RU2666636C2 - System and method for controlling surrounding devices based on topology - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: electrical communication engineering.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to means for controlling surrounding devices based on topology. Surrounding devices are scanned. Main surrounding device and at least one sub-surrounding device to be configured in topology are determined from among the surrounding devices based on the topology configuration standards corresponding to the context of the host device. Transmitting of a plurality of pieces of information of surrounding devices with respect to at least one sub-surrounding device to the main surrounding device. Transmitting of contextual information about the context of the host device to the main surrounding device. Main surrounding device and at least one sub-surrounding device are controlled.

EFFECT: technical result is higher management efficiency of the host device when topology changes.

15 cl, 44 dwg

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[1] Methods and devices corresponding to exemplary embodiments relate to the management of surrounding devices based on a topology that is configured according to the context of the host device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[2] Due to improvements in the performance of the device and its surrounding devices, the device and surrounding devices can provide various functions. In addition, due to the improvement of communication technologies, the device and the surrounding devices can be connected to each other in accordance with various topologies. In addition, in accordance with the connection relationship between the device and the surrounding devices, the device and the surrounding devices can selectively perform certain functions from among various functions.

[3] Thus, in accordance with the context of the device, the device and corresponding surrounding devices from among the surrounding devices are required to configure the topology, and the device and surrounding devices are required to efficiently connect to each other. In addition, there is a need for a method that allows the device and the surrounding devices included in the topology to effectively control each other.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

THE SOLUTION OF THE PROBLEM

[4] One or more exemplary embodiments include a topology-based system and method for controlling surrounding devices by configuring a topology including a host device and surrounding devices in accordance with a host device context, wherein the surrounding devices can be effectively controlled by the host -device.

[5] One or more exemplary embodiments include a topology based system and method for controlling surrounding devices, wherein the surrounding device control application can be efficiently installed on the host device and the main surrounding device.

[6] One or more exemplary embodiments include a system and method for controlling surrounding devices based on a topology, wherein when the topology changes, surrounding devices in the changed topology can be effectively controlled.

[7] One or more exemplary embodiments include a topology based system and method for controlling surrounding devices, wherein the firmware of the sub-surrounding device can be efficiently installed in the sub-surrounding device.

[8] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the exemplary embodiments presented.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[9] These and / or other aspects will become apparent and more apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments in combination with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[10] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an environmental device management system for controlling environmental devices around a host device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[11] FIG. 2 illustrates an example environmental management system according to the present exemplary embodiment;

[12] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a main surrounding device and at least one sub-surrounding device that is executed by a host device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[13] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method for selecting a host device and a sub-device in accordance with a context of a host device and controlling a host device and a sub-device that is executed by the host device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[14] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for selecting a sub-surrounding device in accordance with a host device context and controlling a sub-surrounding device that is executed by the main surrounding device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[15] FIG. 6 illustrates an example in which a host device receives a plurality of pieces of information of the surrounding devices about the surrounding devices from the surrounding devices and the server, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[16] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method for acquiring surrounding device information about a surrounding device by near field communication (NFC) that is performed by a host device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[17] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method for acquiring information of a surrounding device about a surrounding device via a low energy Bluetooth (BLE) communication that is performed by a host device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[18] FIG. 9 illustrates an example in which a host device receives a plurality of pieces of information of surrounding devices about surrounding devices from a gateway and a server, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[19] FIG. 10A and 10B illustrate examples in which the host device and surrounding devices configure topologies in accordance with the types of content executed by the host device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[20] FIG. 11A and 11B illustrate examples in which the host device and surrounding devices configure the topology in accordance with the types of services performed by the host device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[21] FIG. 12A and 12B illustrate examples in which the host device and surrounding devices configure topologies according to users, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[22] FIG. 13A and 13B illustrate examples in which a host device and surrounding devices configure topologies in accordance with attributes of a host environment connected to the host device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[23] FIG. 14A and 14B illustrate flowcharts of methods for connecting a host device, a main surrounding device and a sub-surrounding device, in accordance with exemplary embodiments;

[24] FIG. 15-17 illustrate flowcharts of control methods for a host device and a sub device that are executed by a host device in accordance with exemplary embodiments;

[25] FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a method for changing a configurable topology and controlling at least one surrounding device based on a changed topology that is executed by the host device 1000, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[26] FIG. 19-21 illustrate examples in which, when another device is added to a topology that includes a host device and surrounding devices, the topology changes, in accordance with exemplary embodiments;

[27] FIG. 22 illustrates an example in which, when the environment of the host device changes, the topology including the host device changes, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[28] FIG. 23 illustrates a firmware update method of a sub-surround device that is executed by a host device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[29] FIG. 24 is a flowchart of a method for updating firmware of an surrounding device based on connection relationships between the host device, the main surrounding device and at least one sub-surrounding device that is executed by the host device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[30] FIG. 25 is a flowchart of a method for updating firmware of a sub-surround device when the function of the sub-surround device changes that is performed by the host device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[31] FIG. 26 is a flowchart of a method related to an example in which the host device and the sub device are configured to configure the topology, and then the host device, the host device and the sub device are connected to each other, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[32] FIG. 27 illustrates an example in which surrounding devices are connected to and controlled by a host device in accordance with a topology, while a moving image is reproduced in a host device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[33] FIG. 28 illustrates an example in which a host device provides a power management service to surrounding devices in a home in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[34] FIG. 29 illustrates an example in which surrounding devices are connected to and controlled by a host device in accordance with a topology when the host device executes a cooking service in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[35] FIG. 30 illustrates an example in which the target surrounding control device from among the surrounding devices that are scanned by the host device is selected by user input, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[36] FIG. 31 illustrates an example in which a service to be executed by a host device is selected in accordance with user input, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[37] FIG. 32 illustrates an example in which one of the topologies recommended by the host device is selected based on user input, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[38] FIG. 33 illustrates a user interface (UI) for controlling surrounding devices, a UI is displayed on a screen of a host device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[39] FIG. 34A, 34B and 34C illustrate examples in which UIs for controlling surrounding devices are generated in a host device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[40] FIG. 35 is a block diagram of a host device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[41] FIG. 36 illustrates a database (DB) of applications and DBs of surrounding devices included in a memory in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; and

[42] FIG. 37 illustrates an example in which a control command and status information are exchanged between the host device and the surrounding device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[43] In accordance with a first aspect of exemplary embodiments, a method for controlling sub-surrounding devices is provided, the method being performed by the main surrounding device and includes receiving a plurality of pieces of information of the surrounding devices about the sub-surrounding devices from the host device; receiving contextual information about the context of the host device from the host device; obtaining topology configuration information about topology configuration standards; determining sub-surrounding devices to be included in the topology from among the sub-surrounding devices based on context information and topology setting information; connecting the host device to the host device and the sub-device; and controlling the sub-surround device based on control information received from the host device.

[44] The context information may include information about the type of content that is executed on the host device, and the topology setting information may include information about the type of surrounding device to be included in the topology, and information about connection relationships between the host device, the main surrounding device and the sub-surrounding device, according to the type of content.

[45] The context information may include information about the type of service provided by the host device, and the topology setting information may include information about the type of surrounding device to be included in the topology, and information about the relationship of connections between the host device, the main surrounding device and sub-surrounding device, according to the type of service.

[46] The context information may include user information of the host device, and the topology configuration information may include information about the type of environment to be included in the topology, and information about the relationship of connections between the host device, the host device and the sub - surrounding device, according to the user.

[47] The topology setting information may include information about the type of surrounding device to be included in the topology, and information about the relationship of connections between the host device, the main surrounding device and the sub-surrounding device, in accordance with the attribute of the main surrounding device.

[48] The method may further include receiving information from the application about the application to control the sub-surrounding device from the host device; and installing the application in the main surrounding device based on the application information, and the operation of controlling the sub-surrounding device may include the operation of controlling the sub-surrounding device using the application.

[49] The topology configuration information may be information on topology configuration standards used in configuring the topology in accordance with the functions of the host device and the sub-device, and the sub-device to be included in the topology may be determined in accordance with the functions of the host surrounding device and sub-surrounding device.

[50] The method may further include operations when the sub-surrounding device around the host device changes, checking a topology including the modified sub-surrounding device; connecting to a modified sub-surrounding device based on a topology including a modified surrounding device; and managing the modified sub-ambient device.

[51] The method may further include receiving operations of the firmware of the sub-surround device, which corresponds to the function of the sub-surround device, from the host device; and providing the firmware to the sub-ambient device, the host device receiving the firmware from the server through the host device.

[52] The function of the sub-surround device can be determined based on the connection relationships between the host device, the main surround device and the sub-surround device.

[53] In accordance with a second aspect of exemplary embodiments, a method for controlling surrounding devices is provided, the method being performed by a host device and includes scanning operations of surrounding devices; determining a host device and a sub-device from among devices based on topology configuration standards appropriate to the host device context; connecting the host surround device, the sub surround device and the host device based on topology configuration standards; and controlling the main surrounding device and the sub-surrounding device through the host device.

[54] The host device context may include the type of content that is executed on the host device, and topology configuration standards may include standards for the type of environment to be included in the topology, and standards for connection relationships between the host device, the main surrounding device and the sub-surrounding device, according to the type of content.

[55] The host device context may include the type of service to be provided by the host device, and topology configuration standards may include standards for the type of environment to be included in the topology, and standards for connection relationships between the host device , the main surrounding device and the sub-surrounding device, according to the type of service.

[56] The host device context may include the host device user, and topology configuration standards may include standards for the type of environment to be included in the topology, and standards for the relationship of connections between the host device, the host device and the sub - surrounding device, according to the user.

[57] The topology configuration standards may include standards for the type of environment to be included in the topology, and standards for the relationship of connections between the host device, the host device and the sub-device, in accordance with the attribute of the main device.

[58] The method may further include receiving an application for controlling the host device from the server; and installing an application for controlling the host device in the host device, and the host device can be controlled by the application-based host device.

[59] The method may further include an operation of providing application information about an application for controlling a sub-surrounding device to a main surrounding device, the application for controlling a sub-surrounding device being installed in the main surrounding device based on application information.

[60] The topology configuration standards can be used in configuring the topology in accordance with the functions of the host device and the sub-ambient device, and the sub-device to be included in the topology can be defined in accordance with the functions of the host device and the sub-device devices.

[61] The method may further include operations when the sub-surrounding device around the host device changes, checking a topology including the modified sub-surrounding device; and connecting the main surrounding device and the modified sub-surrounding device based on a topology including the modified sub-surrounding device.

[62] The method may further include receiving operations of the firmware of the sub-surround device, which corresponds to the function of the sub-surround device, from the host device; and providing firmware to the host device, wherein firmware is provided from the host device to the sub-device.

[63] The function of the sub-surround device can be determined based on the connection relationships between the host device, the main surround device and the sub-surround device.

[64] In accordance with a third aspect of exemplary embodiments, a method for controlling an surrounding device is provided, the method being performed by a host device and includes transmitting contextual information about the context of the host device to the surrounding device; in response to a connection request from the surrounding device, the connection of the surrounding device and the host device; and controlling the surrounding device, the surrounding device determining whether to transmit a connection request to the host device based on the context information of the host device and the topology configuration standards that are provided to the surrounding device from the server; and the surrounding device is defined as the main surrounding device or sub-surrounding device based on contextual information and topology configuration standards.

[65] In accordance with a fourth aspect of exemplary embodiments, there is provided a method for controlling an surrounding device, the method being performed by a host device and including requesting a firmware server for a sub-surround device connected to the main surround device connected to the host device in accordance with the topology; receiving firmware from the server; and providing the firmware to the sub-ambient device, wherein requesting the server includes providing the server with at least one of information about the connection relationship of the sub-surrounding device and information about the function of the sub-surrounding device connected to the main surrounding device, the firmware being provided to the sub-ambient device, used by the sub-ambient device in such a way as to control the operation of the sub-ambient device in response to A team from the host control device or the main surround unit.

[66] In accordance with a fifth aspect of exemplary embodiments, an environmental device management system is provided, including a host device that scans surrounding devices and determines a main environmental device and sub-surrounding devices from among scanned surrounding devices; moreover, the host device provides many pieces of information of the surrounding devices about the sub-surrounding devices and contextual information about the context of the host device to the main surrounding device; a server providing topology configuration information about topology configuration standards to the host device; moreover, the main surrounding device selects at least one of the sub-surrounding devices based on the plurality of pieces of information of the surrounding devices, context information and topology setting information; the main surrounding device connects the main surrounding device and the selected sub-surrounding device; and the main surround device controls the selected sub-surround device.

[67] In accordance with a sixth aspect of exemplary embodiments, there is provided a host device including a memory for storing at least one program; and a processor for configuring the topology with the surrounding devices and controlling the surrounding devices by executing at least one program, the at least one program comprising instructions for scanning surrounding devices; determining the host environment and sub-environment devices from among the environment devices based on topology configuration standards appropriate to the host device context; connecting the host surround device, the sub surround device and the host device based on topology configuration standards; and controlling the main surround device and the sub surround device.

[68] The host device context may include the type of content that is executed on the host device, and the topology configuration standards may include standards about the type of environment to be included in the topology, and standards about the relationship of connections between the host device, the main surrounding device and the sub-surrounding device, according to the type of content.

[69] The host device context may include the type of service to be provided by the host device, and topology configuration standards may include standards for the type of environment to be included in the topology, and standards for connection relationships between the host device , the main surrounding device and the sub-surrounding device, according to the type of service.

[70] A host device context may include a host device user, and topology configuration standards may include standards for the type of environment to be included in the topology, and standards for the relationship of connections between the host device, the host device and the sub - surrounding device, according to the user.

[71] The topology configuration standards may include standards for the type of environment to be included in the topology, and standards for the relationship of connections between the host device, the host device and the sub-device, in accordance with the attribute of the main device.

[72] At least one program further comprises instructions for receiving an application for controlling a host device from a server; and installing an application for controlling the host device in the host device, and the host device can be controlled by the application-based host device.

[73] At least one program may further include instructions for providing application information about the application for controlling the sub-surrounding device to the main surrounding device, and the application for controlling the sub-surrounding device can be installed in the main surrounding device based on the application information.

[74] The topology configuration standards can be used in configuring the topology in accordance with the functions of the main surrounding device and the sub-surrounding device, and the sub-surrounding device to be included in the topology can be determined in accordance with the functions of the main surrounding device and the sub-surrounding devices.

[75] At least one program may further include instructions for, when the sub-surrounding device around the main surrounding device is changing, checking a topology including the modified surrounding device; and connecting the main environmental device and the modified sub-environmental device based on a topology including the modified environmental device.

[76] At least one program may further include instructions for receiving firmware of a sub-surround device, which corresponds to the function of the sub-surround device, from the host device; and providing firmware to the host device, and firmware can be provided from the host device to the sub-device.

[77] The function of the sub-surround device can be determined based on the connection relationship between the host device, the main surround device and the sub-surround device.

[78] According to a seventh aspect of exemplary embodiments, a non-temporary (non-transient) computer-readable recording medium is provided having a program recorded thereon which, when executed by a computer, executes the method according to the first aspect of the exemplary embodiments.

[79] According to an eighth aspect of exemplary embodiments, a non-temporary computer-readable recording medium is provided having a program recorded thereon which, when executed by a computer, executes a method according to the second aspect of the exemplary embodiments.

[80] In accordance with a ninth aspect of exemplary embodiments, a non-temporary computer-readable recording medium is provided having a program recorded thereon which, when executed by a computer, executes the method according to the third aspect of the exemplary embodiments.

[81] According to a tenth aspect of exemplary embodiments, a non-temporary computer-readable recording medium is provided having a program recorded thereon which, when executed by a computer, executes a method according to the fourth aspect of exemplary embodiments.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[82] Next, exemplary options will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein; rather, these exemplary embodiments are presented so that this disclosure is complete and complete and fully conveys the concept of exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art. In the following description, well-known functions or constructions will not be described in detail so as not to obscure the exemplary embodiments with excessive detail. In addition, throughout the description, like reference numerals in the drawings indicate like elements.

[83] Throughout the description, it should also be understood that when an element is referred to as “connected to” another element, it can be directly connected to another element, wirelessly connected to another element, or electrically connected to another element, while intermediate elements may also be present.

[84] Throughout the description, the term "topology" means the location of devices (or nodes). A topology may include physical topology and logical topology. That is, the topology can be determined in accordance with the physical or logical connections between devices belonging to the topological structure. For example, different topologies can be determined by at least one of the interrelated relationships between devices, the method of connecting devices, the data transfer rate between devices, the data stream exchanged between devices, the type of signal exchanged between devices, and the type of application installed in each device, but examples of topologies are not limited to the specified.

[85] In addition, throughout the description, the topology may include a host device, a main surrounding device, and at least one sub-surrounding device. The host device may be connected to the main surrounding device, and the main surrounding device may be connected to at least one sub-surrounding device. In addition, at least one of the host device and the main surrounding device can control at least one sub-surrounding device.

[86] Throughout the description, the host device, the main surrounding device and the sub-surrounding device that configure the topology can be determined in accordance with the position of the device and the role of the device in relation to another device. Thus, the device can operate as at least one of the host device, the main surrounding device and the sub-surrounding device in the configured topology.

[87] Furthermore, at least one of the host device, the main surrounding device and the sub-surrounding device may include, without limitation, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a laptop computer, a media player, a personal a computer (PC), a global positioning system (GPS) device, and other mobile or non-mobile computing devices. In addition, at least one of the host device, the main surrounding device and the sub-surrounding device may include household appliances and various home devices, such as a television (TV), lighting device, refrigerator, audio equipment, washing machine, oven , gas stove, home gateway, game console, electronic board and touch table, but examples of household appliances and various home devices are not limited to this.

[88] Throughout the description, the host device context may refer to at least one of the operation of the host device, the user of the host device, the environment of the host device, and the attribute of the host device. For example, the host device context may be determined according to the type of content that is executed on the host device, the type of service that is provided by the host device, the user of the host device, or the attribute of the host device. In addition, the context of the host device may be determined in accordance with the position of the host device, the weather or the temperature at the location of the host device, the movement of the host device, or the like. However, host device context examples are not limited to this.

[89] As used here, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements. Expressions such as “at least one of” preceding the list of elements modify the entire list of elements and do not modify individual elements of the list.

[90] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an environmental device control system for controlling environmental devices around a host device 1000, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[91] As shown in FIG. 1, an environmental device management system may include a host device 1000, at least one main environmental device 2000, one or more sub-environmental devices 3000, and a server 4000.

[92] In a surrounding device management system according to the present exemplary embodiment, a topology can be determined in accordance with the context of the host device 1000, and in accordance with the topology, the host device 1000, the main surrounding device 2000, and the sub-surrounding devices 3000 can be determined.

[93] The host device 1000, the host device 2000 and the sub-devices 3000 may be connected to each other in accordance with the topology, and at least one of the host device 1000 and the host device 2000 can control the sub-devices 3000. However, one or more exemplary embodiments is not limited to this, and thus sub-surrounding devices 3000 can control the host device 1000 or the main surrounding device 2000.

[94] The host device 1000, the main surrounding device 2000, and the sub-surrounding devices 3000 may be wired or wirelessly connected. For example, the host device 1000, the host surround device 2000, and sub-surround devices 3000 may be connected to each other using at least one of the communication methods, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Low Energy Bluetooth (BLE), communication in the near field (NFC) and radio frequency identification (RFID), but one or more exemplary embodiments are not limited to this. In addition, the host device 1000, the host surround device 2000, and the sub surround devices 3000 can be connected to each other using high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) cables, RGB cables, or jacks, but one or more exemplary embodiments are not limited to this .

[95] FIG. 2 illustrates an example environmental management system according to the present exemplary embodiment.

[96] The host device 1000, the host device 2000 and the sub-device 3000 can be determined in accordance with the context of the host device 1000. In more detail, the host device 1000 can scan one or more surrounding devices around the host device 1000 and can identify the main surrounding device 2000 and sub-surrounding device 3000 among one or more scanned surrounding devices in accordance with the context of the host device 1000.

[97] With reference to FIG. 2, the main surround device 2000 connected to the host device 1000 may include a television and a display device, and the sub surround device 3000 may include a gas stove, a refrigerator, a telephone, a speaker system and a microphone. For example, a television may be connected to a host device 1000, a gas stove, a refrigerator, and a telephone, and a display device may be connected to a host device 1000, a speaker system, and a microphone.

[98] A host device 1000 or a television can control a gas stove, a refrigerator, a telephone, and a host device 1000 or a display device can control a speaker system and a microphone.

[99] For example, when the host device 1000 is introduced into the home, the host device 1000 or TV may change the phone mode to vibration mode. In addition, when the phone receives an incoming call, the phone controls the TV to display the caller information on the TV screen.

[100] In FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a main surrounding device 2000 and a sub-surrounding device 3000 that is executed by the host device 1000, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[101] In operation S300, the host device 1000 scans one or more surrounding devices around the host device 1000 and receives a plurality of pieces of information from the surrounding devices about the scanned surrounding devices. The host device 1000 may obtain the identifier values (value IDs, for example, service set identifiers (SSIDs) of the surrounding devices from the surrounding devices, and may receive the information of the surrounding devices from the server 4000 based on the ID values of the surrounding devices.

[102] The host device 1000 may scan surrounding devices using at least one of NFC, ZigBee communications, RFID communications, ultra-wideband (UWB) communications, and Bluetooth communications, but one or more exemplary embodiments are not limited to this.

[103] The information of the surrounding devices may include, without limitation, information about the function of each surrounding device, information about the communication method that can be used with respect to each surrounding device, connection information for connecting to each surrounding device, application information about one or more applications installed in each surrounding device, application information about the application for controlling each surrounding device and information about a control command of each surrounding separating apparatus.

[104] In operation S310, the host device 1000 determines the topology and determines the surrounding devices to be included in the topology based on the context of the host device 1000.

[105] The context of the host device 1000 may be associated with at least one of the operations of the host device 1000, the user of the host device 1000, the environment of the host device 1000, and the attribute of the host device 1000. For example, the context of the host device 1000 be determined in accordance with the type of content that is executed in the host device 1000, the type of service that is provided by the host device 1000, the user of the host device 1000, or the attribute of the host device 1000. In addition, the context of the host device 1000 can be defined in according to m the location of the host device 1000, the weather or temperature at the location of the host device 1000, the movement of the host device 1000, or the like. However, the context examples of the host device 1000 are not limited to this.

[106] The host device 1000 may obtain topology configuration information about the topology configuration standards from the server 4000 and may select a topology based on the configuration information of the topology, surrounding devices, and the context of the host device 1000. In addition, the host device 1000 may select a host environment device 2000 and sub-surround device 3000 for inclusion in the topology from scanned surrounding devices. For example, when the host device 1000 attempts to reproduce a moving image, the host device 1000 may select the main surround device 2000 and the sub-surround device 3000 from among the surrounding devices related to the reproduction of the moving image based on the topology setting information received from the server 4000. However, one or more exemplary embodiments is not limited to this, and thus, the host device 1000 can determine a topology configuration standard based on user input, and then can generate topology configuration information. In this case, a user interface (UI) for setting the topology configuration standard may be separately displayed by the host device 1000.

[107] In the present exemplary embodiment, the host device 1000 first scans the surrounding devices and then selects the surrounding devices to be included in the topology from among the scanned surrounding devices, but one or more exemplary embodiments are not limited to this. That is, the host device 1000 may first determine the context of the host device 1000 and then may scan surrounding devices related to the context of the host device 1000. Alternatively, the host device 1000 may first determine the topology related to the context of the host device 1000 , and then can scan surrounding devices related to a particular topology.

[108] The host device 1000 may provide many pieces of information from the surrounding devices about the scanned surrounding devices and context information about the context of the host device 1000 to the server 4000, and then the server 4000 may determine the target configuration topology and may determine the main surrounding device 2000 and sub- the surrounding device 3000 based on the information of the surrounding devices and the context information of the context of the host device 1000. In this case, the host device 1000 can receive many pieces of information about the topology and, surrounding the main apparatus 2000, and sub-ambient device 3000, identified server 4000, but one or more exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto.

[109] In operation S320, the host device 1000 connects the host device 1000 and the selected surrounding devices based on a specific topology. The host device 1000 may connect selected surrounding devices to the host device 1000 based on a specific topology.

[110] In addition, the host device 1000 may control the main surrounding device 2000 and sub-surrounding devices 3000 to be connected to each other based on a specific topology. In this case, the host device 1000 may provide connection information of the main surrounding device 2000 to the sub-surrounding device 3000 or may provide connection information of the sub-surrounding device 3000 to the main surrounding device 2000, but one or more exemplary embodiments is not limited to this.

[111] In operation S330, the host device 1000 installs an application for controlling the host device 2000. The host device 1000 may receive an application for managing the host device 2000 from the server 4000 based on the value ID of the host device. Also, the host device 1000 may install the resulting application in the host device 1000.

[112] In operation S330, the host device 1000 provides the main surrounding device 2000 application information about the application for managing the sub-surrounding device 3000. The host device 1000 can receive application information about the application for managing the sub-surrounding device 3000 from the server 4000 based on the ID the values of the sub-surrounding device 3000. Application information about the application for controlling the sub-surrounding device 3000 may include, without limitation, link information about a link to download an application file.

[113] In addition, the host device 1000 may provide application information to the host device 2000, and the host device 2000 may install the application in the host device 2000 to control the sub-device 3000 based on the application information.

[114] In operation S350, the host device 1000 controls at least one of the main surrounding device 2000 and the sub-surrounding device 3000. The host device 1000 can control the main surrounding device 2000 to control the sub-surrounding device 3000. In addition, the host the device 1000 can directly control the main surrounding device 2000 and the sub-surrounding device 3000. However, one or more exemplary embodiments is not limited to this.

[115] The host device 1000 may provide application information about the application to control the host device 1000 to at least one of the main surrounding device 2000 and the sub-surrounding device 3000. In addition, the host device 1000 may provide application information about the application for managing the main surrounding device 2000 to the sub-surrounding device 3000. In this case, the main surrounding device 2000 can control the host device 1000, or the sub-surrounding device 3000 can control at least one of the host devices oystva 1000 and 2000 of the main surround unit.

[116] In FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method performed by a host device 1000, selecting a host device 2000 and a sub-device 3000 in accordance with the context of the host device 1000, and controlling a host device 2000 and a sub-device 3000 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[117] In operation S400, the host device 1000 scans one or more surrounding devices. The host device 1000 may scan surrounding devices using at least one of NFC, ZigBee communications, RFID communications, UWB communications, and Bluetooth communications. However, the method for scanning devices is not limited to this.

[118] In operations S405 and S410, the host device 1000 receives the ID values from surrounding devices. The ID value of each of the surrounding devices may include, without limitation, the SSID and model number.

[119] In operation S415, the host device 1000 provides the ID values of the surrounding devices to the server 4000.

[120] In operation S420, the server 4000 provides many pieces of information of the surrounding devices about the surrounding devices to the host device 1000. The server 4000 can receive many pieces of information of the surrounding devices about the surrounding devices from a database (DB) (not shown) on the server 4000 or from an external server (not shown), based on the ID values of the surrounding devices. Information from surrounding devices may include, without limitation, information about the function of each surrounding device, information about the communication method used by each surrounding device, connection information about connecting to each surrounding device, application information about one or more applications installed on each surrounding devices, application information about the application for controlling each surrounding device, and information about a control command of each surrounding device.

[121] In operation S425, the server 4000 provides topology configuration information to the host device 1000. The topology configuration information can be information about topology configuration standards and can be used to determine the surrounding devices to be included in the topology and determine the connection relationship between the host device 1000 and surrounding devices. The configuration information of the topology may include information on how to configure the topology in accordance with the context of the host device 1000 and surrounding devices around the host device 1000.

[122] In operation S430, the host device 1000 checks the context of the host device 1000. The host device 1000 can check at least one of the type of content that is executed in the host device 1000, the type of service that is provided by the host device 1000, of the user host device 1000, an attribute of the host device 1000, and the environment of the host device 1000.

[123] For example, the host device 1000 can check whether a moving image is being played in the host device 1000, or music is being played in the host device 1000. In addition, the host device 1000 can check the resolution of the moving image that is being played in the host device 1000, and the type of codec used to reproduce the moving image. The host device 1000 may also check whether a moving image that is being played back in the host device 1000 is stored in the host device 1000 or in an external server (not shown).

[124] The host device 1000 may check at least one of a power management service, a home theater service, a gaming service, a television viewing service, an interactive chat service, a document writing service, a search service, a telephone service, and a motion picture playback service as a service provided by the host device 1000.

[125] The host device 1000 may check whether the user of the host device 1000 is a parent or child, and may verify the right to use the service by the user of the host device 1000 based on the determination that the user is a parent or child.

[126] The host device 1000 may check whether the host device 1000 is a public device or a private device. For example, a public device can be used by all family members, and a private device can be used by specific family members, but one or more exemplary embodiments are not limited to this.

[127] The host device 1000 may check the location of the host device 1000, the weather, the time, the light intensity around the host device 1000, and the movement of the host device 1000 as an environment of the host device, but one or more exemplary embodiments are not limited to this .

[128] In operation S435, the host device 1000 may determine the topology and may determine the surrounding devices to be included in the topology based on the checked context. The host device 1000 can determine the topology and can select the surrounding devices to be included in the topology from among the scanned surrounding devices based on the configuration information of the topology and the context of the host device 1000. In addition, the host device 1000 can determine the main surrounding device 2000 and sub-surround device 3000 of the number of scanned surrounding devices.

[129] In this case, the host device 1000 may recommend to the user a topology that includes the surrounding devices related to the context of the host device 1000 from among the scanned surrounding devices, or the host device 1000 may determine the topology and surrounding devices to be turned on in the topology, according to user input. For example, when the host device 1000 reproduces a moving image, the host device 1000 may recommend a topology to the user so as to allow the host device 1000 to connect to a television (as the main surround device 2000) and a television (i.e., the main surround device 2000 ) connect to a speaker system (i.e., a sub-surround device 3000) and a lighting device (i.e., a sub-surround device 3000).

[1301] In operation S440, the host device 1000 is connected to the host device 2000. In this case, the host device 1000 may obtain connection information for connecting to the host device 2000 from the host device 2000 or server 4000 in advance.

[131] In operation S445, the host device 1000 provides connection information for connecting to the sub-surrounding device 3000 to the main surrounding device 2000. In this case, the host device 1000 can pre-receive connection information for connecting to the sub-surrounding device 3000 from the sub-surrounding 3000 devices or 4000 servers.

[132] In operation S455, the host device 1000 installs and executes an application for controlling the host device 2000. The host device 1000 may obtain application information for managing the host device 2000 from the host device 2000 or server 4000 in advance and can install the application for controlling the main surrounding device 2000 in the host device 1000. Application information may include application file and link information for downloading the application file. If the host environment manager 2000 application is already installed on the host device 1000, the host device 1000 may run the host environment manager 2000 application without a separate installation process.

[133] In operation S460, the main surrounding device 2000 installs and executes the application for controlling the sub-surrounding device 3000. The main surrounding device 2000 can pre-receive application information about the application for controlling the sub-surrounding device 3000 from the host device 1000 or server 4000, and can install the application to control the sub-surrounding device 3000 in the main surrounding device 2000. In the case where the main surrounding device 2000 receives application information about the application for controlling the sub- swirling device 3000 from the host apparatus 1000, a host device 1000 may receive the pre-application information about an application to control the sub-around device 3000 from sub-ambient device 3000 or server 4000.

[134] If the application for controlling the sub-surround device 3000 is already installed in the main surround device 2000, then the main surround device 2000 may execute the application for controlling the sub-surround device 3000 without a separate installation process.

[135] In operation S465, the host device 1000 controls the main surrounding device 2000, and in operation S470, the main surrounding device 2000 controls the sub-surrounding device 3000. The main surrounding device 2000 can control the sub-surrounding device 3000 based on a command from the host device 1000 , but one or more exemplary embodiments are not limited to this.

[136] In FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for selecting a sub-surround device 3000 in accordance with the context of the host device 1000 and control the sub-surround device 3000 by the main surround device 2000 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[137] In operation S500, the host device 1000 scans one or more surrounding devices. The host device 1000 may scan surrounding devices using at least one of NFC, ZigBee communications, RFID communications, UWB communications, and Bluetooth communications. Then, the host device 1000 may obtain the ID of the value from the surrounding devices and may receive many pieces of information of the surrounding devices about the surrounding devices from the server 4000 using the ID of the value. Information from surrounding devices may include, without limitation, information about the function of each surrounding device, information about the communication method used by each surrounding device, connection information for connecting to each surrounding device, application information about one or more applications installed in each the surrounding device, application information about the application for controlling each surrounding device, and information about a control command of each surrounding device.

[138] In operation S505, the host device 1000 determines the context of the host device 1000. The host device 1000 may check at least one of the type of content that is executed in the host device 1000, the type of service that is provided by the host device 1000, of the user host device 1000, the attribute of the host device 1000 and the environment of the host device 1000.

[139] In operation S510, the host device 1000 provides many pieces of information of the surrounding devices to the main surrounding device 2000. The host device 1000 may determine the main surrounding device 2000 from among the scanned surrounding devices, and may provide many pieces of information of the surrounding devices about the scanned surrounding devices to the main the surrounding device 2000. In this case, the host device 1000 may determine the main surrounding device 2000 from among the scanned surrounding devices on Snov context of the host device 1000.

[140] However, one or more exemplary embodiments is not limited to this, and the host device 2000 may already be connected to the host device 1000. In this case, the host device 1000 can provide many pieces of information from the surrounding devices about the scanned surrounding devices to the main surrounding a device 2000 that is connected to the host device 1000.

[141] In operation S515, the host device 1000 provides context information about the context of the host device 1000 to the main surrounding device 2000.

[142] In operation S520, the server 4000 provides topology setting information to the main surrounding device 2000. The server 4000 can provide topology setting information to the main surrounding device 2000 in response to a request by the host device 1000 or the main surrounding device 2000.

[143] In operation S525, the host device 2000 determines the topology and determines the sub-device 3000 to be included in the topology based on the context of the host device 1000. Based on the context information of the host device 1000, the configuration information of the topology, and the plurality of pieces of surrounding information devices about scanned surrounding devices, the main surrounding device 2000 may determine the topology and may determine the sub-surrounding device 3000 to be included in the topology.

[144] In operation S530, the host device 1000 installs and executes an application for controlling the host device 2000. The host device 1000 may obtain application information for managing the host device 2000 from the host device 2000 or server 4000 in advance and can install the application for controlling the main surrounding device 2000 in the host device 1000. Application information may include application file and link information for downloading the application file. If the host environment manager 2000 application is already installed on the host device 1000, the host device 1000 may run the host environment manager 2000 application without a separate installation process.

[145] In operation S535, the host device 2000 installs and executes the application for controlling the sub-device 3000. The host device 2000 can pre-receive application information for the application for managing the sub-device 3000 from the host device 1000 or server 4000, and can install the application to control the sub-surrounding device 3000 in the main surrounding device 2000. In the case where the main surrounding device 2000 receives application information about the application for controlling the sub- swirling device 3000 from the host apparatus 1000, a host device 1000 may receive the pre-application information about an application to control the sub-around device 3000 from sub-ambient device 3000 or server 4000.

[146] If the sub-surround device 3000 control application is already installed in the main surround device 2000, the main surround device 2000 may execute the sub-surround device 3000 control application without a separate installation process.

[147] In operation S540, the host device 1000 can connect to the main surrounding device 2000, and in operation S545, the main surrounding device 2000 can connect to the sub-surrounding device 3000.

[148] The host device 1000 may receive connection information in advance for connecting to the main surround device 2000 from the main surround device 2000 or server 4000, and may connect to the main surround device 2000 using the connection information.

[149] The host device 1000 may receive connection information for connecting to the sub-surround device 3000 from the sub-surround device 3000 or server 4000 and may provide connection information to the main surround device 2000. Then, the main surround device 2000 may connect to the sub-surround device. 3000 using connection information, but one or more exemplary embodiments are not limited to this.

[150] FIG. 6 illustrates an example in which the host device 1000 receives a plurality of pieces of information from the surrounding devices about the surrounding devices A-F from the surrounding devices A-F and the server 4000, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[151] With reference to FIG. 6, the host device 1000 may scan surrounding A-F devices and may obtain value IDs (e.g., SSIDs) from surrounding A-F devices, respectively. In addition, the host device 1000 may transmit the ID values to the server 4000 and then may request from the server 4000 a plurality of pieces of information from the surrounding devices about the surrounding devices A-F. In addition, the server 4000 can receive many pieces of information from the surrounding devices about the surrounding devices AF from DB (not shown) on the server 4000 or from an external server (not shown) based on the ID values of the surrounding devices A-F. Then, the server 4000 can transmit many parts of the received information of the surrounding devices to the host device 1000.

[152] The information of the surrounding devices may include, without limitation, information about the function of each surrounding device, information about the communication method for use with each surrounding device, connection information for connecting to each surrounding device, application information about one or more applications, installed in each surrounding device, application information about an application for controlling each surrounding device and information about a control command of each surrounding device.

[153] The function of each surrounding device may vary in accordance with the topologies including the surrounding device and the type of other devices included in the topology. For example, in the case when the surrounding device is a lighting device, when the lighting device is included in the topology A, the lighting device can perform the function of creating light according to the mood (the lighting device is always on), and when the lighting device is included in the topology B, the lighting device can perform a flicker function.

[154] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method for acquiring surround device information about a surround device via NFC that is executed by the host device 1000, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[155] In operation S700, when the host device 1000 and the surrounding device (here, the surrounding device indicates one of the surrounding devices 2000 and 3000, and hereinafter the surrounding device is referred to as the "surrounding device 2000 or 3000") are in the range of the first short-range communication, in operations S702 and S704, each of the host device 1000 and the surrounding device 2000 or 3000 detects the occurrence of the first short-range communication. The first short-range link may be NFC.

[156] In operation S706, the surrounding device 2000 or 3000 transmits the ID value of the surrounding device 2000 or 3000 to the host device 1000 via NFC. The ID value of the surrounding device 2000 or 3000 may include, without limitation, the SSID, model name, product serial number and user ID of the surrounding device 2000 or 3000.

[157] In operation S708, the surrounding device 2000 or 3000 transmits information for connecting the second short-range communication and application information related to the surrounding device 2000 or 3000 to the host device 1000 via NFC. The second short range communication may differ from the first short range communication and may include Bluetooth communication, Wi-Fi communication, and the like. In addition, one of the surrounding devices 2000 and 3000 may be connected to at least one of the host device 1000 and the other from the surrounding devices 2000 and 3000 via a second short-range communication.

[158] The application information related to the surrounding device 2000 or 3000 may include, without limitation, information about the application installed in the surrounding device 2000 or 3000, and information about another application for controlling the surrounding device 2000 or 3000.

[159] In operation S710, the host device 1000 authenticates the surrounding device 2000 or 3000. The host device 1000 can receive previously agreed authentication information from the surrounding device 2000 or 3000 and can authenticate the surrounding device 2000 or 3000 using the authentication information.

[160] In operation S712, the host device 1000 transmits the ID value of the surrounding device 2000 or 3000 to the server 4000, and in operation S714, the server 4000 transmits function information of the surrounding device 2000 or 3000 to the host device 1000.

[161] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method for acquiring surrounding device information about a surrounding device via BLE communication that is performed by the host device 1000, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[162] In operation S800, the surrounding device (here, the surrounding device indicates one of the surrounding devices 2000 and 3000, and hereinafter referred to as the "surrounding device 2000 or 3000") broadcasts the ID value of the surrounding device 2000 or 3000, information for connecting the second connection short range and application information related to the surrounding device 2000 or 3000. The surrounding device 2000 or 3000 can broadcast the ID value of the surrounding device 2000 or 3000, information for connecting the second tie short range and application information related to the surrounding device 2000 or 3000, by means of BLE communication. The second short range communication may differ from the BLE communication and may include NFC, Wi-Fi communication, or the like. In addition, one of the surrounding devices 2000 and 3000 can be connected to at least one of the host device 1000 and the other of the surrounding devices 2000 and 3000 via a second short-range communication. The application information related to the surrounding device 2000 or 3000 may include, without limitation, information about the application installed in the surrounding device 2000 or 3000, and information about another application for controlling the surrounding device 2000 or 3000.

[163] In operation S800, the host device 1000 can detect a BLE connection and then can receive information that is broadcast from the surrounding device 2000 or 3000.

[164] In operation S802, when the host device 1000 receives broadcast information, the host device 1000 identifies the surrounding device 2000 or 3000. The host device 1000 may receive previously agreed authentication information from the surrounding device 2000 or 3000 and may authenticate the surrounding device 2000 or 3000 using authentication information.

[165] In operation S804, the host device 1000 transmits the ID value of the surrounding device 2000 or 3000 to the server 4000, and in operation S806, the server 4000 transmits function information of the surrounding device 2000 or 3000 to the host device 1000.

[166] In FIG. 9 shows an example in which the host device 1000 receives a plurality of pieces of information from the surrounding devices about the surrounding devices A - C from the gateway 5000 and the server 4000, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[167] With reference to FIG. 9, the host device 1000 can connect to the gateway 5000, and the gateway 5000 can connect to the surrounding devices A – C. Host device 1000 may receive value IDs (eg, SSIDs) of surrounding devices A to C from gateway 5000. Gateway 5000 may be a home gateway in a home network, but the type of gateway 5000 is not limited to this. Gateway 5000 may be one of various surrounding devices around host device 1000.

[168] The host device 1000 may transmit the value ID to the server 4000 and then may request from the server 4000 a plurality of pieces of information from the surrounding devices about the surrounding devices A-C. The server 4000 can receive many pieces of information from the surrounding devices about the surrounding devices A-C from a DB (not shown) on the server 4000 or from an external server (not shown) based on the ID values of the surrounding devices A-C. Then, the server 4000 can transmit many parts of the received information of the surrounding devices to the host device 1000.

[169] FIG. 10 illustrates examples in which the host device 1000 and surrounding devices configure topologies in accordance with the types of content executed by the host device 1000, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[170] With reference to FIG. 10A, when the host device 1000 reproduces a moving image, the main surrounding device 2000 and the sub-surrounding device 3000 can be determined based on the resolution, stored position, etc., of the moving image that is displayed by the host device 1000.

[171] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10A, when a moving image is reproduced in the host device 1000, the host device 1000 can connect to the TV as the main surround device 2000, and the TV can connect to the speaker system and the lighting device as the sub-surround device 3000. In addition, the host the device 1000 may stream a moving image to a television, and the television may provide audio data of the moving image to the speaker system.

[172] At least one of the host device 1000 and the television can install and execute an application for controlling at least one of the speaker system and the lighting device. In addition, at least one of the host device 1000 and the television can turn on the lighting device and can adjust the light intensity of the lighting device. In addition, at least one of the host device 1000 and the TV can turn on the speaker system and can adjust the volume of the speaker system.

[173] With reference to FIG. 10B, when a music file is played in the host device 1000, the main surround device 2000 and the sub-surround device 3000 can be determined based on the bit rate, sample rate, and stored position of the music file played on the host device 1000.

[174] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10B, when music is played in the host device 1000, the host device 1000 can connect to an amplifier as a main surround device 2000, and the amplifier can connect to a phone, speaker, and lighting device as a sub-surround device 3000. In this case, the phone connected to the host device 1000 may be an environmental device that interferes with the user's listening to music. The host device 1000 may provide acoustic music data to the amplifier, and then the amplifier may process the acoustic data and may provide processed acoustic data to the speaker. At least one of the host device 1000 and amplifier may install and execute an application for controlling at least one of the speaker system, telephone, and lighting device. In addition, at least one of the host device 1000 and the amplifier may include a lighting device and may adjust the light intensity of the lighting device. In addition, at least one of the host device 1000 and the amplifier may include a speaker system and may control the volume of the speaker system. In addition, at least one of the host device 1000 and the amplifier can reduce the sound level of the phone ringtone.

[175] FIG. 11 illustrates examples in which the host device 1000 and surrounding devices configure topologies in accordance with the types of services performed by the host device 1000, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[176] With reference to FIG. 11A, when the host device 1000 provides a television viewing service, the host device 1000 can connect to the TV as the main surround device 2000, and the TV can connect to the surrounding devices as the sub-surround device 3000, which may interfere with the television viewing of the user. For example, a television can connect to a refrigerator, a washing machine, and a lighting device as sub-surround devices 3000. In this case, a list of surround devices that may interfere with television viewing may be displayed on the TV screen, one of the surround devices that is selected based on user input, can be connected to a TV and can be controlled by a TV or host device 1000. In this case, at least one of the host device 1000 and the TV can be installed create and execute an application to control the surrounding device, which is selected based on user input.

[177] The host device 1000 may stream the currently generated moving image to a television, and the television may display a moving image. In addition, the television can generate a user interface (UI) so as to monitor and control the states of the refrigerator, the washing machine and the lighting device, and can display the user interface (UI) on the TV screen. In addition, the television may turn off the refrigerator or the washing machine, or may adjust the light intensity of the lighting device in response to a command from the main device 1000.

[178] With reference to FIG. 11B, when the host device 1000 provides an interactive chat service, the host device 1000 can connect to the audio system and the lighting device as the main surround device 2000. In addition, the host device 1000 can interpret text that is entered by the user through the interactive chat service. The host device 1000 may recognize a user's emotional state from user input text using various natural language interpretation techniques. In addition, the host device 1000 may select music for delivery to the audio system in accordance with the emotional state of the user and may provide the selected music to the audio system. The host device 1000 may also adjust the light intensity of the lighting device in accordance with the emotional state of the user. For example, when the host device 1000 determines that the user is in a good mood, relying on a message that is entered by the user through the online chat service, the host device 1000 can provide dance music to the audio system and can increase the light intensity of the lighting device.

[179] FIG. 12 illustrates examples in which the host device 1000 and surrounding devices configure topologies according to users according to an exemplary embodiment.

[180] With reference to FIG. 12A, when the host user of the device 1000 is a parent, and the host device 1000 reproduces a moving image (film), the host device 1000 can connect to the TV as the main surround device 2000, and the TV can connect to the speaker system and the lighting device as a sub -environment device 3000. In this case, the TV can play all types of films without restrictions. In addition, the host device 1000 can stream the movie to a TV, and the TV can provide movie audio to the speaker system. In addition, at least one of the host device 1000 and the television can turn on the lighting device and can adjust the light intensity of the lighting device. In addition, at least one of the host device 1000 and the television can turn on the speaker system and can adjust the volume of the speaker system.

[181] With reference to FIG. 12B, when the user of the host device 1000 is a child, and the host device 1000 plays a movie, the host device 1000 can connect to the TV as the main surround device 2000, and the TV can connect to the headphones and the lighting device as the sub-surround device 3000 In this case, the types of movies that can be played on the TV may be limited. The host device 1000 may stream the film to a television, and the television may provide the film audio data to the headphones. At least one of the host device 1000 and the television can turn on the lighting device and can adjust the light intensity of the lighting device. In addition, at least one of the host device 1000 and the TV can turn on the speaker system and can adjust the volume of the headphones. The headphones can be wireless headphones and can adjust the TV volume based on the remaining battery power of the headphones. In this case, the headphones can pre-receive the TV control application from at least one of the host device 1000, the TV and the server 4000, and can install the application.

[182] FIG. 13 illustrates examples in which the host device 1000 and surrounding devices configure topologies in accordance with the attributes of a host environment 2000 connected to the host device 1000, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[183] With reference to FIG. 13A, when the host device 1000 connects to the public surrounding device A as the main surrounding device 2000, the public surrounding device A can connect to the public surrounding device B and the public surrounding device C as the sub-surrounding device 3000.

[184] With reference to FIG. 13B, when the host device connects to the private surround device F as the main surround device 2000, the public surround device F can connect to the public surround device G and the public surround device H as the sub-surround device 3000.

[185] Here, a public environment device can be used by a variety of users, for example, it can be a device that can be used by all family members or any person in a public place. In addition, the private surrounding device may be used by at least one specific user, for example, the private surrounding device may be used by a specific family member. For example, in a home, each of the television, refrigerator, washing machine, and lighting device in the living room may be a public ambient device that can be controlled by all family members, and each of the lighting device in a separate room, personal computer, and mobile phone may be a private surrounding device. that can be managed by one specific family member. Also, for example, in an office, the printer may be a public surrounding device, and the personal computer may be a private surrounding device.

[186] FIG. 14 illustrates a flowchart of a method for connecting a host device 1000, a main surround device 2000 and a sub-surround device 3000, in accordance with exemplary embodiments.

[187] With reference to FIG. 14A, the host device 1000 may connect to the main surrounding device 2000 (step S1400) and may provide connection information of the sub-surrounding device 3000 to the main surrounding device 2000 (step S1402). In addition, the main surrounding device 2000 may be connected to the sub-surrounding device 3000 using the connection information (operation S1404).

[188] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 14 (b), the host device 1000 may connect to the main surrounding device 2000 (step S1406) and may provide connection information of the main surrounding device 2000 to the sub-surrounding device 3000 (step S1408). In addition, the main surrounding device 2000 may be connected to the sub-surrounding device 3000 using the connection information (operation S1410).

[189] FIG. 15-17 illustrate flowcharts of control methods for the main surrounding device 2000 and the sub-surrounding device 3000 that are executed by the host device 1000, in accordance with exemplary embodiments.

[190] In the flowchart of FIG. 15, the host device 1000 may control the main surround device 2000, and the main surround device 2000 may generate a control command and then may issue a control command to the sub-surround device 3000.

[191] In operation S1500, the host device 1000 installs and executes the application for managing the host device 2000. The host device 1000 can obtain application information for the application for managing the host device 2000 from the server 4000 using the ID value of the host device 2000, which received from the main surrounding device 2000 in a scanning operation of one or more surrounding devices (operation S300). Application information may include at least one of the application file and link information for downloading the application file. However, one or more exemplary embodiments is not limited to this, and the host device 1000 may receive application information about the application for controlling the main surrounding device 2000 from the main surrounding device 2000 in a scanning operation of one or more surrounding devices (operation S300).

[192] In operation S1502, the host device 1000 provides application information about the application to control the sub-surround device 3000 to the main surrounding device 2000. The host device 1000 can receive application information about the application to control the sub-surround device 3000 from the server 4000 using the ID the value of the sub-surrounding device 3000, which is received from the sub-surrounding device 3000 in a scanning operation of one or more surrounding devices (operation S300). Application information may include at least one of the application file and link information for downloading the application file. However, one or more exemplary embodiments is not limited to this, and the host device 1000 may receive application information of the application for controlling the sub-surrounding device 3000 from the sub-surrounding device 3000 in a scan operation of one or more surrounding devices (operation S300).

[193] In operation S1504, the host device 2000 installs and runs an application to control the sub-device 3000. When the host device 2000 receives an application file to control the device 3000 from the host device 1000, the host device 2000 can install the application file and can execute the application. In addition, when the host environment 2000 receives the link information for downloading the application file to control the environment 3000 from the host device 1000, the host environment 2000 can download the application file using the link information, and then can install the application file and can execute Appendix.

[194] In operation S1506, the host device 1000 obtains information about a control command of the main surrounding device 2000. The host device 1000 can receive information about the control command of the main surrounding device 2000 from the server 4000 or the main surrounding device 2000. In addition, the control command of the main surrounding devices 2000 may be included in an application for controlling the host environment 2000.

[195] In operation S1508, the host device 1000 transmits a control command to the main surrounding device 2000 to control the main surrounding device 2000. The host device 1000 can transmit the control command to the main surrounding device 2000 using the application to control the main surrounding device 2000. Main the surrounding device 2000 may be controlled in accordance with a control command transmitted from the host device 1000.

[196] In operation S1510, the main surrounding device 2000 generates a control command to control the sub-surrounding device 3000. The main surrounding device 2000 can generate a control command to control the sub-surrounding device 3000 based on a control command transmitted from the host device 1000 In addition, the main surrounding device 2000 may generate a control command to control the sub-surrounding device 3000, using the application to control the sub-surrounding device 3000.

[197] In operation S1512, the main surrounding device 2000 transmits a control command to the sub-surrounding device 3000. The main surrounding device 2000 can transmit a control command to the sub-surrounding device 3000 using the application to control the sub-surrounding device 3000.

[198] In the flowchart of FIG. 16, the host device 1000 may control the main surround device 2000 and may issue a control command regarding the sub-surround device 3000 to the sub-surround device 3000 through the main surround device 2000.

[199] In operation S1600, the host device 1000 receives control command information for controlling at least one surrounding device included in the topology. The host device 1000 may receive control command information for controlling at least one surrounding device from the server 4000 or at least one surrounding device. Management command information for controlling at least one surrounding device may be included in the application, as described below.

[200] In operation S1602, the host device 1000 installs and executes the application for controlling the host device 2000. The host device 1000 can obtain application information about the application for managing the host device 2000 from the server 4000 using the ID value of the host device 2000, which received from the main surrounding device 2000 in a scanning operation of one or more surrounding devices (operation S300). Application information may include at least one of the application file and link information for downloading the application file. However, one or more exemplary embodiments is not limited to this, and the host device 1000 may receive application information about the application for controlling the main surrounding device 2000 from the main surrounding device 2000 in a scanning operation of one or more surrounding devices (operation S300).

[201] In operation S1604, the host device 1000 provides application information about the application to control the sub-surround device 3000 to the main surrounding device 2000. The host device 1000 can receive application information about the application to control the sub-surround device 3000 from the server 4000 using The ID value of the sub-surrounding device 3000, which is received from the sub-surrounding device 3000 in a scan operation of one or more surrounding devices (operation S300). Application information may include at least one of the application file and link information for downloading the application file. However, one or more exemplary embodiments is not limited to this, and the host device 1000 may receive application information about an application for controlling the sub-surrounding device 3000 from the sub-surrounding device 3000 in a scan operation of one or more surrounding devices (operation S300).

[202] In operation S1606, the host device 2000 installs and executes an application for controlling the sub-device 3000. When the host device 2000 receives an application file to control the device 3000 from the host device 1000, the host device 2000 can install the file applications and can execute the application. In addition, when the host environment 2000 receives the link information for downloading the application file to control the environment 3000 from the host device 1000, the host environment 2000 can download the application file using the link information, and then can install the application file and can execute Appendix.

[203] In operation S1608, the host device 1000 transmits a control command to the main surrounding device 2000 to control the main surrounding device 2000. The host device 1000 can transmit the control command to the main surrounding device 2000 using the application to control the main surrounding device 2000. The main the surrounding device 2000 may be controlled in accordance with a control command transmitted from the host device 1000.

[204] In operation S1610, the host device 1000 generates a control command to control the sub-surround device 3000, and transmits a control command to the main surround device 2000. The host device 1000 may transmit the control command to the main surround device 2000 using the control application the main surrounding device 2000.

[205] In operation S1612, the main surrounding device 2000 transmits a control command received from the host device 1000 to the sub-surrounding device 3000. The main surrounding device 2000 can transmit the received control command to the sub-surrounding device 3000 using the sub- surrounding device 3000. Sub-surrounding device 3000 may be controlled in accordance with a control command from the main surrounding device 2000.

[206] In the flowchart of FIG. 17, the host device 1000 can directly control the main surround device 2000 and the sub-surround device 3000.

[207] In operation S1700, the host device 1000 receives control command information for controlling at least one surrounding device included in the topology. The host device 1000 may receive control command information for controlling at least one surrounding device from the server 4000 or at least one surrounding device. Management command information for controlling at least one surrounding device may be included in the application, as described below.

[208] In operation S1702, the host device 1000 installs and executes the application for controlling the main surrounding device 2000 and installs and executes the application for controlling the sub-surrounding device 3000.

[209] In operation S1704, the host device 1000 transmits a control command to the main surrounding device 2000 to control the main surrounding device 2000. The host device 1000 can transmit the control command to the main surrounding device 2000 using the application for controlling the main surrounding device 2000. In addition to in addition, the host environment 2000 can be controlled in response to a control command received from the host device 1000.

[210] In operation S1706, the host device 1000 transmits a control command to the sub-surrounding device 3000 to control the sub-surrounding device 3000. The host device 1000 can transmit the control command to the sub-surrounding device 3000 using the sub-surrounding control application. device 3000. In addition, the sub-surrounding device 3000 may be controlled in response to a control command received from the host device 1000.

[211] FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a method for changing a configured topology and controlling at least one surrounding device based on a changed topology that is executed by the host device 1000, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[212] In operation S1800, at least one surrounding device around the host device 1000 is changed. That is, at least one of the main surrounding device 2000 and the sub-surrounding device 3000 may be removed from the topology including the host device 1000, or a new surrounding device may be added to the topology including the host device 1000.

[213] In operation S1802, the environment of the host device 1000 is changed. For example, the position of the host device 1000, the weather and / or temperature at the location of the host device 1000 may vary, or the motion of the host device 1000 may change. However, one or more exemplary embodiments is not limited to this, and, for example, when the host device 1000 can be moved from home to the outside, or when the weather at the location of the host device 1000 can change from sunny weather to rainy weather, the environment of the host device 1000 may change.

[214] In operation S1804, the host device 1000 changes the topology based on the changed surrounding device and the changed environment. The host device 1000 may receive topology configuration information about topology configuration standards from the server 4000 and may change the topology based on the topology configuration information, the changed surrounding device, and the changed environment.

[215] However, one or more exemplary embodiments is not limited to this, and when information about the changed surrounding device and the changed environment is provided to the server 4000, the server 4000 may change the topology. In this case, the host device 1000 may receive information about the changed topology, which is changed by the server 4000, from the server 4000.

[216] In operation S1806, the host device 1000 is connected to one or more surrounding devices in accordance with the changed topology. The host device 1000 may connect to the host surround device 2000 in accordance with the changed topology, and the host environment 2000 may connect to the sub-surround device 3000 in accordance with the changed topology.

[217] In operation S1808, the host device 1000 controls the modified surrounding device. The host device 1000 may install and execute an application for controlling the host device 2000 and may control the host device 2000 using an executable application.

[218] The host device 1000 may also install and execute an application to control the sub-surrounding device 3000 and may control the sub-surrounding device 3000 using an executable application.

[219] The host device 1000 may provide application information about the application to control the sub-surrounding device 3000 to the main surrounding device 2000. In this case, the main surrounding device 2000 can install and execute the application to control the sub-surrounding device 3000 and can control the sub-surrounding device 3000 using an executable application based on control from the host device 1000.

[220] FIG. 19-21 illustrate examples in which when another device 6000 is added to a topology including a host device 1000 and surrounding devices, the topology changes, in accordance with exemplary embodiments.

[221] With reference to FIG. 19, when another device 6000 is added to the topology, which includes the host device 1000 and surrounding devices, the other device 6000 can function as a host device, and the host device 1000 can function as the main surrounding device.

[222] With reference to FIG. 20, when another device 6000 is added to a topology that includes the host device 1000 and surrounding devices, the other device can function as a host device, and the other device 6000 can also function as the main surrounding device, and the main surrounding device can function as a sub-ambient device.

[223] With reference to FIG. 21, when another device 6000 is added to the topology, which includes the host device 1000 and the surrounding devices, the other device 6000 can function as a sub-surrounding device.

[224] FIG. 22 illustrates an example in which, when the environment of the host device 1000 changes, the topology including the host device 1000 changes, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[225] With reference to FIG. 22, the environment (e.g., temperature, position or movement) of the host device 1000 changes, the main surrounding device B can replace the main surrounding device A, and the sub-surrounding devices C and D can replace the sub-surrounding devices A and B. In an exemplary embodiment the implementation of FIG. 22, the main surround device A and the sub-surround devices A and B are all replaced, but one or more exemplary embodiments are not limited to this. At least one of the main surrounding device A, the sub-surrounding device A and the sub-surrounding device B can be replaced.

[226] FIG. 23 illustrates a method for updating firmware of a sub-surround device 3000 that is executed by the host device 1000, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[227] With reference to FIG. 23, the host device 1000 may connect to the main surround device A, and the main surround device A may connect to the sub-surround device A and the sub-surround device B. The host device 1000 may receive firmware for installation on the sub-surround device A from server 4000 and can provide firmware to sub-surround device A via host surround device A.

[228] The function of the sub-surrounding device included in the topology can be determined based on the connection relationship between at least two of the host device 1000, the main surrounding device A, the sub-surrounding device A and the sub-surrounding device B, which are included to the topology. In addition, firmware with respect to a specific function may be provided from server 4000 to sub-surround device A.

[229] When the function of the sub-surround device A is added, the host device 1000 may receive other firmware related to the added function from the server 4000, and may provide other firmware to the sub-surround device A through the main surround device A.

[230] FIG. 24 is a flowchart of a method for updating firmware of a sub-surround device 3000 based on connection relationships between the host device 1000, the main surround device 2000 and the sub-surround device 3000 that is executed by the host device 1000, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment .

[231] In operation S2400, the host device 1000 is connected to the main surrounding device 2000, and in operation S2402, the main surrounding device 2000 is connected to the sub-surrounding device 3000. Based on the context of the host device 1000, the host device 1000, the main surrounding device 2000 and the sub-surround device 3000 may configure the topology.

[232] In operation S2404, the host device 1000 checks the topology including the host device 1000, the main surrounding device 2000, and the sub-surrounding device 3000. The host device 1000 can check the connection relationships between the host device 1000, the main surrounding device 2000 and a sub-surrounding device 3000 included in the topology. In particular, the host device 1000 may check with which device the sub-surround device 3000 is connected.

[233] In operation S2406, the host device 1000 checks the function of the surrounding device 3000 included in the topology. The function of the sub-surround device 3000 may vary in accordance with at least one of a topology including the sub-surround device 3000, such as another device included in the topology, the connection relationship between the sub-surround device 3000 and another device, and the host device context 1000. For example, if the sub-surrounding device is a lighting device, when the lighting device is included in the topology A, the lighting device can perform the function of creating light according to mood (in which lighting device is constantly on), and when the lighting device is included in the topology B, the lighting device can perform a flicker function. However, one or more exemplary embodiments is not limited to this.

[234] In operation S2408, the host device 1000 requests from the server 4000 the firmware of the sub-surround device 3000, which relates to the function of the sub-surround device 3000. The host device 1000 can request the firmware of the sub-surround device 3000 from the server 4000 by providing to the server 4000, the ID values of the sub-surrounding device 3000 and the function information of the sub-surrounding device 3000.

[235] In operations S2404-S2408, the host device 1000 checks the topology and function of the sub-surrounding device 3000 and requests firmware from the server 4000 related to the function being tested, but one or more exemplary embodiments are not limited to this. In another exemplary embodiment, the server 4000 may receive the ID value of the sub-surround device 3000 from the host device 1000, may check the topology including the sub-surround device 3000, and the function of the sub-surround device 3000, and may receive firmware related to the tested function of the sub-surrounding device 3000, from a DB (not shown) on the server 4000 or from an external server (not shown).

[236] In operation S2410, the server 4000 provides the firmware of the sub-surround device 3000 to the host device 1000. The server 4000 can provide the firmware related to the tested function of the sub-surround device 3000 to the host device 1000.

[237] In operation S2412, the host device 1000 provides firmware, which is received from the server 4000, to the sub-ambient device 3000 through the host surround device 2000.

[238] In operations S2410-S2412, firmware of the sub-surround device 3000 is provided from the server 4000 to the sub-surround device 3000 through the host device 1000 and the main surround device 2000, but one or more exemplary embodiments are not limited to this. In another exemplary embodiment, the server 4000 may provide firmware to the main surrounding device 2000, and then the main surrounding device 2000 may provide firmware to the sub-surrounding device 3000. In addition, the server 4000 may directly provide firmware to the sub-surrounding device 3000. In this In this case, the server 4000 may pre-obtain the connection information to provide firmware to the host device. in 2000 and sub surrounding device 3000.

[239] FIG. 25 is a flowchart of a method for updating firmware of a sub-surround device 3000 when the function of the sub-surround device 3000 changes that is performed by the host device 1000, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[240] In operation S2500, the host device 1000 is connected to the host device 2000, and in operation S2502, the host device 2000 is connected to the sub-device 3000. Based on the context of the host device 1000, the host device 1000, the host device 2000 and the sub-surround device 3000 may configure the topology.

[241] In operation S2504, the host device 1000 requests the server 4000 to update the firmware of the sub-surrounding device 3000. The host device 1000 can request the firmware 4000 to update the firmware of the sub-surrounding device 3000 by providing the server 4000 with the ID of the sub-surrounding device 3000 and information about the firmware installed on the sub-surround device 3000. For example, information about the firmware installed on the sub-surround device 3000 may include without limitation, the ID value information and the firmware version installed in the sub-surround device 3000.

[242] In operation S2506, the server 4000 checks the function that is added to the sub-surround device 3000. When the function of the sub-surround device 3000 is added, the manufacturer of the sub-surround device 3000 can generate firmware to perform an additional function. In addition, the server 4000 can check whether the firmware of the sub-surround device 3000 is the latest version based on the firmware version information of the sub-surround device 3000 that is received from the host device 1000. In doing so, the server 4000 can also check whether a sub-ambient device 3000 function has been added, but one or more exemplary embodiments are not limited to this.

[243] In operation S2508, the server 4000 provides updated firmware of the sub-surrounding device 3000 to the host device 1000, and in operation S2510, the host device 1000 provides the updated firmware of the sub-surrounding device 3000 to the sub-surrounding device 3000 through the main surrounding device 2000.

[244] In operations S2508-S2510, updated firmware of the sub-surround device 3000 is provided from the server 4000 to the sub-surround device 3000 through the host device 1000 and the main surround device 2000, but one or more illustrative embodiments are not limited to this. In another exemplary embodiment, the server 4000 can provide updated firmware to the main surrounding device 2000, and the main surrounding device 2000 can provide updated firmware to the sub-surrounding device 3000. In addition, the server 4000 can directly provide updated firmware to the sub-surrounding device 3000. In this case, the server 4000 may pre-obtain the connection information to provide updated software. chenie sub surrounding device 3000.

[245] FIG. 26 is a flowchart of a method related to an example in which the host device 2000 and the sub-device 3000 determine whether to configure the topology, and then the host device 1000, the host device 2000 and the sub-device 3000 are connected with each other, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 26, the host surround device 2000 and the sub surround device 3000 can determine whether to configure the topology based on the context of the host device 1000.

[246] In operations S2600 and S2602, the host device 1000 provides context information about the context of the host device 1000 to the main surrounding device 2000 and the sub-surrounding device 3000. The context of the host device 1000 may refer to at least one of the operation of the host device 1000 , the user of the host device 1000, the environment of the host device 1000, and the attribute of the host device 1000. For example, the context of the host device 1000 can be determined in accordance with the type of content that is executed in the host device 1000, the type of service that is provided is taken by the host device 1000, by the user of the host device 1000, or by an attribute of the host device 1000. In addition, the context of the host device 1000 can be determined in accordance with the position of the host device 1000, weather, or temperature at the location of the host device 1000 by moving the host device 1000 and the like. However, the context examples of the host device 1000 are not limited to this.

[247] The host device 1000 may scan one or more surrounding devices around the host device 1000 and may transmit contextual context information of the host device 1000 to one or more scanned surrounding devices via NFC, but one or more exemplary embodiments are not limited to this . For example, the host device 1000 may scan one or more scanned surrounding devices or may broadcast contextual information about the context of the host device 1000 to one or more scanned surrounding devices via BLE communication.

[248] In operation S2604, the server 4000 provides topology configuration information about the topology configuration standards to the host device 2000, and in operation S2606, the server 4000 provides the topology configuration information of the topology configuration standards to the sub-device 3000. The main device 2000 and the sub-device 3000 can pre-obtain connection information for connecting to server 4000 from host device 1000 and can request topology configuration information from server 4000 based on connection information neniya. In response to the request, the server 4000 may provide topology configuration information to the main surrounding device 2000 and the sub-surrounding device 3000.

[249] In operations S2604 through S2606, the server 4000 provides topology setting information to the main surrounding device 2000 and the sub-surrounding device 3000, but one or more exemplary embodiments are not limited to this. In another exemplary embodiment, the host device 1000 may provide topology configuration information to the main surrounding device 2000 and the sub-surrounding device 3000.

[250] In operation S2608, the host device 2000 determines whether to configure the topology with respect to the host device 1000. The host device 2000 can determine whether to configure the topology with respect to the host device 1000, based on the context of the host device 1000 and topology configuration information. For example, when a moving image (film) is reproduced in the host device 1000, it may be decided to connect the television, which operates as the main surroundings device 2000, to the host device 1000, a speaker system and a lighting device. In addition, the main surrounding device 2000 may obtain information in advance of the surrounding device about another surrounding device from at least one of the host device 1000, the gateway 5000, and the server 4000.

[251] In operation S2610, the sub-surround device 3000 determines whether to configure the topology with respect to the host device 1000. The sub-surround device 3000 can determine whether to configure the topology with respect to the host device 1000, based on the host context device 1000 and topology configuration information. For example, when a moving image is reproduced in the host device 1000, it may be decided to connect a speaker that operates as a sub-surround device 3000 to the host device 1000. In addition, the sub-surround device 3000 may pre-receive the surround device information about another surrounding device from at least one of the host device 1000, the gateway 5000, and the server 4000.

[252] In operation S2612, the host device 2000 is connected to the host device 1000, and in operation S2614, the host device 2000 and the sub-device 3000 are connected to each other.

[253] FIG. 27 illustrates an example in which surrounding devices are connected to and controlled by the host device 1000 in accordance with the topology, while a moving image (film) is reproduced on the host device 1000, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[254] In operation S2700, the host device 1000 plays a movie outside the home, and then the host device 1000 enters the home.

[255] In operation S2702, the host device 1000 scans surrounding devices related to movie playback. The host device 1000 may scan a television, speaker, and lighting device in a home as surrounding devices related to movie reproduction. The host device 1000 may scan various surrounding devices in the home, and then may select a television, speaker system, and lighting device as the surrounding devices related to playing the movie from among the various scanned surrounding devices, but one or more exemplary embodiments are limited to this.

[256] In operation S2704, the host device 1000 checks the topology related to movie playback. The host device 1000 may check the topology configuration standards with respect to the topology related to the reproduction of a moving image, may connect the host device 1000 to a television, and then may connect the television to a speaker system and a lighting device.

[257] In operations S2702 and S2704, the host device 1000 scans the surrounding devices and then determines the connection relationships among the surrounding devices, but one or more exemplary embodiments are not limited to this. In another exemplary embodiment, the host device 1000 may check the topology configuration standards with respect to the topology related to the movie reproduction, and then can scan the television, speaker system, and lighting device in the home based on the proven topology configuration standards.

[258] In addition, the host device 1000 can scan various environmental devices in the home and can provide many pieces of environmental information about the scanned surrounding devices and context information (motion picture playback) of the host device 1000 to the server 4000, and then the server 4000 can decide to include a television, speaker system and lighting device in the topology. In this case, the host device 1000 may obtain the ID value of the television, speaker system and lighting device and information about the relationship of the connections between them from the server 4000.

[259] In operation S2706, the host device 1000 provides connection information for connecting to a speaker system and a lighting device to a television. In operation S2708, the host device 1000 is connected to the TV.

[260] In operation S2710, the television is connected to the speaker system based on the connection information, and in operation S2712, the television is connected to the lighting device based on the connection information.

[261] In operation S2714, the host device 1000 receives applications for managing connected surrounding devices. The host device 1000 may provide the ID values of the television, speaker system, and lighting device to the server 4000, and may receive applications for controlling the television, speaker system, and lighting device from the server 4000.

[262] In operation S2716, the host device 1000 provides a television application for controlling the speaker system and an application for controlling the lighting device.

[263] An application for controlling a television, the main surrounding device, can be installed in the host device 1000, and an application for controlling a speaker system and an application for controlling a lighting device can be installed in a television.

[264] In operation S2718, the host device 1000 provides the television with a control command for controlling the television. A control command for controlling a television can be obtained from a television control application, but one or more exemplary embodiments are not limited to this. The television may control its operation or the operation of the speaker system and the lighting device based on a control command from the host device 1000.

[265] In operation S2720, the television issues a control command to control the speaker system to the speaker system. The television may transmit a control command to the speaker using the speaker control application based on a control command from the host device 1000. A speaker control command can be obtained from the speaker control application, but one or more exemplary embodiments is not limited to this.

[266] In operation S2722, the television issues a control command for controlling the lighting device to the lighting device. The television may transmit a control command to the lighting device using the lighting device control application based on the control command from the host device 1000. The control command for controlling the lighting device may be obtained from the lighting device control application, but one or more exemplary embodiments is not limited to this.

[267] In operation S2724, the television can play a movie based on a control command from the host device 1000. The television can receive the movie from the host device 1000 and can display the movie on the TV screen.

[268] In operation S2726, the speaker system can output voice data based on a control command from the television. The speaker system can receive movie voice data from a TV and can output received voice data.

[269] In operation S2728, the lighting device can be turned on and can adjust its output based on a control command from the television.

[270] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 27, a television is connected to a speaker system and a lighting device, but one or more exemplary embodiments are not limited to this. For example, a TV can connect to a washing machine and a telephone in the house, which interfere with movie playback. That is, a washing machine or telephone may interfere with the user correctly hearing the sound played by the TV. In this case, at least one of the host device 1000 and the TV can turn off the washing machine and can reduce the volume of the phone or can switch the phone mode to vibration mode.

[271] FIG. 28 illustrates an example in which the host device 1000 provides the power management service of surrounding devices in a home in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[272] In operation S2800, the host device 1000 selects a “TV power management service”. Various services that are useful to the user can be displayed on the screen of the host device 1000, and the host device 1000 can select the service "power management using the TV" based on user input.

[273] In operation S2802, the host device 1000 scans one or more surrounding devices so as to perform power management. The host device 1000 may scan a TV, a lighting device, and air conditioning as the surrounding devices in the home that are related to the power management service. The host device 1000 may scan various environmental devices in the home and may select a television, a lighting device, and air conditioning as the surrounding devices related to the power management service from among the scanned surrounding devices, but one or more exemplary embodiments are not limited to this.

[274] In operation S2804, the host device 1000 checks the topology related to the power management service. The host device 1000 may check the topology configuration standards with respect to the topology related to the power management service, may connect the host device to the television, and may decide to connect the television to the lighting device and the air conditioning.

[275] In operations S2802 and S2804, the host device 1000 scans the surrounding devices and then determines the connection relationships among the surrounding devices, but one or more exemplary embodiments are not limited to this. In another exemplary embodiment, the host device 1000 may check the topology configuration standards with respect to the topology related to the power management service, and then can scan the television, lighting device, and air conditioning in the home based on the topology configuration standards.

[276] In addition, the host device 1000 can scan various environmental devices in the house and can provide many pieces of environmental information about the scanned surrounding devices and context information (selection of power management services) of the host device 1000 to the server 4000, and then the server 4000 may decide to include a television, lighting device, and air conditioning in the topology. In this case, the host device 1000 may receive the ID value of the television, lighting device and air conditioner and information about the relationship of the connections between them from the server 4000.

[277] In operation S2806, the host device 1000 provides the television with connection information for connecting the lighting device and the air conditioner. In operation S2808, the host device 1000 is connected to the TV.

[278] In operation S2810, the host device 1000 is connected to the lighting device based on the connection information, and in operation S2812, the television is connected to the air conditioner based on the connection information.

[279] In operation S2814, the host device 1000 obtains applications for managing connected surrounding devices. The host device 1000 may provide a TV, lighting device, and air conditioning value ID to the server 4000, and may receive applications for controlling the television, lighting device, and air conditioning from the server 4000.

[280] In operation S2816, the host device 1000 provides the television with an application for controlling a lighting device and an application for controlling an air conditioner.

[281] A television control application may be installed on the host device 1000, and a lighting device control application and an air conditioning control application may be installed on the television.

[282] In operation S2818, the TV displays the status of the lighting device and the condition of the air conditioner on the TV screen. The television can display the conditions of the lighting device and the air conditioner on the TV screen using the lighting device management application and the air conditioning management application.

[283] In operation S2820, the host device 1000 issues a control command to the television to control the television. A user of the host device 1000 may control a control command from the host device 1000 for transmission to the television, based on the conditions of the lighting device and the air conditioner on the television screen. A control command for controlling a television can be obtained from a television control application, but one or more exemplary embodiments are not limited to this. The television may control the operation of the television or the operation of the lighting device and the air conditioner in response to a control command from the host device 1000.

[284] In operation S2822, the television issues a control command for controlling the lighting device to the lighting device. The television may transmit a control command for the lighting device using the lighting device control application based on a control command from the host device 1000. A control command for controlling the lighting device may be obtained from the lighting device control application, but one or more exemplary embodiments is not limited to this.

[285] In operation S2824, the television issues a control command for controlling the air conditioner to the air conditioner. The television may transmit a control command for the air conditioner using the air conditioning control application based on a control command from the host device 1000. A control command for controlling the air conditioning may be obtained from the air conditioning control application, but one or more exemplary embodiments are not limited to this.

[286] In operation S2826, the lighting device may turn on or off based on a control command from the television.

[287] In operation S2828, the air conditioner can turn on or off based on a control command from the TV.

[288] FIG. 29 illustrates an example in which the surrounding devices are connected to and controlled by the host device 1000 in accordance with the topology when the host device 1000 performs a cooking service, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[289] In operation S2900, the host device 1000 selects a “cooking service”. Various services that are used by the user may be displayed on the screen of the host device 1000, and the host device 1000 may select a “cooking service” based on user input.

[290] In operation S2902, the host device 1000 scans one or more surrounding devices to perform a cooking service. The host device 1000 may scan the tablet PC, gas stove, and stove as surrounding devices in the home that are associated with the cooking service. The host device 1000 may scan various surrounding devices in the home and may select a tablet PC, a gas stove, and an oven as the surrounding devices associated with the cooking service from among the scanned surrounding devices, but one or more exemplary embodiments is not limited to this.

[291] In operation S2904, the host device 1000 checks the topology related to the cooking service. The host device 1000 may check the topology configuration standards with respect to the topology associated with the cooking service, may connect the host device to the tablet PC, and may decide to connect the tablet PC to the gas stove and stove.

[292] In operations S2902 and S2904, the host device 1000 scans the surrounding devices and then determines the connection relationships between the surrounding devices, but one or more exemplary embodiments are not limited to this. In another exemplary embodiment, the host device 1000 can check the topology configuration standards with respect to the topology related to the cooking service, and then can scan the tablet PC, gas stove, and stove in the house based on the topology configuration standards.

[293] In addition, the host device 1000 can scan various environmental devices in the house and can provide many pieces of information from the surrounding devices about the scanned surrounding devices and context information (cooking service selection) of the host device 1000 to the server 4000, and then the server 4000 may decide to include a tablet PC with a gas stove and stove in the topology. In this case, the host device 1000 may receive the ID value of the tablet PC with the gas stove and the stove and information about the relationship of the connections between them from the server 4000.

[294] In operation S2906, the host device 1000 provides the tablet PC with connection information for connecting to a gas stove and an oven. In operation S2908, the host device 1000 is connected to the tablet PC.

[295] In operation S2910, the tablet PC connects to the gas stove based on the connection information, and in operation S2912 the tablet PC connects to the furnace based on the connection information.

[296] In operation S2914, the host device 1000 obtains applications for managing connected surrounding devices. The host device 1000 may provide the ID values of the tablet PC, gas stove and stove to the server 4000 and may receive applications for controlling the tablet PC, gas stove and stove from the server 4000.

[297] In operation S2916, the host device 1000 provides a tablet PC with a gas stove control application and an oven control application.

[298] The tablet PC control application can be installed on the host device 1000, and the gas stove control application and the furnace control application can be installed on the tablet PC.

[299] In operation S2918, the tablet PC reproduces cooking contents related to cooking procedures. The cooking content may be provided to the tablet PC from the host device 1000, but one or more exemplary embodiments is not limited to this, thus, the cooking content may be provided to the tablet PC from the server 4000. In addition, the cooking content may be a moving image showing a cooking procedure with respect to a dish, but one or more exemplary embodiments are not limited to this.

[300] The tablet PC displays the state of the gas stove and the state of the stove on the screen of the tablet PC. A Tablet PC can display the state of the gas stove and furnace on the screen of the Tablet PC using the gas stove control application and the furnace control application.

[301] In operation S2920, the host device 1000 issues a control command to control the tablet PC to the tablet PC. A user of the host device 1000 may control a control command that is transmitted from the host device 1000 to the tablet PC to cook a meal based on the cooking contents and the states of the gas stove and oven that are displayed on the tablet PC screen. The control command for controlling the tablet PC can be obtained from the tablet PC control application, but one or more exemplary embodiments are not limited to this. In addition, the tablet PC can control its operation or the operation of the gas stove and furnace based on a control command from the host device 1000.

[302] In operation S2922, the tablet PC issues a control command for controlling the gas stove to the gas stove. The tablet PC may transmit the control command to the gas stove using the gas stove control application based on the control command from the host device 1000. The control command for the gas stove control can be obtained from the gas stove control application, but one or more exemplary embodiments is not limited to this.

[303] In operation S2924, the tablet PC issues a control command for controlling the furnace to the furnace. The tablet PC may transmit the control command to the furnace using the furnace control application based on the control command from the host device 1000. The control command to control the furnace may be obtained from the furnace control application, but one or more exemplary embodiments are not limited to this.

[304] In operation S2926, the gas stove may operate in response to a control command from the tablet PC.

[305] In operation S2928, the furnace may operate in response to a control command from the tablet PC.

[306] FIG. 30 illustrates an example in which the target surrounding control device from among the surrounding devices that are scanned by the host device 1000 is selected by user input, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[307] With reference to FIG. 30, the host device 1000 may scan surrounding devices and may display on its screen a selection list for receiving input for selecting at least one device from among the scanned surrounding devices. Thus, the host device 1000 may select all or some of the surrounding scanned devices based on user input. The host device 1000 may scan surrounding devices based on the context of the host device 1000 and topology configuration information, but one or more exemplary embodiments are not limited to this.

[308] FIG. 31 illustrates an example in which a service to be executed by the host device 1000 is selected in accordance with a user input, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[309] With reference to FIG. 31, the host device 1000 may display on its screen a list of services that the host device 1000 may provide. In addition, the host device 1000 may select a service based on user input. The service selected by the host device 1000 can be used to identify surrounding devices that connect to the host device 1000.

[310] FIG. 32 illustrates an example in which one of the topologies recommended by the host device 1000 is selected based on user input, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[311] With reference to FIG. 32, the host device 1000 may recommend topologies to the user based on the context of the host device 1000, scanned surrounding devices, and topology configuration information. The host device 1000 may display on its screen an image showing the relationship of the connections between the host device 1000 and the surrounding devices that are to configure the topology, and may select the topology based on user input.

[312] FIG. 33 illustrates a UI for controlling surrounding devices, the UI being displayed on the screen of the host device 1000, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[313] In the case where the host device 1000 is connected to the TV and the TV is connected to the lighting device and the air conditioner, a UI for controlling the TV, the lighting device and the air conditioner can be displayed on the screen of the host device 1000, as shown in FIG. 33. The UI for controlling the television, the lighting device, and the air conditioner may include a region 94 for controlling the television, a region 92 for controlling the lighting device, and a region 90 for controlling the air conditioner.

[314] The host device 1000 may transmit a control command to the television to control the operation of the television based on user input using a button displayed in the television control area 94.

[315] When the user touches the lighting device control area 92, the host device 1000 may transmit a control command to the television to allow the television to control the lighting device.

[316] When the user touches the air conditioning control area 90, the host device 1000 may transmit a control command to the television to allow the television to control the air conditioning.

[317] FIG. 34 illustrates an example in which a user interface for controlling surrounding devices is generated in the host device 1000, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[318] Referring to FIG. 34A, a user may select some of a plurality of icons 10 indicating scanned surrounding devices and may move the selected icons to a predetermined area 20. Surrounding devices that correspond to the icons are moved to a predetermined area 20, and the host device 1000 may configure the topology.

[319] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 34B, a user may select a function from a plurality of functions 18 and 20 of each of the selected surrounding devices.

[320] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 34C, a control UI including surrounding devices and functions selected by a user can be displayed on the screen of the host device 1000.

[321] FIG. 35 is a block diagram of a host device 1000, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[322] The mobile communication unit 1001 performs call setup, data transfer, and the like. with a base station via a cellular network such as a third generation (3G) / fourth generation (4G) network. The sub-communication unit 1002 performs a short-range communication function, such as Bluetooth or NFC. The broadcast transmission unit 1003 receives a digital multimedia broadcast (DMB) signal.

[323] The camera unit 1004 includes a lens and optical elements used to capture a still image or a moving image.

[324] The sensor unit 1005 may include a gravity sensor for detecting the motion of the host device 1000, a light sensor for sensing light intensity, a proximity sensor for sensing a person nearby, a motion sensor for sensing a person’s motion, and the like.

[325] The global positioning system (GPS) receiving unit 1006 receives a GPS signal from a satellite. Using a GPS signal, various services can be provided to the user.

[326] An I / O unit 1010 provides an interface for an external device or person and includes a button 1011, a microphone 1012, a speaker 1013, a vibration motor 1014, a connector 1015, and a keyboard 1016.

[327] The touch screen 1018 receives user touch input. The touch screen controller 1017 transmits to the control unit 1050 (also called a processor) a touch input that is inputted using the touch screen 1018. The power supply unit 1019 is connected to a battery or an external power source to provide power to the device.

[328] The processor 1050 communicates with a wireless local area network (LAN) by executing programs stored in the memory 1060.

[329] Programs stored in the memory 1060 can be divided into many modules according to their functions. That is, the programs stored in the memory 1060 can be divided into a mobile communication module 1061, a WiFi module 1062, a Bluetooth module 1063, a DMB module 1064, a camera module 1065, a sensor module 1066, a GPS module 1067, a moving image playback module 1068, a module 1069 audio playback, power module 1070, touch screen module 1071, user interface (UI) module 1072, application module 1073, and the like. Although not shown in FIG. 35, memory 1060 may further include various communication modules, including a BLE module (not shown).

[330] The functions of the modules can be intuitively derived from the corresponding names by a person skilled in the art, and thus only the application module 1073 is described below. An application module 1073 allows the host device 1000 to configure a topology with surrounding devices around the host device 1000 and to control the surrounding devices.

[331] The application module 1073 can scan surrounding devices using at least one of the mobile communication unit 1002 and the sub-communication unit 1002 and can determine the main surrounding device 2000 and the sub-surrounding device 3000 for inclusion in the topology from among the scanned surrounding devices. The application module 1073 can determine the context of the host device 1000 using the modules included in the memory 1060, and can generate contextual information about the context of the host device 1000. In addition, the application module 1073 can determine the topology and surrounding devices for inclusion in the topology, depending from the context of the host device 1000.

[332] The application module 1073 can obtain connection information for connecting to each of the main surrounding device 2000 and the sub-surrounding device 3000 and can control the host device 1000, the surrounding main device 2000 and the sub-surrounding device 3000, which must be connected to each other using connection information.

[333] The application module 1073 may receive an application for controlling the host device 2000 from the host device 2000 or server 4000 and may install the application in the host device 1000. In addition, the application module 1073 may receive an application for managing the sub-device 3000 from sub-ambient device 3000 or server 4000 and may provide the application to the main ambient device 2000.

[334] The application module 1073 can control the main surround device 2000 and the sub-surround device 3000 using the application to control the main surround device 2000 and the application to control the sub-surround device 3000.

[335] The application module 1073 may determine whether the context of the host device 1000 has changed using the modules in the memory 1060 and may generate contextual information about the changed context. Application module 1073 may change the topology based on the changed context and may connect the host device 1000 and the surrounding devices in accordance with the changed topology.

[336] Although the application module 1073 is described above in general terms, the functions of the application module 1073 are not limited thereto, and the functions of the application module 1073 can be obtained in detail with reference to FIG. 3-34.

[337] FIG. 36 illustrates an application module DB and surrounding device DBs included in memory 1060, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[338] As shown in FIG. 36, the application module 1073 in the memory 1060 can be connected to the DB of the application module and the DB surrounding the device.

[339] The application module DB may store the application for controlling the main surrounding device 2000 and the application for controlling the sub-surrounding device 3000. In addition, when the topology is configured, at least one of the application for controlling the main surrounding device 2000 and the application for controlling the sub- by surrounding device 3000 may be provided from at least one of the main surrounding device 2000, sub-surrounding device 3000 and server 4000 to host device 1000, but one or more exemplary embodiments Realizations are not limited to this.

[340] The application module 1073 can control the main surrounding device 2000 and the sub-surrounding device 3000 using the application for controlling the main surrounding device 2000 and the application for controlling the sub-surrounding device 3000, respectively. In particular, the application module 1073 can provide an application for controlling the sub-surrounding device 3000 to the main surrounding device 2000, and the main surrounding device 2000 can control the sub-surrounding device 3000 using the application for controlling the sub-surrounding device 3000 in response to a control command from the module 1073 applications.

[341] FIG. 37 illustrates an example in which a control command and status information are transmitted between the host device 1000 and the surrounding device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[342] With reference to FIG. 37, the host device 1000 may include an application, an appcessory service wrapper (application accessory), a protocol stack / appcessory library, and a network module. As used herein, the term “appcessory” may mean an environmental device 2000 that is connected to the host device 1000. The environmental device may include an application, an application accessory service wrapper, a protocol stack / application accessory library, and a network module. The host device application 1000 and the surrounding device application can be used in topology configuration and device management. In addition, the application accessory service may include a topology configuration service and a device management service that are provided in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments. In addition, the application accessory protocol can be used in the topology configuration service and the device management service.

[343] The network module included in the host device 1000 and the network module included in the surrounding device can exchange data, and the control command generated by the host device 1000 can be transmitted to the surrounding device, and the status information of the surrounding device can be transferred to the host device 1000.

[344] One or more exemplary embodiments may be embodied as a recording medium, for example, a software module for execution on computers, which includes computer-readable instructions. Computer storage media may include any usable medium that can be accessed by computers, volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media. In addition, the computer storage medium may include a computer storage medium and a communication medium. Computer storage media includes all of volatile and non-volatile media and removable and non-removable media that are designed to store information, including computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. The communication medium includes computer-readable instructions, data structure, software module and other transmission mechanisms, and includes other information transmission media.

[345] It should be understood that the exemplary embodiments described herein should be considered in a descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation. Descriptions of features or aspects within each exemplary embodiment should generally be considered as accessible to other similar features or aspects in other exemplary embodiments. For example, configuration items that are expressed in singular form can be executed in distributed mode, as well as configuration items that are distributed, can be combined and then can be executed.

[346] Although the present invention has been specifically shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of exemplary embodiments, as defined in the attached claims.

Claims (48)

1. A method for controlling surrounding devices, the method being performed by a host device and comprising: scanning of surrounding devices; determining a host device and at least one sub-device to be configured in the topology from among the devices based on topology configuration standards appropriate to the host device context; transmitting a plurality of pieces of information of the surrounding devices regarding the at least one sub-surrounding device to the main surrounding device; transmitting context information regarding the host device context to the host device; and control of the main surrounding device and at least one sub-surrounding device. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the host device context comprises a type of content that is executed on the host device, and wherein the topology configuration standards contain standards for the type of environment to be configured in the topology, and standards for the relationship of connections between the host device, the main surrounding device and at least one sub-surrounding device, in accordance with the type of content. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the host device context comprises a type of service to be provided by the host device, and wherein the topology configuration standards contain standards for the type of environment to be configured in the topology, and standards for the relationship of connections between the host device, the main surrounding device and at least one sub-surrounding device, in accordance with the type of service. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the host device context comprises a user of the host device, and wherein, the topology configuration standards contain standards for the type of environment to be configured in the topology, and standards for the relationship of connections between the host device, the main surrounding device and at least one sub-surrounding device, according to the user. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the topology configuration standards comprise standards for the type of environment to be configured in the topology and standards for connection relationships between the host device, the main surrounding device and at least one sub-surrounding device, in accordance with the attribute of the main surrounding device. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving an application for controlling the host device from the server; and installing an application to control the host device in the host device, and wherein the host environment is controlled by the host device based on the received application. 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising providing application information about the application for controlling at least one sub-surrounding device to the main surrounding device, wherein the application for controlling at least one sub-surrounding device is installed in the main surrounding device based on the application information. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the topology configuration standards configure the topology in accordance with the functions of the host device and at least one sub-device, wherein the determination of at least one sub-surrounding device to be configured in the topology comprises determining at least one sub-surrounding device to be configured in the topology in accordance with the functions of the main surrounding device and at least one sub-surrounding device. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: in response to a change in at least one sub-surround device connected to the host device, checking the topology containing the changed sub-surround device; and the connection of the main surrounding device and the modified sub-surrounding device based on a topology containing the modified sub-surrounding device. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving the firmware of the at least one sub-surrounding device, which corresponds to the function of the at least one sub-surrounding device, from the host device; and providing firmware to the host device, wherein, the firmware is provided from the main surrounding device to at least one sub-surrounding device. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the function of the at least one sub-ambient device is determined based on the relationship of the connections between the host device, the main surrounding device, and the at least one sub-surrounding device. 12. A host device comprising: a memory configured to store at least one program; and a processor configured to configure a topology with surrounding devices and control surrounding devices by executing at least one program, wherein at least one program contains instructions for: scans of surrounding devices; determining a host surround device and at least one sub-surround device to be configured in the topology from among the surrounding devices based on topology configuration standards appropriate to the host device context; transmitting a plurality of pieces of information of the surrounding devices regarding the at least one sub-surrounding device to the main surrounding device; transmitting contextual information about the host device context to the host device; and control the main surrounding device and at least one sub-surrounding device. 13. The host device according to claim 12, in which the context of the host device contains a type of content that is executed on the host device, and wherein the topology configuration standards contain standards regarding the type of environment to be configured in the topology, and standards regarding the relationship of connections between the host device, the main surrounding device and at least one sub-surrounding device, according to the type of content. 14. The host device of claim 12, wherein the host device context comprises a type of service to be provided by the host device, and wherein the topology configuration standards contain standards for the type of environment to be included in the topology, and standards for the relationship of the connections between the host device, the main surrounding device and at least one sub-surrounding device, in accordance with the type of service. 15. A method for controlling sub-surrounding devices, the method being performed by the main surrounding device and comprising: receiving a plurality of pieces of information of the surrounding devices regarding the sub-surrounding devices from the host device; receiving contextual information regarding the context of the host device from the host device; obtaining topology configuration information regarding topology configuration standards; determining at least one sub-surrounding device to be configured in the topology from among the sub-surrounding devices based on the plurality of pieces of surrounding device information, context information, and topology setting information; and controlling at least one sub-surrounding device based on control information received from the host device.

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