KR102521811B1 - Button Device and the method for Controlling Function thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

An electronic device is disclosed. A smart button control method according to an embodiment disclosed in this document may include, if a tag is mounted, checking whether a button is manipulated; recognizing tag information stored in the tag when the button is manipulated; and transmitting a message related to a function request corresponding to the tag information to a server corresponding to the tag information, wherein the requesting operation, if the tag includes first tag information, the first tag information transmitting a message related to the first function request to a server corresponding to the tag information; and transmitting a message related to a second function request to a server corresponding to the second tag information if the tag includes second tag information. In addition to this, various embodiments identified through the specification are possible.

Description

Button device and method for controlling its function {Button Device and the method for Controlling Function thereof}

Embodiments disclosed in this document relate to technology for remote control of objects.

With the development of IoT (Internet Of Things) technology, electronic devices are remotely controlling various devices. For example, a portable electronic device may remotely control in-house devices connected to a home network.

Recently, a smart button that performs remote control with one click using IoT technology has been disclosed. For example, the Amazon dash button stores specific product information (eg, product number) inside the button, and when the button is operated, a request is made to the server to put the product in the shopping cart and order it from Amazon's online shopping mall.

A conventional smart button may provide a function designated for the button. Thus, the conventional smart button may be unable to change the designated function or the procedure may be cumbersome.

In various embodiments, a smart button device and system capable of providing a designated function for a tag and a control method thereof are provided.

A smart button device according to an embodiment disclosed in this document includes a housing including a first member to which a tag is mounted; an input unit disposed inside the housing and capable of detecting user manipulation; a recognition unit disposed inside the housing and capable of reading tag information stored in the tag; a communication unit disposed inside the housing and capable of communicating with at least one server; and a processor electrically connected to the input unit, the recognition unit, and the communication unit, wherein the processor detects the user manipulation through the input unit in a state in which a first tag is mounted on the first member, First tag information stored in the first tag is read through a recognition unit, and a message related to a first function request designated for the first tag information is transmitted to a server corresponding to the first tag information among the at least one server. and reads second tag information stored in the second tag when the user operation is sensed in a state where the second tag is mounted on the first member, and responds to the second tag information from among the at least one server. characterized in that it is configured to transmit a message related to a second function request designated for the second tag information to a server that performs the second tag information.

In addition, the smart button system according to an embodiment disclosed in this document transmits at least a part of the tag information stored in the tag to an address designated for the tag information when a specified operation is detected while the tag is mounted. button; and at least one server that receives at least a portion of the tag information transmitted to the designated address and instructs a device designated for the tag information to perform a function designated for the tag information, wherein the smart button comprises: If is a tag including first tag information, a message related to a first function request designated for the first tag information is transmitted to a server corresponding to the first tag information among the at least one server, and the smart button , If the tag is a tag including second tag information, it is configured to transmit a message related to a second function request designated for the second tag information to a server corresponding to the second tag information among the at least one server. to be characterized

In addition, the smart button control method according to an embodiment disclosed in this document, if the tag is mounted, the operation of checking whether the button is manipulated; recognizing tag information stored in the tag when the button is manipulated; and transmitting a message related to a function request corresponding to the tag information to a server corresponding to the tag information, wherein the requesting operation, if the tag includes first tag information, the first tag information transmitting a message related to the first function request to a server corresponding to the tag information; and transmitting a message related to a second function request to a server corresponding to the second tag information if the tag includes second tag information.

In addition, a button device according to an embodiment disclosed in this document includes an input device; a communication circuit capable of communicating with an external device; a connection circuit that can be electrically connected to other button devices; a processor operatively connected with the input device, the communication circuitry, and the connection circuitry; and a memory electrically connected to the processor, wherein the memory, when executed, in a first state in which the processor is not connected to the other button device through the connection circuit, when the input device is manipulated, the communication information is generated. When a message related to a first function request is transmitted to the external device through a circuit and a user input related to execution of a designated function is received in a second state connected to the other button device through the connection circuit, the communication circuit Commands configured to transmit a message related to a second function request corresponding to the second state to the external device may be stored.

In addition, a button device according to an embodiment disclosed in this document includes an input device; a communication circuit capable of communicating with an external device; a connection circuit that can be electrically connected to other button devices; a processor operatively connected with the input device, the communication circuitry, and the connection circuitry; and a memory that stores identification information and is electrically connected to the processor, wherein the memory stores the input device in a first state in which the processor is not connected to the other button device through the connection circuit when executed. When is operated, a message related to a first function request is transmitted to the external device through the communication circuit, and in a second state connected to the other button device through the connection circuit, to the other button device through the connection circuit. As the identification information is transmitted, the other button device may store commands configured to request a second function to the external device according to a user input.

In addition, the method for controlling a function according to an embodiment disclosed in this document includes an operation of determining whether a button device is connected to another button device through a connection circuit; transmitting a message related to a first function request to an external device through a communication circuit when an input device is manipulated when the other button device is not connected in a first state; and transmitting a message related to a second function request corresponding to the second state to the external device through the communication circuit when a user input related to execution of a designated function is received in a second state connected to the other button device. can include

According to the embodiments disclosed in this document, a tag separated from a body of a button may be physically coupled, and a function designated for the tag may be performed according to button manipulation.

In addition to this, various effects identified directly or indirectly through this document may be provided.

1 is a configuration diagram showing a smart button system according to an embodiment.
Figure 2 is a diagram showing a smart button device according to an embodiment.
3 is a configuration diagram illustrating a smart button according to an embodiment.
4 is a configuration diagram illustrating an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment.
5 is a diagram showing an interface screen of a smart button device according to another embodiment.
6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of setting a communication environment for a smart button according to an embodiment.
7 is a flowchart illustrating a method of performing a function according to manipulation of a smart button according to an exemplary embodiment.
Figure 8 is a flow chart showing a function setting method corresponding to the smart button device according to an embodiment.
9 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments.
10 shows a configuration diagram of an integrated button system according to an embodiment.
11A and 11B are views for explaining a change in function settings corresponding to a connection sequence of a button device according to an exemplary embodiment.
12 illustrates an integrated button device to which button devices of different manipulation methods are connected according to an embodiment.
13 shows an integrated button device to which three button devices are connected according to an embodiment.
14 shows a seventh button device combined with a tag according to an embodiment.
15 shows a button device including a display according to an embodiment.
16 shows a configuration diagram of a first button device according to an embodiment.
17 shows a connection structure between a first button device and a second button device according to an embodiment.
Figure 18 shows a flow chart of a function control method of the main button device according to an embodiment.
19 is a flowchart of a function control method of an auxiliary button device according to an embodiment.
20 is a flowchart of a detailed function control method of a button device according to an embodiment.
In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar elements.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that this is not intended to limit the present invention to the specific embodiments, and includes various modifications, equivalents, and/or alternatives of the embodiments of the present invention.

In this document, expressions such as "has", "may have", "includes", or "may include" refer to the presence of a corresponding feature (eg, numerical value, function, operation, or component such as a part). , which does not preclude the existence of additional features.

In this document, expressions such as "A or B", "at least one of A and/and B", or "one or more of A or/and B" may include all possible combinations of the items listed together. . For example, "A or B", "at least one of A and B", or "at least one of A or B" includes (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, Or (3) may refer to all cases including at least one A and at least one B.

Expressions such as "first", "second", "first", or "second" used in various embodiments may modify various elements regardless of order and/or importance, and the elements Not limited. For example, a first user device and a second user device may represent different user devices regardless of order or importance. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, a first element may be termed a second element, and similarly, the second element may also be renamed to the first element.

A component (e.g., a first component) is "(operatively or communicatively) coupled with/to" another component (e.g., a second component); When referred to as "connected to", it should be understood that the certain component may be directly connected to the other component or connected through another component (eg, a third component). On the other hand, when an element (eg, a first element) is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly connected” to another element (eg, a second element), the element and the above It may be understood that other components (eg, a third component) do not exist between the other components.

As used in this document, the expression "configured to" means "suitable for", "having the capacity to", depending on the situation. ", "designed to", "adapted to", "made to", or "capable of" can be used interchangeably. The term "configured (or set) to" may not necessarily mean only "specifically designed to" hardware. Instead, in some contexts, the phrase "device configured to" may mean that the device is "capable of" in conjunction with other devices or components. For example, the phrase "a processor configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C" may include a dedicated processor (eg, an embedded processor) to perform those operations, or one or more software programs stored in a memory device that executes By doing so, it may mean a general-purpose processor (eg, CPU or application processor) capable of performing corresponding operations.

Terms used in this document are only used to describe a specific embodiment, and may not be intended to limit the scope of other embodiments. Singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. All terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art of the present invention. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries may be interpreted as having the same or similar meanings as those in the context of the related art, and unless explicitly defined in this document, they are not interpreted in ideal or excessively formal meanings. . In some cases, even terms defined in this document cannot be interpreted to exclude embodiments of the present invention.

Hereinafter, an electronic device according to various embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this document, the term user may refer to a person using an electronic device or a device using an electronic device (eg, an artificial intelligence electronic device).

1 is a configuration diagram showing a smart button system according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1 , a smart button system 1000 according to an embodiment may include a smart button device 30, a server 10, an electronic device 40, and a target device 20. In one embodiment, some components may be omitted or additional components may be further included. In one embodiment, some of the components are combined to form a single entity, but the functions of the corresponding components before combination can be performed identically. The input/output relationship shown in FIG. 1 is only an example for convenience of description, and may not be limited thereto.

According to one embodiment, the smart button device 30 may be configured to attach and detachable tags. For example, the smart button device 30 may include a slot or connector to which a tag is attached or detachable. The tag may be, for example, an NFC tag.

According to one embodiment, the smart button device 30 may detect a designated operation. For example, the smart button device 30 may include a button pressed in a designated direction and a processor that recognizes the operation of the button. For another example, the smart button device 30 includes at least one of a pressure sensor for detecting a force applied in a designated direction or a touch sensor for detecting a touch in a designated direction, and a processor for detecting a designated operation based on the output of the sensor. can include In this document, a case in which the smart button device 30 includes a button operated in a designated direction (eg, pressed or pulled) will be described as an example.

According to one embodiment, the smart button device 30 may read tag information from the tag through designated proximity communication when detecting a button manipulation in a designated direction in a tag mounting state. The smart button device 30 may transmit the read tag information to the server 10 corresponding to the tag information. For example, the smart button device 30 may read tag information (eg, server URL, tag ID) from an attached tag and check the server address and tag ID. Smart button device 30 may transmit the tag ID to the server 10 corresponding to the confirmed server address. In one embodiment, the server 10 may store function information corresponding to the tag ID and device information executing the function. The device information may include at least one of a device URL, MAC address, and IP address. Upon receiving the tag ID, the server 10 may instruct a function corresponding to the tag ID to a device corresponding to the tag ID.

According to one embodiment, the smart button device 30 may communicate with the server 10 in a designated second method. For example, the smart button device 30 receives communication environment information through designated communication (eg, NFC communication) from the electronic device 40 and communicates with the server 10 based on the received communication environment information. Communication environment can be set. The communication environment information may include, for example, a connection ID and password for accessing an access point relaying communication with the server 10 .

According to one embodiment, the electronic device 40 may be a device on which an application designated for the smart button device 30 is installed. The application may provide a user interface for at least one of communication environment settings or function settings for the smart button device 30 . The application may provide a user interface for recording tag information on the tag 50 . The tag information recorded on the tag 50 may be a server address designated for an application. The electronic device 40 may be, for example, a smart phone, a tablet PC, or a portable terminal.

In one embodiment, when the electronic device 40 detects or receives the first input through the application, it can check communication environment information for designated communication. The first input may be, for example, an input requesting setting of a communication path between the smart button device 30 and the server 10. The communication environment information may include, for example, a connection ID and password of an access point that performs designated communication (eg, WiFi communication) with the electronic device 40 . In one embodiment, if the electronic device 40 is in a state close to the smart button device 30, it can transmit the confirmed communication environment information to the smart button device (30).

In one embodiment, the electronic device 40 may change the function set for the tag 50 when a change of the function designated for the tag 50 is requested. For example, the electronic device 40 may change and set at least one of a server to transmit a tag ID, a function designated for the tag ID, and a target device to execute the designated function through a designated application. For another example, the electronic device 40 may transmit function information to be changed to the server 10 through a designated application. For another example, the electronic device 40 may record a server address designated for a function to be changed in the tag 50 . For another example, when a function to be changed and a target device to execute the function to be changed are set through a designated application, the electronic device 40 may request the server 10 to register the set function and the target device.

According to an embodiment, the server 10 may store a lookup table associated with tag information, target device information, and function information. The lookup table may store, for example, a tag ID, a target device ID, and a function ID in association with each other. The server 10 may further store a control command corresponding to the function ID. The control command may be a command instructing the target device 20 to perform a function designated for a tag ID. The server 10 may further store device address information corresponding to the target device ID. The device address information may include a communication path address through which a control command is transmitted to the target device 20 .

According to an embodiment, the server 10 may further provide an interface for registering a target device list and a target device address. The target device list may be, for example, a list of target devices executing a function. The target device address may be, for example, a path address through which a control command instructing the target device 20 to perform a designated function is transmitted from the server 10 . The server 10 may provide a list of target devices registered in the server 10 according to a request of the electronic device 40 .

According to an embodiment, the server 10 may provide a user interface for registering a function designated for a tag ID and a target device to perform the designated function. When the server 10 receives tag information, selected function information, and selected target device information from the electronic device 40, the server 10 associates the tag information, selected function information, and selected target device information with, for example, a lookup table. you can save it.

According to an embodiment, upon receiving the tag ID, the server 10 may check the target device ID and function ID according to the tag ID from the lookup table. The server 10 may transmit a command instructing the target device 20 to perform a function according to the identified function ID to the target device 20 according to the identified target device ID.

According to an embodiment, the server 10 may select a function to be performed based on additional information when there are a plurality of functions designated for the tag ID. For example, the additional information may be the number of times the tag ID has been received by the server 10 . The number of times may be, for example, the number of manipulations of the smart button device 30 calculated and transmitted by the smart button device 30 . The server 10 may be, for example, a content streaming server, and the target device 20 may be a speaker. In this case, if the number of times is odd, the server 10 may instruct a content playback function while providing content to be streamed to the speaker. Similarly, if the number of times is an even number, the server 10 may instruct the speaker to stop playing the content without transmitting the content to the speaker.

According to one embodiment, the server 10 may include a communication unit, a memory and at least one processor. The communication unit may communicate with the smart button device (30). The memory may store look-up tables, control commands, and device address information. The memory may include at least one of a device address corresponding to the target device ID, a function ID, and a function execution instruction command corresponding to the target device. Upon receiving the tag ID, the processor may transmit a control command corresponding to the tag ID to a target device corresponding to the tag ID.

According to one embodiment, the target device 20 may be a device that can be remotely controlled through a wired or wireless network. The target device 20 may be, for example, an in-house device such as a lighting device or a speaker. The target device 20 may be, for example, an online server providing services such as chicken delivery and call taxi.

According to one embodiment, the electronic device 40 and the smart button device 30 may use different operating systems. For example, the operating system may be various, such as Tizen, Android, iOS (iPhone OS), or Tizen RT. Even in this case, the application of the smart button may be supported to communicate with the electronic device 40 using a communication layer independent of the operating system.

In one embodiment, a function specified for a tag mounted on the smart button device 30 may be performed. A business operator can easily provide a function corresponding to a tag by distributing and selling a tag having a server address recorded thereon. In one embodiment, it is possible to easily change the function corresponding to the operation of the smart button device 30 through tag change mounting or setting through an application.

Figure 2 is a diagram showing a smart button device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the housings H1 and H2 according to one embodiment may embed and protect circuit components of the smart button device 30 . A detailed configuration of the circuit components will be described later with reference to FIG. 3 .

According to one embodiment, the housings H1 and H2 may be configured in various shapes such as a designated shape, for example, a cylindrical shape or an oval shape. The housings H1 and H2 may be placed at designated positions or attached to designated positions. The housings H1 and H2 may be configured by combining the first member H1 and the second member H2.

According to an embodiment, the first member H1 may be provided with a slot or connector into which the tag 50 is mounted or detached. For example, a slot or a connector may be provided on an inner surface of the first member H1. In this case, the tag 50 may be attached to the slot or connector or detachable (or detached) from the slot or connector in a state in which the first member H1 and the second member H2 are separated.

According to one embodiment, the second member H2 includes a groove or hole mechanically coupled to the first member H1, and may be coupled to the first member H1 through the groove or hole. For example, the second member H2 includes a groove having a shape corresponding to the first member H1, and as the first member H1 is fitted into the groove, the second member H2 is mechanically coupled to the first member H1. can be combined

According to one embodiment, the first member H1 is mechanically coupled to the second member H2 and can be manipulated in a designated direction, for example, from the first member H1 toward the second member H2. . For example, a predetermined interval may be spaced between the first member H1 and the second member H2, and a mechanical button (eg, a dip switch) may be provided in the spaced apart space. When the first member H1 is pressed in the designated direction, the mechanical button may be pressed by the first member H1. For another example, at least one of a pressure sensor for detecting pressure applied in a designated direction or a touch sensor for detecting a touch in a designated direction may be provided between the first member H1 and the second member H2. When the first member H1 is pressed in the designated direction, a pressure sensor or a touch sensor may detect pressure or touch in the designated direction.

3 is a configuration diagram illustrating a smart button according to an embodiment.

Referring to Figure 3, the smart button device 30 according to one embodiment is an input unit 310, recognition unit 320, communication unit 330, output unit 340, memory 350 and processor 360 can include The input unit 310, the recognition unit 320, the communication unit 330, the memory 350, and the processor 360 may be disposed inside the housings H1 and H2. In one embodiment, some components may be omitted or additional components may be further included. In one embodiment, some of the components are combined to form a single entity, but the functions of the corresponding components before combination can be performed identically.

According to an embodiment, the input unit 310 may detect a user manipulation according to a force applied from the first member H1. The input unit 310 may include at least one of a mechanical button that detects manipulation in a designated direction, a pressure sensor that detects pressure applied in a designated direction, or a touch sensor that detects a touch in a designated direction. In this document, a case where the input unit 310 is a button operated (eg, pressed or pulled) in a designated direction will be described as an example.

According to one embodiment, the recognition unit 320 may read information recorded on the tag 50 . For example, the recognition unit 320 may include an NFC communication unit that reads information recorded on the tag 50 through NFC communication according to instructions of the processor 360 . In this document, a case in which the tag 50 is an NFC tag and the recognition unit 320 is an NFC communication unit will be described as an example.

According to one embodiment, the communication unit 330 may communicate with the server 10 . For example, the communication unit 330 may communicate with the server 10 through various wireless communication methods such as WiFi, 3G, and LTE. The communication unit 330 may communicate with the server 10 by wire.

According to one embodiment, the output unit 340 may display the operating state of the smart button device (30). The operating state may include, for example, a communication connection state, whether or not an error has occurred, a tag recognition state, and the like. For example, the output unit 340 may be at least one LED displaying operating states in different colors. For another example, the output unit 340 may be a display displaying an icon or text corresponding to an operating state. As another example, the output unit 340 may include a sound output unit (eg, a buzzer or a speaker) for guiding an operating state by sound.

According to one embodiment, the memory 350 may be volatile memory (eg, RAM, etc.), non-volatile memory (eg, ROM, flash memory, etc.), or a combination thereof. Memory 350, for example, may store commands or data related to at least one other component of the smart button device (30). The memory 350 may store tag information read from the tag 50 .

According to one embodiment, the processor 360 may be electrically connected to the input unit 310 , the recognition unit 320 and the communication unit 330 . The processor 360 may include, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microprocessor, an application processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or field programmable gate arrays (FPGA). It may include at least one of, and may have a plurality of cores. The processor 360 may execute operations or data processing related to control and/or communication of at least one other component of the smart button device 30 .

According to an embodiment, the processor 360 may detect manipulation of the input unit 310 when the tag 50 is mounted. When the processor 360 detects manipulation of the input unit 310 while the tag 50 is mounted, the processor 360 can recognize tag information recorded in the tag 50 through the recognition unit 320 . The tag information may include at least one of a tag ID and an address (eg, URL) of the server 10 .

According to one embodiment, the processor 360 may read tag information from the tag 50 or the memory 350 . For example, when the processor 360 detects manipulation of the input unit 310, it can read tag information from the tag 50 through the recognition unit 320. For another example, the processor 360 may store tag information recorded on the tag 50 in the memory 350, and may read the tag information from the memory 350 when a manipulation of the input unit 310 is sensed. . The processor 360 reads tag information from the tag 50 and stores it in the memory 350 when the tag 50 is mounted or when the input unit 310 is manipulated for the first time after the tag 50 is mounted. can In the latter case, the smart button device 30 may further include a sensing means capable of detecting whether or not the tag 50 is mounted. The detecting unit may include, for example, a mechanical contact that outputs different signals depending on whether the tag 50 is mounted on a provided connector or slot. The processor 360 may detect whether the tag 50 is mounted based on a signal received from the mechanical contact. When the processor 360 detects manipulation of the input unit 310, the processor 360 checks whether the tag is mounted through the detecting means, and requests the server 10 to perform a function corresponding to the tag information only when the tag is mounted.

According to an embodiment, the processor 360 may analyze the recognized tag information and check the address of the server 10 and the tag ID from the tag information. The address may be URL information of the server 10, for example. In one embodiment, the processor 360 accesses the identified address through the communication unit 330 and requests the server 10 to perform a function corresponding to the tag ID. For example, the processor 360 may transmit the tag ID to the verified address of the server 10 . For example, upon receiving a tag ID, the server 10 may transmit a control command corresponding to the tag ID to a target device corresponding to the tag ID. The control command may be a command instructing execution of a function corresponding to a tag ID.

According to an embodiment, the processor 360 may check whether a response on whether a function is performed is received from the server 10 after transmitting the tag information. The response may be information transmitted by the server 10 instructing the target device 20 to perform a function corresponding to the tag ID and based on a response from the target device 20 regarding whether the function is performed or not. When a response corresponding to the tag information is received, the processor 360 may guide a function execution result through the output unit 340 . For example, the processor 360 may determine success or failure of the function execution from the received response, and inform the success or failure of the function execution through the output unit 340 .

According to an embodiment, the processor 360 may further check the manipulation method of the input unit 310 . The manipulation method may include, for example, at least one of the number of manipulations and the duration of manipulation. The processor 360 may further transmit manipulation method information when transmitting the tag ID. In this case, the server 10 may identify a function to be performed among functions designated for the tag ID based on the manipulation information, and may instruct the identified function to the designated target device. For example, the server 10 may be a content streaming server and the target device 20 may be a speaker. If the number of manipulations is an odd number, the server 10 may instruct a content playback function while providing content to be streamed to the speaker. If the number of manipulations is an even number, the server 10 may instruct the speaker to stop playing the content without transmitting the content to the speaker.

According to one embodiment, the smart button device 30 may further include at least one of a battery and a power source. The battery may output a driving voltage for driving each component of the smart button device (30). The power supply unit may convert the received voltage to a specified size when the voltage received from a battery or an external power source is a different size from the driving voltage of each component of the smart button device 30 .

4 is a configuration diagram illustrating an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 4 , an electronic device 40 according to an embodiment includes a first communication unit 410, a second communication unit 420, a memory 430, a display 450, an input unit 440, and a processor 460. can include

According to one embodiment, the first communication unit 410 may communicate with the smart button device 30 in a designated first manner. For example, the first communication unit 410 may transmit communication environment information to the smart button device 30 through NFC communication. For another example, the first communication unit 410 may record the server address in the tag 50 mounted on the smart button device 30 through NFC communication.

According to one embodiment, the first communication unit 410 may support communication with the smart button device 30 located within a specified distance. For example, the first communication unit 410 may transmit the communication environment information to the smart button device 30 located proximately within a specified distance. For another example, the first communication unit 410 may transmit the server address to the tag 50 located close to each other within a designated distance.

According to an embodiment, the second communication unit 420 may communicate with another device (eg, an access point or a server) in a designated second method. The second method may be, for example, a wireless communication method such as WiFi, 3G, or LTE, or a wired communication method.

According to one embodiment, the memory 430 may be volatile memory (eg, RAM, etc.), non-volatile memory (eg, ROM, flash memory, etc.), or a combination thereof. The memory 430 may store, for example, commands or data related to at least one other component of the electronic device 40 . For example, the memory 430 may store an application specified for each server 10 and a command to execute each menu of the application.

According to one embodiment, the display 450 may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, or an electronic paper display. . The display 450 may display various contents (eg, text, image, video, icon, and/or symbol) to the user.

According to one embodiment, the input unit 440 may receive a user input. The input unit 440 may be, for example, a touch screen.

According to one embodiment, the processor 460 may display at least one menu icon when a designated application is executed. The menu icon may include at least one of a tag confirmation menu, a tag recording menu, a function setting menu, and a target device setting menu. Each of the above menus may be integrated into at least one or separated into two or more. For example, a tag check menu and a tag record menu may be integrated into one.

According to an embodiment, when the tag recording menu is selected through the input unit 440, the processor 460 may record the server address in the tag 50 through the first communication unit 410. For example, processor 460 may check the server address specified for the application. The processor 460 may record the checked server address in the tag 50 through the first communication unit 410 . In one embodiment, the processor 460 may check whether the tag 50 is a writable tag and update tag information stored in the tag 50 when the tag 50 is a writable tag. For example, the processor 460 may read tag information recorded in the tag 50 through the first communication unit 410 . The read tag information may include, for example, a write flag indicating whether writing is possible. The read tag information may further include, for example, a tag ID. The processor 460 may determine whether the tag 50 is a writable tag based on the write flag, and if the tag 50 is a writable tag, record the server address in the tag 50 .

According to an embodiment, when a target device setting menu is selected through the input unit 440, the processor 460 may display a list of selectable target devices. The target device setting menu may be, for example, a menu for setting a target device that performs one function. For example, the processor 460 may receive a target device list registered in the server 10 from the server 10 through the second communication unit 420 and display the received target device list.

According to an embodiment, when a function setting menu is selected through the input unit 440, the processor 460 may display a list of functions that can be performed by the selected target device. When a function is selected from the list of functions displayed through the input unit 440, the processor 460 may store a function ID corresponding to the function. The above function may be a function to be performed when the smart button device 30 is manipulated.

According to an embodiment, the processor 460 may register information necessary for performing a function corresponding to the tag ID with the server 10 . For example, the processor 460 may correlate the tag ID, selected function information (eg, function ID), and selected target device information (eg, target device ID) and transmit the correlated information to the server 10 .

According to an embodiment, the tag 50 may be a first tag distributed (or sold) for the purpose of controlling an in-house device (eg, lighting). In this case, the server address recorded in the first tag may be a first server (eg, a home network server) that remotely controls lighting in the house. The application may communicate with the first server to provide a home lighting list as a target device list. The application may communicate with the first server to provide, as a function list, a function designated for at least one of going out, returning home, waking up, and sleeping. For example, a function designated for going out or sleeping may be a function of turning off a selected light. For another example, the function designated for going home and waking up may be a function of turning on a selected light. Upon receiving the tag ID of the first tag, the server 10 may instruct a selected function among going out, returning home, waking up, and going to sleep to at least one light selected from the indoor lighting list.

According to one embodiment, the tag 50 may be a second tag distributed or sold through a content streaming service provider. In this case, the server address recorded in the second tag may be a second server (eg, a streaming service server) providing a content streaming service. The application may communicate with the second server to provide a registered speaker list as a target device list. The application may communicate with the second server to provide at least one of a content playback function and a playback stop function as a list of functions. For example, the content playback function may be a function of playing content through a selected speaker. For another example, the playback stop function may be a function of stopping playback of content being played through a selected speaker. Upon receiving the tag ID of the second tag, the server 10 may instruct the selected speaker to reproduce or stop reproduction of content.

According to one embodiment, the tag 50 may be a third tag distributed or sold for call taxi (or room service) operators. In this case, the server address recorded in the third tag may be a third server to be called (eg, a call taxi service server or a room service server). The application may communicate with the third server to provide a call taxi server list (or room service server list) as a target device list. The application may communicate with a third-party server to provide a taxi call (or room service call) as a function list. In this case, the smart button device 30 may be installed at a taxi stand (or hotel). Upon receiving the tag ID of the third tag, the server 10 identifies the call location based on the tag ID, and guides the location information of the third tag to a device installed in a taxi (or hotel front desk) corresponding to the call location. can

According to one embodiment, the tag 50 may be a fourth tag distributed or sold for food delivery businesses. In this case, the server address recorded in the fourth tag may be an online server (fourth server) of a service provider providing food delivery service. The application may communicate with the fourth server to provide a food delivery service provider list as a target device list. The application may communicate with the fourth server to provide a function of ordering food for delivery as a list of functions. Upon receiving the tag ID of the fourth tag, the server 10 may check the calling address and ordered food information based on the tag ID. The server 10 may deliver the calling address and ordered food information to a target device installed at a point close to the calling address.

5 is a diagram showing an interface screen of a smart button device according to another embodiment. A smart button device 30 according to another embodiment may differ from one embodiment in that it includes a plurality of input units. Hereinafter, in FIG. 8, a user interface through a plurality of input units is set as the center.

According to another embodiment, the input unit 310 may be a plurality of input units. The plurality of input units may include, for example, a first input unit operated in a wheel shape and a second input unit operated in a pressed shape.

According to another embodiment, when the first input unit is manipulated, the processor 360 may check the currently selected function through the first input unit 310 . When the second input unit is manipulated, the processor 360 may transmit selected function information and a tag ID to the server 10 through the first input unit 310 . Upon receiving the selected function information and the tag ID, the server 10 may instruct the target device corresponding to the tag ID to perform a function corresponding to the function information.

According to another embodiment, the processor 360 may display function information selected through the first input unit 310 through the output unit 340 . For example, referring to FIG. 8 , when the first input unit 310 is manipulated for the first time, the processor 360 may display a menu icon for the control function 410 upon waking up. When the first input unit 310 is manipulated a second time, the processor 360 may display a menu icon for the sleep control function 420 . When the first input unit 310 is manipulated a third time, the processor 360 may display a menu icon for the control function 430 when going out. When the first input unit 310 is manipulated for the fourth time, the processor 360 may display a menu icon for the control function 440 when returning home. When the first input unit 310 is manipulated for the fifth to eighth times, the processor 360 may display menu icons for selection functions 450 to 880 for the first to fourth sound source lists. The first to fourth sound source lists may each be a designated sound source list. For example, the first to fourth sound source lists may be, for example, new sound sources, pop sound sources, dance sound sources (techno, EDM (electronic dance music)) sound sources, or acoustic pop sound sources.

6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of setting a communication environment for a smart button according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6 , in operation 610, the processor 360 may be initialized when power is supplied.

In operation 620, the processor 360 may check whether communication is possible through a designated method (eg, Wifi). For example, the processor 360 may check whether an access point capable of Wifi communication exists.

In operation 630, if communication is impossible, the processor 360 may guide communication failure through the output unit 340. The output unit 340 is, for example, an LED capable of displaying a plurality of colors, and can display a state in which communication is possible and a state in which communication is not possible by classifying them into a plurality of colors.

In operation 640, the processor 360 may check whether communication environment information is received. The communication environment information may be, for example, an ID and password of an access point providing Wifi communication service. The communication environment information may be received from the electronic device 40 through NFC communication. When an input instructing communication environment setting is received through a designated application, the electronic device 40 may check communication environment information for WiFi communication. When the user approaches the electronic device 40 to the smart button device 30, the electronic device 40 may transmit the checked communication environment information through NFC communication.

In operation 640, when communication environment information is received, in operation 650, the processor 360 may set a communication environment for communication with the server 10 based on the communication environment information. When the communication environment is set, the processor 360 may test whether or not communication is possible.

In operation 650, when setting of the communication environment is completed or in operation 620, when a communicable state is confirmed, in operation 660, the processor 360 may inform that the communication environment is in a communicable state through the output unit 340.

In one embodiment, the communication environment information set in the electronic device may be transmitted to the smart button device 30 by manipulating the menu of the application installed in the electronic device without separately checking the communication environment information set in the electronic device. Thus, in one embodiment, the communication environment of the smart button device 30 can be set very easily.

7 is a flowchart illustrating a method of performing a function according to manipulation of a smart button according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7 , in operation 710, the processor 360 may determine whether a button (eg, the input unit 310) is manipulated. For example, the processor 360 may determine whether a button has been manipulated based on a change in a logical state (high or low) of a designated signal according to whether the button has been manipulated.

In operation 720, the processor 360 may obtain tag information from an NFC tag (eg, 360) when detecting a manipulation of a button. The tag information may include at least one of a tag ID and an address of the server 10 (eg, server URL). The processor 360 may read tag information from the memory 350 when detecting a button manipulation. In this case, the processor 360 may read tag information from the tag 50 and store it in the memory 350 when the tag 50 is mounted or when a button is manipulated for the first time after the tag 50 is mounted.

In operation 730, the processor 360 may check whether acquisition of tag information is successful after NFC communication. For example, when tag information including the address of the server 10 and the tag ID is obtained, the processor 360 may determine that the acquisition of the tag information is successful.

In operation 740, if tag information is successfully acquired, the processor 360 may transmit a tag ID to the server 10 corresponding to the address of the server 10. Upon receiving the tag ID, the server 10 may instruct a target device designated for the tag ID with a function designated for the tag ID.

In operation 750, the processor 360 may check whether a response corresponding to the tag information is received from the server 10 after transmitting the tag information. The response may be information indicating whether the server 10 has completed performing a function corresponding to the tag information.

In operation 750, when a response corresponding to the tag information is received, in operation 760, the processor 360 may inform a function execution result. For example, upon receiving a response indicating completion of function execution from the server 10, the processor 360 may guide completion of function execution through the output unit 340. For another example, upon receiving a response indicating a function execution failure from the server 10, the processor 360 may provide guidance on function execution failure through the output unit 340.

If acquisition of tag information fails in operation 730, in operation 760, the processor 360 may inform the output unit 340 that the tag information cannot be obtained in an error state.

In one embodiment, the function corresponding to the tag mounted on the smart button device 30 can be easily performed by transmitting at least some of the tag information to the server when the smart button device 30 is operated.

Figure 8 is a flow chart showing a function setting method corresponding to the smart button device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 8 , in operation 805, when a designated application is executed, in operation 810, the electronic device 40 may display at least one selectable menu icon. The application may be set to communicate with the designated function server 10 through the designated target device. The at least one menu icon may include at least one icon of a tag recording menu, a function setting menu, and a target device setting menu. In operation 810, the electronic device 40 may acquire a server address specified for a specified application.

In operation 815, when a function selection menu is selected from among displayed menu icons, in operation 820, the electronic device 40 may display a function list. For example, the electronic device 40 may receive and display a function list from the server 10 designated for an application.

In operation 825, when one function is selected from the function list, in operation 830, the electronic device 40 may store set function information (eg, a function ID). The above function may be a function to be performed when an operation of the smart button device 30 is confirmed.

In operation 840, when a device setting menu is selected from menu icons, the electronic device 40 may display a list of target devices in operation 845. For example, the electronic device 40 may receive a target device list from the server 10 and display the received target device list. For another example, if a function is selected, the electronic device 40 may transmit function information of the function to the server 10 and receive a list of target devices capable of performing the function from the server 10. .

In operation 850, when one target device is set from the target device list, in operation 855, the electronic device 40 may store set target device information (eg, target device ID).

In operation 860, when a tag record menu is selected from menu icons, in operation 865, the electronic device 40 may acquire tag information from the tag 50 through NFC communication. The tag information may include, for example, a write flag indicating whether writing is possible. The tag information may further include, for example, a tag ID.

In operation 870, the electronic device 40 may determine whether the tag 50 is a writable tag based on the write flag included in the acquired tag information. For example, when the write flag is set to 1, the electronic device 40 may determine that the tag 50 is a writable tag.

In operation 875, if the electronic device 40 is a writable tag, it can record the server address in the tag 50 through NFC communication. For example, the electronic device 40 may check a server address designated for an application. When the electronic device 40 approaches the tag 50, it can record the server address in the tag 50 through NFC communication.

In operation 870, if the tag 50 is a non-writable tag, in operation 880, the electronic device 40 may notify function change impossibility.

In operation 885, the electronic device 40 may check whether all setting information for function execution according to the tag ID has been set. For example, the electronic device 40 may check whether a tag ID, a function designated for the tag ID, and a target device to perform the designated function are all set.

In operation 885, if all setting information according to the tag ID is set, the electronic device 40 transmits the tag ID, selected function information (function ID), and selected target device information (eg, target device ID) to the server 10. can be sent When receiving the setting information, the server 10 may register the received setting information. When the tag ID is received, the server 10 may instruct the target device 20 designated for the received tag ID to perform a designated function.

9 is a block diagram of an electronic device 901 within a network environment 900 according to various embodiments. Electronic devices according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be devices of various types. Electronic devices include, for example, portable communication devices (eg, smart phones), computer devices (eg, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablet PCs), laptop PCs (desktop PCs, workstations, or servers). , a portable multimedia device (eg, an e-book reader or an MP3 player), a portable medical device (eg, a heart rate, blood sugar, blood pressure, or body temperature monitor), a camera, or a wearable device. type (e.g. watches, rings, bracelets, anklets, necklaces, eyeglasses, contact lenses, or head-mounted-devices (HMD)); textile or clothing integrals (e.g. electronic garments); (e.g., a skin pad or tattoo), or a bio-implantable circuit In some embodiments, an electronic device may include, for example, a television, a digital video disk (DVD) player, an audio device, an audio accessory devices (such as speakers, headphones, or headsets), refrigerators, air conditioners, vacuum cleaners, ovens, microwave ovens, washing machines, air purifiers, set-top boxes, home automation control panels, security control panels, game consoles, electronic dictionaries, electronic keys, It may include at least one of a camcorder or an electronic photo frame.

In another embodiment, the electronic device may include a navigation device, a global navigation satellite system (GNSS), an event data recorder (EDR) (eg, a black box for a vehicle/ship/aircraft), and an automobile infotainment device. (e.g. head-up displays for vehicles), industrial or home robots, drones, automated teller machines (ATMs), point of sales (POS) devices, metering devices (e.g. water, electricity, or gas metering devices), or at least one of IoT devices (eg, a light bulb, a sprinkler device, a fire alarm, a thermostat, or a street light). The electronic device according to the embodiment of this document is not limited to the above-mentioned devices, and also, for example, as in the case of a smart phone equipped with a function of measuring personal biometric information (eg, heart rate or blood sugar), a plurality of electronic devices. Functions of the devices may be provided in combination. In this document, the term user may refer to a person using an electronic device or a device using an electronic device (eg, an artificial intelligence electronic device).

9 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 9 , in a network environment 900, an electronic device 901 (eg, the smart button device 30) communicates with an electronic device 902 (eg, the electronic device 40) through short-range wireless communication 998. or communicate with the electronic device 904 or the server 908 (eg, the server 10) through the network 999. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 901 may communicate with the electronic device 904 through the server 908 .

According to an embodiment, the electronic device 901 includes a bus 910, a processor 920 (eg, the processor 360), a memory 930, and an input device 950 (eg, a microphone or mouse) (eg, a microphone or a mouse). input unit 310), display device 960 (eg, output unit 340), audio module 970, sensor module 976, interface 977, haptic module 979, camera module 980, It may include a power management module 988, a battery 989, a communication module 990, and a subscriber identification module 996. In some embodiments, the electronic device 901 may omit at least one of the components (eg, the display device 960 or the camera module 980) or may additionally include other components.

The bus 910 may include circuitry that connects the components 920-990 to each other and transfers signals (eg, control messages or data) between the components.

The processor 920 may be one of a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP) of a camera, or a communication processor (CP). or more. According to an embodiment, the processor 920 may be implemented as a system on chip (SoC) or system in package (SiP). The processor 920 may control at least one other component (eg, hardware or software component) of the electronic device 901 connected to the processor 920 by driving an operating system or an application program, and , various data processing and calculations can be performed. The processor 920 loads a command or data received from at least one of the other components (eg, the communication module 990) into the volatile memory 932 for processing, and stores the resulting data in the non-volatile memory 934. can

The memory 930 may include volatile memory 932 or non-volatile memory 934 . The volatile memory 932 may be composed of, for example, random access memory (RAM) (eg, DRAM, SRAM, or SDRAM). The nonvolatile memory 934 may include, for example, programmable read-only memory (PROM), one time PROM (OTPROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), electrically EPROM (EEPROM), mask ROM, flash ROM, flash memory, HDD (hard disk drive), or SSD (solid state drive). In addition, the non-volatile memory 934, depending on the connection type with the electronic device 901, is a built-in memory 936 disposed therein, or a stand-alone external device that can be connected and used only when necessary. memory 938. The external memory 938 is a flash drive, for example, compact flash (CF), secure digital (SD), Micro-SD, Mini-SD, extreme digital (xD), multi-media card (MMC) , or a memory stick. The external memory 938 may be functionally or physically connected to the electronic device 901 through wire (eg, cable or universal serial bus (USB)) or wirelessly (eg, Bluetooth).

The memory 930 may store, for example, at least one other software component of the electronic device 901, for example, a command or data related to the program 940. Program 940 may include, for example, kernel 941 , library 943 , application framework 945 , or application program (interchangeably “application”) 947 .

The input device 950 may include a microphone, mouse, or keyboard. According to an embodiment, the keyboard may be connected as a physical keyboard or displayed as a virtual keyboard through the display device 960 .

The display device 960 may include a display, a hologram device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. The display may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) display, or an electronic paper display. . The display, according to one embodiment, may be implemented to be flexible, transparent, or wearable. The display may include touch circuitry capable of detecting a user's touch, gesture, proximity, or hovering input, or a pressure sensor capable of measuring the strength of a touch (interchangeably a "force sensor"). can The touch circuit or pressure sensor may be integrally implemented with the display or may be implemented as one or more sensors separate from the display. A hologram device can show a 3D image in the air by using the interference of light. The projector may display an image by projecting light onto a screen. The screen may be located inside or outside the electronic device 901, for example.

The audio module 970 may, for example, convert a sound and an electrical signal in both directions. According to an embodiment, the audio module 970 acquires sound through an input device 950 (eg, a microphone), or an output device (not shown) included in the electronic device 901 (eg, a speaker or receiver), or an external electronic device associated with electronic device 901 (e.g. electronic device 902 (e.g. wireless speaker or wireless headphone) or electronic device 906 (e.g. wired speaker or wired headphone)). can output

The sensor module 976 measures or detects, for example, an internal operating state (eg, power or temperature) or an external environmental state (eg, altitude, humidity, or brightness) of the electronic device 901, Electrical signals or data values corresponding to the measured or sensed state information may be generated. The sensor module 976 may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, and a color sensor (eg, a red, green, blue (RGB) sensor). , infrared (IR) sensors, biometric sensors such as iris sensors, fingerprint sensors, or heartbeat rate monitoring (HRM) sensors, olfactory (electronic nose) sensors, electromyography (EMG) sensors, electroencephalogram (EEG) sensors, electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor), temperature sensor, humidity sensor, illuminance sensor, or UV (ultra violet) sensor. The sensor module 976 may further include a control circuit for controlling one or more sensors included therein. In some embodiments, the electronic device 901 may control the sensor module 976 using the processor 920 or a processor (eg, a sensor hub) separate from the processor 920 . In the case of using a separate processor (eg, sensor hub), the electronic device 901 does not wake up the processor 920 while the processor 920 is in a sleep state, and the sensor module is operated by the separate processor. At least some of the operations or states of 976 may be controlled.

According to an embodiment, the interface 977 is a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), USB, optical interface, recommended standard 232 (RS-232), D-subminiature (D-sub), mobile (MHL) high-definition link) interface, SD card/multi-media card (MMC) interface, or audio interface. The connection terminal 978 may physically connect the electronic device 901 and the electronic device 906 . According to one embodiment, the connection terminal 978 may include, for example, a USB connector, an SD card/MMC connector, or an audio connector (eg, a headphone connector).

The haptic module 979 may convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (eg, vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli. For example, the haptic module 979 may provide a stimulus related to a tactile or kinesthetic sense to the user. The haptic module 979 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

The camera module 980 may capture still images and moving images, for example. The camera module 980, according to one embodiment, may include one or more lenses (eg, a wide-angle lens and a telephoto lens, or a front lens and a rear lens), an image sensor, an image signal processor, or a flash (eg, a light emitting diode or xenon lamp). (xenon lamp), etc.).

The power management module 988 is a module for managing power of the electronic device 901 and may be configured as at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

The battery 989 may be recharged by an external power source including, for example, a primary battery, a secondary battery, or a fuel cell to supply power to at least one component of the electronic device 901 .

The communication module 990 establishes a communication channel between the electronic device 901 and an external device (eg, the first external electronic device 902, the second external electronic device 904, or the server 908). And it can support the performance of wired or wireless communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the communication module 990 includes a wireless communication module 992 or a wired communication module 994, and the first network 998 (eg, Bluetooth or IrDA) using a corresponding communication module among them. It is possible to communicate with an external device through a local area communication network such as an infrared data association) or a second network 999 (eg, a long-distance communication network such as a cellular network).

The wireless communication module 992 may support cellular communication, short range wireless communication, or GNSS communication, for example. Cellular communication, for example, long-term evolution (LTE), LTE Advance (LTE-A), code division multiple access (CDMA), wideband CDMA (WCDMA), universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), wireless broadband (WiBro) ), or GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications). Short-range wireless communication, for example, Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity), Wi-Fi Direct, Li-Fi (light fidelity), Bluetooth, BLE (Bluetooth low energy), Zigbee, NFC (near field communication), MST ( It may include magnetic secure transmission (RF), radio frequency (RF), or body area network (BAN). GNSS may include, for example, Global Positioning System (GPS), Global Navigation Satellite System (Glonass), Beidou Navigation Satellite System (hereinafter “Beidou”) or Galileo (the European global satellite-based navigation system). In this document, "GPS" may be used interchangeably with "GNSS".

According to an embodiment, when cellular communication is supported, the wireless communication module 992 identifies and authenticates the electronic device 901 within a communication network using the subscriber identity module 996, for example. can do. According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module 992 may include a CP separate from the processor 920 (eg, AP). In this case, the CP may, for example, act on behalf of the processor 920 while the processor 920 is in an inactive (eg, sleep) state, or with the processor 920 while the processor 920 is in an active state. Together, at least some of the functions related to at least one of the components 910 to 996 of the electronic device 901 may be performed. According to an embodiment, the wireless communication module 992 may include a plurality of communication modules supporting only a corresponding communication method among a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, and a GNSS communication module.

The wired communication module 994 may include, for example, local area network (LAN), power line communication, or plain old telephone service (POTS).

The first network 998 uses, for example, Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth capable of transmitting or receiving commands or data through direct wireless connection between the electronic device 901 and the first external electronic device 902. can include The second network 999 may be, for example, a telecommunication network capable of transmitting or receiving commands or data between the electronic device 901 and the second external electronic device 904 (eg, a local area network (LAN) or computer networks such as wide area networks (WANs), the Internet, or telephone networks).

According to various embodiments, the command or the data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device 901 and the second external electronic device 904 through the server 908 connected to the second network. Each of the first and second external electronic devices 902 and 904 may be the same as or different from the electronic device 901 . According to various embodiments, all or part of operations executed in the electronic device 901 may be executed in one or more electronic devices (eg, the electronic devices 902 and 904, or the server 908). According to an example, when the electronic device 901 needs to perform a certain function or service automatically or upon request, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service by itself, the electronic device 901 at least Some functions may be requested from other devices (eg, electronic devices 902 and 904, or server 908). A function or additional function may be executed, and the result may be delivered to the electronic device 901. The electronic device 901 may provide the requested function or service by processing the received result as it is or additionally. For example, cloud computing, distributed computing, or client-server computing technologies may be used.

10 shows a configuration diagram of an integrated button system according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 10 , according to an embodiment, an integrated button system 1000 may include an integrated button device 1010, a user terminal 1020, a server device 1030, and a target device 1040. In one embodiment, some components may be omitted or additional components may be further included. In one embodiment, some of the components are combined to form a single entity, but the functions of the corresponding components before combination may be performed identically. The input/output relationship shown in FIG. 10 is only an example for convenience of explanation, and may not be limited thereto.

According to one embodiment, the integrated button device 1010 may include a first button device 1011 and a second button device 1012 . When the first button device 1011 and the second button device 1012 are not mutually coupled, the first function of the first target device 1041 and the second function of the second target device 1042 may be associated with each other. there is. When the first button device 1011 and the second button device 1012 are mutually coupled (eg, electrically connected) to form an integrated button device 1010, they may be associated with a third function. For example, when the first button device 1011 is manipulated by the user (eg, pressing a button or turning a wheel) in a state in which it is not coupled to the second button device 1012, the first target device is transferred to the server device 1030. A message related to the first function execution request of 1041 may be transmitted. When the second button device 1012 is manipulated (eg, pressed) by the user in a state in which it is not coupled to the first button device 1011, a second function execution request of the second target device 1042 is requested to the server device 1030. You can send related messages. For another example, in a state in which the first button device 1011 and the second button device 1012 are interconnected to form an integrated button device 1010, when operated by a user, the target device 1040 is transferred to the server device 1030. ) may transmit a message related to the third function execution request.

According to one embodiment, one of the first button device 1011 and the second button device 1012 included in the integrated button device 1010 operates as a main button device according to the instructions of the server device 1030, and the other can operate as a sub-button device. The main button device may be, for example, an upper button device (eg, 1011) or a lower button device (eg, 1012) among the coupled button devices (eg, 1011 and 1012). The main button device may be determined based on an order in which sub button devices are combined. For example, each button device operates as a main button device when there is no button device coupled to the upper portion and is combined with another button device at the lower portion, and when another button device is coupled to the upper portion, the combination of other button devices is coupled to the lower portion. Regardless of whether or not, it can operate as a sub button device. The main button device transmits and receives signals with the sub button device to check the connection order of the first button device 1011 and the second button device 1012 in a designated direction (eg, from top to bottom), and the server device 1030 ), a message related to a request for third function information corresponding to a connection sequence may be transmitted. If the main button device includes an output device, when receiving third function information from the server device 1030, the main button device informs the user that it is a button related to executing the third function through an output device (eg, a speaker). screen information can be displayed. The main button device may transmit a message related to a third function execution request to the server device 1030 when receiving a user input related to execution of a designated function. The user input may be received from an input device of a main button device or from a sub button device. Among the integrated button devices 1010, the main button device and the sub-button device may perform wired communication, and a designated wireless communication may be performed between the integrated button device 1010 and the user terminal 1020 or server device 1030. According to various embodiments, the button devices included in the integrated button device 1010 may be coupled in a horizontal direction instead of being coupled up and down.

According to one embodiment, the user terminal 1020 may have an app installed for communication settings and function settings of the integrated button device 1010 between the integrated button device 1010 and the server device 1030 . The app may provide an interface in which each button device (eg, 1011, 1012) inputs access information (eg, ID, password) of an access point to be connected for communication with the server device 1030. For example, when the first button device 1011 or the second button device 1012 is in an inaccessible state with the server device 1030, the user can access the first button device 1011 and the second button through the app. A communication path to device 1012 may be established. The app requests the server device 1030 to set or change at least one function of, for example, the first function, the second function of the second input device of the second button device 1012, or the third function. interfaces can be provided. Accordingly, the user transmits a message requesting the server device 1030 to change at least one function of the first function, the second function, or the third function through the app, and the server device 1030 responds to the message A function change may be instructed to a button device corresponding to at least one function. The user terminal 1020 may communicate with the first button device 1011 and the second button device 1012 through a designated communication method. The designated communication method may include, for example, at least one of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth communication. The user terminal 1020 may communicate with the server device 1030 through a designated communication method or another communication method (eg, 3G, 4G, 5G, etc.). The user terminal 1020 may include, for example, at least one of a portable communication device (eg, a smart phone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, and a home appliance. The user terminal 1020 is not limited to the aforementioned devices.

According to an embodiment, the server device 1030 may store mapping information between a connection order of button devices and an execution function. For example, the server device 1030 is connected to the order of the first button device 1011 and the second button device 1012 in a specified direction (eg, from top to bottom) and the mapped third function information and in the specified direction. The fourth function information mapped with the connection order of the second button device 1012 and the first button device 1011 may be respectively stored. The server device 1030 may further store mapping information between the identification information of the first button device 1011 and the identification information of the second button device 1012 and respective associated functions.

When the server device 1030 receives connection order information of the first button device 1011 and the second button device 1012 in a designated direction from the main button device, the first button device 1011 and the second button device 1012 ) Confirm that the integrated button device 1010 is configured, and transmit the third function information corresponding to the confirmed connection order based on the mapping information to at least one of the main button device or the user terminal 1020. When receiving a message related to a request for the third function from the main button device, the server device 1030 may transmit a message instructing execution of the third function to the target device 1040 corresponding to the third function. The server device 1030 may communicate with the first button device 1011 and the second button device 1012 through a designated communication method (eg, WiFi, etc.).

The server device 1030 executes a function corresponding to each of the first button device 1011 and the second button device 1012 in a state in which the first button device 1011 and the second button device 1012 are not interconnected. can instruct. For example, when the server device 1030 receives a message related to a first function execution request from the first button device 1011, it may instruct the first target device 1041 to execute the first function. For another example, when receiving a message related to a second function execution request from the second button device 1012, the server device 1030 may instruct the second target device 1042 to execute the second function.

According to an embodiment, when receiving an execution instruction for at least one of the first to third functions from the server device 1030, the target device 1040 may perform a function corresponding to the received instruction. The target device 1040 may communicate with the server device 1030 through a designated communication method (eg, WiFi, etc.). For example, the first target device 1041 may execute the first function upon receiving an instruction to execute the first function. The second target device 1042 may execute the second function when receiving an instruction to execute the second function. For another example, the first target device 1041 and the second target device 1042 may each execute the third function when receiving an instruction to execute the third function. The third function may include, for example, a function of simultaneously executing the first function and the second function (first case); a function different from the first function and the second function (second case); Alternatively, it may include a function that executes the first function and the second function in association (case 3). For example, the first function may be a content playback/end function, and the second function may be a lighting on/off function. Then, in the first case, the third function may be a function of simultaneously executing a specified music reproduction function and a lighting on function. Alternatively, in the second case, the third function may be a function of playing designated music and flickering (on/off) lights according to the sound level of the music being played. Alternatively, in the third case, the third function may be a function of turning on lighting with a brightness corresponding to the genre of music being reproduced. According to the above-described embodiment, as the plurality of button devices 1011 and 1012 are connected, an integrated button device 1010 capable of easily executing different functions may be configured and used to execute various functions.

11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining a function setting change corresponding to a connection sequence of a button device according to an exemplary embodiment. In FIGS. 11A and 11B , a case in which a button device positioned at a lower portion of the button devices operates as a main button device and a third function is a function that executes a first function and a second function in association with each other will be described as an example.

Referring to FIGS. 11A and 11B , according to an embodiment, a first button device 1011 is a button associated with a light on/off function of a first target device 1041 (eg, a light), and a second button device ( 1012) may be a button related to a playback function of a designated movie of the second target device 1042 (eg, TV). The server device 1030, in a state where the first button device 1011 is not coupled to the second button device 1012, from the first button device 1011 according to a user operation on the first button device 1011. Upon receiving the execution request message of the light on function, the first target device 1041 may be instructed to turn on the light. The server device 1030 is a movie designated from the second button device 1012 according to a user operation on the second button device 1012 in a state where the second button device 1012 is not coupled to the first button device 1011. Upon receiving the execution request message of the play function of , playback of a specified movie may be directed to the second target device 1042 (eg, TV).

According to one embodiment, the server device 1030 is configured based on mapping information in a state in which the first button device 1011 and the second button device 1012 are coupled (eg, electrically connected) to form an integrated button device. Functions corresponding to the connection sequence of the one-button device 1011 and the second button device 1012 are checked, and then, when the user manipulates the integrated button device 1010A, the function corresponding to the connection sequence to the target device 1040 function can be specified.

Referring to FIG. 11A, the main button device of the integrated button device 1010A connected in order from the top to the first button device 1011 and the second button device 1012 transmits connection order information of the integrated button device 1010A to the server device. (1030). When the server device 1030 receives connection order information of the integrated button device 1010A, it may be determined that the function associated with the integrated button device 1010A is the third function based on the mapping information. The third function may be, for example, that a specified movie is played on the TV (eg, 1041 in FIG. 1 ) and lights are turned on in a movie mode. When the integrated button device 1010A (eg, the first button device located on the top) is operated by a user, the integrated button device 1010A may transmit a message related to a third function request corresponding to a connection sequence. When receiving a message related to the execution request of the third function from the integrated button device 1010A manipulated by the user, the server device 1030 instructs the TV 1041 to play a designated movie, and lights (e.g., in FIG. 1). 1042) may be instructed to turn on the movie mode. Turning on the movie mode may be, for example, turning on the light 1042 with a brightness lower than a specified brightness value.

Referring to FIG. 11B, the main button device of the integrated button device 1010B sequentially connected to the second button device 1012 and the first button device 1011 from above transfers connection order information of the integrated button device 1010B to the server device. (1030). When the server device 1030 receives connection order information of the integrated button device 1010B from the integrated button device 1010B, it can be confirmed that the function associated with the integrated button device 1010B is the fourth function based on the mapping information. When the unified button device 1010B is manipulated by the user, the unified button device 1010B may transmit a message related to a fourth function request corresponding to a connection sequence. When receiving the execution request message of the fourth function from the integrated button device 1010B manipulated by the user, the server device 1030 instructs the lamp 1042 to turn on and adjusts the screen brightness of the TV 1041 to match the turn-on. You can control it and tell it to play the movie.

12 illustrates an integrated button device to which button devices of different manipulation methods are connected according to an embodiment. In FIG. 12, a case where the main button device is a button device located at the bottom will be described as an example.

Referring to FIG. 12 , according to an embodiment, the first button device 1011 is a button associated with a light on/off function of the first target device 1041 (eg, a light), and can be operated as it is pressed. there is. The second button device 1012 is a button associated with a channel change function of the TV and can be operated according to the rotation of the wheel.

According to one embodiment, the integrated button device 1010C in which the first button device 1011 is connected to the bottom of the third button device 1013 is the third button device 1013 and the first button device 1011 in order from the top. Connection order information in a connected state may be transmitted to the server device 1030 . When the server device 1030 receives connection order information in a state in which the third button device 1013 and the first button device 1011 are sequentially connected from the top from the integrated button device 1010C, the integrated button device based on the mapping information It can be confirmed that the function associated with (1010C) is the fifth function (eg, lighting brightness control). For example, if the integrated button device 1010C confirms that the wheel rotates, it may transmit a message related to a fifth function, for example, a brightness control function execution request corresponding to the rotation direction of the wheel, to the server device 1030 . When receiving the execution request message of the brightness control function including the wheel rotation direction, the server device 1030 may instruct the lamp to increase or decrease brightness according to the wheel rotation direction.

13 shows an integrated button device to which three button devices are connected according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 13, according to an embodiment, the fourth button device 1014, the fifth button device 1015, and the sixth button device 1016 have a playback function and a stop function for the specified content of the fourth playback device. and a next song playback function.

According to one embodiment, the 4th button device 1014, the 5th button device 1015, the 6th button device 1016 connected sequentially from the top, the integrated button device 1010D has a playback function, a stop function, and playback of the next song. function can be related. For example, when the integrated button device 1010D detects a user's manipulation, it may transmit a message related to a function execution request corresponding to the number of manipulations to the server device 1030 . For another example, when the integrated button device 1010D detects a user's first manipulation, the server device 1030 transmits a message related to a playback function execution request, and when detecting a second manipulation, the server device 1030 A message related to the execution request of the stop function may be transmitted to the server device 1030, and when a third manipulation is detected, the message related to the execution request of the next song play function may be transmitted to the server device 1030, and may be repeated.

14 shows a seventh button device combined with a tag according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 14 , according to an embodiment, a seventh button device 1017 may be a device related to a function of a seventh target device according to a tag 1018 . For example, the seventh button device 1017 includes a coupling member 1017_1 capable of attaching and detaching a tag 1018 and a reader 1017_2, and when the tag 1018 is mounted on the coupling member 1017_1, the reader 1017_2 ), the identification information of the tag 1018 may be obtained, and the obtained identification information may be transmitted to the server device 1030. Then, the server device 1030 may transmit seventh function information corresponding to the identification information of the tag 1018 to the seventh button device 1017 . Upon receiving the seventh function information, the seventh button device 1017 stores the seventh function information in memory, and then sends a message related to a function request corresponding to the identification information of the tag 1018 to the server device 1030 when detecting a user manipulation. can be sent When receiving a function request message from the seventh button device 1017, the server device 1030 may instruct the seventh function to the seventh target device. The seventh function may be a function corresponding to the tag 1018. In this case, when the tag 1018 is replaced, the target device and execution function associated with the seventh button device 1017 may be changed. According to various embodiments, the seventh button device 1017 includes a plurality of coupling members 1017_1 capable of attaching a plurality of tags 1018, and the plurality of tags 1018 are mounted on the plurality of coupling members 1017_1. When a user manipulation is detected in the status, it may be configured to perform a function corresponding to each tag and a different function. According to various embodiments, the seventh button device 1017 may be configured to acquire information of a plurality of tags. For example, the seventh button device 1017 may include a plurality of readers, and obtain information on each of a plurality of tags by each of the plurality of readers. The tag 1018 may include, for example, at least one of an NFC tag and an RFID tag.

15 shows a button device including a display according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 15 , according to an embodiment, the first button device 1011 may include, for example, a display 1011_1 on top of the first button device 1011 . When the first button device 1011 includes the display 1011_1, the first button device 1011 may output function information to be executed upon user manipulation to the display 1011_1. The function information may include, for example, at least one of text and images guiding the function information. When another button device (eg, 1012 in FIG. 11A ) is connected to the first button device 1011 to form an integrated button device (eg, 1010A in FIG. 11A ), the integrated button device (eg, 1010 in FIG. 10 ) may display function information received from the server device 1030 through the display 1011_1. According to various embodiments, the first button device 1011 may further include a speaker and output function information through the speaker.

16 shows a configuration diagram of a first button device according to an embodiment. 17 shows a connection structure between a first button device and a second button device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 16, according to an embodiment, the first button device 1600 includes a connection circuit 1610, a communication circuit 1620, an input device 1630, an output device 1640, a memory 1650, and a processor. (1660). In one embodiment, some components may be omitted or additional components may be further included. For example, the output device 1640 may be omitted. In one embodiment, some of the components are combined to form a single entity, but the functions of the corresponding components before combination may be performed identically. The input/output relationship shown in FIG. 16 is only an example for convenience of explanation, and may not be limited thereto.

Referring to FIG. 17 , according to one embodiment, the first button device 1600 may operate as a main button device or as a sub button device according to the order in which the second button device 1700 is connected. For example, according to the rule that the uppermost button device among the integrated button devices (eg, 1010A of FIG. 11A) is determined as the main button device, the first button device 1600 and the second button device 1700 are formed from the top. When coupled in order, the first button device 1600 may be a main button device and the second button device 1700 may be a sub button device. On the other hand, when the second button device 1012 is coupled to the first button device 1600 in order, the second button device 1012 may be a main button device and the first button device 1600 may be a sub button device. For another example, according to a rule in which the lowermost button device among the integrated button devices (eg, 1010A of FIG. 11A ) is determined as the main button device, the above case may be reversed. In the following document, a case where the uppermost button device is the main button device will be described as an example.

According to one embodiment, the connection circuit 1610 may be electrically connected to the connection circuit 1710 provided in the second button device 1012 . The connection circuit 1610 includes a first connector 1610 - connectable to, for example, a second connector 1710 provided in the second button device 1012, and includes the first connector 1610 and the second connector 1610. As the connector 1710 is interconnected, it may be electrically connected to the first button device 1600 . At least one of the first connector 1610 and the second connector 1710 may include, for example, a pogo pin. For another example, the connection circuit 1610 may support communication of a designated method between the first button device 1600 and the second button device 1012 . The designated communication method may include, for example, USB, UART, I2S, and the like. According to various embodiments, a first magnetic member 1615 for fixing between the first button device 1600 and the second button device 1012 is further included in the connection circuit 1610 or around the connection circuit 1610. can For example, the first button device 1600 includes the first magnetic member 1615, the first button device 1600 includes the second magnetic member 1715, and the first button device 1600 The second button device 1012 may be fixed through the first magnetic member 1615 and the second magnetic member 1715 . According to various embodiments, a plurality of connection circuits 1610 may be provided. For example, if the first button device 1600 is coupled from top to bottom or from bottom to top, the connection circuit 1610 may include the first connection circuit 1611 disposed on the top of the first button device 1600 and the first connection circuit 1611. A second connection circuit 1612 disposed below the two-button device may be included. In this document, a case in which the connection circuit 1610 includes the first and second connection circuits 1611 and 1612 will be described as an example. According to an embodiment, the first button device 1600 includes a first surface 1600f. ) (eg, front), the second surface 1600r (eg, rear) facing in the opposite direction to the first surface 1600f, and the side surrounding the space between the first surface 1600f and the second surface 1600r. It may include a housing (1600H) including (1600s). For example, when the first face 1600f and the second face 1600r are circular, the side face 1600s surrounds the circumference of the first face 1600f and the second face 1600r. It can be composed of curved surfaces. For another example, when the first face 1600f and the second face 1600r have a quadrangular shape, the side face 1600s may have the same shape as the four sides of a hexahedron.

According to an embodiment, the communication circuit 1620, the processor 1660, and the memory 1650 may be included in the housing 1600H. The connection circuit 1610 may be exposed through a portion of at least one surface of the first surface 1600f or the second surface 1600r. For example, the first connection circuit 1611 may be exposed through a portion of the first surface 1600f, and the second connection circuit 1612 may be exposed through a portion of the second surface 1600r. The input device 1630 may be exposed through a portion of the first surface 1600f. The output device 1640 may be included in the housing 1600H or may be exposed through a portion of the first surface 1600f. For example, when the output device 1640 is a speaker, the output device 1640 may be included in the housing 1600H. For another example, when the output device 1640 is a display, the first surface 1600f includes a substantially transparent area for exposing a portion of the output device 1640, and the output device 1640 is displayed through the transparent area. It may be exposed through a part of (see FIG. 15).

Referring to FIG. 16 , according to an embodiment, the communication circuit 1620 may form a communication channel capable of communicating with the server device 1030 . The communication circuit 1620 may communicate with the server device 1030 using, for example, a short-distance communication method (eg, WiFi, etc.). The server device 1630, for example, provides function information related to the first button device 1600 or executes a function related to the first button device 1600 according to a request of the first button device 1600. A target device may be instructed to execute a corresponding function. The communication circuit 1620 may communicate with the user terminal 1020 . The user terminal 1020 may be a terminal on which an app is installed for setting a communication path between the first button device 1600 and the server device 1030 or setting a function related to the first button device 1600 or setting a change.

According to an embodiment, the input device 1630 may output a user input (signal) when manipulated by a user. The input device 1630 may include at least one of a touch sensor, a push button, or a wheel type button. The input device 1630 may be disposed above the first button device 1600, for example.

According to an embodiment, the output device 1640 may include at least one of a display and a speaker. The output device 1640 may output function information to be executed when a user input is received according to instructions from the processor 1660 . The output device 1640 may further include an LED outputting an operating state (eg, power on/off) of the first button device 1600 according to instructions from the processor 1660 .

According to one embodiment, the memory 1650 may store, for example, commands or data related to at least one other component of the first button device 1600 . For example, the memory 1650 may store instructions for determining whether the second button device 1700 is connected through the connection circuit 1610 . For another example, the memory 1650 may store instructions for outputting function information corresponding to a connection state of the first button device 1600 through the output device 1640 . As another example, the memory 1650 may store instructions for transmitting a function execution request corresponding to a user input to the server device 1030 . As another example, the memory 1650 may communicate with the user terminal 1020 to set a function related to the first button device 1600 or store instructions for setting a communication path. The memory 1650 may be volatile memory (eg, RAM, etc.), non-volatile memory (eg, ROM, flash memory, etc.), or a combination thereof.

According to one embodiment, the processor 1660 may execute operations or data processing related to control and/or communication of at least one other component of the first button device 1600 using instructions stored in the memory 1650. there is. The processor 1660 may include, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microprocessor, an application processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a field programmable gate arrays (FPGA). )), and may have a plurality of cores.

According to one embodiment, the processor 1660 is connected to the second button device 1700 through the connection circuit 1610 in a first state, when the input device 1630 is manipulated, through the communication circuit 1620 A message related to the first function execution request may be transmitted to the server device 1030 . For example, when the input device 1630 is manipulated in the first state, the processor 1660 acquires first function information from the memory 1650 and sends a message requesting execution of the first function to the server device 1030. can send The message related to the first function execution request may include, for example, identification information (eg, ID) of the first button device 1600 and a first function execution request. According to various embodiments, the first button device 1600 includes at least one coupling member 1017_1 to which at least one tag can be attached or detached; and a reader 1017_2 capable of obtaining information of the at least one tag. In this case, when at least one tag is mounted on at least one coupling member 1017_1, the processor 1660 obtains information (eg, ID) of the at least one tag, and attaches the at least one tag to the server device 1030. It is possible to transmit information of , obtain first function information in response to the transmission, and store the first function information in the memory 1650 . The processor 1660 requests a function corresponding to the at least one tag (corresponding to the first function information) to the server device 1030 when a user input related to function execution is received while at least one tag is mounted. can

According to one embodiment, the processor 1660 may determine that the first button device 1600 is the main button device when the second button device 1700 is electrically connected to the second connection circuit 1612 . If the first button device 1600 is the main button device, the processor 1660 sends a message requesting information on the second button device to the second button device 1700 when confirming that it is connected to the second button device 1700. It is possible to transmit and receive information on the second button device from the second button device 1700 in response to the request. The information of the second button device may include, for example, at least one of identification information of the second button device 1700 and execution function information associated with the second button device 1700 . When the second button device 1700 is electrically connected to the third button device, the second button device 1700 receives information on the third button device, and transmits the received information on the third button device to the first button device ( 1600) (eg, the processor 1660. Then, it can be confirmed that the processor 1660 is connected to at least one third button device through the second button device 1700. In FIG. 16, description is convenient. For this purpose, a case in which the first button device 1600 is connected to the second button device 1700 will be described as an example.

According to one embodiment, the processor 1660 transmits connection order information between the second button device 1700 and the first button device 1600 to the communication circuit 1620 when the second button device 1700 is connected to the second state. It can be transmitted to the server device 1030 through. The connection order information is, for example, the connection order information of the first button device 1600 and the second button device 1700 associated with the identification information of the first button device 1600 and the second button device 1700. can include For example, the connection order information includes functions related to the first button device 1600 and the second button device 1700 and connection order information of the first button device 1600 and the second button device 1700. can include

According to an embodiment, the processor 1660 may receive second function information from the server device 1030 through the communication circuit 1620 in response to the connection order information. The second function information may include, for example, information on a function to be executed by the target device upon receiving a user input.

According to an embodiment, upon receiving the second function information, the processor 1660 may guide the second function information to the user through voice or a screen through the output device 1640 . For example, the processor 1660 may display at least one of text or image related to the second function on the display. For another example, the processor 1660 may output a phrase related to the second function through a speaker.

According to an embodiment, the processor 1660 may transmit a message related to a second function execution request to the server device 1030 through the communication circuit 1620 when receiving a user input related to execution of a specified function. Upon receiving a user input, the processor 1660 may transmit the message to the server device 1030 based on message information defining a function to be requested. Upon receiving the execution request message of the second function, the server device 1030 may instruct the execution of the second function to the target device 1040 corresponding to the second function. The target device 1040 may be, for example, an IoT device, and the second function may be a function of changing a state of the IoT device. The user input may be received from the input device 1630 . According to various embodiments, when the first button device 1600 (main button device) is disposed under the second button device 1700 (sub button device), a user input is received from the second button device 1700. It can be.

In the above embodiment, the case where the first button device 1600 is a main button device has been described as an example, but the first button device 1600 may operate as a sub button device. Hereinafter, a case in which the first button device 1600 is a sub button device and the second button device 1700 is a main button device will be described as an example.

According to one embodiment, when the first button device 1600 is in a third state connected to the second button device 1700 through the first connection circuit 1611, the processor 1660 determines that the first button device 1600 It can be determined that it is a sub-button device. The processor 1660 may deactivate the communication circuit 1620 when the first button device 1600 is a sub button device. Thereafter, the processor 1660 may activate the communication circuit 1620 again when confirming disconnection with the first button device 1600 .

According to one embodiment, the processor 1660 receives an identification information request message from the second button device 1700 in a third state electrically connected to the second button device 1700 through the first connection circuit 1611. and may transmit its own identification information in response to the request. Thus, the second button device 1700 (main button device) is an integrated button device configured by combining the first button device 1600 and the second button device 1700 using identification information (eg, 1010 in FIG. 1) It may be associated with a function corresponding to .

According to one embodiment, the third button device may be further electrically connected to the second connection circuit 1612 . In this case, when the processor 1660 is connected to the third button device through the second connection circuit 1612, it transmits an identification information request message to the third button device, and transmits the identification information of the third button device to the first button device. (1600). The processor 1660 may further transmit combination order information of the third button device and the second button device 1700 .

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, when the main button device is an upper button device, an input device of the sub button device may be used as an input device of the integrated button device. For example, the first button device 1600 is a sub button device positioned above the second button device 1700, and may be connected to the second button device 1700 through a second connection circuit 1612. In this case, the processor 1660 may transmit a user input to the second button device 1700 (main button device) through the second connection circuit 1610 when the input device 1630 is manipulated. For example, when the input device 1630 is manipulated by the user, the processor 1660 may transmit a user input to the second button device 1700 through the second connection circuit 1612 . In this case, the second button device 1700 may receive a user input and transmit a message related to the second function request to the server device 1030 .

According to various embodiments, the processor 1660 receives, from the server device 1030, a change instruction for at least one of the first function and the second function received from the server device 1030 through the communication circuit 1620. If so, message information defining the first function or the second function requested to the external device may be changed. Also, the processor 1660 may store function information on the changed function in the memory 1650 . When the first function or the second function is changed, the processor 1660 may output screen information related to the function change through the output device 1640 .

According to various embodiments, the processor 1660 may set the location of the main button device and the sub button device by the user, in addition to the functions according to the combination sequence of the integrated button device (eg, 1010 of FIG. 10 ).

According to the above-described embodiment, one button device may perform a function of a main button device or a sub button device according to an order of coupling with other button devices, and may be associated with various functions.

Figure 18 shows a flow chart of a function control method of the main button device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 18 , in operation 1810, the processor (eg, 1660 of FIG. 16 ) may determine whether the button device (eg, 1700 of FIG. 17 ) is connected through a connection circuit.

In operation 1820, the processor 1660 transmits a first signal to an external device (eg, 1030 of FIG. 10) through the communication circuit 1620 when the input device 1630 is manipulated in a first state in which no other button device is connected. You can send messages related to feature requests.

In operation 1830, if the processor 1660 is in a second state connected to another button device, upon receiving a user input related to execution of a designated function, the processor 1660 sends the external device 1130 through the communication circuit 1620 a second state corresponding to the second state. 2 Can send messages related to feature requests. The user input may be received from the input device 1630 or another button device (eg, 1700 of FIG. 17 ).

19 is a flowchart of a function control method of an auxiliary button device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 19 , in operation 1910, the processor (eg, 1660 of FIG. 16 ) may determine whether the button device (eg, 1700 of FIG. 10 ) is connected through a connection circuit.

In operation 1920, if the processor 1660 is in a first state where another button device ( 1700 in FIG. 17 ) is not connected, the input device 1630 is manipulated through the communication circuit 1620 to an external device (eg, FIG. In 1030 of 10), a message related to the first function request may be transmitted.

In operation 1930, the processor 1660 transmits identification information to the other button device 1700 through the connection circuit 1610 when the second state is connected to the other button device 1700, thereby enabling the other button device 1700 to be used by the user. Depending on the input, the second function may be requested to the external device 1030 .

20 is a flowchart of a detailed function control method of a button device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 20 , in operation 2010, the processor (eg, 1660 of FIG. 16 ) may determine whether the button device (eg, 1700 of FIG. 17 ) is connected through the connection circuit 1630 .

In operation 2020, when the processor 1660 is connected to another button device 1700 through the connection circuit 1610, it may be determined whether the button device is the main button device. The processor 1660 may determine whether it is a main button device or a sub button device based on which circuit is connected between the first connection circuit 1611 and the second connection circuit 1612 .

In operation 2030, the processor 1660 may transmit connection order information to the external device 1030. The connection order information may be information related to the order in which button devices are combined in a specified direction, for example, from top to bottom.

In operation 2040, the processor 1660 may receive second function information corresponding to connection order information from the external device 1030.

At operation 2050, the processor 1660 may determine whether user input is received. The user input may be received from the sub button device and may be received from the input device 1630 .

In operation 2060, when a user input is received, the processor 1660 may transmit a message related to a second function execution request to the external device 1030.

In operation 2020, if it is confirmed that the button device (eg, 1600 in FIG. 16 ) is a sub button device, the processor 1660 may transmit identification information of the button device 1600 to the main button device in operation 2020.

In operation 2010, when it is determined that the button device is not connected to another button device through the connection circuit 1610, the processor 1660 may determine whether a user input is received in operation 2080.

In operation 2090, when a user input is received, the processor 1660 may transmit a message related to the first function request to the external device.

According to one embodiment, a button device (eg, 1600 in FIG. 16 ) includes a housing including a first surface and a second surface facing in an opposite direction to the first surface (eg, 1600H in FIG. 17 ); an input device exposed through a portion of the first surface (eg, 1630 in FIG. 16 ); a communication circuit disposed between the first surface and the second surface and capable of communicating with an external device (eg, 1620 in FIG. 16 ); a connection circuit exposed through a portion of at least one surface of the first surface or the second surface and electrically connected to another button device (eg, 1610 in FIG. 16 ); a processor disposed between the first surface and the second surface and functionally connected to the input device, the communication circuit, and the connection circuit (eg, 1660 of FIG. 16 ); and a memory (eg, 1650 of FIG. 16 ) disposed between the first surface and the second surface and electrically connected to the processor. When the processor receives an input signal based on the input device in a first state in which the processor is not connected to the other button device through the connection circuit during execution, the memory is transferred to the external device through the communication circuit. 1 When a message related to a function request is transmitted and a user input related to execution of a designated function is received in a second state connected to the other button device through the connection circuit, the second state is transmitted to the external device through the communication circuit At least one command set to transmit a message related to the second function request corresponding to may be stored.

The memory may further store instructions configured to determine that the second state is connected to the other button device when the processor receives information of the other button device through the connection circuit when executed.

The memory transmits information indicating that the second state is in the external device through the communication circuit when the processor confirms that the connection with the other button device is executed, and the external device returns to the second state. Instructions configured to receive corresponding second function information may be further stored.

According to one embodiment, the button device 1600 further includes an output device (eg, 1640 of FIG. 16 ), and the memory stores the output device when the processor receives the second function information during execution. Commands set to output screen information according to the execution of the second function may be further stored.

The user input may be received from the other button device through the connection circuit.

The second function may include a function of sequentially or collectively executing a third function associated with the other button device and the first function; a function different from the first function and the third function; Alternatively, it may include a function of executing the first function and the third function in association with each other.

When the memory is executed, the processor receives information indicating that the other button device is connected to another button device through the connection circuit in a third state from the other button device, and receives the user input in the third state. When receiving, commands configured to transmit a message related to the fourth function request to the external device through the communication circuit may be further stored.

The first function or the second function may include a function of changing a state of an IoT device through the external device.

The form of the second function may be different according to the connection sequence information of the other button device and the button device.

According to one embodiment, the button device 1600 includes at least one coupling member (eg, 1017_1 in FIG. 14 ) to which at least one tag is detachable; and a reader (for example, 1017_2 in FIG. 14 ) capable of obtaining information of the at least one tag, wherein the memory, when executed, causes the processor to obtain the information of the at least one tag through the reader. and may further store commands configured to request a function corresponding to the information of the at least one tag to the external device.

When the processor receives a change instruction for at least one of the first function and the second function from the external device during execution, the memory requests the first function or the second function from the external device. Commands set to update message information defining functions may be further stored.

According to one embodiment, the button device 1600 further includes an output device (eg, 1640 in FIG. 16 ), and the memory stores the processor when the first function or the second function is changed during execution. , Commands set to output screen information related to function change through the output device may be further stored.

According to one embodiment, the button device 1600 includes a housing including a first surface and a second surface facing the opposite direction to the first surface (eg, 1600H in FIG. 17 ); an input device exposed through a portion of the first surface (eg, 1630 in FIG. 16 ); a communication circuit disposed between the first surface and the second surface and capable of communicating with an external device (eg, 1620 in FIG. 16 ); a connection circuit exposed through a portion of at least one surface of the first surface or the second surface and electrically connected to another button device (eg, 1610 in FIG. 16 ); a processor disposed between the first surface and the second surface and functionally connected to the input device, the communication circuit, and the connection circuit (eg, 1660 of FIG. 16 ); and a memory (eg, 1650 in FIG. 16 ) disposed between the first surface and the second surface, storing identification information, and electrically connected to the processor, wherein the memory, when executed, is electrically connected to the processor. A, in a first state not connected to the other button device through the connection circuit, when receiving an input signal based on the input device, transmits a message related to a first function request to the external device through the communication circuit; , In the second state connected to the other button device through the connection circuit, the other button device performs a second function according to a user input as the identification information is transmitted to the other button device through the connection circuit. At least one command set to be requested can be stored.

The memory may further store instructions set so that the processor, when executed, transmits the identification information at the request of the other button device through the connection circuit.

When the memory is executed, the processor transmits the user input to the other button device through the connection circuit when the input device is manipulated in the second state, so that the other button device is connected to the external device. Commands configured to transmit a message related to the second function request may be further stored.

The second function may include: a function of sequentially or collectively executing the first function and a third function associated with the other button device; a function different from the first function and the third function; Alternatively, it may include a function of executing the first function and the third function in association with each other.

The connection circuit includes a first connection circuit electrically connected to the other button device, and a second connection circuit capable of being connected to another button device, and the memory, when executed, the processor, the second connection circuit When connected to the another button device through a circuit, a message requesting identification information of the another button device is transmitted to the another button device, and in response to the request, the another button device is sent to the another button device. It may further store instructions set to receive identification information of a device and transmit identification information of another button device to the other button device.

According to one embodiment, the button device 1600 includes at least one coupling member (eg, 1017_1 in FIG. 14 ) to which at least one tag is detachable; and a reader (for example, 1017_2 in FIG. 14 ) capable of obtaining information of the at least one tag, wherein the memory, when executed, causes the processor to obtain the information of the at least one tag through the reader. and may further store commands configured to request a function corresponding to the information of the at least one tag to the external device.

When the processor receives a change instruction for at least one of the first function and the second function received from the external device through the communication circuit during execution, the memory may be stored in the external device. Commands set to update the first function requested to the device or message information defining the function may be further stored.

According to one embodiment, the method for controlling a function by a button device 1600 may include an operation of checking whether the button device 1600 is connected to another button device through a connection circuit; transmitting a message related to a first function request to an external device through a communication circuit when a message based on an input device is received when the other button device is not connected in a first state; and transmitting a message related to a second function request corresponding to the second state to the external device through the communication circuit when a user input related to execution of a designated function is received in a second state connected to the other button device. can include

The term "module" used in this document includes a unit composed of hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic blocks, parts, or circuits, for example. can A “module” may be an integrally constructed component or a minimal unit or part thereof that performs one or more functions. A "module" may be implemented mechanically or electronically, for example, a known or future developed application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chip, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or A programmable logic device may be included.

At least some of the devices (eg, modules or functions thereof) or methods (eg, operations) according to various embodiments include instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium (eg, the memory 930) in the form of program modules. can be implemented as When the command is executed by a processor (eg, the processor 920), the processor may perform a function corresponding to the command. Computer-readable recording media include hard disks, floppy disks, magnetic media (e.g. magnetic tape), optical recording media (e.g. CD-ROM, DVD, magneto-optical media (e.g. floptical disks), built-in memory, etc.) The instruction may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter.

Each component (eg, module or program module) according to various embodiments may be composed of a single object or a plurality of entities, and some sub-components among the aforementioned corresponding sub-components may be omitted, or other sub-components may be used. can include more. Alternatively or additionally, some components (eg, modules or program modules) may be integrated into one entity and perform the same or similar functions performed by each corresponding component prior to integration. Operations performed by modules, program modules, or other components according to various embodiments are executed sequentially, in parallel, repetitively, or heuristically, or at least some operations are executed in a different order, omitted, or other operations. this may be added.

Claims (20)

In the button device,
a housing including a first surface and a second surface facing in an opposite direction to the first surface;
an input device exposed through a portion of the first surface;
a communication circuit disposed between the first surface and the second surface and capable of communicating with an external device;
a connection circuit exposed through a portion of at least one surface of the first surface or the second surface and electrically connected to another button device;
a processor disposed between the first surface and the second surface and operatively connected to the input device, the communication circuit, and the connection circuit; and
a memory disposed between the first surface and the second surface and electrically connected to the processor;
The memory, when executed, the processor,
In a first state not connected to the other button device through the connection circuit, when an input signal based on the input device is received, a message related to a first function request is transmitted to the external device through the communication circuit,
In a second state connected to the other button device through the connection circuit, when a user input related to execution of a designated function is received, a message related to a second function request corresponding to the second state is sent to the external device through the communication circuit Stores at least one command set to transmit,
The second function is,
a function of sequentially or collectively executing a third function associated with the other button device and the first function;
a function different from the first function and the third function; or
A button device comprising a function of executing the first function and the third function in association with each other. The method of claim 1, wherein the memory, when executed, the processor,
A button device further storing instructions set to determine that the second state is connected to the other button device when information of the other button device is received through the connection circuit. The method of claim 1, wherein the memory, when executed, the processor,
If it is confirmed that the connection with the other button device is confirmed, information indicating that the second state is transmitted to the external device through the communication circuit;
A button device further storing commands set to receive second function information corresponding to the second state from the external device. ◈Claim 4 was abandoned when the registration fee was paid.◈ According to claim 3,
further comprising an output device;
The memory, when executed, the processor,
When the second function information is received, the button device further stores commands set to output screen information according to the execution of the second function through the output device. The method of claim 1, wherein the user input,
A button device received from the other button device through the connection circuit. delete The method of claim 1, wherein the memory, when executed, the processor,
Receiving information from the other button device through the connection circuit indicating that the other button device is connected to another button device in a third state;
A button device further storing commands configured to transmit a message related to a fourth function request to the external device through the communication circuit when the user input is received in the third state. The method of claim 1, wherein the first function or the second function,
Button device including a function of changing the state of the IoT device through the external device. The button device according to claim 1, wherein the second function has a different form according to connection order information between the other button device and the button device. According to claim 1,
at least one coupling member to which at least one tag is detachable; and
Further comprising a reader capable of obtaining information of the at least one tag,
The memory, when executed, the processor,
A button device configured to obtain information of the at least one tag through the reader and store commands configured to request a function corresponding to the information of the at least one tag to the external device. The method of claim 1, wherein the memory, when executed, the processor,
When a change instruction for at least one of the first function and the second function is received from the external device,
A button device further storing commands set to update message information defining the first function or the second function requested to the external device. ◈Claim 12 was abandoned when the registration fee was paid.◈ According to claim 11,
further comprising an output device;
The memory, when executed, the processor,
When the first function or the second function is changed, the button device further stores commands set to output screen information related to the function change through the output device. In the button device,
a housing including a first surface and a second surface facing in an opposite direction to the first surface;
an input device exposed through a portion of the first surface;
a communication circuit disposed between the first surface and the second surface and capable of communicating with an external device;
a connection circuit exposed through a portion of at least one surface of the first surface or the second surface and electrically connected to another button device;
a processor disposed between the first surface and the second surface and operatively connected to the input device, the communication circuit, and the connection circuit; and
a memory disposed between the first surface and the second surface and electrically connected to the processor;
The memory, when executed, the processor,
In a first state not connected to the other button device through the connection circuit, when an input signal based on the input device is received, a message related to a first function request is transmitted to the external device through the communication circuit,
In a second state connected to the other button device through the connection circuit, the other button device stores at least one command set to request a second function to the external device according to a user input,
The second function is,
a function of sequentially or collectively executing the first function and a third function associated with the other button device; a function different from the first function and the third function; or a button device including a function of executing the first function and the third function in association with each other. delete ◈Claim 15 was abandoned when the registration fee was paid.◈ According to claim 13,
In the second state, when the input device is manipulated, the other button device transmits a message related to the second function request to the external device as the user input is transmitted to the other button device through the connection circuit. A button device that stores set commands. delete delete ◈Claim 18 was abandoned when the registration fee was paid.◈ According to claim 13,
at least one coupling member to which at least one tag is detachable; and
Further comprising a reader capable of obtaining information of the at least one tag,
The memory, when executed, the processor,
A button device configured to obtain information of the at least one tag through the reader and store commands configured to request a function corresponding to the information of the at least one tag to the external device. ◈Claim 19 was abandoned when the registration fee was paid.◈ 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the memory, when executed, the processor,
When a change instruction for at least one function of the first function or the second function received from the external device through the communication circuit is received from the external device,
A button device further storing commands set to update message information defining the first function or the function requested to the external device. ◈Claim 20 was abandoned when the registration fee was paid.◈ As a function control method by a button device,
an operation of checking whether connection with another button device is made through a connection circuit;
transmitting a message related to a first function request to an external device through a communication circuit when a message based on an input device is received when the other button device is not connected in a first state; and
transmitting a message related to a second function request corresponding to the second state to the external device through the communication circuit when a user input related to execution of a designated function is received in a second state connected to the other button device;
including,
The second function is,
a function of sequentially or collectively executing a third function associated with the other button device and the first function;
a function different from the first function and the third function; or
A function control method comprising a function of executing the first function and the third function in association with each other.

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