Transferring operating environment of registered network to unregistered network

The disclosure is related to providing an operation environment of a registered network having first devices to a user in an unregistered network having second devices. In order to provide, the second devices in the unregistered network may be detected when user equipment associated with the user enters a service area of the unregistered network. As compatible devices, devices compatible with the first devices in the registered network may be selected from the detected second devices. Then, system images of the first devices compatible with the selected compatible devices may be obtained. The obtained system images of the first devices may be installed at the selected compatible devices, respectively.

CROSS REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2013-0109839 (filed on Sep. 12, 2013), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The subject matter of this application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/191,756 filed Feb. 27, 2014, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/172,118 filed Feb. 4, 2014, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/514,499 filed Oct. 15, 2014, the teachings of which are incorporated herein their entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a home network service and, more particularly, to providing the same operating environment of a registered home network to a user in an unregistered home network.

A home network has been introduced. The home network couples a plurality of electronic devices (e.g., computer, television, refrigerator, and audio system) and controls them in response to a user input. Particularly, when a user is in a service area of a registered home network, the home network may enable a user to control smart devices in the registered home network with minimum interaction to the smart devices. Through such home network, the user might perform repeated daily tasks conveniently. However, such a home network service cannot be provided to the user when the user visits a unregistered home network although the unregistered home network includes smart devices similar to those in the registered home network.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention overcome the above disadvantages and other disadvantages not described above. Also, the present invention is not required to overcome the disadvantages described above, and an embodiment of the present invention may not overcome any of the problems described above.

In accordance with an aspect of the present embodiment, a user may be enabled to transfer operation environment of a registered home network to an unregistered home network when the user visits the unregistered home network.

In accordance with another aspect of the present embodiment, a user may be enabled to control smart devices in an unregistered home network when the user visits the unregistered home network.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, a method may be provided for providing an operation environment of a registered network having first devices to a user in an unregistered network having second devices. The method may include detecting the second devices in the unregistered network when user equipment associated with the user enters a service area of the unregistered network, selecting devices compatible with the first devices in the registered network from the detected second devices as compatible devices, obtaining system images of the first devices compatible with the selected compatible devices, and installing the obtained system images of the first devices at the selected compatible devices, respectively.

The detecting may include receiving second device information on the second devices in the registered network and extracting a list of the second devices, user identification information associated with the user equipment, network identification information associated with the registered network.

The selecting devices may include identifying the registered network based on user identification information associated with the user equipment, obtaining first device information of the registered network based on the identified registered network, and selecting the compatible devices from the second devices based on the obtained first device information of the registered network and second device information received from the user equipment.

The obtaining system images may include transmitting an inquiry message to the user equipment for requesting the user to choose a type of providing the operation environment of the registered network, receiving a response message from the user equipment in response to the inquiry message, and performing a procedure of installing a system image when the response message indicates system image installation as the type of the providing the operation environment.

The installing the obtained system images of the first devices may include transmitting an installation instruction message with the obtained system images of the first devices to a gateway of the unregistered network. The gateway of the unregistered network identifies the compatible devices in the unregistered network based on identifiers of the compatible devices in the installation instruction message and transmits an installation message and a corresponding system image to a respective one of the identified compatible devices.

After the installing the obtained system images, the method may further include generating a user interface for enabling the user to control at least one of the compatible devices and transmitting the generated user interface the user equipment, wherein the user equipment provides the user interface, receives a user input to control the at least one of the compatible devices through the user interface, and controls the at least one of the compatible devices installed with the system image and in the unregistered device based on the received user input by generating a control signal based on the user input and transmitting the generated control signal to the at least one of the compatible devices.

After the installing the obtained system images, the method may further include receiving a restoration message from the user equipment and transmitting a deletion instruction message to a gateway of the unregistered network, wherein the gateway of the unregistered network identifies second devices installed with the system images of the first devices in the registered network based on information included in the deletion instruction message and controls the identified second devices to restore an original operation environment by deleting the installed system image.

Prior to the detecting the second devices, the method may further include receiving device information on devices in a corresponding network from a gateway of the corresponding network upon generation of a predetermined event, wherein the device information includes hardware information, operation information, and a system mage of each device in the corresponding network. The gateway may be configured to search for devices supporting an associated network service in the corresponding network, to collect the hardware information of the searched devices through communication with the searched devices, to obtain the operation information of the searched devices through communication with the searched devices, to generate system images of the searched devices based on the collected hardware information and the obtained operation information, to generate the device information of the searched devices by including the hardware information, the operation information, and the generated system images of the searched devices, and to transmit the generated device information with network identification information of the corresponding network to a service server.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, a method may be provided for providing, by a service server, an operation environment of a first home network having first smart devices to a user visiting a second home network having second smart devices. The method may include detecting the second smart devices in the second home network when user equipment associated with the user enters a service area of the second home network, selecting smart devices compatible with the first smart devices in the first home network from the detected second smart devices as compatible smart devices, generating a management interface for managing the selected compatible smart devices in the second home network, and transmitting the generated management interface to the user equipment.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, a method may be provided for providing, by a service server, an operation environment of a first home network having first smart devices to a user visiting a second home network having second smart devices. The method may include detecting the second smart devices in the second home network when user equipment associated with the user enters a service area of the second home network, selecting smart devices compatible with the first smart devices in the first home network from the detected second smart devices as compatible smart devices, and providing a virtual machine for managing the selected compatible smart devices in the second home network.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with at least one embodiment, a user may be enabled to use and/or to control at least one device in an unregistered home network with the same operating environment of the registered home network when the user visits the unregistered home network. Such operation may be provided through a home network service in accordance with at least one embodiment. The home network service may be provided through at least one of system image installation, a managing interface, and a virtual machine. Hereinafter, overall operation of such a home network service will be described with reference toFIG. 1.

FIG. 1illustrates a home network system in accordance with at least one embodiment. Referring toFIG. 1, a home network system may include first home network100, second home network300, service server200, and user equipment400. A home network may be referred to as a home area network. Such a home network may be a type of a local area network that develops from the need to facilitate communication and interoperability among digital devices present inside or within the close vicinity of a home. Devices capable of participating in the home network may be referred to as a smart device. Such smart devices may increase the quality of life inside the home in a variety of ways, such as automation of repetitious tasks, increased personal productivity, enhanced home security, and easier access to entertainment.

For example, first and second home networks100and300may communicate with service server200through communication network500. Communication network500may be a mobile communication network or a wide area wired communication network, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

Each one of first and second home networks100and300may include a plurality of smart devices110A to110C and310A to310C and gateways120and320. A smart device may be an electronic device connected to a corresponding gateway through a home network and a service server through a communication network and perform a designated operation in response to a predetermined event with minimum interaction with a user. For example, the smart device may include various home appliances having a circuit capable of communication with a gateway and a service server and perform the designated operation in response to a user input. The smart device may include a light, a refrigerator, a television set (TV), a computer, a network printer, a door entry system, an audio system, and so forth.

A gateway (e.g., gateways120and320inFIG. 1) may be coupled to smart devices in a corresponding home network. Such a gateway may i) control smart devices, ii) relay signals between smart devices and a communication network (e.g., communication network500), iii) perform a firewall function, and iv) perform a user authentication function. For example, gateway120may receive a control signal from user equipment400and control associated smart devices110A to110C in first home network100based on the received control signal.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, gateway120searches for smart devices supporting a smart home service in first home network100, obtain hardware information, such as a serial number, a model name, and a manufacturer, from the searched smart devices, and transmit the obtained device information to service server200.

Gateway120and320may generate a system image of each smart device supporting the smart home service and transmit the generated system image of each smart device to service server200. The system image may denote an exact copy of a driving software structure for controlling a corresponding smart device and for performing a designated operation through a corresponding smart device in response to a user input, upon detection of a predetermined condition, and/or upon generation of a predetermined event. The system image may include the operation information including information on an operating system, a license of the operating system, device and operation settings, programs, and files of a respective smart device.

Gateway120and320may receive a request for installing a system image from one of service server200and user equipment400. In response to the request, gateway120and320may transmit the corresponding system image to a designated device and control the designated device to install the system image.

User equipment400may access one of gateways120and320of first and second home networks100and300and control smart devices in the corresponding home network. In particular, when user equipment400visits an unregistered home network, user equipment400searches for smart devices in the unregistered home network and transmits a list of the searched smart devices to service server200. Then, user equipment400requests service server200to select controllable smart devices from the searched smart devices, which are compatible with smart devices in a registered home network associated with user equipment400.

User equipment400may receive one of a management interface and a virtual machine from service server200to control the compatible smart devices in the unregistered home network. Upon the receipt of the management interface, user equipment400may display a graphic user interface that enables a user to control the compatible smart devices in the unregistered home network. That is, user equipment400may receive a management interface including at least one system image of a corresponding smart device in a registered home network from service server200and request service server200to selectively install the at least one system image in a compatible smart device in the unregistered home network.

Upon the receipt of the virtual machine, user equipment400may install the received virtual machine. Through the installed virtual machine, user equipment400may control at least one smart device in the unregistered home network. The virtual machine may be a software program enabling a user to control an operating environment of the unregistered home network when the user visits the unregistered home network. Such a virtual machine may include a user interface and a system image for controlling a compatible smart device in the unregistered home network. When user equipment400is installed with the virtual machine, at least one of an independent platform, an operating system, and an application is installed in user equipment400for controlling an operating environment of the unregistered home network. User equipment400may include a notebook computer, a tablet computer, a WCDMA terminal, a LTE terminal, and a smart phone.

Service server200may be a computing system for supporting a home network service in accordance with at least one embodiment. In particular, when a user visits an unregistered home network (e.g., second home network300), service server200determines whether any smart devices in the unregistered home network are operable by the user and sets an operating environment of the unregistered home network based on the determination result. Hereinafter, such service server200will be described in detail with reference toFIG. 2.

FIG. 2illustrates a service server in accordance with at least one embodiment. Referring toFIG. 2, service server200may include communication circuit210including receiver211and transmitter212, processor220, and memory230.

Memory230may store various information, for example, an operating system for controlling constituent elements, a designated application for providing a home network service, and information necessary for providing a home network service. In accordance with at least one embodiment, memory230may store user identification information registered at each home network100and300. That is, memory230may store at least one of user identification information mapped to each one of home network identification information. The user identification information may include at least one of home network service identification of a user and device identification information of associated user equipment400. Memory230may also store hardware information and operation information of smart devices, mapped to corresponding home network identification information. Furthermore, memory230may store a system image of each smart device in a registered home network. Memory230may store a list of compatible smart devices in a predetermined home network. That is, memory230may store information on smart devices compatible with a smart device in a registered home network.

Processor220may control associated constituent elements and other entities coupled through communication network500. Particularly, processor220may perform operations for providing an operating environment of a registered home network to a user in an unregistered home network so as to enable the user to use or to control smart devices in the unregistered home network with the same operation conditions in the registered home network in accordance with at least one embodiment.

For example, processor220may perform operations for obtaining hardware information, operation information, and a system image of each smart device from smart device information upon the receipt of the smart device information from a corresponding gateway (e.g., gateway120or320). Such obtained information may be stored in memory230.

Processor220may perform operations for finding controllable smart devices in a home network (e.g., registered home network or unregistered home network). In particular, processor220may perform operation for finding devices supporting (e.g., participating in) a home network service in an unregistered home network. Such finding procedure can be performed through communication with each smart device or based on information stored in memory230. Furthermore, based on a compatible device list stored in memory230, compatible smart devices in the unregistered home network may be determined.

Processor220may perform an operation for determining a type of providing an operating environment of a registered home network. In particular, processor220may provide a user interface to user equipment400that enables a user to choose one of i) providing a virtual machine, ii) installing a system image, and iii) providing a management interface.

Processor220may perform an operation for transmitting a system image to a gateway of an unregistered home network or for providing a management interface to user equipment400for controlling installation of a system image when the user visits the unregistered home network. That is, when the system image installation is selected as the providing type, processor220may perform operations for extracting a system image of a smart device in a registered home network, which is corresponding to a compatible smart device in an unregister home network, transmitting the extracted system image to a gateway of the unregistered home network, and controlling the compatible smart device to install the extracted system image.

When the management interface is decided as the providing type, processor220may perform operations for generating a management interface for managing an operating environment of each compatible smart device in the unregistered home network and providing the generated management interface to user equipment400.

When the virtual machine is decided as the providing type, processor220may perform operations for generating a virtual machine for controlling a compatible smart device in an unregistered home network and providing the generated virtual machine to user equipment400. In particular, processor220may perform operations for extracting, from memory230, a system image of a corresponding smart device in a registered home network, which is compatible to a target smart device to control in the unregistered home network, generating a virtual machine including the extracted system mage and a user interface for controlling the target smart device in the unregistered home network, and transmitting the generated virtual machine to user equipment400.

Processor220may perform operations for restoring an original operating environment of smart devices in an unregistered home network, after installing a system image in the smart devices in the unregistered home network. That is, when a restoration message is received from user equipment400, processor220may perform operations for transmitting a deletion message to a gateway of the unregistered home network. In response to the deletion message, an operating environment of a compatible smart device in the unregistered home network is restored to an original operating environment.

As described, service server200may provide an operation environment of a smart device in a registered home network to a user in an unregistered home network in accordance with at least one embodiment. Such operation will be described in detail with reference toFIG. 3toFIG. 6.

FIG. 3illustrates a method for finding devices supporting a home network service and included in a home network in accordance with at least one embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 3, devices supporting a home network service may be searched at step S3010. A device interacting with a service server and a gateway to perform a designated task (e.g., supporting a home network service) is referred to as a smart device. A gateway of a home network may search for such smart devices distributed in a corresponding home network at a regular interval or upon generation of a predetermined event. The predetermined event may include receiving a request message from service server200and/or user equipment400.

In case of first home network100inFIG. 1, gateway120searches smart devices110A,110B, and110C distributed in home network100at a predetermined interval. For convenience and ease of understanding, first home network100will be described as an exemplary home network, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Operations described with reference toFIG. 3are performed similar in second home network300.

At step S3030, hardware information on the searched smart devices may be collected. For example, first gateway120communicates with the searched smart devices, such as door entry system110A, TV110B, and light110C, and obtains hardware information of each one of the searched smart devices. The hardware information may include a serial number, a model name, a manufacturer, and so forth.

At step S3050, operation information of each searched smart device may be obtained. For example, first gateway120obtains, as operation information, information on an operating system, a license thereof, device and operation settings, programs, and files of each one of the searched smart devices through communication with respective smart devices.

The device and operation settings information may include information on parameters of controlling constituent elements and parameters of performing predetermined operations in response to a user input, upon detection of a predetermined condition, and/or upon generation of a predetermined event. Such the device and operation settings may be set by a user to control a predetermined smart device and to perform a designated operation through a predetermined smart device. For example, the device and operation settings may include information on values set by an associated user, such as a temperature value, a TV volume value, and a light brightness value. The programs and the files may denote programs and files necessary to control a smart device and/or to perform a designated operation through a respective smart device. Furthermore, device and operation setting information may include service subscription information of an associated user, such as cable TV subscription information and video on demand (VOD) service subscription information.

At step S3070, a system image may be generated based on the obtained information. For example, first gateway120obtains hardware information and operation information of each one of the searched smart devices in first home network100as described. Based on the obtained information, first gateway120may generate a system image of each one of the searched smart devices. The system image may denote an exact copy of a driving software structure for controlling a corresponding smart device and for performing a designated operation through a corresponding smart device in response to a user input, upon detection of a predetermined condition, and/or upon generation of a predetermined event. The system image may include the operation information including information on an operating system, a license of the operating system, device and operation settings, programs, and files of a respective smart device. Accordingly, a user may be enabled to user and/or to control a device in a unregistered home network with the same customized settings of the user if the device in the unregistered home network is installed with a system image generated based on hardware information and operation information of a similar device (e.g., compatible device) in a registered home network.

That is, first gateway120generates a system image of each one of the searched smart devices in first home network100, such as door entry system110A, TV110B, and light110C, to include the obtained information, such as an operating system, a license thereof, device and operation settings, programs, and files.

The system image of each smart device was described as being created by first gateway120, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, such a system image of a smart device may be generated by service server200after collecting hardware information and operation information of the smart device.

At step S3090, smart device information may be transmitted to a service server. For example, as the smart device information of first home network100, first gateway120transmits the hardware information, the operation information, and the created system image of each one of the searched smart device to service server200. Furthermore, first gateway120also transmits network identification information of first home network100to service server200.

At step S3110, smart device information may be received. For example, receiver211of service server200receives the smart device information of first home network100from first gateway120with the network identification information of first home network100. As described, the smart device information of first home network100includes hardware information, operation information, and a system image of each one of smart devices in first home network100.

At step S3130, hardware information, operation information, and a system image of each smart device may be extracted from the received smart device information. For example, processor220of service server200extracts the hardware information, the operation information, and the system image of each smart device in first home network100from the received smart device information of first home network100. Furthermore, processor220extracts the network identification information from the smart device information.

At step S31350, the extracted information may be stored in connection with corresponding network identification information. For example, processor220maps the extracted network identification with the extracted information (e.g., hardware information, operation information, and a system image) of each smart device in first home network100. Then, processor220stores the extracted information (e.g., hardware information, operation information, and a system image) of each smart device in memory230with the mapping relation with the network identification of first home network100.

As described, first gateway120of first home network100obtains information of each smart device in corresponding first home network100and provides the smart device information to service server200. Second gateway320of second home network300performs the same operation for providing smart device information of second home network300to service server200. Accordingly, service server200may store smart device information of home networks managed under the control of service server200.

For example, when a user registers first home network100as a registered home network for a home network service, first gateway120performs operations inFIG. 3to collect smart device information of first home network100and to provide the collected smart device information to service server200. When this user visits an unregistered home network (e.g., second home network300), service server200may enable the user to use and/or to control compatible smart devices in second home network300with the same operation conditions of first home network100by providing an operating environment of a registered home network to the user in an unregistered home network. Particularly, an operating environment of the registered home network may be provided through one of a system image, a management interface, and a virtual machine in accordance with at least one embodiment. Such operation will be described in detail with reference toFIG. 4A,FIG. 4B,FIG. 5A,FIG. 5B,FIG. 6A, andFIG. 6B. For convenience and ease of understanding, a user is assumed to register first home network100as a registered home network and to visit second home network300for describing the operation inFIG. 4A,FIG. 4B,FIG. 5A,FIG. 5B,FIG. 6A, andFIG. 6B, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

FIG. 4AandFIG. 4Billustrate providing an operating environment of a registered home network to a user in an unregistered home network through installation of a system image in accordance with at least one embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 4AandFIG. 4B, hardware information of smart devices in an unregistered home network may be obtained at step S4010. For example, when a user registered at first home network100visits an unregistered home network (e.g., second home network300), associated user equipment400obtains hardware information of smart devices in second home network300. The hardware information may include a serial number, a model name, a manufacturer, and so forth.

In particular, user equipment400searches for smart devices in second home network300. As shown inFIG. 1, second home network300includes three smart devices, light310A, TV310B, and audio system310C. Accordingly, user equipment400finds three smart devices, light310A, TV310B, and audio system310C in second home networker300, as a searching result. User equipment400obtains hardware information of smart devices310A to310C through a short distance radio communication with smart devices310A to310C. Alternatively, user equipment400may request second gateway320to provide hardware information of smart devices310A to310C in second home network300. In response to the request, user equipment400may receive the requested hardware information of smart devices310A to310C in second home network300from second gateway320.

At step S4030, a smart device list of the unregistered home network may be transmitted. For example, user equipment400transmits a list of smart devices310A to310C in the unregistered home network (e.g., second home network300) to service server200. Furthermore, user equipment400also transmits user identification information (e.g., user equipment400or an associated user) and network identification information of the unregistered home network (e.g., second home network30) to service server200. For example, the user identification information may include at least one of a home network service identifier (ID), an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI), and a mobile communication telephone number.

At step S4050, a registered home network may be identified. For example, receiver211of service server200receives user identification information from user equipment400and processor220of service server200identifies a registered home network (e.g., first home network100) based on the received user identification information. That is, service server200determines that a registered home network associated with user equipment400is first home network100by comparing the received user identification information with information stored in memory230.

At step S4070, smart device information of the registered home network may be obtained. For example, processor220of service server200obtains smart device information of the registered home network (e.g., first home network100) from database in memory230. Such smart device information may be collected and stored regularly, as described with reference toFIG. 3.

At step S4090, determination may be made so as whether any compatible smart devices in the unregistered home network. For example, processor220of service server200determines whether any smart devices in the unregistered home network are compatible with smart devices in the registered home network (e.g., between first and second home networks100and300). The compatible smart device in an unregistered home network may denote a smart device in the unregistered home network, which is similar to or identical to that in a registered home network so as to be controlled with an operating environment (e.g., system image) of a corresponding smart device in the registered home network. The compatible smart device may be referred to as a controllable smart device.

In order to determine, service server200may compare hardware information of smart devices in the unregistered home network (e.g., second home network300) with hardware information of smart devices in the registered home network (e.g., first home network). Alternatively, processor220of service server200may obtain a compatible device list of the unregistered home network, which is previously created and stored in memory230.

In particular, processor220of service server200may classify smart devices by a type and compares smart devices in the same type. For example, processor220of service server200may determine whether TV110B in first home network100is compatible with TV310B in second home network300. Furthermore, processor220of service server200may determine whether light110C in first home network100is compatible with light310A in second home network300.

In order to obtain smart device information of smart devices in second home network300, service server200may receive network identification information of second home network300from user equipment400and fetch hardware information of smart devices mapped with the network identification information stored in memory230.

In this case, user equipment400obtains second home network identification information from second home network300and transmit the obtained second home network identification information to service server200. Service server200fetches hardware information of the smart devices in the second home network based on the second home network identification information. Service server200fetches hardware information of smart devices in first home network100based on the user identification information. Then, service server200detects comparable smart devices in second home network300based on the fetched hardware information and the comparable device list in memory230.

When no smart device is compatible (No—S4090), an inform message may be transmitted at step S4110. For example, service server200may transmit, to user equipment400, the inform message for noticing an associated user that there is no device is controllable in the unregistered home network. Accordingly, the associated user is aware of no device controllable in the unregistered home network (e.g., second home network300) and manually controls devices in the visiting home network.

When at least one compatible smart device is found in the unregistered home network (Yes—S4090), a compatible smart device list may be generated and transmitted at step S4130. For example, processor220of service server200generates a compatible smart device list including information on controllable smart devices in the unregistered home network and transmits the generated compatible smart device list to the user equipment400. Based on such a compatible smart device list, an associated user can be aware of controllable smart devices in the unregistered home network.

At step S4150, an inquiry message may be transmitted for determining a type of providing a registered operation environment to an unregistered home network. For example, processor220of service server200transmits an inquiry message to user equipment400for inquiring an associated user of a type of providing an operation environment of the registered home network (e.g., first home network100) to the unregistered home network (e.g., second home network300). In particular, processor220of service server200may transmit signals of a graphic user interface for enabling an associated user to choose one of a system image, a management interface, and a virtual machine.

At step S4170, a response message with a decided type of providing a registered operation environment may be transmitted. For example, user equipment400receives the inquiry message from service server200and displays the message (e.g., a graphic user interface) through a display thereof to an associated user. User equipment may receive a user input with the installation of a system image as a decided type of providing the operation environment. User equipment400generates the response message with a request of the installation of the system image and transmits the generated response message to service server200.

At step S4190, a procedure of installing a system image may be initiated in response to the response message. For example, service server200receives the response message from user equipment400and initiates the procedure of installing a system image based on information included in the response message.

At step S4210, smart devices in the registered home network corresponding to the compatible smart devices in the unregistered home network may be selected. For example, processor220of service server200determines smart devices in the registered home network corresponding to the compatible smart devices in the registered home network based on the determination result of step S4090and the smart device information of the registered home network.

At step S4230, system images of the selected smart devices may be obtained. For example, processor220of service server200obtains system images of the selected smart devices from the smart device information of the registered home network (e.g., first home network100) stored in memory230.

At step S4250, an installation instruction message may be transmitted with the obtained system image. For example, processor220of service server200transmits an installation instruction message to second gateway320with the compatible smart device list and the obtained system images. That is, the installation instruction message may include information on identifiers of the compatible smart devices in the unregistered home network and the obtained system images thereof.

The installation instruction message was described as being transmitted to a gateway of the unregistered home network, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, such installation message may be transmitted to each one of the compatible smart devices in the unregistered home network with the obtained system image. Furthermore, the gateway (e.g., second gateway320) of the unregistered home network may be an object to install a system image of a gateway (e.g., first gateway120) of the registered home network. In this case, service server200may transmit an installation instruction message to the gateway of the unregistered home network with the system image of first gateway120. In response to the installation instruction message, the gateway of the unregistered home network installs the system image included in the installation instruction message. Then, service server200may transmit installation instruction messages with the obtained system images for the compatible smart devices in the unregistered home network.

At step S4270, a user interface may be generated and transmitted. For example, processor220of service server200may generate a user interface for enabling a user to control compatible devices in the unregistered home network (e.g., second home network300) and transmit the generated user interface to user equipment400.

At step S4290, target smart devices may be determined and system images thereof may be obtained from the installation instruction message. For example, second gateway320of the unregistered home network receives the installation instruction message from service server200. Second gateway320analyzes the received installation instruction message, determines target smart devices to install a system image, and obtains corresponding system images from the received installation instruction message.

At step S4310, the installation instruction message with the obtained system image may be transmitted. For example, second gateway320transmits the installation instruction message with a corresponding system image to each one of the determined target smart devices in the unregistered home network.

At step S4330, the installation instruction message may be received and the system image may be installed. For example, the compatible smart devices receive the installation instruction message from second gateway320and install corresponding system images for performing a designated operation based on the user setups.

After the completion of the system image installation, the compatible smart devices in the unregistered home network have the same operating environment of the registered home network. Accordingly, the associated user is enabled to use and/or to control the compatible smart devices in the unregistered home network with the same operation conditions of the registered home network in accordance with at least one embodiment.

At step S4350, a control signal may be transmitted. For example, user equipment400transmits a control signal to a desired compatible smart device in the unregistered home network through second gateway320.

At step S4370, a designated operation may be performed based on the control signal. For example, the desired compatible smart device may receive the control signal from user equipment400through second gateway320and performs a designated operation based on the control signal.

At step S4390, a restoration message may be transmitted upon generation of a predetermined event. For example, when user equipment400exits from a service area of the unregistered home network (e.g., second home network300) or when user equipment400receives a message for interrupting to use compatible devices in the unregistered home network (e.g., second home network300), user equipment400transmits a restoration message to service server200.

At step S4410, a deletion instruction message may be transmitted. For example, service server200receives the restoration message from user equipment400and transmits a deletion instruction message to second gateway200in response to the restoration message. The deletion instruction message may include information on device identifiers of the compatible smart devices installed with corresponding system images.

At steps S4430, smart devices installed with the system images may be identified. For example, second gateway320receives the deletion instruction from service server200and identifies smart devices installed with the system images based on the device identifiers included in the deletion instruction message.

At step S4450, a deletion instruction message may be transmitted. For example, second gateway320transmits the deletion instruction message to the identified smart devices.

At step S4470, the installed system image may be deleted and an original operation environment may be restored. For example, the identified smart devices receive the deletion instruction message from second gateway320. In response to the deletion instruction message, each one of the identified smart devices restores the original operation environment by deleting the installed system image.

An operation environment of a registered home network may be provided through a management interface in accordance with at least one embodiment. Such operation will be described with reference toFIG. 5AandFIG. 5B.

FIG. 5AandFIG. 5Billustrate providing an operating environment of a registered home network to a user in an unregistered home network through a management interface in accordance with at least one embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 5AandFIG. 5B, hardware information of smart devices in an unregistered home network may be obtained at step S5010. For example, when a user registered at first home network100visits an unregistered home network (e.g., second home network300), associated user equipment400obtains hardware information of smart devices in second home network300. The hardware information may include a serial number, a model name, a manufacturer, and so forth.

At step S5030, a smart device list of the unregistered home network may be transmitted. For example, user equipment400transmits a list of smart devices310A to310C in the unregistered home network (e.g., second home network300) to service server200. Furthermore, user equipment400also transmits user identification information (e.g., user equipment400or an associated user) and network identification information of the unregistered home network (e.g., second home network30) to service server200.

At step S5050, a registered home network may be identified. For example, receiver211of service server200receives user identification information from user equipment400and processor220of service server200identifies a registered home network (e.g., first home network100) based on the received user identification information.

At step S5070, smart device information of the registered home network may be obtained. For example, processor220of service server200obtains smart device information of the registered home network (e.g., first home network100) from database in memory230.

At step S5090, determination may be made so as whether any compatible smart devices in the unregistered home network. For example, processor220of service server200determines whether any smart devices in the unregistered home network are compatible with smart devices in the registered home network (e.g., between first and second home networks100and300). In order to determine, service server200may compare hardware information of smart devices in the unregistered home network (e.g., second home network300) with hardware information of smart devices in the registered home network (e.g., first home network). Alternatively, processor220of service server200may obtain a compatible device list of the unregistered home network, which is previously created and stored in memory230.

When no smart device is compatible (No—S5090), an inform message may be transmitted at step S5110. For example, service server200may transmit, to user equipment400, the inform message for noticing an associated user that there is no device is controllable in the unregistered home network. Accordingly, the associated user is aware of no device controllable in the unregistered home network (e.g., second home network300) and manually controls devices in the visiting home network.

When at least one compatible smart device is found in the unregistered home network (Yes—S5090), a compatible smart device list may be generated and transmitted at step S5130. For example, processor220of service server200generates a compatible smart device list including information on controllable smart devices in the unregistered home network and transmits the generated compatible smart device list to the user equipment400. Based on such a compatible smart device list, an associated user can be aware of controllable smart devices in the unregistered home network.

At step S5150, an inquiry message may be transmitted for determining a type of providing a registered operation environment to an unregistered home network. For example, service server200transmits an inquiry message to user equipment400for inquiring an associated user of a type of providing an operation environment of the registered home network (e.g., first home network100) to the unregistered home network (e.g., second home network300). In particular, service server200may transmit signals of a graphic user interface for enabling an associated user to choose one of a system image, a management interface, and a virtual machine.

At step S5170, a response message with a decided type of providing a registered operation environment may be transmitted. For example, user equipment400receives the inquiry message from service server200and displays the message (e.g., a graphic user interface) through a display thereof to an associated user. User equipment may receive a user input with the management interface as a decided type of providing the operation environment. User equipment400generates the response message with a request of the management interface and transmits the generated response message to service server200.

At step S5190, a procedure of providing a management interface may be initiated in response to the response message. For example, service server200receives the response message from user equipment400and initiates the procedure of providing a management interface based on information included in the response message.

At step S5210, in response to the request, a management interface may be generated. For example, processor220of service server200generates a management interface for controlling compatible smart devices in the unregistered home network (e.g., second home network300) and managing an operating environment of unregistered home network300. Service server200includes identifiers of the compatible smart devices in the unregistered home network and a set of commands for controlling the compatible smart devices in the management interface.

At step S5220, the generated management interface may be transmitted. For example, processor220of service server200transmits the generated management interface to user equipment400.

At step S5230, the management interface may be provided to an associated user and an instruction may be received through the management interface. For example, user equipment400displays the management interface on a display of user equipment400. Through management interface, user equipment400may receive requests of using at least one designated smart device among the compatible smart devices and commands to control a predetermined smart device from the associated user.

At step S5250, a device control message may be generated and transmitted. For example, upon the receipt of the requests and/or the commands thereof, user equipment400obtains identification information of at least one designated smart device and control parameters for controlling the at least one designated smart device based on the received commands, generates the device control message to include the obtained identification information and the control parameters, and transmit the device control message to service server200.

At step S5270, a system image of at least one designated smart device may be obtained. For example, service server200receives the device control message from user equipment400, extracts identification information of the at least one designated smart device from the device control message, and fetches a system image corresponding to the identification information from memory230. That is, based on the identification information included in the device control message, service server200identifies a compatible smart device in the unregistered home network to install a system image and extracts a system image of a corresponding smart device in the registered home network (e.g., first home network100) from memory230.

At step S5290, an installation instruction message with the obtained system image may be transmitted. For example, service server200transmits the obtained system image and an installation instruction message to second gateway320. That is, in accordance with at least one embodiment, service server200transmits an installation instruction message with a system image to a designated compatible smart device instead of transmitting system images to all of compatible smart devices in the unregistered home network.

At steps S5310, target smart devices may be determined and system images thereof may be obtained from the installation instruction message. For example, second gateway320of the unregistered home network receives the installation instruction message from service server200. Second gateway320analyzes the received installation instruction message, determines target smart devices to install a system image, and obtains corresponding system images from the received installation instruction message.

At step S5330, the installation instruction message with the obtained system image may be transmitted. For example, second gateway320transmits the installation instruction message with a corresponding system image to each one of the determined target smart devices in the unregistered home network, which are designated by the user through the management interface.

At step S5350, the installation instruction message may be received and the system image may be installed. For example, the at least one designated compatible smart device receives the installation instruction message from second gateway320and install corresponding system images for performing a designated operation based on the user setups.

After installing the system image in the designated smart device in the unregistered home network, the designated compatible smart devices in the unregistered home network have the same operating environment of the registered home network. Accordingly, the associated user is enabled to use and/or to control the designated compatible smart devices in the unregistered home network with the same operation conditions of the registered home network in accordance with at least one embodiment.

At step S5370, a control signal may be transmitted. For example, user equipment400receives, through the management interface, commands (e.g., user inputs) for controlling the at least one of designated compatible smart devices in the unregistered home network, generates a control signal based on the received commands, transmits the generated control signal to one of the designated compatible smart devices through second gateway320.

At step S5390, a designated operation may be performed based on the control signal. For example, one of the designated compatible smart devices may receive the control signal from user equipment400through second gateway320and performs a designated operation based on the control signal.

At step S5410, a restoration message may be transmitted upon generation of a predetermined event. For example, when user equipment400exits from a service area of the unregistered home network (e.g., second home network300) or when user equipment400receives a message for interrupting to use the designated compatible devices in the unregistered home network (e.g., second home network300), user equipment400transmits a restoration message to service server200.

At step S5430, a deletion instruction message may be transmitted. For example, service server200receives the restoration message from user equipment400and transmits a deletion instruction message to second gateway200in response to the restoration message. The deletion instruction message may include information on device identifiers of the designated compatible smart devices installed with corresponding system images.

At steps S5450, smart devices installed with the system images may be identified. For example, second gateway320receives the deletion instruction from service server200and identifies designated smart devices installed with the system images based on the device identifiers included in the deletion instruction message.

At step S5470, a deletion instruction message may be transmitted. For example, second gateway320transmits the deletion instruction message to the identified smart devices.

At step S5490, the installed system image may be deleted and an original operation environment may be restored. For example, the identified smart devices receive the deletion instruction message from second gateway320. In response to the deletion instruction message, each one of the identified smart devices restores the original operation environment by deleting the installed system image.

An operation environment of a registered home network may be provided through a virtual machine in accordance with at least one embodiment. Such operation will be described with reference toFIG. 6AandFIG. 6B.

FIG. 6AandFIG. 6Billustrate providing an operating environment of a registered home network to a user in an unregistered home network through a virtual machine in accordance with at least one embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 6AandFIG. 6B, hardware information of smart devices in an unregistered home network may be obtained at step S6010. For example, when a user registered at first home network100visits an unregistered home network (e.g., second home network300), associated user equipment400obtains hardware information of smart devices in second home network300. The hardware information may include a serial number, a model name, a manufacturer, and so forth.

At step S6030, a smart device list of the unregistered home network may be transmitted. For example, user equipment400transmits a list of smart devices310A to310C in the unregistered home network (e.g., second home network300) to service server200. Furthermore, user equipment400also transmits user identification information (e.g., user equipment400or an associated user) and network identification information of the unregistered home network (e.g., second home network30) to service server200.

At step S6050, a registered home network may be identified. For example, receiver211of service server200receives user identification information from user equipment400and processor220of service server200identifies a registered home network (e.g., first home network100) based on the received user identification information.

At step S6070, smart device information of the registered home network may be obtained. For example, processor220of service server200obtains smart device information of the registered home network (e.g., first home network100) from database in memory230.

At step S6090, determination may be made so as whether any compatible smart devices in the unregistered home network. For example, processor220of service server200determines whether any smart devices in the unregistered home network are compatible with smart devices in the registered home network (e.g., between first and second home networks100and300). In order to determine, service server200may compare hardware information of smart devices in the unregistered home network (e.g., second home network300) with hardware information of smart devices in the registered home network (e.g., first home network). Alternatively, processor220of service server200may obtain a compatible device list of the unregistered home network, which is previously created and stored in memory230.

When no smart device is compatible (No—S6090), an inform message may be transmitted at step S6110. For example, service server200may transmit, to user equipment400, the inform message for noticing an associated user that there is no device is controllable in the unregistered home network. Accordingly, the associated user is aware of no device controllable in the unregistered home network (e.g., second home network300) and manually controls devices in the visiting home network.

When at least one compatible smart device is found in the unregistered home network (Yes—S6090), a compatible smart device list may be generated and transmitted at step S6130. For example, processor220of service server200generates a compatible smart device list including information on controllable smart devices in the unregistered home network and transmits the generated compatible smart device list to the user equipment400. Based on such a compatible smart device list, an associated user can be aware of controllable smart devices in the unregistered home network.

At step S6150, an inquiry message may be transmitted for determining a type of providing a registered operation environment to an unregistered home network. For example, service server200transmits an inquiry message to user equipment400for inquiring an associated user of a type of providing an operation environment of the registered home network (e.g., first home network100) to the unregistered home network (e.g., second home network300). In particular, service server200may transmit signals of a graphic user interface for enabling an associated user to choose one of a system image, a management interface, and a virtual machine.

At step S6170, a response message with a decided type of providing a registered operation environment may be transmitted. For example, user equipment400receives the inquiry message from service server200and displays the message (e.g., a graphic user interface) through a display thereof to an associated user. User equipment may receive a user input with the virtual machine as a decided type of providing the operation environment. User equipment400generates the response message with a request of the virtual machine and transmits the generated response message to service server200.

At step S6190, a procedure of providing a virtual machine may be initiated in response to the response message. For example, service server200receives the response message from user equipment400and initiates the procedure of providing a virtual machine based on information included in the response message.

At step S6210, corresponding smart devices in the registered home network may be selected. For example, service server200selects smart devices in the registered home network, which are corresponding to the determined compatible smart devices in the unregistered home network.

At step S6230, system images of the selected smart devices may be obtained. For example, service server200fetches system images of the selected smart devices from smart device information of the registered home network (e.g., first home network100) stored in memory230of service server200.

At step S6250, a virtual machine of each one of the determined compatible smart devices may be generated. For example, service server200generates a virtual machine of each one of the determined compatible smart devices in the unregistered home network. The virtual machine of each compatible smart device may include a corresponding system image and a user interface for controlling a compatible smart device.

That is, service server200generates a virtual machine that includes the obtained system images and a user interface for controlling smart devices where the obtained system images are installed. Furthermore, service server200may include identification information of smart devices to control in the user interface.

At step S6270, the generated virtual machine may be transmitted. For example, service server200transmits the generated virtual machine to user equipment400.

At step S6290, the virtual machine may be installed at user equipment. For example, user equipment400receives the virtual machine from service server200and installs the virtual machine. That is, user equipment400stores a plurality of system images of the determined compatible smart devices in the unregistered home network and installs a user interface associated with the system images. The virtual machine may be a software program that enables a user to control an operating environment of the compatible smart devices in the unregistered home network300. When the virtual machine is installed in user equipment400, user equipment400is installed with at least one of an independent platform, an operating system, and an application for controlling an operation environment of target smart devices in the unregistered home network.

At step S6310, a user input may be received through the user interface of the virtual machine. For example, user equipment400receives, from an associated user, requests for using or controlling at least one of the compatible devices through a user interface included in the virtual machine.

At step S6330, at least one compatible smart device to control may be selected and a system image thereof may be obtained. For example, user equipment400selects at least one compatible smart device to control based on the user input received through the user interface of the virtual machine. Then, user equipment400obtains system images of the selected compatible smart device from a plurality of the stored system images through the virtual machine.

At step S6350, a device control message may be generated and transmitted. For example, user equipment400obtains device identification information of the selected compatible devices, generates a device control message including the obtained device information and the system image thereof, and transmit the generated device control message to a gateway (e.g., gateway320) of the unregistered home network (e.g., second home network300).

At step S6370, an installation instruction message may be generated and transmitted. For example, second gateway320receives the device control message from user equipment400. Based on information included in the device control message, second gateway320extracts the system images and the device identification information from the device control message from user equipment400. Second gateway320generates an installation instruction message based on the extracted information, transmits the installation instruction message to the designated compatible smart devices in the unregistered home network corresponding to the device identification information.

At step S6390, a system image may be installed. For example, the designated compatible smart device (e.g., smart device310) in the unregistered home network receives the installation instruction message from second gateway320. The designated compatible smart device installs the system image included in the installation instruction message to provide the same operation environment of the registered home network to the associated user in the unregistered home network.

After installing the system image in the designated smart devices in the unregistered home network, the designated compatible smart devices in the unregistered home network have the same operating environment of the registered home network. Accordingly, the associated user is enabled to use and/or to control the designated compatible smart devices in the unregistered home network with the same operation conditions of the registered home network in accordance with at least one embodiment.

At step S6410, a control signal may be transmitted. For example, user equipment400receives commands (e.g., user inputs) from the associated user through the user interface generated by the virtual machine installed in user equipment400, generates control signals based on the received commands, and transmits the generated control signals to one of the designated compatible smart device in the unregistered home network through second gateway320.

At step S6430, a designated operation may be performed based on the control signals. For example, one of the designated compatible smart devices (e.g., smart device310) may receive the control signals from user equipment400through second gateway320and performs a designated operation based on the control signals.

At step S6450, a restoration message may be transmitted upon generation of a predetermined event. For example, when user equipment400exits from a service area of the unregistered home network (e.g., second home network300) or when user equipment400receives a message for interrupting to use the designated compatible devices in the unregistered home network (e.g., second home network300) through the user interface of the virtual machine, user equipment400transmits a restoration message to service server200.

At step S6470, a deletion instruction message may be transmitted. For example, service server200receives the restoration message from user equipment400and generates and transmits a deletion instruction message to second gateway200in response to the restoration message. The deletion instruction message may include information on device identifiers of the designated compatible smart devices installed with corresponding system images.

At steps S6490, smart devices installed with the system images may be identified. For example, second gateway320receives the deletion instruction from service server200and identifies designated smart devices installed with the system images based on the device identifiers included in the deletion instruction message.

At step S6510, a deletion instruction message may be transmitted. For example, second gateway320transmits the deletion instruction message to the identified smart devices.

At step S6530, the installed system image may be deleted and an original operation environment may be restored. For example, the identified smart devices receive the deletion instruction message from second gateway320. In response to the deletion instruction message, each one of the identified smart devices restores the original operation environment by deleting the installed system image.

At step S6550, a deletion completion message may be transmitted. For example, the designated smart devices in the unregistered home network generates a deletion completion message after restoring the original operation environment and transmit the generated deletion completion message to user equipment400through second gateway320.

At step S6570, a corresponding virtual machine may be deleted. For example, user equipment400receives a deletion completion message from second gateway320and deletes the corresponding virtual machine installed in user equipment400.

No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or “step for.”

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described herein, it should be understood that the foregoing embodiments and advantages are merely examples and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention or the scope of the claims. Numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure, and the present teaching can also be readily applied to other types of apparatuses. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.