread network configured through threads; and It includes at least one external device, and The above electronic device is, Communicate with a first external device corresponding to a first thread network through a first interface that supports communication with the above external device, and Based on a predetermined condition for including a device included in the second thread network in the first thread network, data regarding the second thread network stored in the memory is transmitted to the first external device through the first interface, and The above-mentioned first external device is, A system characterized by performing an operation related to the addition of a device included in the second thread network to the first thread network based on data regarding the second thread network.

12. In Paragraph 11, The above-mentioned first external device is, A system characterized by transmitting data for the first thread network to a device included in the second thread network using the thread, based on data for the second thread network.

13. In Paragraph 11, The above-mentioned first external device is, A system characterized by transmitting a request for the addition of a device included in the second thread network and data for the second thread to the thread leader of the first thread network.

14. In Paragraph 11, The above electronic device is, Based on being connected to a predetermined external device included in a predetermined thread network through the first interface, data regarding the predetermined thread network is received from the predetermined external device, and A system characterized by storing data for a predetermined thread network received above in the memory.

15. In Paragraph 11, The above electronic device is, A system characterized by transmitting data for the second thread network to the first external device in response to the cessation of the performance of the role of the thread border router of the second thread network.

16. In Paragraph 11, It further includes a second external device that performs the role of a thread border router in the second thread network above, The above electronic device is, A system characterized by transmitting data for the second thread network to the first external device in response to the disconnection of the connection through the first interface with the second external device.

17. In Paragraph 11, In the case where the above electronic device is included in the second thread network through a second interface that supports communication using the thread, A system characterized by transmitting data for the second thread network to the first external device when the first communication performance between a predetermined device included in the second thread network and the first external device included in the first thread network is superior to the second communication performance between the predetermined device and the electronic device.

18. In Paragraph 11, It further includes a second external device included in the second thread network above, and The above electronic device is, Communicating with the second external device through the first interface, A system characterized by transmitting data for the second thread network to the first external device when the first communication performance between a predetermined device included in the second thread network and the first external device included in the first thread network is superior to the second communication performance between the predetermined device and the second external device.

19. In Paragraph 11, It further includes a second external device included in the second thread network above, and The above electronic device is, Communicating with the second external device through the first interface, A system characterized by transmitting data regarding the first thread network stored in the memory to the second external device based on a predetermined condition for including a device included in the first thread network in the second thread network.

20. In Paragraph 11, User terminal; and It further includes a terminal device, The above user terminal is, Based on a signal received from the electronic device, a first distance between the user terminal and the electronic device is determined, and Data for a predetermined thread network including the above electronic device is transmitted to the terminal device, and Data regarding the above first distance is transmitted to the terminal device, and The above-mentioned terminal device is, Based on data regarding the above-mentioned predetermined thread network, join the above-mentioned predetermined thread network through communication with the electronic device using the thread, and The data regarding the above first distance is provided to the above predetermined thread network, and A system characterized in that, in the above-mentioned predetermined thread network, the second distance between the electronic device and the terminal device corresponds to the first distance.

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