Automating Configuration System and Protocol for Next-Generation Home Appliances

Home appliance manufacturers have recently been trying to provide smart products capable of various Internet services. For example, one health care manufacturer provides a Wi-Fi-capable scale. Once users register their information with the manufacturer's server, their weight and body fat records are automatically uploaded to the server whenever they measure their weight. The users can then watch and check their weight log easily using a smart device, such as a smartphone or tablet. One of the biggest problems, however, is that the initial configuration of the appliances and the user registration process may be quite complicated to typical users who are unfamiliar with such IT devices. This paper proposes an autoconfiguration system structure and protocol for Internet-capable home appliances, which supports the initial configuration and remote maintenance service of the device with only little user effort. Manufacturers can develop their own information appliances and provide differentiated services using the proposed system and protocol.