Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
The suffix "module" and " part "for components used in the following description are given merely for convenience of description, and do not give special significance or role in themselves. Accordingly, the terms "module" and "part" may be used interchangeably.
1 is an example of a communication system configuration diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The communication system 50 includes a home appliance 200, a communication device 100, an AP device 400, a power information transmission device 300, a network 550, A first server 500, a mobile terminal 600, and a second server 700.
The communication device 100 is capable of exchanging data with the home appliance 200 by wire and is capable of wirelessly transmitting or receiving data with the AP device 400 and the power information transmission device 300. [
In particular, when the access point entry signal is inputted, the communication apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention transmits network identifier information to the outside, connects to the mobile terminal 600 receiving the network identifier information, When receiving the product information request from the mobile terminal 600, the mobile terminal 600 can transmit the product information of the home appliance.
For example, the product information may be a concept including the product type (refrigerator, washing machine, etc.) of the home appliance, product manufacturing date information, product serial number, type / version information of the firmware installed in the product, and the like.
The communication apparatus 100 may temporarily enter an access point (AP) mode when an access point entering signal is input. That is, like the AP apparatus, the network identifier (SSID) information can be transmitted to the outside.
On the other hand, the mobile terminal 600 can receive the network identifier information from the communication device 100 operating in the AP mode temporarily. When the mobile terminal 600 receives the network identifier information, the mobile terminal 600 can access the communication apparatus 100 using the received network identifier information. The mobile terminal 600 can request the product information of the home appliance from the communication device 100 and receive the product information of the home appliance from the communication device 100. [ The mobile terminal 600 can transmit the product information of the home appliance to the first server 500 via the AP apparatus 400 and the external network 400. [ As a result, product registration can be easily performed on the first server 500.
On the other hand, the first server 500 may need more user information at the time of product registration. Accordingly, the mobile terminal 600 may transmit the user information about the user of the mobile terminal 600 to the first server 500 at the time of transferring the product information or thereafter.
Meanwhile, the first server 500 can transmit the product registration result to the mobile terminal 600 via the external network 400 and the AP apparatus 400. Accordingly, the mobile terminal 600 can display the transmission result, and the user can easily grasp the product registration result of the home appliance.
Meanwhile, the first server 500 can store firmware information, driving information (course information, etc.) in addition to product registration to the communication device 100 or the home appliance 200. [ For example, the first server 500 may be a server operated by the manufacturer of the home appliance 200. As another example, the first server 500 may be a server operated by a published application store operator.
On the other hand, the communication apparatus 100 may include a communication module for operating in the AP mode. In particular, a communication module for connecting the AP apparatus 400 can be provided. In addition, the communication apparatus 100 may further include a communication module for receiving power information.
For example, the communication device 100 may include a first communication module 110 and a second communication module 120 of different types. At this time, when the access point entry signal is input, the first communication module 110 transmits the network identifier information to the outside, and can be used to connect to the mobile terminal that has received the network identifier information.
In addition, the first communication module 110 can transmit state information of the home appliance and receive remote control information on the home appliance.
Meanwhile, the second communication module 120 can receive power information for the home appliance. Accordingly, the remote control information and the power information for the home appliance can be simply received.
For example, the first communication module 110 transmits the state information of the home appliance to the AP device 400 according to the first communication method, and receives the remote control information for the home appliance from the AP device 400 And the second communication module 120 can receive power information from the power information transmission apparatus 300 according to the second communication scheme. The communication apparatus 100 will be described later with reference to Fig.
The home appliance 200 is an electric device for a user, for example, a refrigerator 200a, a washing machine 200b, an air conditioner 200c, a cooking device 200d, and the like. In addition, it may be a concept including a cleaner, a TV, and the like.
On the other hand, the home appliance 200 can transmit the product information of the home appliance to the communication device 100. For example, product information may be stored in the memory of the home appliance and then transmitted to the communication device 100 at the request of the communication device 100. [
On the other hand, the home appliance 200 can transmit operation state information of the home appliance to the communication device 100. For example, the operation state information may be a concept including the operation period information, the current operation time information, the remaining operation time information, the current operation type information, and the like in the case of the current operation. The operation state information is stored in the memory of the home appliance at predetermined time intervals and can be transmitted to the communication device 100 at the request of the communication device 100. [
On the other hand, the home appliance 200 can receive the recommendation operation information based on the power information or the power information received from the communication apparatus 100, and can execute the operation in the optimum recommended operation mode corresponding to the power information.
In this manner, the communication device 100 transmits the received remote control information and the power information to the home appliance 200, thereby making it possible to remotely control the home appliance 200 or to use the electric power efficiently.
The power information transmission apparatus 300 can transmit the power information received from the second server 700 to the communication apparatus 100. [ To this end, the power information transmission apparatus 300 can transmit power information to the second communication module 120 of the communication apparatus 100 according to the second communication scheme.
Here, the second communication method may be a ZigBee communication method. That is, the power information transmitting apparatus 300 can transmit the power information received from the second server 700 to the communication apparatus 100 by the Zigbee communication method.
Meanwhile, the power information may include at least one of time information, electricity rate information, electricity rate information per section, real-time electricity rate information, peak time information, and peak time-off information.
Meanwhile, the power information transmission apparatus 300 transmits power information based on a smart grid, and thus may be called a smart meter.
Meanwhile, the second server 700 may be a server operated by a power supplier that supplies power.
An access point (AP) device 400 may provide a network to an adjacent electric device. In particular, a wireless network can be provided.
On the other hand, the AP apparatus 400 can allocate a wireless channel according to the first communication method to the electronic devices in the internal network, and perform wireless data communication through the corresponding channel. Here, the first communication method may be a WiFi communication method.
For example, it is possible to perform wireless data communication with the communication device 100 or the mobile terminal 600 located in the internal network 10 by the WiFi method.
At this time, the mobile terminal 600 located in the internal network 10 can perform monitoring, remote control, and the like on the home appliance by accessing the communication device 100 through the AP device 400. [
Meanwhile, the AP apparatus 400 can perform data communication with an external electronic device via the external network 550 in addition to the internal network 10. [
For example, the AP apparatus 400 can perform wireless data communication with an external mobile terminal through the external network 550. [
At this time, the mobile terminal located outside can access the communication apparatus 100 through the external network 550 and the AP apparatus 400, thereby performing monitoring, remote control, and the like with respect to the home appliance.
As another example, the AP apparatus 400 may perform wireless data communication with the first server 500 located externally through the external network 550.
On the other hand, the connection state between the home appliance 200 and the communication device 100 in the internal network 10 of FIG. 1 is shown by a solid line, and the connection state between the communication device 100 and the power information transmission device 300, Between the communication device 100 and the AP device 400 and between the AP device 400 and the mobile terminal 600 are shown by dotted lines. A solid line at this time indicates wired data communication, and a dotted line indicates wireless data communication.
Meanwhile, the AP device 400 and the network 550 are shown by a solid line, but in this case, they may be a combination of wireless data communication or wired data communication.
2 is an internal block diagram of the communication apparatus of FIG.
A communication unit 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first communication module 110, a second communication module 120, an interface unit 130, a memory 140, a processor 170, And a power supply unit 180, as shown in FIG.
1, the communication device 100 is attached to the case of the home appliance 200 and can be connected to the internal circuit of the home appliance by wire.
According to the embodiment of the present invention, the first communication module 110 exchanges data by performing direct data communication with the mobile terminal 600 when the mobile terminal 600 is in the AP mode. In case of the station mode, And exchanges data with the AP apparatus 400 that is connected to the network.
Specifically, when the access point entry signal is inputted, the first communication module 110 transmits the network identifier information as an AP mode to the outside. The first communication module 110 is connected to the mobile terminal 600 that has received the network identifier information. When receiving the product information request from the mobile terminal 600, the first communication module 110 transmits the product information of the home appliance to the mobile terminal 600 Can be transmitted.
The first communication module 110 accesses the AP device 400 using the network information of the AP device 400 received from the mobile terminal 600 in the station mode, Exchanges data with the device 400.
The first communication module 110 transmits the state information of the home appliance 200 to the AP device 400 by the first communication method and transmits the remote control information for the home appliance 200 to the AP device 400. [ (400). Here, the first communication method may be a WiFi communication method as described above.
Meanwhile, the first communication module 110 may receive the firmware information related to the second communication module 120 or the power information transmitting apparatus that provides power information.
The first communication module 110 transmits information about the second communication module 120 to the outside for the first connection with the power information transmission device 300 that provides the power information to the second communication module 120 Or receive information on the power information transmitting apparatus 300 from the outside.
The second communication module 120 can receive power information from the power information transmission apparatus 300 by a second communication method different from the first communication method. Here, the second communication method may be a Zigbee communication method as described above.
The interface unit 130 may perform wire data communication with the home appliance 200. For example, data communication can be performed by a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter) communication method.
The interface unit 130 can receive product information, status information, and the like from the home appliance 200 and can transmit power information, remote control information, firmware information, and the like to the home appliance 200.
The memory 140 may store a boot loader, OS kernel, or file system for the communication device 100.
The memory 140 may also store network information for wireless data communication with the AP device 400. [ Here, the network information may include network identifier information (SSID) of the AP apparatus 400, network name information, password information, and the like.
The memory 140 may store the power information transmission apparatus 300 information for wireless data communication with the power information transmission apparatus 300. [ For example, the serial number and device name information of the power information transmission apparatus 300 can be stored.
On the other hand, the communication device 100 can be attached to and detached from a plurality of home appliances. For example, it is possible to attach to a first home appliance, perform communication, attach and detach, and attach to a second home appliance to perform communication. Then, it can be attached again to the first home appliance to perform communication.
In this case, the memory 140 may store product information, status information, or communication channel information for communication with the first communication module 110, for each of the home appliances 200. As a result, when it is attached to the first home appliance again, wireless data communication with the AP device 400 is possible without any setting.
According to the embodiment of the present invention, the processor 170 controls to enter the AP mode according to the access point entry signal input from the home appliance 200. [ That is, the processor 170 controls to transmit the network identifier information to the outside, controls the network identifier information to be connected to the receiving mobile terminal 600, and when receiving the product information request from the mobile terminal 600, It is possible to control the mobile terminal 600 to transmit the product information of the home appliance.
Meanwhile, when receiving the network information of the AP apparatus 400 from the mobile terminal 600, the processor 170 controls to enter the station mode. That is, the processor 170 terminates the connection with the mobile terminal 600 and controls the AP 170 to access the AP apparatus 400 using the network information of the AP apparatus 400 received from the mobile terminal 600. [ Accordingly, the communication apparatus 100 can exchange data with the AP apparatus 400. [
On the other hand, the processor 170 controls the overall operation within the communication device 100. [
For example, the processor 170 controls the first communication module 110 to transmit a pairing signal to the AP device 400, and receives the pairing response signal via the first communication module 110 .
On the other hand, the processor 170 can perform Zigbee communication with the power information transmitting apparatus 300 when the communication apparatus 100 is powered on.
Specifically, when the power information transmission apparatus 300 knows the product information for the communication apparatus 100, the power information transmission apparatus 300 transmits a pairing signal for the communication apparatus 100, And transmit the pairing response signal to the power information transmitting apparatus 300. Accordingly, ZigBee communication can be performed.
Conversely, when the communication device 100 knows the product information about the power information transmission device 300, the power information transmission device 300 transmits the pairing signal to the power information transmission device 300, May transmit a pairing response signal to communication device 100. [ Accordingly, ZigBee communication can be performed.
On the other hand, if the communication device 100 does not know the product information for the power information transmission device 300 or if the power information transmission device 300 does not know the product information for the communication device 100, The first server 500 or the like to control the downloading of the product information to the power information transmitting apparatus 300 or to transmit the information about the second communication module 120 to the outside via the first communication module 110 To be transmitted. The processor 170 may perform Zigbee communication with the power information transmission apparatus 300 using the product information on the downloaded power information transmission apparatus 300. [
The processor 170 may be configured to determine whether the frequency of the first communication module 110 and the second communication module 120 is substantially the same as that of the first communication module 110 and the second communication module 120, , It is possible to control the reception timings to be spaced apart from each other.
For example, when power information is received via the second communication module 120 during the reception of the remote control signal via the first communication module 110, the processor 170 determines whether the first communication module 110 receives the power information, The second communication module 120 can control the power information to be received first. At this time, the processor 170 may control the AP device 400 to transmit a retransmission request for the remote control signal through the first communication module 110. [
As another example, if the power information is received through the second communication module 120 while the state information of the home appliance is transmitted to the AP device 400 through the first communication module 110, the processor 170 , The operation of the first communication module 110 may be temporarily stopped, and the power information may be controlled to be received first through the second communication module 120. The processor 170 may control to transmit the state information of the home appliance to the AP device 400 through the first communication module 110 again after the power information is received.
When the frequency bands of the first communication module 110 and the second communication module 120 are substantially equal to each other, the transmission and reception timings of the first communication module 110 and the second communication module 120 are different from each other It is possible to prevent frequency interference between the first communication module 100 and the second communication module 120 having different communication methods.
The processor 170 controls the first communication module 110 and the second communication module 120 to operate simultaneously if the frequency bands of the first communication module 110 and the second communication module 120 are different from each other can do. In this case, since the possibility of frequency interference is remarkably low, it is possible to operate simultaneously.
On the other hand, when the processor 170 receives the firmware information related to the second communication module 120 or the power information transmitting apparatus 300 that provides the power information through the first communication module 110, the processor 170 May update the firmware of the second communication module 120 or transmit the firmware information to the power information transmitting apparatus 300 using the received firmware information.
As described above, by receiving the firmware information related to the second communication module 120 or the power information transmitting apparatus 300 that provides the power information through the first communication module 110 that can be connected to the external server 500, 2 communication module 120 can be simply updated.
The power supply unit 180 supplies operating power to the processor 170. For example, a DC power source of 5 V may be supplied to the processor 170.
Meanwhile, the processor 170 may supply the first and second communication modules 110 and 120 with the respective operating DC power. For example, the processor 170 generates a first DC power source of approximately 1.7 V and a DC power source of approximately 3.3 V by down-converting (down) And the second communication module 120 can be supplied with the second DC power.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a refrigerator, which is an example of the home appliance of FIG. 1;
The refrigerator 200a according to the present invention includes a case 210 having an inner space divided into a freezing compartment and a refrigerating compartment, a freezing compartment door 219 for shielding the freezing compartment, The outward appearance of the refrigerator compartment is formed by the refrigerator compartment door 240.
A door handle 218 protruding frontward is further provided on the front surface of the freezing compartment door 219 and the refrigerating compartment door 240 so that the user can easily grip the freezing compartment door 219 and the refrigerator compartment door 240 .
Meanwhile, a home bar 280 may be provided on the front of the refrigerator compartment door 240, which is a means for allowing the user to take out a stored beverage such as a beverage stored in the refrigerator compartment door 240 without opening the refrigerator compartment door 240.
The dispenser 260 may be provided on the front surface of the freezer compartment door 219 as a convenience means for allowing the user to easily remove the ice or drinking water without opening the freezer compartment door 219. In addition, A control panel 215 may be further provided on the upper side of the refrigerator 200a to control the driving operation of the refrigerator 200a and display the state of the refrigerator 200a in operation.
The control panel 215 may include an input unit 216 including a plurality of buttons, and a display unit 230 for displaying a control screen and an operation state.
The display unit 230 displays information such as a control screen, an operating state, and a room temperature. For example, the display unit 230 can display the service type (each ice, water, sculptured ice) of the dispenser, the set temperature of the freezer, and the set temperature of the freezer.
The display unit 230 may be implemented as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), or the like. Also, the display unit 230 may be implemented as a touch screen capable of performing the function of the input unit 216 as well.
The input unit 216 may include a plurality of operation buttons. For example, the input unit 216 may include a dispenser setting button (not shown) for setting the dispenser service type (ice, water, sculpted ice, etc.), a freezer room temperature setting button (not shown) And a refrigerator compartment temperature setting button (not shown) for setting the freezer compartment temperature. Meanwhile, the input unit 216 may be implemented as a touch screen capable of performing the function of the display unit 230 as well.
Meanwhile, the refrigerator according to the present invention is not limited to the double door type shown in the drawing, but may be a one door type, a sliding door type, a curtain door type, Type, and the like, and it is sufficient to provide a compressor and a fan for a refrigerator refrigeration cycle or a refrigeration cycle.
On the other hand, the communication device 100 can be detachably attached to the rear case of the refrigerator 200a.
4 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the inside of the refrigerator shown in FIG.
4 may include a compressor 212, a refrigerating compartment fan 242, a freezing compartment fan 244, a controller 270, and a temperature sensing unit 221. The apparatus further includes a compressor driving unit 213, a refrigerating compartment fan driving unit 243, a freezing compartment fan driving unit 245, a machine room fan 215, a machine room fan driving unit 216, and an input unit 216.
The input unit 216 includes a plurality of operation buttons and transmits a signal to the control unit 270 about the input freezing room set temperature or the refrigerating room setting temperature.
The temperature sensing unit 221 senses the temperature in the refrigerator and transmits a signal regarding the sensed temperature to the controller 270. [ Here, the temperature sensing unit 221 senses the refrigerator compartment temperature and the freezer compartment temperature, respectively. It is also possible to detect the temperature of each chamber in the refrigerating chamber or each chamber in the freezing chamber.
The control unit 270 controls the compressor driving unit 213 and the fan driving unit 243 or 245 to directly control the on / off operation of the compressor 212 and the fan 242 or 244, To finally control the compressor 212, and the fan 242 or 244. Here, the fan driving unit may be a refrigerating compartment fan driving unit 243 or a freezing compartment fan driving unit 245.
For example, the control unit 270 may include a microcomputer and may output a corresponding speed command value signal to the compressor driving unit 213 or the fan driving unit 243 or 245 or 216, respectively. In the embodiment of the present invention, a driving apparatus capable of transmitting without noise to the machine room fan drive unit 216 when the speed setpoint signal is a pulse-width variable based signal is described.
(Not shown), a refrigerator compartment fan motor (not shown), and a freezer compartment fan motor (not shown) are respectively connected to the compressor driving unit 213, the refrigerating compartment fan driving unit 243, and the freezing compartment fan driving unit 245, And each of the electric motors (not shown) is operated at a target rotational speed under the control of the controller 270. [
The machine room fan drive unit 216 includes a driven machine room fan motor 215c and the driven machine room fan motor 215c is operated at a target rotation speed under the control of the controller 270. [
When such an electric motor is a three-phase electric motor, it can be controlled by a switching operation in an inverter (not shown) or can be controlled at a constant speed by using AC power as it is. Here, each electric motor (not shown) may be any one of an induction motor, a BLDC (blush less DC) electric motor, a synRM (synchronous reluctance motor) electric motor,
On the other hand, the control unit 270 can control the operation of the entire refrigerator 200a in addition to the operation control of the compressor 212 and the fans 242 or 244 or 215 as described above. That is, the control unit 270 can control the overall operation of the refrigerant cycle in accordance with the set temperature from the input unit 216. A three-way valve (not shown), a refrigerating compartment expansion valve (not shown), and a refrigerating compartment expansion valve (not shown), in addition to the compressor driving portion 213, the refrigerating compartment fan driving portion 243 and the freezing compartment fan driving portion 245, The freezer compartment expansion valve (not shown) can be further controlled. Also, the operation of the condenser (not shown) can be controlled. In addition, the control unit 270 may control the operation of the display unit 230.
On the other hand, the interface unit 222 can perform wired data communication with the communication device 100. [ For example, data communication can be performed by a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter) communication method.
The interface unit 222 can transmit product information, status information, and the like to the communication device 100, and can receive power information, remote control information, firmware information, and the like from the communication device 100. [
5 is an internal block diagram of the first server of FIG.
Referring to the drawings, the server 500 may include a communication module 530, a storage unit 540, and a processor 520.
The communication module 530 can receive the home appliance related information from the mobile terminal 600. In particular, the home appliance product information can be received. Then, the communication module 530 can transmit the product information registration result information on the received home appliance product information to the mobile terminal 600.
To this end, the communication module 530 may include an Internet module or a mobile communication module.
The storage unit 540 stores the product information of the received home appliance, and stores the received product information for product registration of the home appliance.
The processor 520 may control the overall operation of the server 500.
Meanwhile, when receiving the product information of the home appliance from the mobile terminal 600, the processor 520 may control to generate product registration result information of the home appliance. Then, it is possible to control to transmit the generated product registration result information to the mobile terminal 600.
On the other hand, in another example, when the home appliance related information is the power consumption information of the home appliance, the processor 520 stores the power price information, the on peak time power information, the off peak time power information, Real-time power information, or the like, to the mobile terminal 600. [0064]
The server 500 may be a server operated by a manufacturer of the home appliance 200 or a server operated by an application store operator related to the home appliance 200.
6 is an internal block diagram of the mobile terminal of FIG.
6, the mobile terminal 600 includes a wireless communication unit 610, an A / V input unit 620, a user input unit 630, a sensing unit 640, an output unit 650, A memory 660, an interface unit 670, a control unit 680, and a power supply unit 690.
The wireless communication unit 610 according to the embodiment of the present invention can wirelessly exchange data with the power management unit 500 through the network sharing device 550. [ For example, when the mobile terminal 100 is in the power monitoring mode for the internal power network, the wireless communication unit 610 can send a power monitoring request and accordingly receive monitoring information. As another example, when the mobile terminal 100 is in the remote control mode for the internal power network, the wireless communication unit 610 can transmit a remote control signal. Then, the result information on the remote control can be received.
The wireless communication unit 610 may include a broadcast receiving module 611, a mobile communication module 613, a wireless Internet module 615, an NFC module 617, and a GPS module 619.
The broadcast receiving module 611 may receive at least one of a broadcast signal and broadcast related information from an external broadcast management server through a broadcast channel. At this time, the broadcast channel may include a satellite channel, a terrestrial channel, and the like.
The broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information received through the broadcast receiving module 611 may be stored in the memory 660.
The mobile communication module 613 transmits and receives a radio signal to at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network. Here, the wireless signal may include various types of data according to a voice call signal, a video call signal, or a text / multimedia message transmission / reception.
The wireless Internet module 615 refers to a module for wireless Internet access, and the wireless Internet module 615 can be embedded in the mobile terminal 600 or externally. For example, the wireless Internet module 615 may perform WiFi based wireless communication or WiFi Direct based wireless communication.
The NFC module 617 can perform near field communication. The NFC module 617 can receive data from the electronic device or transmit data to the electronic device when the electronic device is accessed within a predetermined distance, i.e., tagging, with the NFC tag or the NFC module.
In addition, Bluetooth, RFID (radio frequency identification), infrared data association (IrDA), ultra wideband (UWB), ZigBee, and the like can be used as the short distance communication technology.
The Global Positioning System (GPS) module 619 may receive position information from a plurality of GPS satellites.
The A / V (Audio / Video) input unit 620 is for inputting an audio signal or a video signal, and may include a camera 621 and a microphone 623.
The user input unit 630 generates key input data that the user inputs to control the operation of the terminal. The user input unit 630 may include a key pad, a dome switch, and a touch pad (static / static). Particularly, when the touch pad has a mutual layer structure with the display 651, it can be called a touch screen.
The sensing unit 640 senses the current state of the mobile terminal 600 such as the open / close state of the mobile terminal 600, the position of the mobile terminal 600, A sensing signal can be generated.
The sensing unit 640 may include a sensing sensor 641, a pressure sensor 643, a motion sensor 645, and the like. The motion sensor 645 can detect the movement or the position of the mobile terminal 600 using an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a gravity sensor, or the like. In particular, the gyro sensor is a sensor for measuring the angular velocity, and it can sense the direction (angle) of rotation about the reference direction.
The output unit 650 may include a display 651, an acoustic output module 653, an alarm unit 655, and a haptic module 657, and the like.
The display 651 displays and outputs information processed by the mobile terminal 600.
Meanwhile, as described above, when the display 651 and the touch pad have a mutual layer structure to constitute a touch screen, the display 651 may be used as an input device capable of inputting information by the user's touch in addition to the output device .
The audio output module 653 outputs audio data received from the wireless communication unit 610 or stored in the memory 660. [ The sound output module 653 may include a speaker, a buzzer, and the like.
The alarm unit 655 outputs a signal for notifying the occurrence of an event of the mobile terminal 600. For example, it is possible to output a signal in a vibration mode. .
The haptic module 657 generates various tactile effects that the user can feel. A typical example of the haptic effect generated by the haptic module 657 is a vibration effect.
The memory 660 may store a program for processing and controlling the control unit 680 and may store a function for temporarily storing input or output data (e.g., a phone book, a message, a still image, .
The interface unit 670 serves as an interface with all the external devices connected to the mobile terminal 600. The interface unit 670 receives data from the external device or receives power from the external device and transmits the data to the respective components in the mobile terminal 600 so that data in the mobile terminal 600 can be transmitted to the external device .
The controller 680 typically controls the operations of the respective units to control the overall operation of the mobile terminal 600. For example, perform related controls and processing for voice calls, data communications, video calls, and the like. In addition, the control unit 680 may include a multimedia playback module 681 for multimedia playback. The multimedia playback module 681 may be configured in hardware in the controller 680 or may be configured in software separately from the controller 680. [
The power supply unit 690 supplies external power and internal power under the control of the controller 680 and supplies power necessary for operation of the respective components.
Meanwhile, the block diagram of the mobile terminal 600 shown in FIG. 6 is a block diagram for an embodiment of the present invention. Each component of the block diagram may be integrated, added, or omitted according to the specifications of the mobile terminal 600 actually implemented. That is, two or more constituent elements may be combined into one constituent element, or one constituent element may be constituted by two or more constituent elements, if necessary. In addition, the functions performed in each block are intended to illustrate the embodiments of the present invention, and the specific operations and apparatuses do not limit the scope of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation method of the mobile terminal of FIG. 1, FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation method of the operation method of the communication apparatus of FIG. 1, 8 is a diagram referred to in the explanation of the operation method of Fig.
First, referring to FIG. 7, the mobile terminal 600 determines whether there is an application execution input related to the home appliance (S705). If so, the corresponding application is executed (S710). Step 905 of FIG. 9 corresponds to step 705 of FIG. 7, and step 910 of FIG. 9 corresponds to step 710 of FIG. 7.
FIG. 10A illustrates that the home appliance related application execution screen 1010 is displayed in the mobile terminal 600. FIG.
When there is an input to execute the home appliance related application in the mobile terminal 600 according to the user input, the control unit 680 of the mobile terminal 600 controls to drive the pre-installed home appliance related application.
Meanwhile, when the home appliance related application is not installed, the mobile terminal 600 can access the server 500, download the home appliance related application, and install the application in the mobile terminal 600.
In particular, the application execution screen 1010 shown in FIG. 10A exemplifies a user login item (ID, password), a membership subscription item for subscription when the subscription is not made, and the like.
When the home appliance-related application is executed in the mobile terminal 600 and login or the like is performed, various operations related to the home appliance can be performed through the application.
Next, the control unit 680 of the mobile terminal 600 determines whether the product registration item in the executed application is selected according to the user's input (S715). If so, the mobile terminal 600 displays a change request message indicating that the home appliance is changed to the set state (S720). 9, step S915 corresponds to step 715 in FIG. 7, and step 920 in FIG. 9 corresponds to step 720 in FIG. 7.
FIG. 10B illustrates that a more view item 1025 is selected from the home appliance related application screen 1020. FIG. Accordingly, the product registration screen 1030 can be displayed on the display 651 of the mobile terminal 600, as shown in FIG. 10C. FIG. 10C illustrates that the product registration item 1035 is selected in the product registration screen 1030. FIG. Accordingly, the setting screen 1040 including the change request message 1045 indicating that the home appliance is changed to the set state may be displayed on the mobile terminal 600, as shown in FIG. 10D.
Through this message 1045, the user can recognize that the home appliance 200 is changed to the set state.
Next, the communication device 100 determines whether the AP mode entry signal is inputted from the home appliance 200 (S825). If so, the apparatus enters the AP mode (S830). 9, step S825 corresponds to step 725 of FIG. 7, and step 930 of FIG. 9 corresponds to step 730 of FIG. 7.
Various methods are possible for changing the home appliance 200 to the set state. For example, when the home appliance 200 has a set key, the user can perform the operation by operating a set key.
By the set key operation, the home appliance 200 transmits the set key operation signal to the communication device 100. [ Accordingly, the interface unit 130 of the communication device 100 receives the set key operation signal and the AP mode entry signal from the home appliance 200, for example, by the UART communication method.
11A illustrates that a set key operation signal, that is, an AP mode entering signal Sin, is transmitted to the communication device 100 by operating the set key in the refrigerator 200a of the home appliances.
On the other hand, FIG. 10E illustrates that a message 1050 indicating that the home appliance is in a set state is displayed on the mobile terminal 100. FIG.
When receiving the AP mode entering signal Sin from the communication device 100, the mobile terminal 100 may display a message 1050 indicating that the home appliance 100 is in a set state, as shown in FIG. 10E. Thereby, the user can easily grasp that the home appliance 100 is in the set state.
Next, the communication apparatus 100 transmits the network identifier information to the mobile terminal 600 (S835). Then, the communication device 100 connects with the mobile terminal 600 (S837). Correspondingly, the mobile terminal 600 receives the network identifier information from the communication apparatus 100 (S735), and the mobile terminal 600 connects to the communication apparatus 100 (S737). 9, step S935 corresponds to step 735 of FIG. 7 and step 835 of FIG. 8, and step 937 (step 937) of FIG. 9 corresponds to step Step 737 (S737), and step 837 (S837) of FIG.
The processor 170 of the communication device 100 controls to enter the AP (access point) mode upon receipt of the entry signal of the AP mode entry signal. Accordingly, the communication apparatus 100 operates like an AP apparatus.
That is, the first communication module 110 of the communication device 100 transmits the wireless network identifier information (SSID) to the outside. At this time, the security level may be open, and it is possible to transmit the MAC address information, the IP information, the port information, etc. of the communication device to the outside in addition to the network identifier information (SSID).
In this manner, when the communication device 100 operates in the AP mode, the surrounding mobile terminal 100 and the like can be connected to the communication device 100 operating in the AP mode.
11A shows a case where the communication device 100 enters the AP mode when the AP mode entering signal Sin is received by the communication device 100 and the communication device 100 transmits the network identifier information Ssd1 to the mobile terminal 100 600).
The control unit 680 of the mobile terminal 600 controls to connect to the communication device 100 using the network identifier information Ssd1 of the communication device 100 received via the wireless communication unit 610 . That is, data can be exchanged between the mobile terminal 600 and the communication device 100. The data at this time may be a pairing signal and a pairing response signal for pairing between the two devices. For example, the mobile terminal 600 transmits a pairing signal, and the communication device 100 receiving the pairing signal may transmit a pairing response signal to the mobile terminal 600. [
The wireless communication between the mobile terminal 600 and the communication device 100 may be a wireless connection using the WiFi communication method so that the first communication module 110 of the communication device 100 can communicate with the mobile terminal 600 ). ≪ / RTI >
10E illustrates that the MAC address information 1052 according to the network identifier information Ssd1 of the communication device 100 is displayed on the mobile terminal 100. [
When the mobile terminal 100 receives the network identifier information Ssd1 or the like from the communication apparatus 100, the mobile terminal 100 can display the MAC address information 1052 according to the network identifier information Ssd1 as shown in Fig. 10E . As a result, the user can easily grasp that the communication apparatus 100 is in the AP mode, and accordingly, the communication apparatus 100 and the mobile terminal 100 are connected.
Next, the mobile terminal 600 requests the communication device 100 to transmit the product information (S740), and receives the product information from the communication device 100 (S745). Corresponding to this, the communication apparatus 100 receives the product information transmission request from the mobile terminal 600 (S840), and the communication apparatus 100 transmits the product information to the mobile terminal 600 (S845). 9, step S940 corresponds to step S740 of FIG. 7 and step 840 of FIG. 8, and step 945 of FIG. 9 corresponds to step S940 of FIG. 745 (S745), and 845 (S845) of FIG.
The control unit 680 of the mobile terminal 600 can control the communication device 100 to request the transmission of product information when the communication device 100 is connected. The wireless communication unit 610 of the mobile terminal 600 needs to receive the product information from the communication device 100 to perform product registration through the mobile terminal 600. [
To this end, the wireless communication unit 610 of the mobile terminal 600 requests the product information transmission, and the first communication module 110 of the communication device 100 receives the product information.
The processor 170 of the communication device 100 controls to transmit the product information stored in the memory 140 to the mobile terminal 600 through the first communication module 110 when receiving the product information transmission request can do.
When there is no product information stored in the memory 140, the processor 170 of the communication device 100 requests the home appliance 200 to transfer the product information through the interface unit 130. At this time, the home appliance 200 can transmit the corresponding product information to the communication device 100 via wired data communication in response to the product information transmission request. The interface unit 130 of the communication device 100 may transmit the received product information to the processor 170. [ The processor 170 may control the received product information to be transmitted to the mobile terminal 600 through the first communication module 110. [
Here, the transmitted product information may be a concept including product type information (refrigerator, washing machine, etc.) of the home appliance, product manufacturing date information, product serial number, type / version information of firmware installed in the product, and the like.
11B shows a case where a product information transmission request Sreq is transmitted from the mobile terminal 600 to the communication device 100 and the product information Spr is transmitted from the communication device 100 to the mobile terminal 600 .
Accordingly, the mobile terminal 600 can simply receive the product information Spr.
Next, the mobile terminal 600 transmits the network information of the adjacent AP apparatus and the user information of the mobile terminal to the communication apparatus 100 (S750). Correspondingly, the communication apparatus 100 receives the network information of the adjacent AP apparatus and the user information of the mobile terminal from the mobile terminal 600 (S850). 9 (S940) corresponds to step 750 (S750) in FIG. 7 and step 850 (step 850) in FIG.
Meanwhile, the wireless communication unit 610 of the mobile terminal 600 can transmit the network information of the adjacent AP apparatus and the user information of the mobile terminal to the communication apparatus 100 in the AP mode.
This is to allow the communication apparatus 100 to access the adjacent AP apparatus 400 when the communication apparatus 100 exits the AP mode and enters the station mode in the future.
11C illustrates that the network information Ssd2 of an adjacent AP apparatus from the mobile terminal 600 to the communication apparatus 100 is transmitted.
At this time, it is possible that an AP apparatus list including network information Ssd2 of adjacent AP apparatuses is transmitted, or only network information Ssd2 of a specific AP apparatus can be transmitted. The mobile terminal 600 can transmit MAC address information, IP information, port information, and the like to the communication apparatus 100 in addition to the network information Ssd2 of the AP apparatus.
Next, the communication apparatus 100 enters the station mode in the AP mode (S852). Then, the connection with the mobile terminal 600 is terminated (S854). On the other hand, the communication apparatus 100 accesses the AP apparatus 400 using the network information of the received AP apparatus (S856). 9 corresponds to step 852 of FIG. 8, step 954 (S954) of FIG. 9 corresponds to step 854 (S854) of FIG. 8, Step 956 (S956) of FIG. 8 corresponds to step 856 (S856) of FIG.
When receiving the network information Ssd2 of the adjacent AP apparatus from the mobile terminal 600, the processor 170 of the communication apparatus 100 terminates the AP mode for providing the wireless network like the AP apparatus, Mode.
On the other hand, the processor 170 of the communication apparatus 100 terminates the AP mode and controls to terminate the connection with the mobile terminal 600 when entering the station mode. As a result, the first communication module 110 of the communication device 100 no longer exchanges data with the mobile terminal 600 by radio.
On the other hand, according to the station mode, the first communication module 100 of the communication device 100 transmits data to the AP device 400 using the network information Ssd2 of the AP device 400 that is received. Then, data can be received from the AP apparatus 400. [
That is, the communication apparatus 100 can access the AP apparatus 400 by using the network information Ssd2 of the AP apparatus 400. [ Thereby, the communication apparatus 100 can be easily connected to the AP apparatus 400 without directly inputting the separate network information.
11D illustrates that the connection between the communication device 100 and the mobile terminal 600 is terminated and the communication device 100 and the AP device are connected.
Next, the mobile terminal 600 transmits the product information received from the communication device 100 to the server 500 (S760). Then, the mobile terminal 600 receives the product registration result from the server 500 (S765). Then, the mobile terminal 600 displays the product registration result (S770). 9 corresponds to step S760 of FIG. 7, step 965 of FIG. 9 corresponds to step 765 of FIG. 7 (S765), FIG. 9 Step 970 (S970) corresponds to step 770 (S770) of FIG.
The control unit 680 of the mobile terminal 600 can control to transmit the product information received from the communication device 100 to the server 500 by user input.
FIG. 10E illustrates displaying the message 1054 indicating that the mobile terminal 600 is connected to the AP apparatus having the network identifier information 'Home1', and illustrates that the product registration item 1060 is displayed.
It is also possible to search another AP apparatus through the mobile terminal 600. [ FIG. 10E illustrates a search item 1057 for another AP device.
On the other hand, when the user selects the product registration item 1060, the control unit 680 of the mobile terminal 600 can control the product information to be transmitted to the AP apparatus 400 through the wireless communication unit 610 have.
11E, the product information Spr output from the mobile terminal 600 is transmitted to the server 500 via the AP apparatus 400 and the network 550. [
The communication module 530 of the server 500 receives the product information Spr and delivers it to the processor 520. [
The processor 520 of the server 500 controls to store the home appliance product information Spr in the storage unit 540 and can control to perform product registration based on the product information Spr.
At the time of product registration, product type information, product manufacturing date information, product serial number, type / version information of the firmware installed in the product, and the like can be used.
In addition, in the event that user information (user name, ID, password, address, age, family relationship, etc.) is required at the time of product registration, the processor 520 of the server 500, And may request transmission of additional information, for example, user information, as needed.
In this case, the mobile terminal 600 may display a message on the screen informing that there is a user information transmission request from the server 600. [ When the user approves the transmission of the user information, the control unit 680 of the mobile terminal 600 may control the transmission of the user information to the server 600 using the user information previously stored in the mobile terminal 600 .
Alternatively, if the user information is not stored in the mobile terminal 600, the control unit 680 of the mobile terminal 600 may control to display a screen for inputting user information.
The server 500 can complete the product registration in the server 500 using the input product information and other additional information.
The processor 520 of the server 500 may generate product registration result information of the home appliance and control the product registration result information to be transmitted to the mobile terminal 600. [ Accordingly, the communication module 530 of the server 500 can transmit the product registration result information to the mobile terminal 600. [
The wireless communication unit 610 of the mobile terminal 600 transmits the product registration result information output from the communication module 530 of the server 500 to the network 550 via the network 550 and the AP apparatus 400, , ≪ / RTI >
The received product registration result information is transmitted to the control unit 680. On the other hand, the control unit 680 of the mobile terminal 600 can generate and display a product registration result screen using the received product registration result information.
FIG. 10F illustrates a product registration completion screen 1060 including a product registration completion item 1065. FIG. The mobile terminal 600 can receive the product registration result information from the server 500 and display it, so that the user can easily recognize the completion of the product registration.
On the other hand, if the product registration completion item 1065 is selected from the product registration completion screen 1060, as shown in FIG. 10G, it is possible to provide smart access items and recipe related information that can be remotely controlled and monitored A smart recipe item, a shopping list item that can provide a shopping list related to a refrigerator or a cooking device, a smart diagonosis item that can provide services related to the failure diagnosis of the home appliance , And more for more additional cargo view (s) can be displayed. Thereby, the user can use various services.
Alternatively, when the product registration completion item 1065 is selected from the product registration completion screen 1060 of FIG. 10H, the login screen 1010 of the home appliance related application screen may be displayed as shown in FIG. 10A.
Unlike FIG. 11E and FIG. 11F, it is also possible to perform data communication directly between the mobile terminal 600 and the server 500 without going through the AP device 400. FIG.
Meanwhile, according to the embodiment of the present invention, at the time of registering the product of the home appliance 200, after the home appliance related application is executed in the mobile terminal 600, the product information is simply transmitted through the corresponding screen, Information can be received. Particularly, the transmission of product information and the reception of product registration result information are speed-up as compared with the case of product registration by accessing a web page of the server 500 for product registration as TCP-based wireless data communication, There may be an advantage that the data transmission amount is considerably reduced. In addition, since the product registration procedure is performed in the state that the app screen is driven, the product registration UI (user interface) is simplified unlike the HTTP method in which the product screen is displayed and the product is registered after the application screen is activated .
Meanwhile, in the case where the communication device 100 is provided in the home appliance 200, the home appliance 200 may be connected to the communication device 100 through the home Wireless data communication between the appliance 200 and the mobile terminal 600 can also be extended.
On the other hand, the communication device 100 may include only the first communication module 110 capable of WiFi communication. Also in this case, the communication device 100 may be provided in the home appliance 200, and wireless data communication between the home appliance 200 and the mobile terminal 600 may be extended.
Hereinafter, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following embodiments, it is also possible that the communication device 100 is provided in the home appliance 200, or only the first communication module 110 capable of performing the communication device 100 and WiFi communication is provided.
Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation method of the mobile terminal of Fig. 1, Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation method of the operation method of the communication apparatus of Fig. 1, 12 or the operation method of Fig.
The operation method of the mobile terminal of FIG. 12 is similar to that of the mobile terminal of FIG. 7, and the operation method of the communication device of FIG. 13 is similar to that of the mobile terminal of FIG. The difference is that the communication of the product information is performed by the communication device 100, not by the mobile terminal 600. [
Accordingly, steps 1205 to 1236 (S1205 to S1236) of FIG. 12 are the same as steps 705 to 736 of FIG. 7 (S705 to S736), and description thereof will be omitted.
On the other hand, FIG. 15A illustrates that a set key operation signal, that is, an AP mode entering signal Sin, is transmitted to the communication device 100 by operating the set key in the refrigerator 200a among the home appliances as shown in FIG.
On the other hand, according to the operation method of the mobile terminal of FIG. 12, the product information transmission request and the product information reception step may be omitted.
Accordingly, the mobile terminal 600 can directly transmit the network information and the user information to the communication device 100 without a product information transmission request and a product information reception step (S1250). Step 1450 of FIG. 14 corresponds to step 1250 of FIG. 12 and step 1350 of FIG.
On the other hand, Fig. 15B illustrates that the network information Ssd2 of an adjacent AP apparatus is transmitted from the mobile terminal 600 to the communication apparatus 100. In Fig.
At this time, it is possible that an AP apparatus list including network information Ssd2 of adjacent AP apparatuses is transmitted, or only network information Ssd2 of a specific AP apparatus can be transmitted. The mobile terminal 600 can transmit MAC address information, IP information, port information, and the like to the communication apparatus 100 in addition to the network information Ssd2 of the AP apparatus.
Next, the communication apparatus 100 enters the station mode in the AP mode (S1352). Then, the connection with the mobile terminal 600 is terminated (S1354). On the other hand, the communication apparatus 100 accesses the AP apparatus 400 using the network information of the received AP apparatus (S1356). 14, step 1452 corresponds to step 1352 in FIG. 13, step 1454 in FIG. 14 corresponds to step 1354 in FIG. 13, Step 1456 (S1456) of FIG. 13 corresponds to step 1356 (S1356) of FIG.
When receiving the network information Ssd2 of the adjacent AP apparatus from the mobile terminal 600, the processor 170 of the communication apparatus 100 terminates the AP mode for providing the wireless network like the AP apparatus, Mode.
On the other hand, the processor 170 of the communication apparatus 100 terminates the AP mode and controls to terminate the connection with the mobile terminal 600 when entering the station mode. As a result, the first communication module 110 of the communication device 100 no longer exchanges data with the mobile terminal 600 by radio.
On the other hand, according to the station mode, the first communication module 100 of the communication device 100 transmits data to the AP device 400 using the network information Ssd2 of the AP device 400 that is received. Then, data can be received from the AP apparatus 400. [
That is, the communication apparatus 100 can access the AP apparatus 400 by using the network information Ssd2 of the AP apparatus 400. [ Thereby, the communication apparatus 100 can be easily connected to the AP apparatus 400 without directly inputting the separate network information.
15C illustrates that the connection between the communication device 100 and the mobile terminal 600 is terminated and the communication device 100 and the AP device are connected.
Next, the communication device 100 transmits the product information to the server 500 (S1360). On the other hand, the mobile terminal 600 receives the product registration result from the server 500 (S1265). Then, the mobile terminal 600 displays the product registration result (S1270). 14, step S1460 corresponds to step 1360 of FIG. 13, step 1465 of FIG. 14 corresponds to step 1265 of FIG. 12, Step S1470 of FIG. 12 corresponds to step 1270 of FIG. 12 (S1270).
The processor 170 of the communication apparatus 100 uses the network information Ssd2 of the AP apparatus 400 to control the transmission of the product information to the server 500 when the connection is made to the AP apparatus 400 for the first time can do. That is, it is possible that the product registration is automatically performed without any additional user operation.
15C, the product information Spr output from the first communication module 110 of the communication device 100 is transmitted to the server 500 via the AP device 400 and the network 550 .
The communication module 530 of the server 500 receives the product information Spr and delivers it to the processor 520. [
The processor 520 of the server 500 controls to store the home appliance product information Spr in the storage unit 540 and can control to perform product registration based on the product information Spr.
The server 500 can complete the product registration in the server 500 using the input product information and other additional information.
The processor 520 of the server 500 may generate product registration result information of the home appliance and control the product registration result information to be transmitted to the mobile terminal 600. [ Accordingly, the communication module 530 of the server 500 can transmit the product registration result information to the mobile terminal 600. [
The wireless communication unit 610 of the mobile terminal 600 transmits the product registration result information output from the communication module 530 of the server 500 to the network 550 via the network 550 and the AP apparatus 400 , ≪ / RTI >
The received product registration result information is transmitted to the control unit 680. On the other hand, the control unit 680 of the mobile terminal 600 can generate and display a product registration result screen using the received product registration result information.
16 is an example of a communication system configuration diagram according to another embodiment of the present invention.
The communication system 60 in Fig. 16 is similar to the communication system 50 in Fig. 1, but differs in that the communication apparatus 100 performs the network providing function, which is the function of the AP apparatus.
Accordingly, the mobile terminal 600 located in the internal network 10 can be connected to the communication device 100, and the communication device 100 and the external network 550 can be connected.
In addition, the power information transmission apparatus 300 can perform Zigbee communication with the second communication module 120 of the communication apparatus 100. [
The communication device 100 of Fig. 16 can perform the operations of the mobile terminal, the communication device, and the operation method thereof described in Figs. 7 to 15D as they are.
17 is an example of a communication system configuration diagram according to another embodiment of the present invention.
The communication system 70 in Fig. 17 is similar to the communication system 50 in Fig. 1, but differs in that the communication apparatus 100 is provided in the home appliance 200. Fig. That is, the communication device 100 in the home appliance may include the first communication module 110 and the second communication module 120 as they are, and may perform the corresponding operation as it is.
The communication device 100 of Fig. 17 can perform the operations of the mobile terminal, the communication device, and the operation method thereof described in Figs. 7 to 15D as they are.
18 is an example of a communication system configuration diagram according to another embodiment of the present invention.
The communication system 80 in Fig. 18 is similar to the communication system 50 in Fig. 1, except that the communication apparatus 100 is wirelessly connected to the home appliance, not wired.
That is, as shown in the figure, a home appliance such as a refrigerator 200a, a washing machine 200b, an air conditioner 200c, a cooking appliance 200d, and the like, which are located in the internal network 10, The module 110 can perform wireless data communication via WiFi communication.
On the other hand, the second communication module 110 of the communication device 100 can receive power information from the power information transmission device 300 via Zigbee communication.
The communication device 100 of Fig. 18 can perform the operation of the communication device described in Figs. 7 to 15D as it is.
On the other hand, the communication device 100 of Fig. 18 can also manage the power in the internal network 10. Fig. In this case, the communication device 100 may be referred to as a Home Energy Management System (HEMS).
The communication device 100 responds to power information in the refrigerator 200a, the washing machine 200b, the air conditioner 200c, and the cooking device 200d based on the power information received from the power information transmission device 300 The recommended driving information can be transmitted.
For example, it is possible to generate recommended driving information for performing a specific time zone operation and transmit it to at least one of the refrigerator 200a, the washing machine 200b, the air conditioner 200c, and the cooking device 200d.
The communication device 100 transmits the power information received from the power information transmission device 300 to the refrigerator 200a, the washing machine 200b, the air conditioner 200c, the cooking device 200d, and the like wirelessly It is also possible to do.
The mobile terminal, the communication device, and the method of operation of the mobile terminal according to the present invention are not limited to the configuration and method of the embodiments described above, All or some of them may be selectively combined.
Meanwhile, the method of operating the mobile terminal or the method of operating the communication device of the present invention can be implemented as a code readable by a processor on a processor-readable recording medium included in the mobile terminal or the communication device. The processor-readable recording medium includes all kinds of recording apparatuses in which data that can be read by the processor is stored. Examples of the recording medium that can be read by the processor include a ROM, a RAM, a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a floppy disk, an optical data storage device, and the like, and may also be implemented in the form of a carrier wave such as transmission over the Internet . In addition, the processor-readable recording medium may be distributed over network-connected computer systems so that code readable by the processor in a distributed fashion can be stored and executed.
While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments, but, on the contrary, It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
