Smart home system using portable device

A smart home system using a portable device in which a gateway function is installed in the portable device to provide a smart home service using a multiplex gateway, and a control method thereof is provided. The smart home system includes one or more portable devices and one or more home appliances located in a home, each of the one or more portable devices and one or more home appliances having a gateway, a home network to interconnect the one or more portable devices and the one or more home appliances, and a master device selected from among the one or more portable devices or the one or more home appliances, the master device activating the gateway thereof to connect the home network with an external communication network, wherein the master device transfers a home appliance control command to a corresponding one of the one or more home appliances.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2013-0005899, filed on Jan. 18, 2013 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments to a smart home system using a portable device in which a gateway function is installed in the portable device to provide a smart home service using a multiplex gateway.

2. Description of the Related Art

Embodiments are associated with a home network system using a portable device in which the user may, using his/her portable device from outside his/her home, monitor the states of home appliances in the home and perform control operations based on the monitoring results.

In general, a home automation system (HAS) provides a variety of convenient functions to each home.

Particularly, the HAS has recently provided a wider variety of functions based on the Internet in cooperation with the development of data communication technologies, and a home network function may also be considered to be one of such functions.

The home network function refers to a function in which, when the user is away from home, he/she may access an Internet network using a computer terminal to monitor the states of various home appliances in the home and perform simple control operations based on the monitoring results.

FIG. 1is a conceptual diagram of a conventional smart home system which provides such a home network function. In the conventional smart home system, the user may perform state-monitoring and control of home appliances500-1to500-4in a home through an external communication network200and a fixed gateway400in the home connected to the external communication network200using a portable device100. The external communication network200may be coupled to an external server300located outside of a home.

That is, in the conventional smart home system, it may be possible to perform state-monitoring and control of the home appliances in the home through the fixed gateway400, located in the home.

The use of the fixed gateway400necessitates the use of gate equipment. However, a consumer has difficulty in readily purchasing new equipment in that the smart home system is still at an early market stage.

Further, in a structure employing one such gateway400, all functions are performed via the gateway400, resulting in a bottleneck at the gateway400. For this reason, the gateway400is required to have high performance.

In addition, when the gateway400malfunctions, a large amount of time may be required to fix the gateway400, and services may not be provided to a customer during such time, resulting in great inconvenience to the customer.

SUMMARY

In an aspect of one or more embodiments, there is provided a smart home system using a multiplex gateway in which a gateway function is installed in a portable device so that the user may more readily use a smart home service.

In an aspect of one or more embodiments, there is provided a smart home system which includes one or more portable devices and one or more home appliances located in a home, each of the one or more portable devices and one or more home appliances having a gateway, a home network to interconnect the one or more portable devices and the one or more home appliances, and a master device selected from among the one or more portable devices or the one or more home appliances, the master device activating the gateway thereof to connect the home network with an external communication network, wherein the master device receives a home appliance control command input from a user and transfers the received home appliance control command to a corresponding one of the one or more home appliances.

One of the one or more portable devices may be selected as the master device when the one or more portable devices are connected to the home network.

One of the one or more home appliances may be selected as the master device when only the one or more home appliances are connected to the home network.

The master device may be selected from among the one or more portable devices or the one or more home appliances based on Internet protocol (IP) address information of the one or more portable devices or one or more home appliances.

The master device may periodically transfer a check alive message to the one or more portable devices and one or more home appliances connected to the home network.

One of the one or more portable devices or one or more home appliances connected to the home network may be selected as a new master device when each of the one or more portable devices and one or more home appliances connected to the home network fails to receive the check alive message for a certain period of time.

The master device may transfer a synchronization message for data synchronization with the one or more home appliances connected to the home network or a history information request signal to the one or more home appliances.

Each of the one or more home appliances connected to the home network may generate and store history information upon receiving the synchronization message, and transfer the history information to the master device.

Each of the one or more home appliances connected to the home network may determine whether a history index in the history information request signal is up-to-date information, upon receiving the history information request signal.

Each of the one or more home appliances connected to the home network may transfer history information corresponding to the history index to the master device when the history index is determined to be up-to-date information.

Each of the one or more home appliances connected to the home network may generate and store latest history information when the history index is determined not to be up-to-date information, and transfer the latest history information to the master device.

In an aspect of one or more embodiments, there is provided a portable device which includes a communication unit connected to a home network, the communication unit transmitting/receiving data to/from one or more other portable devices or one or more home appliances connected to the home network, a gateway to connect the home network with an external communication network, and a controller to determine whether to activate the gateway, based on device information of the portable device and the one or more other portable devices connected to the home network, wherein the controller receives a home appliance control command input from a user when the gateway is activated, and transfers the received home appliance control command to a corresponding one of the one or more home appliances.

The device information may include IP address information.

The portable device may further include a storage unit to store IP address information of the one or more other portable devices and the one or more home appliances and history information of the one or more home appliances.

When the gateway is activated, the controller may perform a control operation to transfer a synchronization message for data synchronization with the one or more home appliances to the one or more home appliances or transfer a check alive message to the one or more other portable devices and the one or more home appliances.

When a history information request signal from the user is received, the controller may perform a control operation to include a history index in the history information request signal and transfer the resulting history information request signal to a corresponding one of the one or more home appliances.

In an aspect of one or more embodiments, there is provided a home appliance which includes a communication unit connected to a home network, the communication unit transmitting/receiving data to/from one or more other home appliances connected to the home network, a gateway to connect the home network with an external communication network, and a controller to determine whether to activate the gateway, based on device information of the home appliance and the one or more other home appliances connected to the home network, wherein the controller receives a home appliance control command input from a user when the gateway is activated, and transfers the received home appliance control command to a corresponding one of the one or more other home appliances.

The device information may include IP address information.

The home appliance may further include a storage unit to store IP address information and history information of the one or more other home appliances.

When the gateway is activated, the controller may perform a control operation to transfer a synchronization message for data synchronization with the one or more other home appliances or a check alive message to the one or more other home appliances.

When the communication unit receives a synchronization message, the controller may perform a control operation to generate and store history information and transfer the history information to a device in which the gateway is activated.

The controller may determine whether a history index in a history information request signal is up-to-date information, when the communication unit receives the history information request signal.

The controller may transfer history information corresponding to the history index to a device in which the gateway is activated, when the history index is determined to be up-to-date information.

When the history index is determined not to be up-to-date information, the controller may perform a control operation to generate and store latest history information and transfer the latest history information to a device in which the gateway is activated.

In an aspect of one or more embodiments, there is provided a control method of a smart home system, which includes one or more portable devices and one or more home appliances each having a gateway to connect a home network with an external communication network, includes searching for the one or more home appliances to construct the home network, selecting a master device from among the one or more portable devices or the one or more home appliances connected to the home network, activating the gateway of the master device, connecting the home network with the external communication network through the master device, and transferring a home appliance control command input from a user to a corresponding one of the one or more home appliances through the master device.

The selecting may include selecting one of the one or more portable devices as the master device when the one or more portable devices are connected to the home network.

The selecting may include selecting one of the one or more home appliances as the master device when only the one or more home appliances are connected to the home network.

The selecting may include selecting the master device from among the one or more portable devices or the one or more home appliances based on IP address information of the one or more portable devices or one or more home appliances.

The master device may periodically transfer a check alive message to the one or more portable devices and one or more home appliances connected to the home network.

One of the one or more portable devices or one or more home appliances connected to the home network may be selected as a new master device when each of the one or more portable devices and one or more home appliances connected to the home network fails to receive the check alive message for a certain period of time.

The master device may transfer a synchronization message for data synchronization with the one or more home appliances connected to the home network or a history information request signal to the one or more home appliances.

Each of the one or more home appliances connected to the home network may generate and store history information upon receiving the synchronization message, and transfer the history information to the master device.

Each of the one or more home appliances connected to the home network may determine whether a history index in the history information request signal is up-to-date information, upon receiving the history information request signal.

Each of the one or more home appliances connected to the home network may transfer history information corresponding to the history index to the master device when the history index is determined to be up-to-date information.

Each of the one or more home appliances connected to the home network may generate and store latest history information when the history index is determined not to be up-to-date information, and transfer the latest history information to the master device.

In an aspect of one or more embodiments, there is provided a smart home system which includes one or more first portable devices and one or more home appliances located in a home, a home network to interconnect the one or more first portable devices and the one or more home appliances, and a second portable device having a gateway, the second portable device being located in the home and connected to the home network and activating the gateway to connect the home network with an external communication network and transfer a home appliance control command input from a user to a corresponding one of the one or more home appliances.

In an aspect of one or more embodiments, there is provided a control method of a smart home system, which includes one or more first portable devices and one or more home appliances located in a home, and a second portable device having a gateway, the second portable device being located in the home and receiving a home appliance control command input from a user, includes searching for the one or more home appliances to construct a home network, selecting the second portable device as a master device based on device information of the second portable device and one or more first portable devices connected to the home network, activating the gateway of the master device, connecting the home network with an external communication network through the master device, and transferring the home appliance control command input from the user to a corresponding one of the one or more home appliances through the master device.

In an aspect of one or more embodiments, there is provided a control method of a smart home system, the smart home system comprising at least one portable device located outside a home and a plurality of home appliances located in the home, the method including searching for the home appliances to construct a home network; selecting one of the home appliances as a master device based on device information of the home appliances connected to the home network; activating the gateway of the master device; connecting the home network with an external server located outside the home through an external communication network located outside the home using the master device; connecting the at least one portable device to the master device through the external communication network; and transferring a home appliance control command input from a user through the at least one portable device to a corresponding one of the home appliances through the master device.

The device information may include Internet protocol (IP) address information.

The selected home appliance may have the lowest IP address among the home appliances.

In an aspect of one or more embodiments, there is provided at least one non-transitory computer readable medium storing computer readable instructions to implement methods of one or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

FIG. 2is a conceptual diagram of a smart home system using a portable device equipped with a gateway in the case where the user is away from home, according to an embodiment.

The smart home system refers to an individual home system that supports home automation. A variety of automation techniques (illumination/temperature control, door/window control, security system control, etc.) of an intelligent building may also be applied to the home automation, and the smart home system may enable home theater control, automatic and efficient connections to an air conditioner, a security system and a medical system, etc.

Referring toFIG. 2, the smart home system according an embodiment may include a second portable device100-1, an external communication network200and an external server300located outside a home, and one or more first portable devices100-2to100-5and one or more home appliances500-1to500-4located in the home.

In the smart home system, the first portable devices100-2to100-5(also collectively denoted by reference numeral100) and the home appliances500-1to500-4(also collectively denoted by reference numeral500) may be connected to a home network.

Each first portable device100in the home may be an Internet-connectable device such as a mobile phone. The second portable device100-1may, through execution of an application, be connected to a master device of the smart home system via the external communication network200and, in turn, to the one or more home appliances500via the master device.

The second portable device100-1may transmit a control command for the one or more home appliances500-1to500-4input from the user to the master device such that the master device transfers the control command to the one or more home appliances500-1to500-4.

Here, the master device signifies a device whose gateway is activated to connect the home network to the external communication network200. The master device may be one first portable device or home appliance selected from among the one or more first portable devices100-2to100-5or home appliances500-1to500-4based on device information, and have a gateway activated to connect the home network to the external communication network200. The master device may transfer a control command for the one or more home appliances500-1to500-4input from the user to the one or more home appliances500-1to500-4.

The user may control the home appliances500-1to500-4in the smart home system or monitor the states of the home appliances500-1to500-4, through the second portable device100-1outside the home and the master device.

For example, the second portable device100-1outside the home may have the same function as that of each of the one or more first portable devices100-2to100-5in the home or be one moved out of the home among the one or more first portable devices100-2to100-5in the home.

Each of the one or more first portable devices100-2to100-5in the home may be an Internet-connectable mobile phone equipped with a gateway.

An embodiment may be characterized in that a conventional fixed gateway is not used and each of the one or more first portable devices100-2to100-5is equipped with a gateway so as to perform a gateway function. In this regard, in an embodiment, each of the one or more first portable devices100-2to100-5may include a gateway (not shown).

As stated above, the master device may be one selected from among the one or more first portable devices100-2to100-5or home appliances500-1to500-4in the home. In the case where the one or more first portable devices100-2to100-5are connected to the home network, one thereof may be selected as the master device. Alternatively, in the case where only the one or more home appliances500-1to500-4are connected to the home network, one thereof may be selected as the master device.

Because the one or more first portable devices100-2to100-5are shown inFIG. 2as existing in the home, the following description will be given on the assumption that the first portable device100-2is selected as the master device. In addition, the master device will be denoted by the same reference numeral as that of the first portable device100-2.

When the first portable device100-2is selected as the master device, it may periodically transfer a check alive message to the other first portable devices100-3to100-5in the home and the data-communicable home appliances500-1to500-4in the home.

Each of the first portable devices100-3to100-5in the home, other than the master device100-2, and the home appliances500-1to500-4in the home determines that the master device100-2has been activated, through the check alive message periodically received from the master device100-2.

Upon failing to receive the check alive message from the master device100-2for a certain period of time, each of the other first portable devices100-3to100-5and home appliances500-1to500-4determines that the master device100-2has been deactivated.

For example, when the first portable device100-2acting as the master device is moved out of the home, when the first portable device100-2is powered off, or when the connection of the first portable device100-2to the home network is released, the master device100-2may be deactivated.

If the other first portable devices100-3to100-5and the home appliances500-1to500-4fail to receive the check alive message from the master device100-2for the certain period of time, one of the other first portable devices100-3to100-5or home appliances500-1to500-4connected to the home network may be selected as a new master device.

For example, the other first portable devices100-3to100-5connected to the home network may be searched for, respective Internet protocol (IP) address information thereof may be compared with one another, and one of the other first portable devices100-3to100-5having lowest IP address information among the respective IP address information may be selected as a new master device as a result of the comparison.

When a new portable device is additionally connected to the home network, a new master device may be selected even if the first portable device100-2is not deactivated. For example, in the case where the second portable device100-1outside the home is moved into the home and connected to the home network, the portable devices100-1to100-5connected to the home network may be searched for, respective IP address information thereof may be compared with one another, and one of the portable devices100-1to100-5having lowest IP address information among the respective IP address information may be selected as a new master device as a result of the comparison.

Moreover, the master device100-2may be linked with the second portable device100-1and the external server300through the external communication network200. The master device100-2may connect the first portable devices100-3to100-5and home appliances500-1to500-4connected to the home network with the second portable device100-1and external server300located outside the home.

In addition, the master device100-2may transfer a synchronization message for data synchronization with the one or more home appliances500-1to500-4connected to the home network or a history information request signal to the one or more home appliances500-1to500-4at a predetermined time.

For example, the predetermined time may include when the second portable device100-1is connected to the home network, when the master device is connected to the home network for the first time, or when a change occurs in the first portable devices100-2to100-5and home appliances500-1to500-4connected to the home network.

In addition, the master device100-2may receive synchronized data from the one or more home appliances500-1to500-4and store the received synchronized data in a storage unit (not shown) thereof.

The external communication network200is connected with the second portable device100-1and external server300outside the home and the master device100-2in the home.

For example, the external communication network200may include a general mobile communication network, a third-generation (3G) network, or a wireless Internet network.

The external server300may transmit/receive data to/from the portable devices100-1to100-5and the home appliances500-1to500-4and provide desired information to the portable devices100-1to100-5and the home appliances500-1to500-4.

For example, the external server300may include a server of a utility company or a server that provides electricity pricing information.

The server of the utility company may provide electricity price variation-based energy level information of each of the home appliances500-1to500-4in the home to the master device100-2. The server of the utility company may flexibly (selectively) fix different electricity prices in connection with power consumptions of the home appliances500-1to500-4in the home and supply electricity to the home appliances500-1to500-4in the home for the fixed electricity prices.

The external server300is not limited thereto, and may include a different type of server.

The one or more home appliances500-1to500-4may be a variety of power-consuming devices in the home, which may include an air conditioner, a refrigerator, a washing machine, etc. The home appliances500-1to500-4may be connected to the home network and controlled by the external second portable device100-1, and may transmit and receive data.

Upon receiving the synchronization message from the master device100-2, each of the home appliances500-1to500-4may generate history information and various data in linkage with the external server300and store the generated history information and data in a storage unit (not shown) thereof. Each of the home appliances500-1to500-4may transfer various data including the history information to the master device100-2and, in turn, to the second portable device100-1outside the home through the master device100-2.

In addition, upon receiving the history information request signal from the second portable device100-1, each of the home appliances500-1to500-4may determine whether a history index included in the history information request signal is up-to-date information. If the history index is determined to be up-to-date information, each of the home appliances500-1to500-4may provide latest history information corresponding to the history index to the master device100-2and the second portable device100-1. If the history index is determined not to be up-to-date information, each of the home appliances500-1to500-4may generate and store latest history information and provide the latest history information to the master device100-2and the second portable device100-1.

Moreover, each of the home appliances500-1to500-4may include a gateway (not shown).

In the case where there is no portable device in the home, one of the home appliances500-1to500-4may be selected as the master device. The home appliance selected as the master device may perform all the above-described functions of the master device.

Exceptionally, when a first portable device is moved into the home and newly connected to the home network under the condition that one of the home appliances500-1to500-4has been selected as the master device, the first portable device newly connected to the home network may be selected as the master device.

FIG. 3is a block diagram showing the configuration of the gateway-equipped portable device according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 3, each portable device100may include an input unit110, a display unit120, a storage unit130, a communication unit140, a gateway150, and a controller160.

The input unit110enables the user to input information.

The input unit110may have a plurality of numeral keys and function keys, and output key input data corresponding to a key depressed by the user to the controller160.

The display unit120may display various contents and messages under control of the controller160.

For example, the display unit120may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor (TFT) LCD, or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display.

The input unit110and the display unit120may constitute a touch screen. In this case, the input unit110may include a touch panel to sense a user touch, and recognize a touch position, a movement direction, the number of touches, etc. from a touch signal sensed by the touch panel and provide the recognition results to the controller160.

The storage unit130may store a plurality of programs and data necessary for the operation of the portable device100.

For example, the storage unit130may include a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and other storage media.

The storage unit130may store the synchronized data received from the one or more home appliances500-1to500-4. For example, the synchronized data may include history information, such as the amount of electricity used (power consumption) and a home appliance control history of a corresponding one or more of the home appliances500-1to500-4.

The storage unit130may also store IP address information of the one or more first portable devices100-2to100-5and home appliances500-1to500-4.

The communication unit140may transmit/receive data to/from the other portable devices or home appliances500-1to500-4connected to the home network. The communication unit140may also transmit/receive radio frequency (RF) signals to/from a base station through an antenna such that a corresponding one of the portable devices100-2to100-5performs wireless communication with the base station.

The gateway150is a device that interconnects two or more communication networks of different types or the same type such that information is exchanged between the communication networks. In this regard, the gateway150may interconnect the home network and the external communication network200.

The gateway150may be activated when the corresponding portable device becomes the master device, and deactivated when the corresponding portable device does not function as the master device.

When the gateway150is activated, the first portable devices100-2to100-5and home appliances500-1to500-4connected to the home network in the home may transmit/receive information to/from the second portable device100-1and external server300outside the home through the gateway150.

For example, the gateway150may act to connect the second portable device100-1outside the home to the home appliances500-1to500-4in the home or provide the history information of the home appliances500-1to500-4in the home to the second portable device100-1.

The controller160may perform general communication functions, such as call and data transmission/reception, and control other components of the corresponding portable device.

The controller160may generate a control signal to connect the corresponding portable device to the home network. The controller160may also determine whether the gateway150has been activated, based on device information of the first portable devices100-2to100-5connected to the home network. For example, the device information may include IP address information. If the gateway150is activated, the corresponding portable device is selected as the master device.

When the gateway150is activated, the controller160may receive a control command for the one or more home appliances500-1to500-4from the user and transfer the received control command to the one or more home appliances500-1to500-4.

A method of selecting one master device will be described with reference toFIG. 2. As shown inFIG. 2, the one or more portable devices100-2to100-5and the one or more home appliances500-1to500-4are present in the home.

The controller160may search for the portable devices100-2to100-5connected to the home network. Then, the controller160may transmit IP address information of a corresponding one of the portable devices100-2to100-5to the other portable devices connected to the home network and receive IP address information of the other portable devices from the other portable devices.

The controller160may store the IP address information of the corresponding portable device and the IP address information of the other portable devices connected to the home network in the storage unit130. Then, the controller160may compare the stored IP address information with one another, and select the corresponding portable device as the master device if the IP address information of the corresponding portable device is lowest.

For example, assume that the IP address information of the first portable device100-2is 168.203.100.3, the IP address information of the first portable device100-3is 210.103.60.1, the IP address information of the first portable device100-4is 211.106.60.1, and the IP address information of the first portable device100-5is 266.107.60.4. Because the IP address information of the first portable device100-2is lowest, the controller160of the first portable device100-2may select the first portable device100-2as the master device.

Selecting the master device is not limited to the above method, and may be performed by any other method.

When the first portable device100-2is selected as the master device, namely, the gateway150thereof is activated, the controller160of the master device100-2may perform a control operation to transfer the synchronization message for the data synchronization with the one or more home appliances500-1to500-4to the one or more home appliances500-1to500-4or transfer the check alive message to the one or more other portable devices100-3to100-5and the one or more home appliances500-1to500-4.

Upon periodically receiving the check alive message from the master device100-2, each of the portable devices100-3to100-5in the home, other than the master device100-2, and the home appliances500-1to500-4in the home determines that the master device100-2has been activated.

Upon failing to receive the check alive message from the master device100-2, each of the other portable devices100-3to100-5and home appliances500-1to500-4determines that the master device100-2has been deactivated.

For example, when the first portable device100-2acting as the master device is moved out of the home, when the first portable device100-2is powered off, or when the connection of the first portable device100-2to the home network is released, the master device100-2may be deactivated.

If it is determined that the master device100-2has been deactivated, a new master device may be selected from among the other portable devices100-3to100-5.

That is, the other portable devices100-3to100-5connected to the home network may be searched for, respective IP address information thereof may be compared with one another, and one of the other portable devices100-3to100-5having lowest IP address information among the respective IP address information may be selected as a new master device as a result of the comparison.

When a new portable device is additionally connected to the home network, a new master device may be selected even if the first portable device100-2is not deactivated.

For example, in the case where the second portable device100-1outside the home is moved into the home and connected to the home network, the portable devices100-1to100-5connected to the home network may be searched for, respective IP address information thereof may be compared with one another, and one of the portable devices100-1to100-5having lowest IP address information among the respective IP address information may be selected as a new master device as a result of the comparison.

When the first portable device100-2is selected as the master device, the controller160of the master device100-2may activate the gateway150of the master device100-2. However, when the first portable device100-2does not function as the master device, the controller160of the first portable device100-2may deactivate the gateway150of the first portable device100-2.

Moreover, when the first portable device100-2is selected as the master device, the controller160of the master device100-2may link the master device100-2with the external server300through the external communication network200using the gateway150.

In addition, upon receiving a connection request from the external second portable device100-1, the controller160of the master device100-2may perform an authentication process based on user authentication information of the second portable device100-1.

When user authentication is completed, the controller160of the master device100-2may connect the second portable device100-1to the home network.

Furthermore, the controller160of the master device100-2may synchronize history information of each of the home appliances500-1to500-4with a latest version through a data synchronization process.

In detail, in an embodiment, the master device may be changed because portable devices may be moved into and out of the home. In the case where the master device is changed in the home network, data synchronization is required.

Therefore, when the master device is connected to the home network or when a change occurs in the first portable devices100-2to100-5and home appliances500-1to500-4connected to the home network, the controller160of the master device may transfer the synchronization message to the home appliances500-1to500-4.

For example, the controller160of the master device100-2may synchronize the history information of each of the home appliances500-1to500-4with the latest version when a new portable device is connected to the home network, when the connection of an existing portable device to the home network is released, or at an interval of a predetermined period.

In addition, upon receiving a history information request signal for the one or more home appliances500-1to500-4from the user, the controller160of the master device100-2may include a history index in the history information request signal and transfer the resulting history information request signal to the one or more home appliances500-1to500-4. Here, the history index may be information indicative of whether history information requested by the user is latest information.

Moreover, the controller160of the master device100-2may receive a control command from the user or second portable device100-1and transfer the received control command to the one or more home appliances500-1to500-4.

In addition, the controller160of the master device100-2may receive history information or a control command response signal from each of the one or more home appliances500-1to500-4and transmit the received history information or control command response signal to the user or second portable device100-1.

FIG. 4is a block diagram showing the configuration of a home appliance equipped with a gateway according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 4, each home appliance500may include an input unit510, a driver520, a storage unit530, a communication unit540, a gateway550, and a controller560.

The input unit510enables the user to input information.

The input unit510may include all the functions (operations) of the input unit110of the portable device100, and receive the home appliance control command from the user.

The driver520may operate the home appliance500under control of the controller560.

The storage unit530may store a plurality of programs and data necessary for the operation of the home appliance500.

The storage unit530may also store synchronized data, generated by the controller560in response to the synchronization message transferred from the master device100-2.

For example, the synchronized data may include history information (the amount of electricity used and a home appliance control history) of the home appliance500.

The storage unit530may also store IP address information of the portable devices100-2to100-5and home appliances500-1to500-4.

The communication unit540may transmit/receive data to/from the one or more first portable devices100-2to100-5or the other home appliances connected to the home network.

For example, the communication unit540may include a Wi-Fi modem.

The gateway550may interconnect the home network and the external communication network200. The gateway550may include all the above-described functions (operations) of the gateway150of the portable device100, with the exception that it operates when there is no portable device in the home.

The controller560may perform a control operation based on usage of a corresponding one of the home appliances500-1to500-4and control other components of the corresponding home appliance.

The controller560may also connect the corresponding home appliance to the home network.

When there is no portable device in the home, the controller560may select the corresponding home appliance as the master device. That is, the controller560may determine whether the gateway550has been activated, based on device information of the one or more home appliances500-1to500-4connected to the home network. Here, the device information may include IP address information of a corresponding one of the one or more home appliances500-1to500-4connected to the home network.

When the gateway550is activated, the controller560may receive a control command for the one or more home appliances500-1to500-4from the user and transfer the received control command to the one or more home appliances500-1to500-4.

A brief description will be given of a method of selecting the corresponding one of the home appliances500-1to500-4connected to the home network as the master device by the controller560.

The controller560searches for the home appliances500-1to500-4connected to the home network. Then, the controller560transmits IP address information of the corresponding home appliance to the other home appliances connected to the home network and receives IP address information of the other home appliances from the other home appliances.

The controller560stores the IP address information of the corresponding home appliance and the IP address information of the other home appliances connected to the home network in the storage unit530. Then, the controller560compares the stored IP address information with one another, and selects the corresponding home appliance as the master device if the IP address information of the corresponding home appliance is lowest.

Selecting the master device is not limited to the above method, and may be performed by any other method.

When a new portable device is additionally connected to the home network, the controller560may deactivate the gateway550of the corresponding home appliance such that the new portable device is selected as the master device.

When the gateway550of the master device is activated, the controller560of the master device may perform a control operation to transfer the synchronization message for the data synchronization with the one or more home appliances500-1to500-4or the check alive message to the one or more home appliances500-1to500-4.

A description will be given of a general function of the controller560of each of the one or more home appliances500-1to500-4.

The controller560may synchronize history information of a corresponding one of the home appliances500-1to500-4with a latest version in linkage with the master device100-2, etc.

Upon receiving the synchronization message from the master device100-2through the communication unit540, the controller560may generate latest history information in linkage with the external server300and store the generated latest history information in the storage unit530. For the generation of the latest history information, the controller560may be provided with information stored in the external server300by transmitting/receiving data to/from the external server300through the master device100-2. Then, the controller560may transfer the generated latest history information to the master device100-2whose gateway is activated.

For example, the history information may include the amount of electricity used and a product control history of the corresponding home appliance.

In addition, upon receiving the history information request signal from the user through the second portable device100-1, the controller560may transmit the latest history information to the second portable device100-1.

For example, the controller560may determine whether a history index included in the history information request signal is up-to-date information. If the history index is determined to be up-to-date information, the controller560may transfer the latest history information corresponding to the history index to the master device100-2whose gateway is activated.

In the case where the history index is determined not to be up-to-date information, the controller560may generate synchronized data including the latest history information through the above-stated data synchronization process and store the generated synchronized data in the storage unit530of the corresponding home appliance.

Then, the controller560may transfer the latest history information to the master device100-2whose gateway is activated.

Moreover, the controller560may receive a control command from the user or master device, and control the driver520in response to the control command to perform a control operation.

After performing the control operation, the controller560may transfer, to the user or master device, a control command response message including information about whether the control operation has been completed.

In addition, the controller560of each home appliance may include all the above-described functions of the controller160of each portable device.

FIG. 5AandFIG. 5Bare a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a home appliance in the smart home system using the gateway-equipped portable device in the case where the user is away from home, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5AandFIG. 5Bare illustrates a process of controlling the one or more home appliances500-1to500-4in the smart home system using the one or more gateway-equipped first portable devices100-2to100-5in the case where the second portable device100-1of the user, the external communication network200and the external server300are located outside the home and the one or more first portable devices100-2to100-5and the one or more home appliances500-1to500-4are located in the home, as shown inFIG. 2.

First, the one or more home appliances500-1to500-4in the home are searched for to construct a home network (702).

Then, the one or more first portable devices100-2to100-5in the home are connected to the home network (704).

One first portable device or home appliance among the one or more first portable devices100-2to100-5or home appliances500-1to500-4connected to the home network in the home is selected as a master device (706).

As stated previously with reference toFIG. 3, in the case where the first portable devices100-2to100-5and the home appliances500-1to500-4are both present in the home, a first portable device having lowest IP address information among the first portable devices100-2to100-5may be selected as the master device.

The following description will be given on the assumption that the first portable device100-2is selected as the master device.

When the first portable device100-2is selected as the master device, the gateway of the master device100-2is activated, and the home network is connected with the external communication network200and the external server300through the master device100-2(708).

When the user sends a connection request signal using the second portable device100-1, the connection request signal is transferred to the master device100-2in the home through the external communication network200(710).

Upon receiving the connection request signal from the second portable device100-1through the external communication network200, the master device100-2performs an authentication process based on user authentication information (712).

Then, the master device100-2connects the second portable device100-1to the home network through the external communication network200(714).

The master device100-2transfers a synchronization message to the home appliances500-1to500-4when the second portable device100-1is connected to the home network, when the master device100-2is connected to the home network for the first time, when a change occurs in the portable devices100-2to100-5and home appliances500-1to500-4connected to the home network, or at an interval of a predetermined period (716).

Upon receiving the synchronization message, each of the home appliances500-1to500-4synchronizes various data with a latest version in linkage with the external server300through the master device100-2(718).

Then, each of the home appliances500-1to500-4stores the synchronized data and transfers the synchronized data to the master device100-2(720).

Next, when the user requests history information through the second portable device100-1, the master device100-2receives a history information request signal through the external communication network200and transfers the received history information request signal to a corresponding one of the home appliances500-1to500-4(722and724).

Upon receiving the history information request signal, the corresponding home appliance determines whether a history index in the history information request signal is up-to-date information (726). If the history index is determined to be up-to-date information, the corresponding home appliance transmits history information corresponding to the history index to the second portable device100-1through the master device100-2(734and736).

If the history index is determined not to be up-to-date information, the corresponding home appliance performs a data synchronization process, stores synchronized data and then transmits latest history information to the second portable device100-1through the master device100-2(730,732,734and736).

In the case where the user inputs a home appliance control command through the second portable device100-1, the control command is transmitted to a corresponding one of the home appliances500-1to500-4through the external communication network200and the master device100-2(738and740).

Upon receiving the control command, the corresponding home appliance performs a control operation corresponding to the control command and sends back, to the second portable device100-1, a control command response signal including information about whether the control operation has been completed (742,744and746).

In addition, the control method of the smart home system according to an embodiment may perform all the functions described previously with reference toFIGS. 2 to 4.

FIG. 6is a conceptual diagram of a smart home system using a portable device equipped with a gateway in the case where the user is at home, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 6, the smart home system according to an embodiment may include one or more first portable devices100-2to100-5, a second portable device100-1and one or more home appliances500-1to500-4located in a home, and an external communication network200and an external server300located outside the home.

The second portable device100-1ofFIG. 6is different from the second portable device100-1ofFIG. 2in that it is located in the home.

For example, the second portable device100-1ofFIG. 6may be the second portable device100-1ofFIG. 2carried by the user after having returned home.

The external communication network200, external server300, portable devices100-1to100-5and home appliances500-1to500-4shown inFIG. 6may include all the functions stated previously with reference toFIGS. 2 to 4.

Exceptionally, because the second portable device100-1of the user is located in the home, the smart home system according to an embodiment may perform a different operation from that of an embodiment, which will be described.

First, a master device is selected from among one or more portable devices present in the home.

In the case where the portable devices100-1to100-5and the home appliances500-1to500-4are both present in the home, one of the portable devices100-1to100-5is selected as the master device.

As a result, each of the portable devices100-1to100-5transfers IP address information thereof to the other portable devices, and receives and stores IP address information of the other portable devices from the other portable devices.

Then, a portable device having lowest IP address information among the IP address information of all the portable devices100-1to100-5in the home is selected as the master device.

In the case where the second portable device100-1of the user is located in the home, it may also be selected as the master device, as will be described later with reference toFIG. 8.

For example, inFIG. 6, the first portable device100-2is assumed to be selected as the master device.

When the first portable device100-2is selected as the master device, the first portable device100-2activates the gateway thereof and the other portable devices deactivate the gateways thereof.

Therefore, the first portable device100-2may perform the same function as that of a conventional gateway fixed in the home.

Provided that the first portable device100-2is selected as the master device, the second portable device100-1of the user may directly transmit/receive data to/from the master device100-2over a home network.

FIG. 7AandFIG. 7Bare a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a home appliance in the smart home system using the gateway-equipped portable device in the case where the user is at home, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7AandFIG. 7Bare illustrates a process of controlling the one or more home appliances500-1to500-4in the smart home system using the one or more gateway-equipped portable devices100-1to100-5in the case where the external communication network200and the external server300are present outside the home and the one or more portable devices100-1to100-5including the second portable device100-1of the user and the one or more home appliances500-1to500-4are present in the home, as shown inFIG. 6.

The flowchart ofFIG. 7AandFIG. 7Bare different from the flowchart ofFIG. 5AandFIG. 5Bin that the second portable device100-1of the user is located in the home.

In this regard, a portable device having lowest IP address information among all the portable devices100-1to100-5in the home including the second portable device100-1of the user is selected as a master device.

InFIG. 7AandFIG. 7B, the first portable device100-2is assumed to be selected as the master device.

Because the second portable device100-1of the user is located in the home and connected to the home network, it may directly transmit/receive data to/from the master device100-2over the home network.

Other operations are the same as those inFIG. 5AandFIG. 5Band a description thereof will thus be omitted.

FIG. 8is a conceptual diagram of a smart home system in which a portable device of the user is selected as a master device in the case where the user is at home, according to an embodiment.

A second portable device100-1ofFIG. 8is different from the second portable device100-1ofFIG. 6in that it is selected as the master device.

For example, provided that the second portable device100-1of the user among portable devices100-1to100-5connected to a home network has lowest IP address information, the second portable device100-1may be selected as the master device.

Referring toFIG. 8, the smart home system according to an present embodiment may include one or more first portable devices100-2to100-5and one or more home appliances500-1to500-4located in a home, and the home network to interconnect the one or more first portable devices100-2to100-5and the one or more home appliances500-1to500-4.

The second portable device100-1of the user may further be provided in the smart home system according to an embodiment. The second portable device100-1is equipped with a gateway and connected to the home network in the home. The second portable device100-1activates the gateway to connect the home network with an external communication network200and transfer a control command for the one or more home appliances500-1to500-4input from the user to the one or more home appliances500-1to500-4.

Therefore, the second portable device100-1of the user functions as the master device and interconnects the external communication network200and the home network. As a result, the user may control the home appliances500-1to500-4in the home through the second portable device100-1.

The external communication network200, external server300, portable devices100-1to100-5and home appliances500-1to500-4shown inFIG. 8may include all the functions stated previously with reference toFIGS. 2 to 4.

FIG. 9AandFIG. 9Bare a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a home appliance in the smart home system in which the portable device of the user is selected as the master device in the case where the user is at home, according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, in the control method of the smart home system which includes the one or more first portable devices100-2to100-5and the one or more home appliances500-1to500-4located in the home, and the second portable device100-1which is equipped with the gateway and located in the home and receives the control command for the one or more home appliances500-1to500-4from the user, the one or more home appliances500-1to500-4in the home are searched for to construct the home network, and the second portable device100-1and the one or more first portable devices100-2to100-5in the home are connected to the home network.

Then, the second portable device100-1is selected as the master device based on device information of the second portable device100-1and one or more first portable devices100-2to100-5connected to the home network.

Thereafter, the gateway of the master device100-1is activated, the home network is connected with the external communication network200through the master device100-1, and the control command for the one or more home appliances500-1to500-4input from the user is transferred to the one or more home appliances500-1to500-4through the master device100-1.

An embodiment is characterized in that the second portable device100-1of the user is selected as the master device when the user is present in the home. Other operations ofFIG. 9AandFIG. 9Bare the same as those ofFIG. 7AandFIG. 7Band a description thereof will thus be omitted.

That is, the second portable device100-1of the user is selected as the master device, so as to interconnect the external communication network200and the home network.

FIG. 10is a conceptual diagram of a smart home system using a home appliance equipped with a gateway in the case where the user is away from home, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 10, the smart home system according to an embodiment may include a second portable device100-1of the user, an external communication network200and an external server300located outside the home, and one or more home appliances500-1to500-4located in the home.

For example, there may be no portable device in the home because all portable devices located in the home were moved out of the home.

Although only the second portable device100-1of the user is shown inFIG. 10as being located outside the home, embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, one or more portable devices including the second portable device100-1may be located outside the home and connected with a master device located in the home to transmit/receive data to/from the master device.

The external communication network200, external server300, portable device100-1and home appliances500-1to500-4shown inFIG. 10may include all the functions stated previously with reference toFIGS. 2 to 4.

Exceptionally, because only the one or more home appliances500-1to500-4are located in the home, the smart home system according to an embodiment may perform a different operation from that of one or more of the above embodiments, which will be described.

First, the master device is selected from among the one or more home appliances500-1to500-4present in the home.

For example, each of the home appliances500-1to500-4may transfer IP address information thereof to the other home appliances, and receive and store IP address information of the other home appliances from the other home appliances.

Then, a home appliance having lowest IP address information among the IP address information of all the home appliances500-1to500-4in the home may be selected as the master device.

InFIG. 10, the home appliance500-1is assumed to be selected as the master device.

When the home appliance500-1is selected as the master device, the home appliance500-1activates the gateway thereof and the other home appliances deactivate the gateways thereof.

Therefore, the home appliance500-1may perform the same function as that of a conventional gateway fixed in the home.

Provided that the home appliance500-1is selected as the master device, the second portable device100-1of the user may transmit/receive data to/from the master device500-1over the external communication network200.

FIG. 11AandFIG. 11Bare a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a home appliance in the smart home system using the gateway-equipped home appliance in the case where the user is away from home, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 11AandFIG. 11Bare illustrates a process of controlling the one or more home appliances500-1to500-4in the smart home system using the gateway-equipped home appliance in the case where the second portable device100-1of the user, the external communication network200and the external server300are present outside the home and the one or more home appliances500-1to500-4are present in the home, as shown inFIG. 10.

First, the one or more home appliances500-1to500-4in the home construct a home network (902).

The flowchart ofFIG. 11AandFIG. 11Bare different from the flowchart ofFIG. 5AandFIG. 5Bin that there is no portable device in the home. In this regard, a home appliance having lowest IP address information among all the home appliances500-1to500-4in the home is selected as a master device (904).

The following description will be given on the assumption that the home appliance500-1is selected as the master device.

The master device500-1connects the home network with the external server300through the external communication network200(906).

When the user sends a connection request signal using the second portable device100-1, the connection request signal is transferred to the master device500-1in the home through the external communication network200(910).

Upon receiving the connection request signal from the second portable device100-1, the master device500-1performs an authentication process based on user authentication information (912).

Then, the master device500-1connects the second portable device100-1to the home network through the external communication network200(914).

The master device500-1transfers a synchronization message to the home appliances500-1to500-4when a change occurs in the portable device100-1and home appliances500-1to500-4connected to the home network (916).

Upon receiving the synchronization message, each of the home appliances500-1to500-4synchronizes various data with a latest version in linkage with the external server300through the master device500-1(918).

Then, each of the home appliances500-1to500-4stores the synchronized data and transfers the synchronized data to the master device500-1(920).

When the user requests history information through the second portable device100-1, the master device500-1receives a history information request signal through the external communication network200and transfers the received history information request signal to a corresponding one of the home appliances500-1to500-4(922and924).

Upon receiving the history information request signal, the corresponding home appliance determines whether a history index in the history information request signal is up-to-date information (926). If the history index is determined to be up-to-date information, the corresponding home appliance transmits history information corresponding to the history index to the second portable device100-1through the master device500-1(934and936).

If the history index is determined not to be up-to-date information, the corresponding home appliance performs a data synchronization process, stores synchronized data and then transmits latest history information to the second portable device100-1through the master device500-1(930,932,934and936).

In the case where the user inputs a home appliance control command through the second portable device100-1, the control command is transmitted to a corresponding one of the home appliances500-1to500-4through the external communication network200and the master device500-1(938and940).

Upon receiving the control command, the corresponding home appliance performs a control operation corresponding to the control command and sends back, to the second portable device100-1, a control command response signal including information about whether the control operation has been completed (942,944and946).

As is apparent from the above description, according to an aspect of one or more embodiments, a gateway is installed in a portable device often used by the user, thereby eliminating the need to purchase a separate gateway and increasing user convenience.

Furthermore, the user may remotely perform state-monitoring and control of home appliances in a home using the portable device.

Processes, functions, methods, and/or software in apparatuses described herein may be recorded, stored, or fixed in one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media (computer readable recording medium) that includes program instructions (computer readable instructions) to be implemented by a computer to cause one or more processors to execute or perform the program instructions. The media may also include, alone or in combination with the program instructions, data files, data structures, and the like. The media and program instructions may be those specially designed and constructed, or they may be of the kind well-known and available to those having skill in the computer software arts. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable storage media include magnetic media, such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tape; optical media such as CD ROM disks and DVDs; magneto-optical media, such as optical disks; and hardware devices that are specially configured to store and perform program instructions, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory, and the like. Examples of program instructions include machine code, such as produced by a compiler, and files containing higher level code that may be executed by the computer using an interpreter. The program instructions may be executed by one or more processors. The described hardware devices may be configured to act as one or more software modules that are recorded, stored, or fixed in one or more computer-readable storage media, in order to perform the operations and methods described above, or vice versa. In addition, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be distributed among computer systems connected through a network and computer-readable codes or program instructions may be stored and executed in a decentralized manner. In addition, the computer-readable storage media may also be embodied in at least one application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA).