KR20220014745A - Electronic apparatus and controlling method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

An electronic apparatus is disclosed. The electronic apparatus includes: a memory in which first user identification information and first password information corresponding to the first user identification information are stored; a communication interface; and a processor which controls the communication interface to be connected to a server through an access point (AP) device based on the first user identification information and the first password information stored in the memory. The processor controls the communication interface so that the electronic apparatus operates in an AP mode when not connected to the server through the communication interface, and controls, when second password information is received from an external terminal device while the electronic apparatus operates in the AP mode, the communication interface to be connected to the server through the AP device based on the first user identification information and second password.

Description

ELECTRONIC APPARATUS AND CONTROLLING METHOD THEREOF

The present disclosure relates to an electronic device and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to an electronic device that receives updated user information from an external terminal device during AP mode operation, and a control method thereof.

An Internet of Things (IoT) network may include a plurality of devices. In addition, a plurality of devices included in the IoT network may be connected to one server.

Each device included in the IoT network can be connected to a server through an AP (Access Point) device. Here, in order for each device to be connected to the server, user information stored in the server may be required. This is because only pre-stored users should be able to access the server. Therefore, each device must store user information in a memory, and when attempting to connect to the server, the device may transmit the user information to the server to attempt the connection.

When the device and the server are once account linked, the device may connect to the server repeatedly. However, when user information is changed on the server, account linkage between the device and the server may no longer be maintained. In this case, the user may have to directly input user information into the device.

Also, when the user cannot directly input user information into the device, it may be necessary to transmit the user information to the device using the control device. Here, the user may have to directly manipulate the control device.

When the user manually manipulates the device or the control device for account linkage between the device and the server, there is a problem in that convenience is reduced. This is because the user has to operate the device or the control device again from the beginning to input user information or change the operation mode of the device or the control device.

The present disclosure has been devised to improve the above problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide an electronic device that receives user information from an external terminal device and connects to a server while operating in an AP mode if it is not connected to a server, and a method for controlling the same. is in

An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object includes a memory in which first user identification information and first password information corresponding to the first user identification information are stored, a communication interface, and the first user stored in the memory A processor for controlling the communication interface to connect to a server through an AP (Access Point) device based on identification information and the first password information, wherein the processor is not connected to the server through the communication interface, the The electronic device controls the communication interface to operate in the AP mode, and when second password information is received from an external terminal device while the electronic device operates in the AP mode, the first user identification information and the second password based on the control of the communication interface to connect to the server through the AP device.

On the other hand, the memory may further store a shared key, and the processor is configured to, when information including a shared key is received from the external terminal device while the electronic device operates in the AP mode, the shared key included in the received information is received. Response information for receiving the second password information may be transmitted to the external terminal device based on the key and the shared key stored in the memory.

Meanwhile, when a first probe request packet including the shared key is received while the electronic device operates in the AP mode, the processor includes the shared key included in the received first probe request packet and stored in the memory. When the shared keys match, it may be identified whether the shared keys match, and the response information may be transmitted to the external terminal device based on the identification result.

Meanwhile, when the shared key included in the received first probe request packet matches the shared key stored in the memory, the processor transmits a probe response packet including information indicating that the shared key matches the external terminal device. to connect to the server through the AP device based on the first user identification information and the second password when a second probe request packet including second password information is received from the external terminal device The communication interface may be controlled.

Meanwhile, the first user identification information and the first password information may be information received from the external terminal device, and the shared key stored in the memory is the first user identification information and the first password information together with the It may be information received from an external terminal device.

Meanwhile, the processor receives identification information of the AP device together with the first user identification information and the first password information, and connects to the server through the AP device corresponding to the received identification information of the AP device. You can control the interface.

Meanwhile, when the second password information is received, the processor may update the first password stored in the memory to the second password.

Meanwhile, the processor may control the communication interface to disconnect from the AP device while the electronic device operates in the AP mode, and broadcast a Wi-Fi signal through the communication interface.

Meanwhile, when a probe request packet requesting information on whether to connect to the server is received from the external terminal device, the processor may transmit a probe response packet including information on whether to connect to the server to the external terminal device have.

Meanwhile, the electronic device may further include a display, and when the processor is not connected to the server through the communication interface, the electronic device is configured to display a UI (User Interface) for guiding a request for new user information to the external terminal device. You can control the display.

The method of controlling an electronic device for storing first user identification information and first password information corresponding to the first user identification information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the stored first user identification information and the first password information Connecting to a server through an AP (Access Point) device based on When the second password information is received, the method may include connecting to the server through the AP device based on the first user identification information and the second password.

On the other hand, the electronic device may further store the shared key, and the control method includes in the received information when information including the shared key is received from the external terminal device while the electronic device operates in the AP mode. The method may further include transmitting response information for receiving the second password information to the external terminal device based on the shared key and the stored shared key.

Meanwhile, in the transmitting of the response information to the external terminal device, when a first probe request packet including the shared key is received while the electronic device operates in the AP mode, the received first probe request packet is When the included shared key and the stored shared key match, it may be identified whether the shared key matches, and the response information may be transmitted to the external terminal device based on the identification result.

Meanwhile, in the step of connecting to the server through the AP device based on the first user identification information and the second password, the shared key included in the received first probe request packet matches the stored shared key. In this case, a probe response packet including information indicating that the shared key matches may be transmitted to the external terminal device, and when a second probe request packet including second password information is received from the external terminal device, the first The server may be connected through the AP device based on the user identification information and the second password.

Meanwhile, the first user identification information and the first password information may be information received from the external terminal device, and the stored shared key is the first user identification information and the first password information together with the external terminal It may be information received from the device.

On the other hand, the step of connecting to the server through the AP device based on the first user identification information and the first password information receives the identification information of the AP device together with the first user identification information and the first password information, , it is possible to connect to the server through the AP device corresponding to the received identification information of the AP device.

Meanwhile, the control method may further include updating the stored first password to the second password when the second password information is received.

Meanwhile, the control method may further include disconnecting a connection from the AP device while the electronic device operates in the AP mode and broadcasting a Wi-Fi signal.

Meanwhile, in the control method, when a probe request packet for requesting information on whether to connect to the server is received from the external terminal device, a probe response packet including information on whether to connect to the server is transmitted to the external terminal device It may further include the step of

Meanwhile, the control method may further include displaying a user interface (UI) for guiding a request for new user information to the external terminal device when the server is not connected.

1 is a diagram for explaining a system in which an IoT device is connected to a server.
2 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
3 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the electronic device of FIG. 2 .
4 is a block diagram of a control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of connecting an electronic device to a server in a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of connecting an electronic device to a server in a system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation performed when a connection between an electronic device and a server is released, according to an embodiment.
8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation performed when the connection between the electronic device and the server is released according to another embodiment.
9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of comparing devices connected to a server.
10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of checking whether an electronic device is connected to a server.
11 is a table for explaining a server connection device table generated by the server.
12 is a table for explaining a probe packet transmitted between an electronic device and a control device.
13 is a diagram for explaining a UI related to a network connection notification according to an embodiment.
14 is a diagram for explaining a UI related to a network connection notification according to another embodiment.
15 is a diagram for explaining a UI related to a network connection notification according to another embodiment.
16 is a diagram for explaining a flowchart of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are selected as currently widely used general terms as possible while considering the functions in the present disclosure, which may vary depending on the intention or precedent of a person skilled in the art, the emergence of new technology, etc. . In addition, in a specific case, there is a term arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in this case, the meaning will be described in detail in the description of the corresponding disclosure. Therefore, the terms used in the present disclosure should be defined based on the meaning of the term and the contents of the present disclosure, rather than the simple name of the term.

In this specification, expressions such as “have,” “may have,” “include,” or “may include” indicate the presence of a corresponding characteristic (eg, a numerical value, function, operation, or component such as a part). and does not exclude the presence of additional features.

The expression "at least one of A and/or B" is to be understood as indicating either "A" or "B" or "A and B".

As used herein, expressions such as "first," "second," "first," or "second," can modify various elements, regardless of order and/or importance, and refer to one element. It is used only to distinguish it from other components, and does not limit the components.

A component (eg, a first component) is "coupled with/to (operatively or communicatively)" to another component (eg, a second component); When referring to "connected to", it should be understood that an element may be directly connected to another element or may be connected through another element (eg, a third element).

The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In the present application, terms such as "comprises" or "consisting of" are intended to designate that the features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification exist, and are intended to indicate that one or more other It should be understood that this does not preclude the possibility of addition or presence of features or numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

In the present disclosure, a “module” or “unit” performs at least one function or operation, and may be implemented as hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software. In addition, a plurality of “modules” or a plurality of “units” are integrated into at least one module and implemented with at least one processor (not shown) except for “modules” or “units” that need to be implemented with specific hardware. can be

In this specification, the term user may refer to a person who uses an electronic device or a device (eg, an artificial intelligence electronic device) using the electronic device.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a diagram for explaining a system in which an IoT device is connected to a server.

Referring to FIG. 1 , an IoT network may include an electronic device 100 , an external terminal device 200 , an AP device 300 , and a server 400 . Specifically, the IoT network may include a plurality of terminal devices and a server 400 capable of exchanging information with the plurality of devices 100 and 200 . In addition, the AP device 300 for transmitting information between the plurality of devices 100 and 200 and the server 400 may be included.

Here, the plurality of devices may be the electronic device 100 and the external terminal device 200 . The electronic device 100 may refer to home appliances such as a washing machine, a refrigerator, a TV, a robot cleaner, and an air conditioner. The external terminal device 200 may refer to a control device that controls the electronic device 100 . The external terminal device 200 of the present disclosure may be described as a control device 200 . The external terminal device 200 may directly transmit user information to the electronic device 100 , and may transmit/receive a probe request packet or a probe response packet to/from the electronic device 100 .

According to an embodiment, the IoT network may mean a network including the electronic device 100 , the external terminal device 200 , and the AP device 300 , but excluding the server 400 . Since the server 400 may be connected to a plurality of networks, the IoT network may be composed of home appliances except for the server 400 .

2 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the electronic device 100 may include a memory 110 , a communication interface 120 , and a processor 130 .

The memory 110 is implemented as an internal memory such as a ROM (eg, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM)) included in the processor 130 , a RAM, or the like, or with the processor 130 . It may be implemented as a separate memory. In this case, the memory 110 may be implemented in the form of a memory embedded in the electronic device 100 or may be implemented in the form of a memory detachable from the electronic device 100 depending on the purpose of data storage. For example, data for driving the electronic device 100 is stored in a memory embedded in the electronic device 100 , and data for an extended function of the electronic device 100 is detachable from the electronic device 100 . It can be stored in any available memory.

Meanwhile, in the case of a memory embedded in the electronic device 100 , a volatile memory (eg, dynamic RAM (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM), or synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM)), non-volatile memory ( Examples: one time programmable ROM (OTPROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable and programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable and programmable ROM (EEPROM), mask ROM, flash ROM, flash memory (such as NAND flash or NOR flash, etc.) ), a hard drive, or a solid state drive (SSD), and in the case of a removable memory in the electronic device 100, a memory card (eg, compact flash (CF), SD ( secure digital), Micro-SD (micro secure digital), Mini-SD (mini secure digital), xD (extreme digital), MMC (multi-media card), etc.), external memory that can be connected to the USB port (e.g., USB memory) and the like.

The memory 110 may store the first user identification information and the first password information corresponding to the first user identification information.

Here, the first user identification information may mean a user ID used to access the server. In addition, the first user identification information may mean information for distinguishing each user and a unique key. Also, the first password information corresponding to the first user identification information may mean a password corresponding to the user ID. Accordingly, the first user identification information and the first password information may be used to access the server. The server may store user identification information of each of the plurality of users and password information corresponding thereto. Here, user identification information and password information may be included in user information.

The communication interface 120 is configured to communicate with various types of external devices according to various types of communication methods. The communication interface 120 may refer to a Wi-Fi module. The electronic device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure starts an operation of transmitting and receiving a probe request/response packet using a Wi-Fi module. However, according to another embodiment, the electronic device 100 may perform communication using the communication interface 120 including a Bluetooth module, an infrared communication module, and a wireless communication module. Here, each communication module may be implemented in the form of at least one hardware chip.

The processor 130 may communicate with various external devices using the communication interface 120 . Here, the external device includes a display device such as a TV, an image processing device such as a set-top box, an external server, a control device such as a remote control, a sound output device such as a Bluetooth speaker, a lighting device, a smart light bulb, a smart plug, a smart cleaner, It may include a home appliance such as a smart refrigerator, a server such as an IOT home manager, and the like.

The Wi-Fi module and the Bluetooth module perform communication using a WiFi method and a Bluetooth method, respectively. In the case of using a Wi-Fi module or a Bluetooth module, various types of connection information such as an SSID and a session key are first transmitted and received, and various types of information can be transmitted/received after communication connection using this.

The infrared communication module communicates according to the infrared data association (IrDA) technology, which wirelessly transmits data in a short distance using infrared that is between visible light and millimeter wave.

In addition to the above-described communication methods, the wireless communication module includes Zigbee, 3rd Generation (3G), 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE Advanced (LTE-A), 4th Generation (4G), 5G It may include at least one communication chip that performs communication according to various wireless communication standards such as (5th Generation).

In addition, the communication interface 120 is at least one of a wired communication module for performing communication using a LAN (Local Area Network) module, an Ethernet module, a pair cable, a coaxial cable, an optical fiber cable, or an Ultra Wide-Band (UWB) module. may include

According to an example, the communication interface 120 may use the same communication module (eg, Wi-Fi module) to communicate with an external device such as a remote control and an external server.

According to another example, the communication interface 120 may use a different communication module (eg, a Wi-Fi module) to communicate with an external device such as a remote control and an external server. For example, the communication interface 120 may use at least one of an Ethernet module or a WiFi module to communicate with an external server, and may use a BT module to communicate with an external device such as a remote control. However, this is only an embodiment, and when communicating with a plurality of external devices or external servers, the communication interface 120 may use at least one communication module among various communication modules.

The processor 130 may perform an overall control operation of the electronic device. Specifically, the processor 130 functions to control the overall operation of the electronic device.

The processor 130 may be implemented as a digital signal processor (DSP), a microprocessor (microprocessor), or a time controller (TCON) for processing a digital signal, but is not limited thereto, and a central processing unit ( central processing unit (CPU), micro controller unit (MCU), micro processing unit (MPU), controller, application processor (AP), graphics-processing unit (GPU) or communication processor (CP)), may include one or more of an ARM processor, or may be defined by a corresponding term In addition, the processor 130 is a SoC (System on Chip) or LSI (large scale integration) with a built-in processing algorithm. It may be implemented in the form of a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and the processor 130 may perform various functions by executing computer executable instructions stored in a memory.

The processor 130 controls the communication interface 120 to connect to the server 400 through the AP (Access Point) device 300 based on the first user identification information and the first password information stored in the memory 110. It includes a processor 130 , and when the processor 130 is not connected to the server 400 through the communication interface 120 , the electronic device 100 controls the communication interface 120 to operate in the AP mode, and When the second password information is received from the external terminal device 200 while the device 100 operates in the AP mode, the server 400 is transmitted to the server 400 through the AP device 300 based on the first user identification information and the second password. Control the communication interface 120 to connect.

Here, the AP device 300 may refer to a hub device that transmits information between a plurality of devices included in the home IoT network and the server 400 . When the electronic device 100 is connected to the server 400 through the AP device 300 , the processor 130 transmits stored first user identification information and first password information to the AP device 300 , and the AP device 300 transmits the received first user identification information and first password information to the server 400, and the server 400 matches the received first user identification information and the first password information with pre-stored user information. In this case, it may refer to an operation in which the electronic device 100 identifies that it has an authority to connect to the server and connects with the electronic device 100 . For example, based on user information (or user account information) stored in the electronic device 100, an attempt is made to connect to (or attempt to log in) the server 400 and if the login is successful, the electronic device 100 and the server 400 can be connected

Here, there may be a case where the connection attempt of the electronic device 100 fails. For example, there may be a case where user information (first user identification information and first password information) transmitted by the electronic device 100 does not match user information stored in the server 400 . Specifically, there may be cases in which an ID is changed or a password is changed. When user information is changed in the server 400 , but the changed user information is not updated in the electronic device 100 , an attempt to connect the electronic device 100 to the server 400 may fail. When the connection attempt of the electronic device 100 fails, there may be a case where the first connection attempt fails or a case where the connection attempt fails due to a change in user information after having already been connected. In addition, the operation in which the processor 130 is not connected to the server 400 through the communication interface 120 means that the electronic device 100 has already been connected to the server 400 at least once, but the current connection attempt has failed. can do.

When the electronic device 100 is not connected to the server 400 , the processor 130 may change the mode of the electronic device 100 to the AP mode. Here, the AP mode may mean a mode in which the electronic device 100 performs an AP function. For example, the electronic device 100 may transmit information to an external device in the AP mode. Specifically, the processor 130 may broadcast a Wi-Fi signal including specific information in the AP mode. Here, the AP mode may mean a soft AP mode. Meanwhile, although it has been described as transmitting a Wi-Fi signal, the electronic device 100 may transmit and receive information based on various communication modules in addition to the operation of broadcasting the Wi-Fi signal according to an embodiment.

The electronic device 100 may operate in a soft AP mode or a station mode. Here, the soft AP mode may mean that the electronic device 100 becomes an AP and at least one external terminal device is connected to the electronic device 100 . At least one external terminal device connected to the electronic device 100 may receive an IP assignment from the electronic device 100 and may exchange information in a local network. Here, the station mode may mean a mode in which the electronic device 100 accesses (or connects) to the AP device 300 . The electronic device 100 may receive an IP assignment from the AP device 300 or use the IP of the AP device 300 in the station mode. The above-described operation of controlling the electronic device 100 to operate in the AP mode may refer to an operation of changing from the station mode to the AP mode. Specifically, when the electronic device 100 is not connected to the server 400 , the processor 130 may change from a station mode connected to (or connected to) the AP device 300 to an AP mode that broadcasts a Wi-Fi signal. have.

After the electronic device 100 is changed to the AP mode, the external terminal device 200 may transmit new user information to the electronic device 100 . Specifically, the external terminal device 200 may specify the electronic device 100 based on the Wi-Fi signal broadcast by the electronic device 100 . Here, the Wi-Fi signal may include information requesting new user information. In addition, the external terminal device 200 may transmit new user information to the specified electronic device 100 . Here, the new user information may mean updated user account information.

It is assumed that the first password among the first user identification information and the first password information included in the user information is changed to the second password. When the electronic device 100 attempts to connect to the server 400 using the first user identification information and the first password information, it may fail. This is because the server 400 already stores the updated user information. Accordingly, the electronic device 100 may need updated user information. When a Wi-Fi signal is received from the electronic device 100 , the external terminal device 200 may transmit updated user information (new user information) to the electronic device 100 . Here, the external terminal device 200 may transmit only changed information among user information to the electronic device 100 . In the above example, since it is assumed that the first user identification information is not changed and only the first password information is changed to the second password information, the external terminal device 200 may transmit only the second password information to the electronic device 100 .

The processor 130 may receive the second password information from the external terminal device 200 . And, when the second password information is received, a connection to the server 400 may be attempted based on the previously stored first user information and the received second password information. Specifically, the electronic device 100 transmits the first user information and the second password information to the AP device 300 , and the AP device 300 transmits the first user information and the second password information to the server 400 . can In addition, the server 400 may identify whether the electronic device 100 is connected by checking the received first user information and second password information. The server 400 may allow the connection attempt of the electronic device 100 when the received first user information and second password information match one of a plurality of pre-stored user information.

Meanwhile, the memory 110 may further store the shared key, and the processor 130 receives information including the shared key from the external terminal device 200 while the electronic device 100 operates in the AP mode. Response information for receiving the second password information may be transmitted to the external terminal device 200 based on the shared key included in the received information and the shared key stored in the memory 110 .

Here, the shared key may be information used to distinguish devices included in the same IoT network. For example, if the shared key is the same, since they are included in the same IoT network, mutual information may be exchanged. If the shared key is different, since they are not included in the same IoT network, mutual information may not be exchanged. Accordingly, the shared key may be a pre-stored key or a key generated in a pre-stored manner. That is, a plurality of devices included in the same IoT network may store the same shared key.

The external terminal device 200 may transmit only information including the shared key to the electronic device 100 before transmitting the updated user information (updated user information) to the electronic device 100 . Here, the information including the shared key may additionally include address information of the electronic device 100 or identification information of the external terminal device 200 in addition to the shared key. The processor 130 may acquire the shared key from information received from the external terminal device 200 through the communication interface 120 . Here, the processor 130 may perform a shared key comparison operation to determine whether the external terminal device 200 is information received from the same IoT network. Specifically, the processor 130 may compare the shared key received from the external terminal device 200 with the shared key stored in the memory 110 of the electronic device 100 . If the shared key received from the external terminal device 200 and the shared key stored in the memory 110 of the electronic device 100 match, the processor 130 responds with a control command requesting updated user information information can be created. In addition, the processor 130 may broadcast the generated response information as a Wi-Fi signal. In addition, the external terminal device 200 may transmit updated user information (second password information) to the electronic device 100 based on the received response information. When the updated user information (second password information) is received from the external terminal device 200, the processor 130 is not changed (not updated) among the received user information (second password information) and pre-stored user information. A connection to the server 400 may be attempted based on user information (first user identification information). The processor 130 may attempt to connect to the server 400 based on the updated user information (the first user identification information and the second password information), and the server 400 checks the updated user information and the electronic device (100) can be connected.

Meanwhile, when the first probe request packet including the shared key is received while the electronic device 100 operates in the AP mode, the processor 130 includes the shared key and the memory 110 included in the received first probe request packet. When the shared keys stored in the , it is identified whether the shared keys match, and response information may be transmitted to the external terminal device 200 based on the identification result.

The information including the above-described shared key may be the first probe request packet. The first probe request packet may include a shared key and address information of the electronic device 100 . The processor 130 may acquire the shared key from the first probe request packet received from the external terminal device 200 . Then, the processor 130 may identify whether the shared key received from the external terminal device 200 matches the pre-stored shared key. And, it is possible to obtain an identification result of whether or not the match. Then, the processor 130 may generate response information including the obtained identification result. The identification result may include information that the shared key received from the external terminal device 200 and the pre-stored shared key match, or information that the shared key received from the external terminal device 200 and the pre-stored shared key do not match. have.

In addition, the processor 130 may transmit the generated response information to the external terminal device 200 . Specifically, the processor 130 may broadcast a Wi-Fi signal including the generated response information, and the external terminal device 200 may receive the broadcast Wi-Fi signal to obtain response information of the electronic device 100 . can Meanwhile, the response information may be a probe response packet.

Meanwhile, when the shared key included in the received first probe request packet matches the shared key stored in the memory 110 , the processor 130 transmits a probe response packet including information indicating that the shared key matches the external terminal. When the second probe request packet that can be transmitted to the device 200 and includes the second password information is received from the external terminal device 200 , the AP device 300 is configured based on the first user identification information and the second password. It is possible to control the communication interface 120 to connect to the server 400 through the.

When the shared key received from the external terminal device 200 matches the pre-stored shared key, the processor 130 may generate a probe response packet including information indicating that the shared key matches. In addition, the processor 130 may broadcast the probe response packet as a Wi-Fi signal. Upon receiving the broadcast Wi-Fi signal, the external terminal device 200 may transmit updated user information to the electronic device 100 through the communication interface 220 . Here, the updated user information may mean second password information.

Specifically, when a Wi-Fi signal broadcast from the electronic device 100 is received, the external terminal device 200 may check an identification result based on a probe response packet included in the received Wi-Fi signal. If the identification result is information that the shared key matches, the external terminal device 200 may generate a second probe request packet including updated user information. In addition, the external terminal device 200 may transmit the generated second probe request packet to the electronic device 100 . The processor 130 may acquire updated user information based on the second probe request packet received from the external terminal device 200 . In addition, the processor 130 may attempt to connect to the server 400 based on the acquired user information (second password information) and unchanged user information (first user identification information) among previously stored user information.

According to an implementation example, when user identification information other than password information is changed, the processor 130 may attempt to connect to the server 400 based on the changed user identification information and the changed password information.

Meanwhile, the first user identification information and the first password information may be information received from the external terminal device 200 , and the shared key stored in the memory 110 is an external terminal together with the first user identification information and the first password information. It may be information received from the device 200 .

The user information (first user identification information and first password information) pre-stored in the memory 110 of the electronic device 100 may be information received from the external terminal device 200 before the update. In addition, a shared key pre-stored together with pre-stored user information may also be information to be received from the external terminal device 200 . The external terminal device 200 may transmit the shared key only to devices included in the same IoT network. Accordingly, when the electronic device 100 is identified as being included in the same IoT network, the external terminal device 200 may transmit the user information and the shared key together to the electronic device 100 . The electronic device 100 and the external terminal device 200 may mutually check whether the devices are included in the same IoT network as the shared key.

Meanwhile, the processor 130 receives the identification information of the AP device 300 together with the first user identification information and the first password information, and selects the AP device 300 corresponding to the received identification information of the AP device 300 . It is possible to control the communication interface 120 to connect to the server 400 through the.

Meanwhile, the processor 130 may receive identification information of the AP device 300 together with the user identification information. The identification information of the AP device 300 may be information for identifying an AP device included in the same IoT network. The processor 130 may transmit the received user information (first user identification information and first password information) to the AP device 300 corresponding to the identification information of the AP device 300 . Then, the AP device 300 may transmit the received user information to the server 400 . In addition, the server 400 may identify whether the electronic device 100 has a connection right by checking the received user information. And, if the received user information matches the previously stored user information, the server 400 may allow the electronic device 100 to attempt a connection.

Meanwhile, when the second password information is received, the processor 130 may update the first password stored in the memory 110 to the second password.

The processor 130 may obtain updated user information from the external terminal device 200 . According to an embodiment, both user identification information and password information may be changed. Here, the processor 130 may attempt to connect to the server 400 based on the received user information (changed user identification information and changed password information). According to another embodiment, only password information may be changed. Here, the processor 130 may compare it with pre-stored user information based on the received user information. Specifically, the processor 130 may obtain information (first user identification information) and information that is not the same as received user information and pre-stored user information (second password information). Specifically, the processor 130 may update the password information before the change (the first password information) to the second password information. In addition, a connection to the server 400 may be attempted based on the acquired user information (first user identification information and second password information).

Meanwhile, the processor 130 may control the communication interface 120 to release the connection from the AP device 300 while the electronic device 100 operates in the AP mode, and transmit a Wi-Fi signal through the communication interface 120 . can be broadcast.

The processor 130 may be operating in a station mode accessing the AP device 300 . Here, if the electronic device 100 operates in the AP mode (or soft AP mode) based on a preset event, the processor 130 releases the connection with the AP device 300 previously accessed in the station mode. can do. Then, the processor 130 may change the station mode to the AP mode. The processor 130 may broadcast a Wi-Fi signal including specific information in the AP mode. The external terminal device 200 may specify the electronic device 100 based on the broadcast Wi-Fi signal, and may transmit information to the specified electronic device 100 .

Meanwhile, when a probe request packet for requesting information on whether to connect to the server 400 is received from the external terminal device 200 , the processor 130 receives a probe response packet including information on whether to connect to the server 400 . may be transmitted to the external terminal device 200 .

The information on whether to connect to the server 400 may mean information on whether the current electronic device 100 can connect to the server 400 . Specifically, the external terminal device 200 may request confirmation from the electronic device 100 to confirm whether the current electronic device 100 can be connected to the server 400 . The external terminal device 200 may generate a probe request packet for requesting information on whether to connect to the server 400 , and may transmit the generated probe request packet to the electronic device 100 . When the processor 130 receives a probe request packet including a request for information on whether to connect to the server 400 from the external terminal device 200 , the processor 130 may check whether to connect to the server 400 . For example, the electronic device 100 may attempt to connect to the server 400 based on existing user information. The processor 130 may attempt to reconnect even if the electronic device 100 has already been previously connected to the server 400 . Then, the processor 130 may generate a probe response packet including a result of the connection attempt. In addition, the processor 130 may broadcast the generated probe response packet as a Wi-Fi signal.

In addition, the external terminal device 200 may receive the probe response packet of the electronic device 100 based on the broadcast Wi-Fi signal. Then, when the probe response packet is received from the electronic device 100 , the external terminal device 200 determines whether the electronic device 100 is connected to the server 400 , based on information (result information). It is possible to determine whether to transmit the updated user identification information to the If the electronic device 100 is in a connectable state with the server 400 , the external terminal device 200 may identify that the electronic device 100 has already acquired the updated user information, and separately updated user information may not be transmitted to the electronic device 100 . If the electronic device 100 cannot connect to the server 400 , the external terminal device 200 may transmit updated user information to the electronic device 100 . In addition, the electronic device 100 may attempt to connect to the server 400 based on the updated user information.

Meanwhile, the electronic device 100 may further include a display, and when the processor 130 is not connected to the server 400 through the communication interface 120 , the external terminal device 200 requests new user information. The display may be controlled to display a guiding user interface (UI).

An attempt of the electronic device 100 to connect to the server 400 may fail. If the user information transmitted by the electronic device 100 through the AP device 300 does not match the pre-stored user information (stored in the server 400), the server 400 allows the electronic device 100 to attempt a connection. It may not do so, and information indicating that it is not allowed (connection failure information) may be transmitted to the electronic device 100 . Here, when connection failure information is received from the server 400 (which may be through the AP device 300 ), the processor 130 needs to receive new user information (updated user information) from the external terminal device 200 . have. Accordingly, the processor 130 may provide a UI to the user by displaying a UI for guiding a request for new user information. A UI related thereto will be described later with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15 .

Meanwhile, according to an implementation example, the UI may be implemented in a form displayed on the external terminal device 200 instead of the electronic device 100 . For example, when the electronic device 100 receives connection failure information from the server 400 , the processor 130 may transmit the received connection failure information to the external terminal device 200 . Specifically, the processor 130 may broadcast a Wi-Fi signal including connection failure information. Here, the external terminal device 200 may receive the broadcast Wi-Fi signal to identify that the electronic device 100 is in a state in which it cannot be connected to the server 400 . In addition, the external terminal device 200 guides the user's command whether to transmit a UI or new user information to the electronic device 100 informing the display 240 that the electronic device 100 cannot be connected to the server 400 A UI or a UI guiding the user to directly input new user information may be displayed.

Meanwhile, the aforementioned probe request packet or probe response packet may correspond to an 802.11 management frame. In particular, the probe request packet and the probe response packet may include an information element field, and the information element field may be set to "vendor specific element" content. Also, the “vendor specific element” may be encrypted through predefined encryption/decryption. A detailed description related thereto will be described later with reference to FIG. 12 .

Meanwhile, in the above description, it has been described that the user information is included in the user identification information and the password information, and the operation of connecting to the server 400 through the user information has been described. Here, AP device information may exist in addition to user information. The AP device information may refer to identification information of the AP device 300 and password information corresponding to the identification information. For example, the AP device information may mean an ID and password for accessing the router. Accordingly, the external terminal device 200 may additionally include AP device information in addition to user information and transmit it to the electronic device 100 . When user information is changed, the electronic device 100 cannot be connected to the server 400 , and when the AP device information is changed, the electronic device 100 cannot be connected to the AP device 300 . Accordingly, the user information described in the present disclosure may be equally applied to the AP device information.

Meanwhile, in the above description, the electronic device 100 or the external terminal device 200 may perform an operation from the beginning when a preset time has elapsed for each operation. For example, when the probe response packet corresponding to the first probe request packet transmitted for a preset time after the external terminal device 200 transmits the probe request packet to the electronic device 100 is not received, the electronic device 100 and the external terminal device 200 may be controlled to perform the first operation again among the operations of FIGS. 5 to 10 . Conversely, if the second probe request packet is not received from the external terminal device 200 after the electronic device 100 transmits the probe response packet, the electronic device 100 and the external terminal device 200 are shown in FIGS. 5 to 10 . It can be controlled to perform the first operation again during the operation of

Meanwhile, in the above-described example, an embodiment in which the external terminal device 200 transmits the shared key to the electronic device 100 has been described. According to an embodiment, the external terminal device 200 may not directly transmit the shared key to the electronic device 100 , and the electronic device 100 may directly request to transmit the shared key to the external terminal device 200 . command can be sent. The external terminal device 200 may identify whether the shared key sent by the electronic device 100 matches the shared key pre-stored in the external terminal device 200, and if they match, the user information updated in the electronic device 100 can be transmitted.

Meanwhile, the electronic device 100 of the present disclosure may be automatically set to the AP mode without artificial manipulation of the user, and may automatically obtain updated (changed) user information. Accordingly, the electronic device 100 may obtain the updated user information before the user knows whether the connection with the server 400 has failed due to the updated user information. Accordingly, since the user does not need to directly manipulate the electronic device 100 and the external terminal device 200 , user convenience can be improved. In addition, since the electronic device 100 is automatically reconnected after being disconnected from the server 400 , the time for performing a connection operation between the electronic device 100 and the server 400 may be shortened.

Meanwhile, although only a simple configuration constituting the electronic device 100 has been illustrated and described above, various configurations may be additionally provided when implemented. This will be described below with reference to FIG. 2 .

3 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the electronic device of FIG. 2 .

Referring to FIG. 3 , the electronic device 100 may include a memory 110 , a communication interface 120 , a processor 130 , a display 140 , a user interface 150 , and an input/output interface 160 .

Meanwhile, redundant descriptions of the same operations as described above among the operations of the memory 110 , the communication interface 120 , and the processor 130 will be omitted.

The display 140 may be implemented as various types of displays, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, a plasma display panel (PDP), and the like. The display 140 may also include a driving circuit, a backlight unit, and the like, which may be implemented in the form of an a-si TFT, a low temperature poly silicon (LTPS) TFT, or an organic TFT (OTFT). Meanwhile, the display 140 may be implemented as a touch screen combined with a touch sensor, a flexible display, a three-dimensional display, or the like.

Also, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the display 140 may include a bezel housing the display panel as well as a display panel for outputting an image. In particular, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the bezel may include a touch sensor (not shown) for detecting user interaction.

The user interface 150 may be implemented as a device such as a button, a touch pad, a mouse, and a keyboard, or may be implemented as a touch screen capable of performing the above-described display function and manipulation input function together. Here, the button may be various types of buttons such as a mechanical button, a touch pad, a wheel, etc. formed in an arbitrary area such as the front, side, or rear of the exterior of the main body of the electronic device 100 .

Input/output interface 160 is HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface), MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link), USB (Universal Serial Bus), DP (Display Port), Thunderbolt (Thunderbolt), VGA (Video Graphics Array) port, The interface may be any one of an RGB port, a D-subminiature (D-SUB), and a digital visual interface (DVI).

The input/output interface 160 may input/output at least one of audio and video signals.

Depending on the implementation, the input/output interface 160 may include a port for inputting and outputting only an audio signal and a port for inputting and outputting only a video signal as separate ports, or may be implemented as a single port for inputting and outputting both an audio signal and a video signal.

Meanwhile, the electronic device of FIGS. 2 and 3 shows only a representative configuration of the device included in the IoT network. Accordingly, the electronic device 100 included in the IoT network may actually further include an additional configuration.

4 is a block diagram of a control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the external terminal device 200 (or control device) includes a memory 210 , a communication interface 220 , a processor 230 , a display 240 , a user interface 250 , and an input/output interface 260 . may include

Meanwhile, the memory 210 , the communication interface 220 , the processor 230 , the display 240 , the user interface 250 , and the input/output interface 260 may have a configuration similar to that of FIG. 3 . Accordingly, redundant descriptions are omitted.

The microphone 270 may receive a user's voice in an activated state. For example, the microphone may be integrally formed in an upper side, a front direction, a side direction, or the like of the electronic device 100 . The microphone is a microphone that collects the user's voice in analog form, an amplifier circuit that amplifies the collected user's voice, an A/D conversion circuit that samples the amplified user's voice and converts it into a digital signal, and a microphone that removes noise components from the converted digital signal. It may include various configurations such as filter circuits and the like.

The camera 280 is configured to generate a captured image by capturing a subject, wherein the captured image is a concept including both a moving image and a still image. The camera 280 may acquire an image of at least one external device, and may be implemented as a camera, a lens, an infrared sensor, or the like.

The camera 180 may include a lens and an image sensor. The type of lens includes a general general-purpose lens, a wide-angle lens, a zoom lens, and the like, and may be determined according to the type, characteristic, and use environment of the electronic device 100 . As the image sensor, a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) and a charge coupled device (CCD) may be used.

5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of connecting an electronic device to a server in a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the electronic device 100 may receive user information from the control device 200 and may be connected to the server 400 based on the received user information.

The electronic device 100 needs to be changed to a mode for performing communication with the control device 200 in order to receive user information from the control device 200 . The electronic device 100 may be set to an AP mode (S505). According to an embodiment, the user may change the mode of the electronic device 100 to the AP mode so that the electronic device 100 performs mutual communication with the control device 200 . According to another embodiment, when a preset condition is satisfied, the electronic device 100 may automatically change to the AP mode.

Meanwhile, the electronic device 100 changed to the AP mode may broadcast a Wi-Fi signal. Here, the operation of broadcasting the Wi-Fi signal may refer to an operation of radiating a Wi-Fi signal including information for accessing the electronic device 100 to a space in which the electronic device 100 is located without a target. A Wi-Fi signal emitted by the electronic device 100 may be transmitted to the control device 200 (S510).

Then, the control device 200 may receive the Wi-Fi signal of the electronic device 100 and determine to access the AP mode of the electronic device 100 ( S515 ). According to an embodiment, the user may determine to access the AP mode of the electronic device 100 by directly selecting the electronic device 100 from the list of devices capable of communicating with the control device 200 . According to another embodiment, when a preset condition is satisfied, the control device 200 may determine to automatically access the AP mode of the electronic device 100 .

When the control device 200 determines to access the AP mode of the electronic device 100 , the control device 200 may communicate with the electronic device 100 . Then, the control device 200 may transmit the first user information to the electronic device 100 (S520). Here, the first user information may mean identification information for connection with the server. In addition, after transmitting the first user information to the electronic device 100 , the control device 200 may release the access to the AP mode of the electronic device 100 and connect to the AP device 300 . This is because there is no need to continuously exchange information with the electronic device 100 after transmitting the first user information.

The electronic device 100 may release the AP mode and attempt a connection with the server 400 based on the first user information received from the control device 200 (S525). Specifically, the electronic device 100 may transmit the received first user information to the AP device 300 (S530). Then, the AP device 300 may transmit the first user information received from the electronic device 100 to the server 400 (S535).

The server 400 may check user information based on the first user information received through the electronic device 100 and the AP device 300 ( S540 ). Specifically, the server 400 may determine whether the received first user information matches pre-stored user information. In addition, the server 400 may determine whether to connect with the electronic device 100 based on whether the first user information and pre-stored user information match. In addition, the server 400 may transmit a connection result to the AP device 300 .

Specifically, if the user information does not match, the server 400 may identify the electronic device 100 as not having an authority to connect to the server 400 . When the electronic device 100 identifies that it is not authorized to connect to the server 400 , the server 400 may transmit a signal including information indicating that the user does not have the authority to the AP device 300 , and the AP device 300 receives information may be transmitted to the electronic device 100 . The electronic device 100 may provide the received information to the user.

Specifically, if the user information matches, the server 400 may identify the electronic device 100 as having an authority to connect to the server 400 . When it is identified that the electronic device 100 has the authority to be connected to the server 400 , the server 400 may communicate with the electronic device 100 . Here, the operation of performing communication with the electronic device 100 may mean exchanging information through the AP device 300 . For example, the server 400 may transmit a control command to the electronic device 100 through the AP device 300 . Also, the electronic device 100 may transmit control state information to the server 400 through the AP device 300 .

The AP device 300 may transmit the connection status result received from the server 400 to the electronic device 100 (S550). In addition, the electronic device 100 may provide the user with the connection status result received from the AP device 300 ( S555 ). Here, the operation provided to the user may mean an operation of outputting audio data through a speaker or an operation of outputting image data through a display.

The AP device 300 may transmit the connection status result received from the server 400 to the control device 200 (S560). Then, the control device 200 may identify whether the electronic device 100 and the server 400 are interconnected based on the received connection status result (S565). If the electronic device 100 and the server 400 are interconnected, the control device 200 may store information indicating that they are interconnected and repeatedly identify the interconnection result at a preset cycle. If the electronic device 100 and the server 400 are not connected to each other, the control device 200 may terminate the connection with the AP device 300 ( S570 ). Here, the reason why the control device 200 terminates the connection with the AP device 300 is to prepare the control device 200 to exchange information with the electronic device 100 . The reason that the electronic device 100 and the server 400 are not connected may be because user information does not match in step S540 . Accordingly, when the electronic device 100 does not have an authority to connect to the server 400 , the control device 200 may need to transmit new user information to the electronic device 100 . In order for the control device 200 to transmit new user information to the electronic device 100 , it may need to terminate the connection with the AP device 300 and access the AP mode of the electronic device 100 . Here, the electronic device 100 may be set to an AP mode (S575). According to an embodiment, in order for the electronic device 100 to be set to the AP mode, the user may directly control the electronic device 100 . According to another embodiment, the electronic device 100 may be automatically set to the AP mode based on a preset condition.

6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of connecting an electronic device to a server in a system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the electronic device 100 may be set to an AP mode (S605). Then, the electronic device 100 may broadcast a Wi-Fi signal while operating in the AP mode (S610). Then, when the control device 200 receives a Wi-Fi signal broadcast from the electronic device 100 while being connected to the AP device 300 , the control device 200 may release the connection with the AP device 300 ( S615 ). Specifically, the control device 200 is in a state of exchanging information with the AP device 300 , and when a Wi-Fi signal is transmitted from the electronic device 100 , the control device 200 may disconnect (or terminate) the connection with the AP device 300 . have. Then, the control device 200 may access the AP mode of the electronic device 100 (S620). Then, the control device 200 may generate a shared key (S625). Here, the shared key may be generated in a preset manner, and the shared key may be used to check whether the electronic device 100 and the control device 200 are included in the same IoT network.

Meanwhile, although it has been described that the shared key is generated in step S625, the shared key may be in a pre-stored state according to an embodiment.

The control device 200 may transmit the shared key and the first user information to the electronic device 100 (S630). Then, the electronic device 100 may store the shared key received from the control device 200 (S635). Then, the electronic device 100 may release the AP mode and attempt to connect to the server 400 based on the first user information received from the control device 200 ( S640 ). The electronic device 100 may transmit the first user information to the AP device 300 . In addition, the AP device 300 may transmit the first user information received from the electronic device 100 to the server 400 . The server 400 may check the first user information received from the AP device 300 and pre-stored user information (S655). Specifically, the server 400 may identify whether the electronic device 100 is authorized to connect to the server 400 based on the first user information. Meanwhile, since step S655 corresponds to step S540 of FIG. 5 , a redundant description is omitted.

The server 400 may transmit the connection status result to the AP device 300 (S660). Then, the AP device 300 may transmit a result of whether the connection has been made to the electronic device 100 (S665). And, if the connection result includes information that the electronic device 100 and the server 400 are interconnected, the electronic device 100 may be connected to the server 400 ( S670 ).

The AP device 300 may transmit the result of whether the connection is made to the control device 200 (S675). In addition, the control device 200 may provide a connection result to the user. Here, the operation provided to the user may mean an operation of outputting audio data through a speaker or an operation of outputting image data through a display. Meanwhile, if the connection result includes information indicating that the electronic device 100 and the server 400 are interconnected, the control device 200 may store the server connection device table (S680). Here, the server connection device table may mean a table including information on at least one device included in the same IoT network as the control device 200 among a plurality of devices connected to the server.

7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation performed when a connection between an electronic device and a server is released, according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7 , the connection between the electronic device 100 and the server 400 may be released ( S705 ). The reasons for disconnecting the connection between the electronic device 100 and the server 400 may be various. For example, information related to a user account that can access the server 400 may be changed. It is assumed that the electronic device 100 and the server 400 are previously connected based on the first user information. Here, it is assumed that the password included in the first user information is changed in the server 400 . In this case, the electronic device 100 can no longer connect to the server 400 based on the first user information.

Here, if the electronic device 100 identifies that the connection with the server 400 has been released, the electronic device 100 may automatically set the AP mode (S710). Then, the electronic device 100 may broadcast a Wi-Fi signal while operating in the AP mode (S715).

In addition, when the control device 200 receives a Wi-Fi signal received from the electronic device 100 while being connected to the AP device 300 , the connection with the AP device 300 may be canceled ( S720 ). Then, the control device 200 may access the AP mode of the electronic device 100 (S725). Then, after the control device 200 accesses the AP mode of the electronic device 100 , the control device 200 may transmit second user information to the electronic device 100 ( S730 ). Here, the control device 200 may transmit the second user information and the shared key together. The second user information may mean information in which a password is changed from the first user information.

Upon receiving the second user information from the control device 200, the electronic device 100 may release the AP mode and attempt to connect to the server 400 based on the second user information (S735). Specifically, the electronic device 100 may transmit the second user information to the AP device 300 (S740). Then, the AP device 300 may transmit the second user information received from the electronic device 100 to the server 400 (S745).

The server 400 may check the user information by comparing the second user information received from the AP device 300 with the pre-stored user information (S750). Specifically, the server 400 may compare whether the second user information is included in the pre-stored user information. If the second user information is included in the pre-stored user information, the electronic device 100 may be identified as having an authority to connect to the server 400 . In addition, if the second user information is not included in the pre-stored user information, it may be identified that the electronic device 100 does not have an authority to connect to the server 400 . In addition, the server 400 may transmit a connection result to the electronic device 100 and the control device 200 . The connection status result may be transmitted from the server 400 to the electronic device 100 and the control device 200 through the AP device 300 . Specifically, the server 400 may transmit the connection status result to the AP device 300 (S755).

The AP device 300 may transmit a connection status result to the electronic device 100 . If the connection result includes information indicating that the electronic device 100 is authorized to connect to the server 400 , the electronic device 100 may be connected to the server 400 ( S765 ). If the connection status result includes information that the electronic device 100 is not authorized to connect to the server 400 , the electronic device 100 may provide information on the connection status result to the user.

In addition, the AP device 300 may transmit a connection result to the control device 200 (S770). In addition, the control device 200 may provide a connection result to the user. Here, the operation provided to the user may mean an operation of outputting audio data through a speaker or an operation of outputting image data through a display. If the connection result includes information indicating that the electronic device 100 is authorized to connect to the server 400, the control device 200 may store the server connection device table (S775). Here, the server connection device table may mean a table including information on at least one device included in the same IoT network as the control device 200 among a plurality of devices connected to the server.

8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation performed when the connection between the electronic device and the server is released according to another embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 8 , the electronic device 100 may be disconnected from the server 400 ( S805 ). Then, when the connection with the server 400 is released, the electronic device 100 may set the AP mode (S810). Then, the electronic device 100 may broadcast a Wi-Fi signal (S815). Operations S805 to S815 may correspond to operations S705 to S715 of FIG. 7 , and thus redundant description will be omitted.

Meanwhile, upon receiving the Wi-Fi signal from the electronic device 100 , the control device 200 may generate a first probe request packet including the shared key ( S820 ). Here, the shared key may mean a pre-stored key or a key generated by a pre-stored method. Then, the control device 200 may transmit the generated first probe request packet to the electronic device 100 (S825).

And, upon receiving the first probe request packet from the control device 200, the electronic device 100 identifies whether the previously stored shared key and the newly received shared key (the shared key included in the first probe request packet) match. It can be (S830). Here, the pre-stored shared key may mean a shared key received from the control device 200 before the electronic device 100 receives the first probe request packet. Currently, in step S805, it is assumed that the electronic device 100 was previously connected to the server 400, but the connection to the server 400 was released due to a change of a password or the like. Accordingly, the electronic device 100 may have already acquired the shared key from the control device 200 . For example, as in step S630 of FIG. 6 , the electronic device 100 may receive the shared key together while receiving the first user information. Then, the electronic device 100 may receive the first probe request packet from the control device 200 after the connection with the server 400 is released.

If the previously stored shared key and the newly received shared key (the shared key included in the first probe request packet) do not match, the electronic device 100 identifies that the control device 200 is not a device included in the same IoT network. can Accordingly, a separate response packet may not be transmitted to the control device 200 .

When the previously stored shared key and the newly received shared key (the shared key included in the first probe request packet) match, the electronic device 100 may identify the control device 200 as a device included in the same IoT network. . Then, it is possible to generate a probe response packet including information indicating that the shared key matches (S835). Meanwhile, the probe response packet generated by the electronic device 100 may include a shared key previously stored in the electronic device 100 . Then, the electronic device 100 may transmit the generated probe response packet to the control device 200 (S840).

When the control device 200 receives the probe response packet from the electronic device 100 , the shared key (shared key previously stored in the electronic device 100 ) included in the probe response packet and the shared key of the control device 200 . It is possible to identify whether they match by comparing them (S845).

If the shared key of the control device 200 and the shared key of the electronic device 100 do not match, the control device 200 may identify that the electronic device 100 is not a device included in the same IoT network. Also, the control device 200 may not transmit the second probe request packet including the second user information to the electronic device 100 .

When the shared key of the control device 200 and the shared key of the electronic device 100 match, the control device 200 may identify the electronic device 100 as a device included in the same IoT network. Then, the control device 200 may generate a second probe request packet including the shared key and second user information (S850). According to an implementation example, the second probe request packet may not include a shared key. This is because the shared key has already been checked in step S830 or step S845.

Then, the control device 200 may transmit the generated second probe request packet to the electronic device 100 (S855). In addition, when receiving the second probe request packet from the control device 200 , the electronic device 100 may acquire second user information included in the second probe request packet. Then, the electronic device 100 may attempt to connect to the server 400 based on the acquired second user information (S860). Specifically, the electronic device 100 may transmit the second user information to the AP device 300 (S865). Then, the AP device 300 may transmit the second user information to the server 400 (S870). Then, the server 400 may compare the received second user information with the pre-stored user information to identify whether they match (S875). Here, steps S865, S870, and S875 may correspond to steps S645, S650, and S655 of FIG. 6 or steps S740, S745, and S750 of FIG. 7 . Accordingly, redundant descriptions are omitted. Meanwhile, although not described in FIG. 8 , steps S660, S665, S670, S675, and S680 of FIG. 6 or steps S755, S760, S765, S770, and S775 of FIG. 7 may be additionally applied.

9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of comparing devices connected to a server.

Referring to FIG. 9 , the control device 200 may store the server connection device table through step S680 of FIG. 6 or step S775 of FIG. 7 ( S905 ). That is, the control device 200 stores the server connection device table including information on at least one device included in the same IoT network as the control device 200 among a plurality of devices connected to the server in the memory ( 210) may be stored. In addition, the control device 200 may periodically request the server 400 for a list of server connection devices.

Specifically, the control device 200 may transmit a server connection device list request to the AP device 300 (S910). Then, the AP device 300 may transmit the server-connected device list to the server 400 (S915). Then, the server 400 may generate a server-connected device list based on the received server-connected device list request (S920). Here, the server connection device list may include information on at least one device included in the same IoT network as the control device 200 among a plurality of devices connected to the server 400 . Then, the server 400 may transmit the created server-connected device list to the AP device 300 (S925). Then, the AP device 300 may transmit the server connection device list to the control device 200 (S930).

Then, the control device 200 may compare the received server connection device list with a pre-stored server connection device table (S935). Then, the control device 200 may identify whether the electronic device 100 is currently connected to the server 400 (S940). Specifically, the electronic device 100 may compare whether a device included in the server-connected device table and a device included in the server-connected device list match. Here, the server-connected device table may mean a table generated by the control device 200 , and the server-connected device list may mean a list generated by the server 400 .

When the electronic device 100 and the server 400 are connected, the control device 200 may request a server connection device list from the server 400 every preset period. For example, operations S910 to S940 may be repeated once a day.

When the electronic device 100 and the server 400 are not connected, the control device 200 transmits information indicating that the electronic device 100 and the server 400 are not connected (connection termination information) to the electronic device 100 . can be transmitted to (S945). Here, the connection termination information may be a probe request packet transmitted to a device excluded from the connection device list based on the comparison operation performed in step S935. However, S945 may not be necessarily performed. This is because the electronic device 100 has already received information indicating that the connection with the server 400 has been terminated by step S665 of FIG. 6 or step S760 of FIG. 7 .

When the electronic device 100 receives information that the connection with the server 400 has been terminated, the electronic device 100 may confirm that the connection with the server 400 has been released (S950). Then, when the connection with the server 400 is released, the electronic device 100 may automatically set the AP mode (S955).

10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of checking whether an electronic device is connected to a server.

Referring to FIG. 10 , the control device 200 may check whether the electronic device 100 is connected to the server 400 by transmitting a probe request packet to the electronic device 100 operating in the AP mode. In the embodiment of FIG. 9 , the connection with the electronic device 100 and the server 400 is checked only through the server 400 without transmitting a separate probe response packet to the electronic device 100 , but in the embodiment of FIG. 10 , Additionally, it is possible to check whether the electronic device 100 and the server 400 are connected through the electronic device 100 . For example, since the electronic device 100 and the server 400 are not always connected to the server, it may be difficult to determine whether the electronic device 100 and the server 400 are connected in real time. Accordingly, the control device 200 may transmit a control command so that the electronic device 100 directly attempts to connect with the server 400 . The transmitted control command may be included in the probe request packet of FIG. 10 . Accordingly, steps S1005 to S1055 described in FIG. 10 may correspond to operations after step S940 of FIG. 9 . Specifically, steps S1005 to S1055 described in FIG. 10 may be operations performed when it is determined in step S940 that the electronic device 100 and the server 400 are not connected.

Specifically, the control device 200 may generate a probe request packet for requesting information on whether the electronic device 100 and the server 400 are connected (S1005). Then, the control device 200 may transmit the generated probe request packet to the electronic device 100 (S1010). Then, upon receiving the probe request packet received from the control device 200 , the electronic device 100 may check whether the connection with the server 400 is established ( S1015 ). Step S1015 may correspond to steps S640 to S665. Accordingly, overlapping operations are omitted in FIG. 10 .

The electronic device 100 may generate a probe response packet including information on whether to connect to the server (S1020). Then, the generated probe response packet may be transmitted to the control device 200 (S1025). The control device 200 may identify whether the electronic device 100 and the server 400 are connected based on the probe response packet received from the electronic device 100 ( S1030 ).

When it is identified that the electronic device 100 and the server 400 are connected in step S1030 , the control device 200 may periodically request a server connection device list from the server 400 . Specifically, the control device 200 may transmit a server connection device list request to the AP device 300 (S1035). Then, the AP device 300 may transmit a server connection device list request to the server 400 (S1040). Then, the server 400 may generate a server-connected device list based on the server-connected device list request (S1045). Here, steps S1035, S1040, and S1045 may correspond to steps S910, S915, and S920 of FIG. 9 . In addition, steps S925, S930, S935, and S940 of FIG. 9 may be additionally applied after step S1045. A description that overlaps with this will be omitted.

If it is identified that the electronic device 100 and the server 400 are not connected in step S1030 , the control device 200 may transmit an AP mode reset request to the electronic device 100 ( S1050 ). Then, the electronic device 100 may reset the mode of the electronic device 100 to the AP mode based on the AP mode reset request received from the control device 200 (S1055). Here, “reset” may be replaced with “setting” and applied. Also, step S1055 may correspond to steps S805 to S875 of FIG. 8 . A duplicate description will be omitted.

11 is a table for explaining a server connection device table generated by the server.

Referring to FIG. 11 , the control device 200 may store the server connection device table 1105 stored in the memory 210 of the control device 200 . The process of acquiring the server connection device table may correspond to step S680 of FIG. 6 . Specifically, the server connection device table may include information on a device included in the same IoT network as the control device 200 among a plurality of devices connected to the server 400 .

The server-connected device table may include at least one of an identification number, a recent access time, a device type, a shared key, and a media access control (MAC) address for each device (or for each device). If the shared key is the same, it may be included in the same IoT network. The MAC address may be a device-specific address. Accordingly, the control device 200 may transmit information to a specific device based on the MAC address. For example, if the MAC address corresponding to the electronic device 100 is included in the server connection device table, the control device 200 transmits user information to the electronic device 100 based on the MAC address corresponding to the electronic device 100 . ) can be sent to

12 is a table for explaining a probe packet transmitted between an electronic device and a control device.

12 , the probe packet may be a probe request/response packet of an 802.11 management frame. The 802.11 management frame may refer to a management frame for establishing communication between a wireless terminal and an access point (AP). The 802.11 management frame may consist of an 802.11 MAC header and a frame body. Here, the frame body may include an information element field having a variable length. The information element field may include element identification (Element ID) information, length information, Organizationally Unique Identifier (OUI) information, and vendor specific element information.

Here, the vendor specific element information 1205 may be encrypted data, and may include an identification number, a MAC address for each device, a shared key, and definition content. Here, the definition content may mean indicating the purpose of a transmitted packet. For example, the definition of the first type (type #1) may be to find a disconnected device, and the definition of the second type (type #2) is that the device is set up in the control device. it could be that it could be

13 is a diagram for explaining a UI related to a network connection notification according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 13 , it is assumed that the electronic device 100 (shown as a washing machine in FIG. 13 ) includes the display 140 . When the electronic device 100 disconnects from the server 400 , an image 1305 corresponding to the disconnection may be displayed on the display 140 of the electronic device 100 . Here, the image 1305 may include an icon corresponding to the electronic device 100 , an icon corresponding to the server 400 , an icon 1310 corresponding to disconnection, and connection disconnection information 1315 . Here, the disconnection information may include at least one of the names (or types) of devices that have been disconnected from each other and the reasons for disconnecting the connection. Here, the disconnection icon 1310 may be displayed between the icon corresponding to the electronic device 100 and the icon corresponding to the server 400 . Since a disconnection icon 1310 is displayed between icons of disconnected devices, the user can easily recognize which device has been disconnected.

Meanwhile, although it is assumed that the image 1305 is displayed on the display 140 of the electronic device 100 in the embodiment of FIGS. 13 to 15 , it may be displayed on the display 240 of the control device 200 according to an embodiment. can

14 is a diagram for explaining a UI related to a network connection notification according to another embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 14 , it is assumed that the electronic device 100 (shown as a washing machine in FIG. 14 ) includes the display 140 . When the electronic device 100 disconnects from the server 400 , an image 1405 guiding the electronic device 100 to update new user information may be displayed on the display 140 of the electronic device 100 . have. Here, the image 1405 may include a UI 1410 asking whether to transmit new user information to the electronic device 100 .

When a control command for transmitting new user information is selected by the user based on the UI 1410, the electronic device 100 may transmit a control signal requesting new user information to the control device 200, and the control device ( 200 may transmit new user information to the electronic device 100 .

Meanwhile, although it is assumed that the image 1405 is displayed on the display 140 of the electronic device 100 in the embodiment of FIG. 14 , it may be displayed on the display 240 of the control device 200 according to an embodiment. Specifically, when a control command for transmitting new user information is selected by the user based on the UI 1410 , the control device 200 may transmit the new user information to the electronic device 100 .

15 is a diagram for explaining a UI related to a network connection notification according to another embodiment.

15 , it is assumed that the electronic device 100 includes the display 140 . When the electronic device 100 disconnects from the server 400 , an image 1505 guiding to input user information into the electronic device 100 may be displayed on the display 140 of the electronic device 100 . . Here, the image 1505 may include user identification information and a UI 1510 for inputting a password corresponding to the identification information.

According to an embodiment, when all user information is input based on the UI 1510 , the electronic device 100 may attempt to connect to the server 400 based on the input user information.

According to another embodiment, when all user information is input based on the UI 1510 , the electronic device 100 may transmit a control signal requesting new user information to the control device 200 . Here, the user information input to the electronic device 100 may be existing user information (not new user information). Here, the control signal transmission operation may be broadcasting a Wi-Fi signal. In addition, when the control device 200 receives a control signal requesting new user information, it may transmit new user information to the electronic device 100 .

Meanwhile, although it is assumed that the image 1505 is displayed on the display 140 of the electronic device 100 in the embodiment of FIG. 15 , it may be displayed on the display 240 of the control device 200 according to an embodiment. When all user information is input by the user based on the UI 1510 , the control device 200 may transmit new user information to the electronic device 100 . Here, the user information input to the control device 200 may be new user information.

16 is a diagram for explaining a flowchart of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 16 , a control method of the electronic device 100 for storing first user identification information and first password information corresponding to the first user identification information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the stored first user identification information and connecting to the server 400 through the AP (Access Point) device 300 on the basis of the first password information (S1605). If the server 400 is not connected, the electronic device 100 operates in the AP mode. step S1610 and when the second password information is received from the external terminal device 200 while the electronic device 100 operates in the AP mode, the AP device 300 based on the first user identification information and the second password It may include a step of connecting to the server 400 through (S1615).

Meanwhile, the electronic device 100 may further store the shared key, and the control method is when information including the shared key is received from the external terminal device 200 while the electronic device 100 operates in the AP mode, the received The method may further include transmitting response information for receiving the second password information to the external terminal device 200 based on the shared key included in the information and the stored shared key.

Meanwhile, in the step of transmitting the response information to the external terminal device 200 , when the first probe request packet including the shared key is received while the electronic device 100 operates in the AP mode, the received first probe request packet is When the included shared key and the stored shared key match, it may be identified whether the shared key matches, and response information may be transmitted to the external terminal device 200 based on the identification result.

Meanwhile, in the step of connecting to the server 400 through the AP device 300 based on the first user identification information and the second password (S1615), the shared key included in the received first probe request packet and the stored shared key are If they match, a probe response packet including information indicating that the shared key matches may be transmitted to the external terminal device 200 , and a second probe request packet including second password information is transmitted from the external terminal device 200 . When received, the server 400 may be connected through the AP device 300 based on the first user identification information and the second password.

Meanwhile, the first user identification information and the first password information may be information received from the external terminal device 200 , and the stored shared key is transmitted from the external terminal device 200 together with the first user identification information and the first password information. It may be received information.

Meanwhile, in the step of connecting to the server 400 through the AP device 300 based on the first user identification information and the first password information (S1605), the AP device 300 together with the first user identification information and the first password information ), and may connect to the server 400 through the AP device 300 corresponding to the received identification information of the AP device 300 .

Meanwhile, the control method may further include updating the stored first password to the second password when the second password information is received.

Meanwhile, the control method may further include disconnecting the connection from the AP device 300 and broadcasting a Wi-Fi signal while the electronic device 100 operates in the AP mode.

Meanwhile, in the control method, when a probe request packet requesting information on whether to connect to the server 400 is received from the external terminal device 200 , a probe response packet including information on whether to connect to the server 400 is transmitted to the outside. The method may further include transmitting to the terminal device 200 .

Meanwhile, the control method may further include displaying a user interface (UI) guiding a request for new user information to the external terminal device 200 when the server 400 is not connected.

Meanwhile, the method of controlling the electronic device as shown in FIG. 16 may be executed on the electronic device having the configuration of FIG. 2 or FIG. 3 , and may also be executed on the electronic device having other configurations.

Meanwhile, the above-described methods according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in the form of an application that can be installed in an existing electronic device.

In addition, the above-described methods according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented only by software upgrade or hardware upgrade of an existing electronic device.

In addition, various embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be performed through an embedded server provided in an electronic device or an external server of at least one of an electronic device and a display device.

Meanwhile, according to a temporary example of the present disclosure, the various embodiments described above may be implemented as software including instructions stored in a machine-readable storage media readable by a machine (eg, a computer). can The device is a device capable of calling a stored command from a storage medium and operating according to the called command, and may include the electronic device according to the disclosed embodiments. When the instruction is executed by the processor, the processor may perform a function corresponding to the instruction by using other components directly or under the control of the processor. Instructions may include code generated or executed by a compiler or interpreter. The device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' means that the storage medium does not include a signal and is tangible, and does not distinguish that data is semi-permanently or temporarily stored in the storage medium.

Also, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method according to the various embodiments described above may be included in a computer program product and provided. Computer program products may be traded between sellers and buyers as commodities. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (eg, compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)) or online through an application store (eg, Play Store™). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a storage medium such as a memory of a server of a manufacturer, a server of an application store, or a relay server.

In addition, each of the components (eg, a module or a program) according to the various embodiments described above may be composed of a single or a plurality of entities, and some sub-components of the aforementioned sub-components may be omitted, or other sub-components may be omitted. Components may be further included in various embodiments. Alternatively or additionally, some components (eg, a module or a program) may be integrated into a single entity, so that functions performed by each corresponding component prior to integration may be performed identically or similarly. According to various embodiments, operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be sequentially, parallelly, repetitively or heuristically executed, or at least some operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or other operations may be added. can

In the above, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, but the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and is generally used in the technical field belonging to the present disclosure without departing from the gist of the present disclosure as claimed in the claims. Various modifications may be made by those having the knowledge of

100: electronic device 200: external terminal device
300: AP device 400: server

Claims (20)

In an electronic device,
a memory in which first user identification information and first password information corresponding to the first user identification information are stored;
communication interface; and
A processor for controlling the communication interface to connect to a server through an AP (Access Point) device based on the first user identification information and the first password information stored in the memory;
The processor is
If it is not connected to the server through the communication interface, control the communication interface so that the electronic device operates in an AP mode,
If second password information is received from an external terminal device while the electronic device operates in the AP mode, the communication interface is configured to connect to the server through the AP device based on the first user identification information and the second password to control the electronic device. According to claim 1,
The memory is
Store more shared keys,
The processor is
When information including a shared key is received from the external terminal device while the electronic device operates in the AP mode, the second password information is based on the shared key included in the received information and the shared key stored in the memory. An electronic device for transmitting response information for receiving a , to the external terminal device. 3. The method of claim 2,
The processor is
When the first probe request packet including the shared key is received while the electronic device operates in the AP mode, the shared key included in the received first probe request packet matches the shared key stored in the memory. case, it is determined whether the shared key matches, and based on the identification result, the electronic device transmits the response information to the external terminal device. 4. The method of claim 3,
The processor is
When the shared key included in the received first probe request packet matches the shared key stored in the memory, transmitting a probe response packet including information indicating that the shared key matches to the external terminal device;
When a second probe request packet including second password information is received from the external terminal device, the communication interface is controlled to connect to the server through the AP device based on the first user identification information and the second password which is an electronic device. 3. The method of claim 2,
The first user identification information and the first password information are information received from the external terminal device,
The shared key stored in the memory,
The electronic device is information received from the external terminal device together with the first user identification information and the first password information. According to claim 1,
The processor is
receiving identification information of the AP device together with the first user identification information and the first password information, and controlling the communication interface to connect to the server through the AP device corresponding to the received identification information of the AP device; electronic device. According to claim 1,
The processor is
When the second password information is received, the electronic device of updating the first password stored in the memory to the second password. According to claim 1,
The processor is
controlling the communication interface so that the connection with the AP device is released while the electronic device operates in the AP mode;
An electronic device that broadcasts a Wi-Fi signal through the communication interface. According to claim 1,
The processor is
When a probe request packet for requesting information on whether to connect to the server is received from the external terminal device, the electronic device transmits a probe response packet including information on whether to connect to the server to the external terminal device. According to claim 1,
Display; further comprising,
The processor is
and controlling the display to display a UI (User Interface) for guiding a request for new user information to the external terminal device when the server is not connected through the communication interface. A method of controlling an electronic device for storing first user identification information and first password information corresponding to the first user identification information, the method comprising:
connecting to a server through an AP (Access Point) device based on the stored first user identification information and the first password information;
operating the electronic device in an AP mode if not connected to the server; and
When second password information is received from an external terminal device while the electronic device operates in the AP mode, connecting to the server through the AP device based on the first user identification information and the second password; comprising, a method of control. 12. The method of claim 11,
The electronic device further stores a shared key,
When information including a shared key is received from the external terminal device while the electronic device operates in the AP mode, the second password information is received based on the shared key included in the received information and the stored shared key Transmitting response information to the external terminal device; further comprising, the control method. 13. The method of claim 12,
Transmitting the response information to the external terminal device comprises:
When the first probe request packet including the shared key is received while the electronic device operates in the AP mode, the shared key included in the received first probe request packet matches the stored shared key. A control method for identifying whether keys match, and transmitting the response information to the external terminal device based on the identification result. 14. The method of claim 13,
The step of connecting to the server through the AP device based on the first user identification information and the second password comprises:
When the shared key included in the received first probe request packet matches the stored shared key, transmitting a probe response packet including information indicating that the shared key matches to the external terminal device;
When a second probe request packet including second password information is received from the external terminal device, the server is connected to the server through the AP device based on the first user identification information and the second password. 13. The method of claim 12,
The first user identification information and the first password information are information received from the external terminal device,
The stored shared key is,
information received from the external terminal device together with the first user identification information and the first password information. 12. The method of claim 11,
The step of connecting to a server through the AP device based on the first user identification information and the first password information includes:
receiving identification information of the AP device together with the first user identification information and the first password information, and connecting to the server through the AP device corresponding to the received identification information of the AP device. 12. The method of claim 11,
When the second password information is received, updating the stored first password to the second password; further comprising a control method. 12. The method of claim 11,
disconnecting from the AP device while the electronic device operates in the AP mode; and
Broadcasting the Wi-Fi signal; further comprising, a control method. 12. The method of claim 11,
When a probe request packet for requesting information on whether to connect to the server is received from the external terminal device, transmitting a probe response packet including information on whether to connect to the server to the external terminal device; further comprising to do, control method. 12. The method of claim 11,
Displaying a UI (User Interface) for guiding a request for new user information to the external terminal device when not connected to the server; further comprising a control method.

Images