KR20240152169A - Electronic device for performing data communicaiton and method for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

Various embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus and method for scheduling a data communication link in an electronic device. The electronic device includes a communication circuit and a processor, wherein the processor sets an NDP for data communication with an external electronic device included in a NAN cluster based on first scheduling information, stores information related to the NDP based on a transition to a low power mode related to the NDP connection, maintains synchronization with the external electronic device based on second scheduling information different from the first scheduling information, and, when performing data communication with the external device, performs data communication with the external device through the NDP with the external electronic device based on the information related to the NDP. Other embodiments may also be possible.

Description

{ELECTRONIC DEVICE FOR PERFORMING DATA COMMUNICAITON AND METHOD FOR THE SAME}

One embodiment of the present invention relates to an electronic device for performing data communication and a method of operating the same.

Due to the development of information and communication technology and semiconductor technology, various electronic devices are being used. Electronic devices can provide various types of proximity services utilizing low-power discovery technology. Proximity services can refer to a communication function in which electronic devices in the vicinity quickly exchange data through a proximity network. For example, proximity services can include low power proximity services using BLE (Bluetooth low energy) beacons or low power proximity services based on wireless local area network (WLAN)-based low power short-range communication technology (e.g., neighbor awareness networking (NAN) and/or Wi-Fi aware (hereinafter, referred to as 'NAN').

NAN-based low-power proximity services can represent a communication function that exchanges data by forming a proximity network that dynamically changes according to the movement of electronic devices. Electronic devices included in a cluster can transmit and/or receive a signal for discovery (e.g., a synchronization beacon) and a service discovery frame (SDF) for synchronization or to notify the existence of the cluster within a synchronized time duration (or communication period) (e.g., a discovery window (DW)). For example, a cluster can represent a set of electronic devices forming a proximity network.

Electronic devices included in a cluster can establish (or create) a NAN data path (NDP) to perform data communication in a section other than a discovery window (DW). For example, an electronic device included in the cluster can establish a time slot (e.g., further available windows: FAWs) for data transmission in a section between discovery windows through an SDF exchange and data path establishment procedure with an external electronic device. The electronic device can transmit and/or receive data with the external electronic device through the time slot established between the discovery windows.

The electronic device can release a NAN data path (e.g., NDP) with the external electronic device when data communication with the external electronic device is terminated. When the electronic device requires data communication with the external electronic device, the electronic device can re-establish a NAN data path through an SDF exchange and data path establishment procedure with the external electronic device.

Whenever an electronic device requires data communication with an external electronic device, it repeatedly performs the SDF exchange and data path setup procedures to establish a NAN data path, which may result in a delay in data communication with the external electronic device.

One embodiment of the present invention discloses a device and method for performing data communication with an external electronic device via NDP in an electronic device.

The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

According to one embodiment, an electronic device may include a communication circuit, and a processor operatively connected with the communication circuit. According to one embodiment, the processor may establish an NDP (NAN data path) for data communication with an external device included in a NAN cluster based on first scheduling information. According to one embodiment, the processor may store information related to the NDP based on a transition to a low power mode related to the NDP connection. According to one embodiment, the processor may maintain synchronization with the external electronic device based on second scheduling information that is different from the first scheduling information. According to one embodiment, when performing data communication with the external device, the processor may perform data communication with the external device through the NDP with the external electronic device based on the information related to the NDP.

According to one embodiment, the operating method of the electronic device may include an operation of setting an NDP (NAN data path) for data communication with an external device included in a NAN cluster based on first scheduling information. According to one embodiment, the operating method of the electronic device may include an operation of storing information related to the NDP based on a transition to a low power mode related to the NDP connection. According to one embodiment, the operating method of the electronic device may include an operation of maintaining synchronization with the external electronic device based on second scheduling information different from the first scheduling information. According to one embodiment, the operating method of the electronic device may include an operation of performing data communication with the external device through the NDP with the external electronic device based on the information related to the NDP when performing data communication with the external device.

According to one embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (or a computer program product) storing one or more programs may be described. According to one embodiment, the one or more programs may include instructions that, when executed by a processor of an electronic device, perform an operation of establishing an NAN data path (NDP) for data communication with an external device included in a NAN cluster based on first scheduling information, an operation of storing information related to the NDP based on a transition to a low power mode related to the NDP connection, an operation of maintaining synchronization with the external electronic device based on second scheduling information different from the first scheduling information, and an operation of performing data communication with the external device through the NDP based on the information related to the NDP when performing data communication with the external device.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, when an electronic device performs data communication with an external electronic device while storing information related to an NDP set with an external electronic device based on a low power mode and maintaining synchronization with the external electronic device, the delay for data communication with the external electronic device can be reduced by performing data communication with the external electronic device based on the information related to the NDP without an NDP setting procedure with the external electronic device.

The effects that can be obtained from various embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art in which various embodiments of the present invention belong from the description below.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to one embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a NAN cluster according to one embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a protocol for transmitting signals of electronic devices included in a NAN cluster according to one embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of data transmission and/or reception within a NAN cluster according to one embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an electronic device for data communication according to one embodiment.
FIG. 6 is an example for setting up an NDP with an external electronic device in an electronic device according to one embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart for data communication between an electronic device and an external electronic device according to one embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart for synchronization with an external electronic device in an electronic device according to one embodiment.
FIG. 9 is an example of maintaining synchronization with an external electronic device in an electronic device according to one embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart for synchronization with an external electronic device in an electronic device according to one embodiment.
FIG. 11 is an example of maintaining synchronization with an external electronic device in an electronic device according to one embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart for performing data communication with an external electronic device in an electronic device according to one embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart for performing data communication with an external electronic device in an electronic device according to one embodiment.
FIG. 14 is an example for setting up NDP with multiple external electronic devices in an electronic device according to one embodiment.

The following various embodiments are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) in a network environment (100) according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, in the network environment (100), the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network) or may communicate with at least one of the electronic device (104) or the server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

The processor (120) may control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) by executing, for example, software (e.g., a program (140)), and may perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or calculations, the processor (120) may store a command or data received from another component (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in the volatile memory (132), process the command or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store result data in the nonvolatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a graphic processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together therewith. For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and a secondary processor (123), the secondary processor (123) may be configured to use lower power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a given function. The secondary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one of the components of the electronic device (101) (e.g., the display module (160), the sensor module (176), or the communication module (190)), for example, on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing device) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. Such learning may be performed, for example, in the electronic device (101) itself on which the artificial intelligence model is executed, or may be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm may include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers. The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), deep Q-networks, or a combination of two or more, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to the hardware structure, the artificial intelligence model may additionally or alternatively include a software structure.

The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., a processor (120) or a sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., a program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include a volatile memory (132) or a nonvolatile memory (134).

The program (140) may be stored as software in memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The input module (150) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

The audio output module (155) can output an audio signal to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output module (155) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive an incoming call. According to one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as a part thereof.

The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) can include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. According to one embodiment, the display module (160) can include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by a touch.

The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can obtain sound through an input module (150), or output sound through an audio output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (102)) (e.g., a speaker or a headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

The sensor module (176) can detect an operating state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or an external environmental state (e.g., user state) and generate an electric signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

The haptic module (179) can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus that a user can perceive through a tactile or kinesthetic sense. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

The camera module (180) can capture still images and moving images. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) can include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

The battery (189) can power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) can include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

The communication module (190) may support establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102), the electronic device (104), or the server (108)), and performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., the application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, a corresponding communication module may communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as a plurality of separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) may use subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196) to identify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199).

The wireless communication module (192) can support a 5G network and next-generation communication technology after a 4G network, for example, NR access technology (new radio access technology). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), terminal power minimization and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) may support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) may support various requirements specified in an electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., a second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) can support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) each, or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization. According to one embodiment, the subscriber identification module (196) can include a plurality of subscriber identification modules. For example, the plurality of subscriber identification modules can store different subscriber information.

The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from the outside (e.g., an external electronic device). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) can include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) can include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), can be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module (190). A signal or power can be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and the external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. According to some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) can be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) can form a high-frequency (e.g., mmWave) antenna module. In one embodiment, the high-frequency (e.g., mmWave) antenna module can include a printed circuit board, an RFIC positioned on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) positioned on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band. For example, the plurality of antennas can include patch array antennas and/or dipole array antennas.

At least some of the components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, general purpose input and output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)).

In one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102, or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform at least a part of the function or service. One or more external electronic devices that have received the request may execute at least a part of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a part of a response to the request. For this purpose, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used. The electronic device (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an IoT (Internet of Things) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server using machine learning and/or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included in the second network (199). The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

An electronic device according to an embodiment disclosed in this document may be a device of various forms. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance device. The electronic device according to an embodiment of this document is not limited to the above-described devices.

It should be understood that the embodiments of this document and the terminology used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to a particular embodiment, but rather to encompass various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiment. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first", "second", or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., a second) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

The term "module" used in one embodiment of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. It may be a module, an integrally configured component, or a minimum unit or part of the component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

An embodiment of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (136) or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., the electronic device (101)) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g. electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

According to one embodiment, the method according to one embodiment disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a commodity. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store ^TM ) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a part of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as a memory of a manufacturer's server, a server of an application store, or an intermediary server.

According to one embodiment, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include a single or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separated and arranged in other components. According to one embodiment, one or more of the components or operations of the above-described components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, the multiple components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into one component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component of the multiple components before the integration. According to one embodiment, the operations performed by the module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a neighbor awareness network (NAN) cluster according to one embodiment.

According to one embodiment, FIG. 2 may illustrate an example configuration of a neighbor awareness networking (NAN) cluster (200) for a proximity network. For example, the NAN cluster (200) may mean a set of electronic devices (101, 210, 220, and/or 230) that configure a proximity network so that each electronic device (or NAN devices) (101, 210, 220, and/or 230) may transmit and/or receive data to each other.

According to one embodiment, a NAN cluster (200) may be composed of a plurality of electronic devices (101, 210, 220, and/or 230). The electronic devices (101, 210, 220, and/or 230) included in the NAN cluster (200) may transmit and/or receive a beacon (or discovery beacon), a service discovery frame (SDF), and/or a NAN action frame (NAF) within a synchronized time duration (or communication period) (e.g., a discovery window (DW)).

According to one embodiment, the electronic devices (101, 210, 220, and/or 230) within the NAN cluster (200) may have their time clocks synchronized with each other. For example, the electronic devices (101, 210, 220, and/or 230) may be synchronized based on the time clock of one electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101)) and may transmit and/or receive beacons, SDFs, and/or NAFs in synchronized (or identical) discovery windows (DWs).

According to one embodiment, an electronic device (101) supporting a low-power short-range communication technology based on NAN may broadcast a search signal (e.g., a beacon) to discover an external electronic device (210, 220, and/or 230) every preset first period (e.g., about 100 msec). The electronic device (101) may perform scanning every preset second period (e.g., about 10 msec) to receive a search signal broadcast from the external electronic device (210, 220, and/or 230).

According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can detect at least one external electronic device (210, 220 and/or 230) located around the electronic device (101) based on a detection signal received through scanning. The electronic device (101) can perform NAN cluster synchronization with the at least one external electronic device (210, 220 and/or 230) detected to be located around the electronic device (101). The NAN cluster synchronization can include an operation of receiving time clock information of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101)) representing a NAN cluster so that the electronic devices (101, 210, 220 and/or 230) included in the NAN cluster transmit and/or receive data over the same channel and/or during the same time.

According to one embodiment, each of a plurality of electronic devices (101, 210, 220 and/or 230) can form a NAN cluster (200) that operates according to a synchronized time clock by transmitting a beacon and receiving a beacon from other electronic devices (101, 210, 220 and/or 230). The electronic devices (101, 210, 220 and/or 230) included in the NAN cluster (200) can perform NAN cluster synchronization (e.g., time and/or channel synchronization).

According to one embodiment, NAN cluster synchronization may be performed based on the time and channel of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) with the highest master preference within the NAN cluster (200). For example, electronic devices (101, 210, 220, and/or 230) included in a NAN cluster (200) formed through discovery may exchange signals regarding master preference information indicating a preference for operating as an anchor master device. Electronic devices (101, 210, 220, and/or 230) included in the NAN cluster (200) may determine an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) with the highest master preference as an anchor master device (or master electronic device) through signals related to master preference information.

According to one embodiment, an anchor master device (e.g., electronic device (101)) may mean an electronic device that serves as a reference for time and channel synchronization of electronic devices (101, 210, 220, and/or 230) included in a NAN cluster (200). The anchor master device may be changed according to master preferences of the electronic devices (101, 210, 220, and/or 230). Each of the time and channel synchronized electronic devices (101, 210, 220, and/or 230) may transmit a beacon and/or an SDF within a discovery window (or a search period) that is repeated according to a preset cycle, and may receive beacons and SDFs from other electronic devices (101, 210, 220, and/or 230) within the NAN cluster (200). For example, a beacon may be transmitted and/or received periodically during each discovery window to maintain time and channel synchronization of electronic devices (101, 210, 220, and/or 230) included in a NAN cluster (200). An SDF may be transmitted and/or received during each discovery window as needed to provide a service to discovered electronic devices (101, 210, 220, and/or 230). For example, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) operating as an anchor master device among the electronic devices (101, 210, 220, and/or 230) whose time and channel are synchronized may transmit a beacon (e.g., discovery beacon) during a period between discovery windows to detect a new electronic device.

According to one embodiment, each of the electronic devices (101, 210, 220 and/or 230) that are synchronized (e.g., time and/or channel synchronized) in a NAN cluster may transmit a NAN Action Frame (NAF) and receive NAFs from other electronic devices (101, 210, 220 and/or 230) in the NAN cluster (200) within a discovery window (or search interval) that repeats according to a preset cycle. For example, the NAF may include at least one of information related to setting up a NAN data path (NDP), information related to scheduling update, or information related to NAN ranging so as to perform data communication in the interval between the discovery windows. For example, the NAF may control scheduling of radio resources for coexistence of NAN operation and non-NAN operation (e.g., Wi-Fi Direct, mesh, IBSS, WLAN, Bluetooth, or NFC). NAF may contain time and/or channel information available for NAN communication.

According to one embodiment, each of the electronic devices (101, 210, 220, and/or 230) included in the NAN cluster (200) operates in an active state only during a discovery window, and operates in a low-power state (e.g., a sleep state) during the remaining period other than the discovery window, thereby reducing current consumption.

In one embodiment, the discovery window is a period of time (e.g., milliseconds) during which the electronic device (101, 210, 220, or 230) is active (or awake) and consumes a lot of current, whereas during periods outside the discovery window, the electronic device (101, 210, 220, or 230) remains in a sleep state, thereby enabling low-power discovery.

According to one embodiment, electronic devices (101, 210, 220 and/or 230) included in a NAN cluster (200) can be simultaneously activated at the start time of a synchronized discovery window (e.g., DW start) and simultaneously transition to a sleep state at the end time of the discovery window (e.g., DW end).

According to one embodiment, each of the electronic devices (101, 210, 220, and/or 230) included in the NAN cluster (200) can transmit and/or receive data not only in the discovery window period but also in the period between the discovery windows. The electronic devices (101, 210, 220, and/or 230) included in the NAN cluster (200) can perform additional communication by setting an active time slot in the period between the discovery windows. For example, the electronic devices (101, 210, 220, and/or 230) included in the NAN cluster (200) can transmit and/or receive an SDF that was not transmitted and/or received within the discovery window period through the active time slot. For example, electronic devices (101, 210, 220 and/or 230) included in a NAN cluster (200) can perform NAN communication and/or non-NAN communication during an active time slot by setting (or designating) a NAN communication operation section and/or a non-NAN communication operation section during an active time slot.

According to one embodiment, electronic devices (101, 210, 220, and/or 230) included in a NAN cluster (200) may perform discovery, synchronization, and/or data exchange operations using the protocol illustrated in FIG. 3 described below.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a protocol for transmitting a signal of an electronic device included in a NAN cluster according to one embodiment. According to one embodiment, FIG. 3 may represent an exemplary diagram for a discovery window. FIG. 3 may explain by way of example that electronic devices (e.g., electronic devices (101, 210, 220 and/or 230) of FIG. 2) included in one NAN cluster (e.g., NAN cluster (200) of FIG. 2) transmit signals through a specific channel (e.g., channel 6 (Ch6)) based on a NAN standard.

According to one embodiment referring to FIG. 3, electronic devices (101, 210, 220 and/or 230) included in one NAN cluster (e.g., NAN cluster (200) of FIG. 2) may transmit a synchronization beacon (310) and an SDF (320) in a synchronized discovery window (DW) (325). A discovery beacon (330) may be transmitted by at least one electronic device (101, 210, 220 and/or 230) in another period (340) (e.g., an interval between discovery windows) other than the discovery window (325). For example, the electronic devices (101, 210, 220, and/or 230) may transmit the synchronization beacon (310) and the SDF (320) on a contention basis. For example, the synchronization beacon (310) and the SDF (320) may be transmitted on a contention basis between the respective electronic devices (101, 210, 220, and/or 230) belonging to a NAN cluster (e.g., the NAN cluster (200) of FIG. 2).

According to one embodiment, electronic devices (101, 210, 220, and/or 230) included in one NAN cluster (e.g., NAN cluster (200) of FIG. 2) may transmit and/or receive an NAF in a discovery window (DW) (325). For example, the NAF may include at least one of information related to setting up a NAN data path (NDP), information related to scheduling update, or information related to NAN ranging so as to perform data communication in a section between discovery windows.

According to one embodiment, the discovery window (325) may be a period during which the electronic devices (101, 210, 220, and/or 230) are activated from a communication standby state (e.g., a sleep state) in a power-saving mode to a communication state (e.g., a wake-up state) for data exchange between the electronic devices (101, 210, 220, and/or 230). For example, the discovery window (325) may be divided into time units (TU) in milliseconds. For example, a discovery window (325) for transmitting and/or receiving a synchronization beacon (310) and an SDF (320) may occupy 16 time units (TUs) (16 TUs) and may have a cycle (or interval) that repeats at 512 time units (512 TUs).

According to one embodiment, the discovery beacon (330) may represent a signal transmitted so that other electronic devices that have not joined the NAN cluster (e.g., the NAN cluster (200) of FIG. 2) can discover the NAN cluster (e.g., the NAN cluster (200) of FIG. 2). For example, the discovery beacon (330) is a signal for notifying the existence of the NAN cluster, and electronic devices that have not joined the NAN cluster can perform a passive scan to receive the discovery beacon (330), thereby discovering and joining the NAN cluster.

According to one embodiment, the discovery beacon (330) may include information necessary to synchronize with a NAN cluster (e.g., the NAN cluster (200) of FIG. 2). For example, the discovery beacon (330) may include at least one of a frame control (FC) field indicating a function of a signal (e.g., a beacon), a broadcast address, a media access control (MAC) address of a transmitting electronic device, a cluster identifier (ID, identifier), a sequence control field, a time stamp for a beacon frame, a beacon interval indicating a transmission interval of the discovery beacon (330), or capability information about an electronic device transmitting the discovery beacon (330).

In one embodiment, the discovery beacon (330) may include at least one proximity network (or NAN cluster) related information element. In one embodiment, the proximity network related information may be referred to as attribute information.

According to one embodiment, the sync beacon (310) may represent a signal for maintaining synchronization between synchronized electronic devices (101, 210, 220, and/or 230) within a NAN cluster (e.g., the NAN cluster (200) of FIG. 2). The sync beacon (310) may be transmitted by a sync device among the electronic devices (101, 210, 220, and/or 230) within the NAN cluster. For example, the sync device may include an anchor master device, a master device, or a non-master sync device as defined in the NAN standard.

According to one embodiment, the synchronization beacon (310) may include information necessary for the electronic devices (101, 210, 220, and/or 230) to synchronize within a NAN cluster (e.g., the NAN cluster (200) of FIG. 2). For example, the synchronization beacon (310) may include at least one of an FC field indicating a function of a signal (e.g., a beacon), a broadcast address, a MAC address of a transmitting electronic device, a cluster identifier, a sequence control field, a timestamp for a beacon frame, a beacon interval indicating an interval between start points of discovery windows (325), or capability information for the transmitting electronic device. According to one embodiment, the synchronization beacon (310) may include at least one proximity network (or cluster) related information element. For example, the proximity network related information may include contents for a service provided via a proximity network.

According to one embodiment, the SDF (320) may represent a signal for exchanging data over a proximity network. For example, the SDF (320) may represent a vendor specific public action frame and may include various fields. For example, the SDF (320) may include a category or action field and may include at least one proximity network related information.

According to one embodiment, the synchronization beacon (310), the SDF (320), and the discovery beacon (330) may include proximity network related information. For example, the proximity network related information may include an identifier indicating a type of information, a length of the information, and a body field which is corresponding information. For example, the corresponding information may include at least one of master indication information, cluster information, service identifier list information, service descriptor information, connection capability information, wireless LAN infrastructure information, peer to peer (P2P) operation information, independent basic service set (IBSS) information, mesh information, additional proximity network service discovery information, further availability map information, country code information, ranging information, cluster discovery information, or vendor specific information.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of data transmission and/or reception within a NAN cluster according to one embodiment.

According to one embodiment, FIG. 4 may illustrate an example in which an electronic device (101), an external electronic device 1 (210), and an external electronic device 2 (220) form a single NAN cluster (e.g., the NAN cluster (200) of FIG. 2) via a wireless short-range communication technology. For example, each of the electronic devices (101, 210, and/or 220) may transmit and/or receive a beacon, an SDF, and/or an NAF to each other. For example, FIG. 4 may illustrate an example in which, among the electronic devices (101, 210, and/or 220) forming the NAN cluster, the electronic device (101) plays the role of a master device.

According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can transmit a beacon, an SDF and/or an NAF within a discovery window (450). The electronic device (101) can broadcast the beacon, an SDF and/or an NAF within the discovery window (450) that repeats at preset intervals (e.g., intervals (460)).

According to one embodiment, external electronic device 1 (210) and external electronic device 2 (220) can receive a beacon, an SDF and/or an NAF transmitted by electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, external electronic device 1 (210) and external electronic device 2 (220) can each receive a beacon, an SDF and/or an NAF broadcast by electronic device (101) within a discovery window (450).

According to one embodiment, a beacon transmitted within a discovery window (450) may include a synchronization beacon and may include information for maintaining synchronization between electronic devices (101, 210, and/or 220). For example, external electronic device 1 (210) and/or external electronic device 2 (220) may perform NAN cluster synchronization based on time clock information of the electronic device (101) included in a beacon transmitted by an electronic device (101) operating as a master device. External electronic device 1 (210) and/or external electronic device 2 (220) may be synchronized based on the time clock information of the electronic device (101) and may recognize the discovery window (450) at the same time.

In one embodiment, in a period (e.g., interval (460)) other than the discovery window (450), the electronic devices (101, 210 and/or 220) may maintain a communication standby state (e.g., sleep state) to reduce current consumption. For example, the electronic devices (101, 210 and/or 220) may operate in a communication state (e.g., wake state) only in the discovery window (450) period based on a synchronized time clock to reduce current consumption.

According to one embodiment, in a period other than the discovery window (450) (e.g., interval (460)), the electronic devices (101, 210 and/or 220) can perform additional communication by setting an active time slot. For example, the electronic devices (101, 210 and/or 220) can transmit and/or receive an SDF that was not transmitted and/or received within the discovery window (450) period through the active time slot. For example, the electronic devices (101, 210 and/or 220) can perform a connection or discovery operation to legacy Wi-Fi through the active time slot by specifying an operation for Wi-Fi Direct, mesh, IBSS, WLAN, Bluetooth or NFC connection in the active time slot.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an electronic device for data communication according to one embodiment. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) of FIG. 5 may be at least partially similar to the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, or FIG. 4, or may include other embodiments of the electronic device.

According to one embodiment referring to FIG. 5, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (500), a communication circuit (510), and/or a memory (520). For example, the processor (500) may be substantially the same as the processor (120) (e.g., an application processor and/or a communication processor) of FIG. 1, or may be included in the processor (120). The communication circuit (510) may be substantially the same as the wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1, or may be included in the wireless communication module (192). The memory (520) may be substantially the same as the memory (130) of FIG. 1, or may be included in the memory (130). According to one embodiment, the processor (500) may be operatively, functionally, and/or electrically connected with the communication circuit (510) and/or the memory (520).

According to one embodiment, the communication circuit (510) may include various circuit structures used for modulating and/or demodulating signals within the electronic device (101). For example, the communication circuit (510) may modulate a baseband signal into a radio frequency (RF) band signal to be output through an antenna (not shown), or may demodulate (or decode) a signal in an RF band received through an antenna into a baseband signal and transmit it to the processor (500). For example, the communication circuit (510) may transmit and/or receive various data to and from external electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices (210, 220 and/or 230) of FIG. 2) over a frequency band (e.g., about 2.4 GHz band, about 5 GHz band and/or about 6 GHz band) used by electronic devices (e.g., electronic devices (101, 210, 220 and/or 230) of FIG. 2) of a NAN cluster (e.g., cluster (200) of FIG. 2).

According to one embodiment, the processor (500) may control the communication circuit (510) to form a neighbor awareness networking (NAN) cluster (e.g., the NAN cluster (200) of FIG. 2) through NAN cluster synchronization with at least one external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic devices (210, 220, and/or 230) of FIG. 2). For example, the processor (500) may perform NAN cluster synchronization based on NAN cluster information included in a signal broadcasted by an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic devices (210, 220, and/or 230) of FIG. 2) included in a cluster (or network) implemented in a NAN manner (e.g., the NAN cluster (200) of FIG. 2).

According to one embodiment, the processor (500) may receive NAN cluster information via a non-NAN-based communication method (e.g., short-range wireless communication including Bluetooth, BLE (Bluetooth low energy), NFC (near field communication), QR (quick response), or wireless LAN (e.g., Wi-Fi)). For example, the processor (500) may control the communication circuit (510) to transmit a probe request signal to find an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic devices 210, 220, and/or 230 of FIG. 2) via a wireless LAN (e.g., Wi-Fi) network. In response to the probe request signal, the processor (500) may perform NAN cluster synchronization based on NAN cluster information included in a probe response message received from the external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic devices 210, 220, and/or 230 of FIG. 2).

According to one embodiment, NAN cluster synchronization may include a series of operations of receiving time clock information of an electronic device (101) representing a NAN cluster (e.g., a master device or an anchor master device) so that electronic devices (e.g., electronic devices 101, 210, 220 and/or 230 of FIG. 2) included in a NAN cluster (e.g., a NAN cluster (200) of FIG. 2) transmit and/or receive signals and/or data over the same channel and/or the same time resource. For example, the processor (500) may control the communication circuit (510) to transmit (or broadcast) a beacon including time clock information of the electronic device (101) through a discovery window for NAN cluster synchronization of external electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices 210, 220 and/or 230 of FIG. 2). For example, the processor (500) may perform NAN cluster synchronization based on time clock information of an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic devices (210, 220 and/or 230) of FIG. 2) included in a beacon received from the external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic devices (210, 220 and/or 230) of FIG. 2).

In one embodiment, the processor (500) may control the communication circuit (510) to perform a search related to an external electronic device for data transmission. For example, the search for the external electronic device may be performed based on the occurrence of a data transmission event. For example, the data transmission event may be generated based on at least one of the execution of a function or application program related to data transmission, the input of a control signal related to data transmission, or the reception of a user input related to data transmission.

For example, the processor (500) may control the communication circuit (510) to search for an external electronic device for data transmission via a Bluetooth (or BLE) message exchange. For example, the Bluetooth (or BLE) message exchange may include a series of operations including transmitting a BLE advertisement message including information related to a data transmission event and receiving a BLE response message to the BLE advertisement message. For example, the BLE advertisement message may include information related to the data transmission event and information related to a NAN. For example, the processor (500) may control the communication circuit (510) to activate NAN communication based on transmission of the BLE advertisement message. For example, the external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic devices (210, 220, and/or 230) of FIG. 2) may activate NAN communication based on reception of the BLE advertisement message.

For example, an electronic device (101) with NAN communication enabled through Bluetooth (or BLE) message exchange and an external electronic device (e.g., external electronic devices (210, 220 and/or 230) of FIG. 2) can perform NAN cluster synchronization.

For example, the processor (500) may control the communication circuit (510) to search for an external electronic device for data transmission via SDF exchange within a discovery window synchronized with the external electronic device based on NAN cluster synchronization.

According to one embodiment, the processor (500) may establish a NAN data path with an external electronic device for data transmission. For example, the processor (500) may control the communication circuit (510) to transmit at least one of NAN availability information (NAN availability attribute) or Non-NAN operation scheduling information (unaligned scheduled attribute) including information related to a first scheduling for data communication with the external electronic device to the external electronic device. For example, at least one of the NAN availability information or the Non-NAN operation scheduling information may be included in a beacon, an SDF, and/or an NAF and transmitted to the external electronic device through a discovery window. For example, the NAN availability information may include information related to one of channel information, frequency band information, start offset, bit duration, or repetition period to be used for each further available window (FAW). For example, the channel information may be used to specify an operating class and to set a primary channel. For example, the frequency band information may include information related to a frequency band (e.g., about a 2.4 GHz band, about a 5 GHz band, and/or about a 6 GHz band) to be used for data communication with the external electronic device. For example, the start time may be used to indicate how far away from the discovery window (DW) the additional available window (FAW) starts. For example, the duration may be used to indicate how long the additional available window (FAW) is maintained. For example, the repetition period may be used to indicate how often the additional available window (FAW) is restarted. For example, the additional available window may include a NAN slot for the electronic device (101) to transmit and/or receive data with the external electronic device between the discovery windows. For example, the information related to the first scheduling may include at least one sub-scheduling information corresponding to each of at least one additional available window for data communication between the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device. For example, the sub-scheduling information may include index information of a scheduling pattern corresponding to an additional available window among different pre-defined scheduling patterns.

According to one embodiment, the processor (500) may receive a response signal for the first scheduling information from the external electronic device. For example, if the response signal includes information related to 'accept', the processor (500) may determine that data communication with the external electronic device can be performed based on the first scheduling information transmitted to the external electronic device. For example, if the response signal includes information related to 'modification suggestion' (counter), the processor (500) may confirm the first scheduling information modified by the external electronic device. If the processor (500) determines that the modified first scheduling information is accepted, the processor (500) may determine that data communication with the external electronic device can be performed based on the modified first scheduling information. For example, if the response signal includes information related to 'reject', the processor (500) may determine that data communication with the external electronic device cannot be performed.

According to one embodiment, the processor (500) may control the communication circuit (510) to perform data communication with the external electronic device through an NDP set based on the first scheduling information. For example, the processor (500) may control the communication circuit (510) to transmit and/or receive data with the external electronic device through at least one time interval (e.g., an additional available window) set based on the first scheduling information between discovery windows.

According to one embodiment, the processor (500) may store information related to an NDP with an external electronic device based on the occurrence of an event related to a transition to a low power mode. For example, the information related to the NDP may include at least one of information shared through an SDF exchange with the external electronic device, information related to the first scheduling, authentication information related to the external electronic device, security setting information, identification information of the electronic device and/or the external electronic device, or identification information for recognizing the NDP in firmware. For example, the information shared through the SDF exchange may include at least one of a service descriptor attribute (SDA), a service descriptor extension attribute (SDEA), or scheduling information related to NAN availability. For example, the information related to the first scheduling may include at least one of a NAN availability, a NAN data cluster (NDC), a NAN data link (NDL), a sub-slot scheduling (S3), or an unaligned schedule. For example, the security configuration information may include at least one of a cipher suite information attribute (CSIA), a security context information attribute (SCIA), a shared key descriptor attribute (SKDA), an element container attribute (ECA), or information related to a key included in the SKDA. For example, the identification information of the electronic device and/or the external electronic device may include at least one of a command ID, an NDP ID, a service ID, an account ID, a peer or device ID, device information, or a device address. For example, the identification information for NDP recognition may include an NDP ID, It may include at least one of SDF information or SDF ID. For example, an event related to transitioning to a low power mode may be generated based on at least one of a function related to data transmission or termination of an application program or the amount of traffic with an external electronic device (e.g., the amount of data transmitted and/or received). For example, information related to NDP may be stored at the time when it is determined that NDP setup with an external electronic device is complete.

According to one embodiment, the processor (500) may maintain synchronization (e.g., time synchronization) with the external electronic device based on the second scheduling information to maintain the NDP with the external electronic device based on the occurrence of an event related to the transition to the low power mode. For example, the processor (500) may control the communication circuit (510) to transmit control information and scheduling change information related to the transition to the low power mode to the external electronic device based on the occurrence of an event related to the transition to the low power mode. For example, the control information related to the transition to the low power mode may include information related to the second scheduling for maintaining synchronization with the external electronic device. For example, the scheduling change information may include information related to the removal of each of at least one sub-scheduling related to data communication using the NDP included in the first scheduling information. For example, control information and/or scheduling change information related to transition to a low power mode may be transmitted based on a service descriptor attribute (SDA), a service descriptor extension attribute (SDEA), a vendor specific information element (VISE), a vendor specific attribute (VSA), or out of band (OOB) communication. For example, the OOB communication may include other communication methods different from a wireless LAN for NAN communication, such as Bluetooth, BLE, or NFC.

For example, when the processor (500) is set as a master device for synchronization with an external electronic device, it may control the communication circuit (510) to transmit a synchronization beacon through a designated transmission interval set based on the second scheduling information. For example, the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device may operate in a communication state (e.g., wakeup state) during the designated transmission interval, and may operate in a communication standby state during the remaining interval except for the designated transmission interval. For example, the external electronic device may maintain synchronization with the electronic device (101) based on a synchronization beacon received from the electronic device (101) during the designated transmission interval. For example, the designated transmission interval may represent a time interval set based on the second scheduling information to maintain synchronization between the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device operating in a low power mode. For example, the size of the designated transmission interval may correspond to a discovery window for NAN communication, and the period of the designated transmission interval may be set to an integer multiple of the period of the discovery window. For example, the processor (500) may control the communication circuit (510) to limit transmission of a discovery beacon through a discovery window even when the electronic device (101) is set as a master device for synchronization with an external electronic device when the electronic device (101) is operating in a low power mode.

For example, if the processor (500) is not set as a master device for synchronization with an external electronic device, it can maintain synchronization with the external electronic device based on a synchronization beacon received from the external electronic device during a designated transmission interval set based on the second scheduling information.

For example, when the processor (500) is connected to the same AP (access point) as an external electronic device, the processor (500) can maintain synchronization with the external electronic device during a designated transmission interval set based on second scheduling information based on time information (e.g., time synchronization function (TSF)) of the AP received from the AP. For example, the time information (e.g., TSF) of the AP can be acquired from the AP through a separate designated reception interval set independently from the designated transmission interval.

According to one embodiment, the processor (500) may control the communication circuit (510) to perform data communication with an external electronic device based on information related to the NDP based on occurrence of an event related to the release of the low power mode. For example, the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device may perform data communication by omitting an SDF exchange procedure, a data path setup procedure, an authentication procedure, and/or a security setup procedure related to NDP setup based on information related to the NDP. For example, the event related to the release of the low power mode may be generated based on at least one of execution of a function or application program related to data transmission, input of a control signal related to data transmission, or reception of a user input related to data transmission.

For example, the processor (500) may determine whether the first scheduling information can be supported based on the occurrence of an event related to the release of the low power mode. If the processor (500) determines that the first scheduling information can be supported, the processor (500) may control the communication circuit (510) to transmit control information related to the release of the low power mode to an external electronic device. As an example, the processor (500) may control the communication circuit (510) to transmit information related to the addition of at least one sub-scheduling included in the first scheduling information to the external electronic device.

For example, if the processor (500) determines that the first scheduling information cannot be supported, the processor (500) may control the communication circuit (510) to transmit information related to third scheduling for data communication with an external electronic device and control information related to release of a low power mode to the external electronic device. For example, the information related to the third scheduling may include information related to addition of a sub-scheduling supported by the electronic device (101) among at least one sub-scheduling included in the first scheduling information and information related to removal of a sub-scheduling not supported by the electronic device (101). For example, the information related to the third scheduling may include information related to addition of a new sub-scheduling not included in the first scheduling information.

For example, the processor (500) may control the communication circuit (510) to perform data communication with an external electronic device through an NDP set based on the first scheduling information or the third scheduling information.

For example, when the processor (500) receives information related to the fourth scheduling from an external electronic device, it can determine whether the fourth scheduling can be supported. When the processor (500) determines that the fourth scheduling is supported, it can control the communication circuit (510) to perform data communication through the NDP set with the external electronic device based on the fourth scheduling information.

According to one embodiment, the processor (500) may control the communication circuit (510) to additionally set up an NDP with another external electronic device while the NDP connection with the external electronic device is switched to the low power mode. For example, if another external electronic device for data communication is searched while the NDP connection with the external electronic device is switched to the low power mode, the processor (500) may control the communication circuit (510) to perform NDP setting with the other external electronic device. For example, the processor (500) may control the communication circuit (510) to perform data communication with the other external electronic device through the NDP with the other external electronic device. The processor (500) may switch the NDP connection with the other external electronic device to the low power mode based on the occurrence of an event related to the switching to the low power mode corresponding to the other external electronic device. For example, the processor (500) may independently manage the NDP connection with the external electronic device switched to the low power mode and the NDP connection with the other external electronic device. For example, a state in which an NDP connection with an external electronic device is switched to a low power mode may include a state in which the electronic device (101) stores information related to the NDP with the external electronic device and maintains synchronization with the external electronic device based on second scheduling information. For example, a search for another external electronic device may be performed based on at least one of OOB communication, a 3-layer search related to uPnP (universal plug and play), or a wireless LAN search (e.g., Wi-Fi direct or NAN communication).

According to one embodiment, when a plurality of external electronic devices included in the same group as the electronic device (101) are searched, the processor (500) may control the communication circuit (510) to set an NDP with each external electronic device. The processor (500) may control the communication circuit (510) to operate the NDP setting with at least one external electronic device that does not perform data communication among the plurality of external electronic devices in a low power mode. For example, when an external electronic device for data communication exists among the at least one external electronic device operating in a low power mode, the processor (500) may release the low power mode of the external electronic device for data communication to perform data communication. For example, the plurality of external electronic devices included in the same group as the electronic device (101) may include external electronic devices including the same user account as the electronic device (101). For example, the same group as the electronic device (101) may include at least one of a family group, a company group, a club group, or a friend group that includes the electronic device (101). For example, a plurality of external electronic devices included in the same group as the electronic device (101) may be searched based on at least one of OOB communication, 3-layer search related to uPnP (universal plug and play), or wireless LAN search (e.g., Wi-Fi direct or NAN communication).

According to one embodiment, the memory (520) may store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., the processor (500) and/or the communication circuit (510)). For example, the memory (520) may store various instructions that may be executed by the processor (500).

According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5 or FIG. 6) may include a communication circuit (e.g., the wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1 or the communication circuit (510) of FIG. 5)) and a processor (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1 or the processor (500) of FIG. 5) operatively connected with the communication circuit. According to one embodiment, the processor may establish an NAN data path (NDP) for data communication based on first scheduling information with an external device (e.g., an external electronic device (210, 220 or 230) of FIG. 2 or an external electronic device (600) of FIG. 6) included in a NAN cluster (e.g., the NAN cluster (200) of FIG. 2). According to one embodiment, the processor may store information related to the NDP based on a transition to a low power mode associated with the NDP connection. According to one embodiment, the processor can maintain synchronization with the external electronic device based on second scheduling information that is different from the first scheduling information. According to one embodiment, when performing data communication with the external device, the processor can perform data communication with the external device through the NDP with the external electronic device based on information related to the NDP.

According to one embodiment, the processor can establish an NDP with an external electronic device through an SDF (service discovery frame) exchange and data link establishment with the external device related to first scheduling information.

In one embodiment, the processor may determine whether to transition an NDP connection with an external device to a low power mode based on an amount of data transmitted and/or received with the external device over a specified period of time.

According to one embodiment, the processor may determine whether to switch an NDP connection with an external device to a low power mode based on a function related to data communication or operating information of an application program.

According to one embodiment, the processor may transmit a synchronous beacon during a designated transmission interval set based on the second scheduling information when the electronic device is set as a master device.

In one embodiment, the processor can maintain synchronization with the external electronic device based on a synchronization beacon received from the external electronic device during a designated transmission interval established based on the second scheduling information, when the electronic device is not set as a master device.

According to one embodiment, the processor can maintain synchronization with the external device based on time information of the AP when the electronic device and the external device are connected to the same AP.

According to one embodiment, when performing data communication with an external device, the processor may perform data communication with the external device through an NDP with the external electronic device based on the first scheduling information, based on a determination that the processor can support at least one sub-scheduling included in the first scheduling information.

According to one embodiment, if the processor determines that it cannot support at least some of at least one sub-scheduling included in the first scheduling information, the processor can generate third scheduling information based on the first scheduling information, and perform data communication with the external electronic device through an NDP with the external electronic device based on the third scheduling information.

FIG. 6 is an example for setting up an NDP with an external electronic device in an electronic device according to one embodiment.

According to one embodiment referring to FIG. 6, an electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (600) (e.g., an external electronic device (210, 220, or 230) of FIG. 2) may perform NAN cluster synchronization (operation 611). For example, the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (600) may perform synchronization with a NAN cluster based on NAN cluster information included in a signal broadcasted by electronic devices (e.g., electronic devices (101, 210, 220, and/or 230) of FIG. 2) included in a cluster (or network) (e.g., cluster (200) of FIG. 2) implemented in a NAN manner. For example, the NAN cluster synchronization may include a series of operations in which the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (600) included in the NAN cluster synchronize time resources and frequency resources (e.g., channels). For example, NAN cluster synchronization may be performed based on time clock information of a representative electronic device (or a master device of the NAN cluster) (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 2) among electronic devices included in the NAN cluster (e.g., electronic devices (101, 210, 220 and/or 230) of FIG. 2).

According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may search for an external electronic device (600) for data transmission via SDF exchange within a discovery window synchronized with at least one external electronic device included in a NAN cluster based on NAN cluster synchronization (operation 613). For example, the electronic device (101) may transmit an SDF subscribe message within the discovery window based on an occurrence of a data transmission event. The external electronic device (600) may transmit an SDF publish message within the discovery window in response to the SDF subscribe message received from the electronic device (101) within the discovery window. The electronic device (101) may identify the external electronic device (600) for data communication based on the SDF publish message. The electronic device (101) may transmit an SDF add message within the discovery window in response to the SDF publish message.

In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (600) may establish a data link for data communication (operation 615). For example, the electronic device (101) may transmit information related to a first scheduling for data communication with the external electronic device (600) to the external electronic device. For example, the information related to the first scheduling may be transmitted via a beacon, an SDF, and/or an NAF within a discovery window. For example, the information related to the first scheduling may include at least one sub-scheduling information corresponding to each of at least one additional available window for data communication between the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (600).

For example, the external electronic device (600) may transmit a response signal corresponding to the information related to the first scheduling received from the electronic device (101). For example, the response signal may include information related to 'acceptance' of the information related to the first scheduling, information related to a 'modification proposal' (counter) including information related to a modified first scheduling, or information related to 'rejection' of the information related to the first scheduling.

For example, when the electronic device (101) receives information related to 'acceptance' of information related to the first scheduling, it may determine that an NDP based on the first scheduling information is set with the external electronic device (600).

For example, if the electronic device (101) receives information related to a 'modification proposal' of information related to the modified first scheduling, the electronic device (101) can confirm the modified first scheduling information by the external electronic device. If the electronic device (101) determines that it accepts the modified first scheduling information, it can determine that an NDP based on the modified first scheduling information is set with the external electronic device (600).

For example, if the electronic device (101) receives information related to a 'rejection' of information related to the first scheduling, it may determine that data communication with the external electronic device (600) cannot be performed.

For example, the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (600) can perform an authentication procedure and a security setting procedure for data communication.

According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (600) can perform data communication through an NDP set based on the first scheduling information (or modified first scheduling information) (operation 617).

FIG. 7 is a flowchart (700) for data communication between an electronic device and an external electronic device according to one embodiment. In the following embodiments, each operation may be performed sequentially, but is not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of each operation may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. For example, the electronic device of FIG. 7 may be the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, or FIG. 6.

According to various embodiments referring to FIG. 7, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, or FIG. 6) or a processor (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1 or the processor (500) of FIG. 5) may perform an NDP connection with an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device (210, 220, or 230) of FIG. 2 or the external electronic device (600) of FIG. 6) included in a NAN cluster (e.g., the NAN cluster (200) of FIG. 2) based on first scheduling information, in operation 701. For example, the processor (500) may detect an external electronic device (600) to perform data communication through SDF exchange within a synchronized discovery window in the NAN cluster. For example, an SDF exchange may include a sequence of actions including sending an SDF subscribe message within a discovery window and receiving an SDF publish message in response to the SDF subscribe message.

For example, the processor (500) may control the communication circuit (510) to establish a data link based on first scheduling information with an external electronic device (600) for performing data communication. As an example, establishing the data link may include a series of operations in which the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (600) negotiate scheduling information for data communication within a discovery window.

For example, the processor (500) may control the communication circuit (510) to perform data communication with an external electronic device (600) through an NDP based on the first scheduling information. For example, the data communication with the external electronic device may be performed through a frequency band and an additional available window set based on the first scheduling information.

According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 500)) may determine, at operation 703, whether to transition to a low power mode. For example, if an event related to transition to a low power mode occurs while an NDP is established with an external electronic device, the processor (500) may determine that the transition to a low power mode has occurred. For example, the event related to transition to a low power mode may be generated based on at least one of a function related to data transmission or termination of an application program or the amount of traffic with the external electronic device.

In one embodiment, if the electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or the processor (e.g., processor (120 or 500)) determines that it is not transitioning to a low power mode (e.g., 'NO' in operation 703), it may terminate an embodiment for data communication with the external electronic device. For example, if an event related to transitioning to a low power mode does not occur, the processor (500) may control the communication circuit (510) to perform data communication with the external electronic device through an NDP with the external electronic device.

According to one embodiment, when an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 500)) determines that it is to be switched to a low power mode (e.g., 'Yes' in operation 703), in operation 705, it may store information related to an NDP established with an external electronic device. For example, the information related to the NDP may include at least one of information shared through SDF exchange with the external electronic device, information related to a first scheduling, authentication information related to the external electronic device, security setting information, identification information of the electronic device and/or the external electronic device, or identification information for recognizing the NDP in firmware.

According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 500)) may maintain synchronization with an external electronic device based on second scheduling information at operation 707. For example, when the processor (500) determines to switch to a low power mode, the processor (500) may control the communication circuit (510) to transmit control information and scheduling change information related to the switching to the low power mode to the external electronic device (600). As an example, the control information related to the switching to the low power mode may include information related to second scheduling for maintaining synchronization between the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device based on a synchronization signal of the electronic device (101) and/or the external electronic device, as shown in Table 1.

For example, control information related to transition to a low power mode may include information related to second scheduling for maintaining synchronization between the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device based on time information of the AP, as shown in Table 2.

For example, the scheduling change information may include information related to the removal of at least one sub-scheduling related to data communication using NDP included in the first scheduling information, as shown in Table 3.

For example, control information and/or scheduling change information related to transition to a low power mode may be transmitted based on a service descriptor attribute (SDA), a service descriptor extension attribute (SDEA), a vendor specific information element (VISE), a vendor specific attribute (VSA), or out of band (OOB) communication.

For example, when the processor (500) is set as a master device for synchronization with an external electronic device, it may control the communication circuit (510) to transmit a synchronization beacon through a designated transmission interval set based on the second scheduling information for synchronization with the external electronic device. For example, the electronic device (101) may operate in a communication state (e.g., wakeup state) during the designated transmission interval, and may operate in a communication standby state during the remaining intervals except for the designated transmission interval. For example, the designated transmission interval may represent a time interval set based on the second scheduling information for maintaining synchronization between the electronic device (101) operating in a low power mode and the external electronic device. For example, the size of the designated transmission interval may correspond to a discovery window for NAN communication, and the period of the designated transmission interval may be set to an integer multiple of the period of the discovery window. For example, when the electronic device (101) is set as a master device for synchronization with an external electronic device in low power mode, transmission of a discovery beacon through the discovery window may be restricted.

For example, if the processor (500) is not set as a master device for synchronization with an external electronic device, it can maintain synchronization with the external electronic device based on a synchronization beacon received from the external electronic device during a designated transmission interval set based on the second scheduling information.

For example, when the processor (500) is connected to the same AP (access point) as an external electronic device, the processor can maintain synchronization with the external electronic device based on time information (e.g., time synchronization function (TSF)) of the AP received from the designated transmission interval AP set based on the second scheduling information.

For example, the processor (500) can determine whether the NDP connection with the external electronic device is valid based on a frame received from the external electronic device through a designated active period. If the processor (500) determines that the NDP connection with the external electronic device is valid, the processor (500) can maintain synchronization with the external electronic device. For example, the frame received from the external electronic device can include a frame defined in a synchronization beacon, an SDF, an NAF, or a wireless LAN. For example, the frame received from the external electronic device can also be defined based on VISE.

According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 500)) may determine, at operation 709, whether to perform data communication with an external electronic device with which an NDP connection is maintained. For example, the processor (500) may determine to perform data communication with the external electronic device (900) when an event related to releasing a low power mode occurs. For example, the event related to releasing a low power mode may be generated based on at least one of execution of a function or application program related to data transmission, input of a control signal related to data transmission, or reception of a user input related to data transmission.

In one embodiment, if an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 500)) determines that it is not performing data communication with an external electronic device with which an NDP connection is maintained (e.g., 'NO' in operation 709), it may terminate one embodiment for data communication with the external electronic device. For example, if the processor (500) determines that it is not performing data communication with an external electronic device with which an NDP connection is maintained, it may continuously maintain synchronization with the external electronic device based on the second scheduling information.

According to one embodiment, when an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 500)) determines that it is performing data communication with an external electronic device with which an NDP connection is maintained (e.g., 'Yes' in operation 709), in operation 711, it may perform data communication with the external electronic device based on information related to the NDP. For example, when an event related to releasing the low-power mode occurs while the NDP connection with the external electronic device (600) is operating in a low-power mode, the processor (500) may determine whether first scheduling information can be supported. For example, a state in which the NDP connection is operating in a low-power mode may include a state in which information related to the NDP with the external electronic device is stored and synchronization with the external electronic device is maintained based on second scheduling information.

For example, if the processor (500) determines that the first scheduling information can be supported, the processor (500) may control the communication circuit (510) to transmit control information related to the release of a low power mode to an external electronic device. As an example, the processor (500) may also control the communication circuit (510) to transmit information related to the addition of at least one sub-scheduling included in the first scheduling information to the external electronic device. For example, the processor (500) may control the communication circuit (510) to perform data communication with the external electronic device through NDP based on the first scheduling information transmitted to the external electronic device based on the control information related to the release of a low power mode.

For example, if the processor (500) determines that the first scheduling information cannot be supported, the processor (500) may control the communication circuit (510) to transmit information related to third scheduling for data communication with an external electronic device and control information related to release of a low power mode to the external electronic device. For example, the processor (500) may control the communication circuit (510) to perform data communication with the external electronic device through NDP based on the third scheduling information transmitted to the external electronic device based on the control information related to release of a low power mode. For example, the data communication based on the third scheduling information may be performed when the electronic device (101) receives information related to 'acceptance' of the third scheduling information from the external electronic device. For example, information related to the third scheduling may include information related to adding a sub-scheduling supported by the electronic device (101) among at least one sub-scheduling included in the first scheduling information and information related to removing a sub-scheduling not supported by the electronic device (101). For example, information related to the third scheduling may include information related to adding a new sub-scheduling not included in the first scheduling information.

For example, when the processor (500) receives information related to the fourth scheduling from an external electronic device, it can determine whether the fourth scheduling information can be supported. When the processor (500) determines that the fourth scheduling information is supported, it can control the communication circuit (510) to perform data communication through NDP with the external electronic device based on the fourth scheduling information. For example, when the processor (500) determines that the fourth scheduling information is supported, it can control the communication circuit (510) to transmit information related to 'acceptance' of the fourth scheduling information to the external electronic device. For example, the fourth scheduling information can be received from the external electronic device through information related to 'modification proposal' of the third scheduling information.

For example, if the processor (500) determines that the fourth scheduling information cannot be supported, the processor (500) may control the communication circuit (510) to transmit information related to the fifth scheduling generated based on the first scheduling information and the fourth scheduling information to the external electronic device. The processor (500) may control the communication circuit (510) to perform data communication through the NDP with the external electronic device based on the fifth scheduling information. For example, the data communication based on the fifth scheduling information may be performed when the electronic device (101) receives information related to 'acceptance' of the fifth scheduling information from the external electronic device. For example, the data communication based on the fifth scheduling information may be performed without a response signal (e.g., information related to 'acceptance') to the external electronic device, since the fifth scheduling information includes information related to a lower scheduling supported by the electronic device (101) among at least one lower scheduling included in the fourth scheduling information.

According to one embodiment, when the low power mode is released, the electronic device (101) can set up a schedule for data communication through negotiation based on first scheduling information with an external electronic device.

According to one embodiment, an electronic device (101) and an external electronic device that maintain synchronization in a low power mode can perform data communication by omitting an SDF exchange procedure, a data path setup procedure, an authentication procedure, and/or a security setup procedure related to NDP setup based on information related to an NDP stored for transition to a low power mode.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart (800) for synchronization between an electronic device and an external electronic device according to one embodiment. According to one embodiment, at least a part of FIG. 8 may be a detailed operation of operation 707 of FIG. 7. In the following embodiments, each operation may be performed sequentially, but is not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of each operation may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. As an example, the electronic device of FIG. 8 may be the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, or FIG. 6.

According to one embodiment referring to FIG. 8, when an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, or FIG. 6) or a processor (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1 or the processor (500) of FIG. 5) determines that it is to be switched to a low power mode (e.g., 'Yes' of operation 703 of FIG. 7), in operation 801, it may check whether a designated transmission interval set based on second scheduling information arrives. For example, the designated transmission interval may represent a time interval set based on the second scheduling information to maintain synchronization between the electronic device (101) operating in the low power mode and an external electronic device. For example, the size of the designated transmission interval may correspond to a discovery window for NAN communication. For example, the period of the designated transmission interval may be set to an integer multiple of the period of the discovery window, as a setting value of "Synchronization beacon period in power saving mode" of Table 1.

In one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 500)) may operate in a communication standby state in operation 803 if a designated transmission interval has not arrived (e.g., 'NO' in operation 801). As an example, the communication standby state may include a sleep state in which NAN communication is restricted.

According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 500)) may determine, at operation 805, whether the electronic device (101) is set as the master device when a designated transmission interval arrives (e.g., 'yes' in operation 801).

In one embodiment, when an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 500)) is set as a master device (e.g., 'Yes' in operation 805), in operation 807, the processor may transmit a synchronization signal (e.g., a synchronization beacon) during a designated transmission interval. For example, the processor (500) may control the communication circuit (510) to be switched to a communication state when the designated transmission interval arrives. The processor (500) may transmit the synchronization signal through the communication circuit (510) that has been switched to an active state. For example, the processor (500) may control the communication circuit (510) to restrict transmission of a discovery beacon through a discovery window even when the electronic device (101) is set as a master device for synchronization with an external electronic device when the electronic device (101) operates in a low power mode.

According to one embodiment, if an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 500)) is not set as a master device (e.g., 'No' in operation 805), in operation 809, the processor may maintain synchronization with the external electronic device based on a synchronization signal (e.g., a synchronization beacon) received from the external electronic device during a designated transmission interval. For example, the processor (500) may control the communication circuit (510) to be switched to a communication state when the designated transmission interval arrives. The processor (500) may obtain time information (e.g., TSF) of the external electronic device from the synchronization signal received from the external electronic device through the communication circuit (510) switched to the active state. The processor (500) may synchronize time information of the electronic device (101) with the external electronic device based on the time information of the external electronic device.

According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) operates in a low power mode with the external electronic device (600), it can determine whether the NDP connection with the external electronic device (600) is valid based on a frame received from the external electronic device (600) through a designated active period. For example, the frame received from the external electronic device may include a frame defined in a synchronization beacon, an SDF, an NAF, or a wireless LAN. For example, the frame received from the external electronic device may be defined based on VISE. For example, when the electronic device (101) determines that the NDP connection with the external electronic device (600) is valid, it can maintain synchronization with the external electronic device (600). For example, when the electronic device (101) determines that the NDP connection with the external electronic device (600) is invalid, it can release the NDP connection with the external electronic device (600). The electronic device (101) may discard information related to the NDP with the external electronic device (600) (e.g., first scheduling information and second scheduling information) based on the NDP disconnection with the external electronic device (600) and may restrict performance of a synchronization procedure with the external electronic device (600).

FIG. 9 is an example of maintaining synchronization with an external electronic device in an electronic device according to one embodiment.

According to one embodiment referring to FIG. 9, an electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (900) (e.g., an external electronic device (210, 220, or 230) of FIG. 2) may perform NAN cluster synchronization (operation 911). For example, the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (900) may perform synchronization with a NAN cluster based on NAN cluster information included in a signal broadcasted by electronic devices (e.g., electronic devices (101, 210, 220, and/or 230) of FIG. 2) included in a cluster (or network) implemented in a NAN manner (e.g., cluster (200) of FIG. 2).

According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may search for an external electronic device (900) for data transmission via SDF exchange within a discovery window synchronized with at least one external electronic device included in a NAN cluster based on NAN cluster synchronization (operation 913).

According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (900) can establish a data link for data communication (operation 915). For example, the electronic device (101) can establish a data link with the external electronic device (900) based on first scheduling information for data communication with the external electronic device (900). For example, the first scheduling information can include at least one sub-scheduling information corresponding to each of at least one additional available window for data communication between the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (900). For example, the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (900) can perform an authentication procedure and a security setting procedure for data communication.

According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (900) can perform data communication through an NDP set based on the first scheduling information (operation 917).

In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may perform synchronization with the external electronic device (900) to maintain an NDP with the external electronic device (900) based on the occurrence of an event associated with a transition to a low power mode (operation 919). For example, the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (900) may store information associated with an NDP established with the external electronic device (900) based on the occurrence of an event associated with a transition to a low power mode.

For example, the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (900) can maintain synchronization based on second scheduling information that is different from the first scheduling information based on the occurrence of an event related to a transition to a low power mode.

For example, when the electronic device (101) is set as a master device for synchronization with an external electronic device (900), the electronic device (101) may transmit a synchronization beacon through a designated transmission interval set based on the second scheduling information for synchronization with the external electronic device (900). For example, the designated transmission interval may represent a time interval set based on the second scheduling information included in Table 1 for maintaining synchronization between the electronic device (101) operating in a low power mode and the external electronic device. For example, the size of the designated transmission interval may correspond to a discovery window for NAN communication. For example, the period of the designated transmission interval may be set to an integer multiple of the period of the discovery window as a setting value of "Synchronization beacon period in power saving mode" of Table 1.

For example, the external electronic device (900) can maintain synchronization with the electronic device (101) based on a synchronization beacon received from the electronic device (101) during a designated transmission interval set based on the second scheduling information. For example, the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (900) can operate in a communication state (e.g., wakeup state) during the designated transmission interval, and operate in a communication standby state during the remaining intervals excluding the designated transmission interval.

According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may determine whether to perform data communication with an external electronic device (900) to which an NDP connection is maintained (operation 921). For example, the electronic device (101) may determine to perform data communication with the external electronic device (900) when an event related to releasing a low power mode occurs. For example, the event related to releasing a low power mode may be generated based on at least one of execution of a function or application program related to data transmission, input of a control signal related to data transmission, or reception of a user input related to data transmission.

According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) determines that it is performing data communication with an external electronic device (900) with which an NDP connection is maintained (operation 921), the electronic device (101) may perform data communication with the external electronic device (900) based on information related to the NDP with the external electronic device (900) (operation 923).

For example, if an event related to releasing a low-power mode occurs while the NDP connection with the external electronic device (900) is operating in a low-power mode, the electronic device (101) may determine whether the first scheduling information can be supported. For example, the state in which the NDP connection is operating in a low-power mode may include a state in which information related to an NDP with the external electronic device (900) is stored and synchronization with the external electronic device (900) is maintained based on the second scheduling information (operation 919).

For example, if the electronic device (101) determines that it can support the first scheduling information, it can transmit control information related to the release of the low power mode to the external electronic device (900). As an example, the control information related to the release of the low power mode can be transmitted to the external electronic device (900) together with information related to the addition of at least one sub-scheduling included in the first scheduling information.

For example, if the electronic device (101) determines that it cannot support the first scheduling information, it may transmit information related to a third scheduling for data communication with the external electronic device (900) and control information related to releasing a low power mode to the external electronic device (900). For example, the information related to the third scheduling may include information related to adding a sub-scheduling supported by the electronic device (101) among at least one sub-scheduling included in the first scheduling information and information related to removing a sub-scheduling not supported by the electronic device (101). For example, the information related to the third scheduling may include information related to adding a new sub-scheduling not included in the first scheduling information.

For example, the electronic device (101) can perform data communication with an external electronic device (900) through NDP based on the first scheduling information or the third scheduling information.

For example, when the electronic device (101) receives information related to the fourth scheduling from the external electronic device (900), it can check whether it can support the fourth scheduling. When the electronic device (101) determines that it supports the fourth scheduling, it can perform data communication with the external electronic device (900) through NDP based on the fourth scheduling information.

According to one embodiment, information related to the NDP may be stored at a point in time when an event related to transitioning the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (600) to a low power mode is determined to have occurred or when the NDP setting of the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (600) is determined to be completed.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart (1000) for synchronization between an electronic device and an external electronic device according to one embodiment. According to one embodiment, at least a part of FIG. 10 may be a detailed operation of operation 707 of FIG. 7. In the following embodiments, each operation may be performed sequentially, but is not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of each operation may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. For example, the electronic device of FIG. 10 may be the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, or FIG. 6.

According to one embodiment referring to FIG. 10, when an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, or FIG. 6) or a processor (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1 or the processor (500) of FIG. 5) determines that it is to be switched to a low power mode (e.g., 'Yes' of operation 703 of FIG. 7), in operation 1001, the processor (500) may determine whether the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device are connected to the same AP. For example, the processor (500) may determine whether the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device are connected to the same AP based on at least one of OOB communication, a 3-layer search related to uPnP (universal plug and play) or a wireless LAN search (e.g., Wi-Fi direct or NAN communication), and a cloud method.

In one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 500)) may terminate an embodiment for synchronization with the external electronic device based on the AP if the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device are not connected to the same AP (e.g., 'NO' in operation 1001). For example, if the electronic device (101) is not connected to the same AP as the external electronic device, the electronic device (101) may maintain synchronization with the external electronic device based on a synchronization beacon of the electronic device (101) and/or the external electronic device, as in operations 801 to 809 of FIG. 8 .

According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 500)) may determine, in operation 1003, whether a designated transmission interval set based on second scheduling information arrives when the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device are connected to the same AP (e.g., 'Yes' in operation 1001). For example, the designated transmission interval may represent a time interval set based on the second scheduling information to maintain synchronization between the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device operating in a low power mode. For example, the size of the designated transmission interval may correspond to a discovery window for NAN communication. For example, the period of the designated transmission interval may be set to an integer multiple of the period of the discovery window, as a setting value of "Synchronization Beacon Period in Power Saving Mode" in Table 1.

In one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 500)) may operate in a communication standby state in operation 1005 if a designated transmission interval has not arrived (e.g., 'NO' in operation 1003). As an example, the communication standby state may include a sleep state in which NAN communication is restricted.

According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 500)) may, when a designated transmission interval arrives (e.g., 'Yes' in operation 1003), in operation 1007, maintain synchronization with an external electronic device based on time information of the AP received from the AP during the designated transmission interval. For example, the processor (500) may control the communication circuit (510) to switch to a communication state when the designated transmission interval arrives. The processor (500) may maintain synchronization with the external electronic device based on the set value of the "referring time function or offset" of Table 2 and the time information of the AP during the designated transmission interval. For example, the time information (e.g., TSF) of the AP may be acquired from the AP through a separate designated reception interval set independently of the designated transmission interval.

According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (600) are connected to the same GO (group owner) through direct communication based on a wireless LAN (e.g., Wi-Fi direct), they can maintain synchronization based on the time information of the GO received from the GO during a designated transmission period. For example, the GO is a node that controls direct communication based on a wireless LAN, and may include the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device connected through direct communication based on a wireless LAN, as well as other devices.

According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) operates in a low power mode with the external electronic device (600), it can determine whether the NDP connection with the external electronic device (600) is valid based on a frame received from the external electronic device (600) through a designated active period. For example, when the electronic device (101) determines that the NDP connection with the external electronic device (600) is valid, it can maintain synchronization with the external electronic device (600) based on time information of the AP. For example, when the electronic device (101) determines that the NDP connection with the external electronic device (600) is invalid, it can release the NDP connection with the external electronic device (600). Based on the release of the NDP connection with the external electronic device (600), the electronic device (101) can discard information related to the NDP with the external electronic device (600) and restrict performance of a synchronization procedure with the external electronic device (600). For example, the designated active interval may represent a time interval set based on second scheduling information to determine whether an NDP connection between an electronic device (101) operating in a low power mode and an external electronic device is valid.

FIG. 11 is an example of maintaining synchronization with an external electronic device in an electronic device according to one embodiment.

According to one embodiment referring to FIG. 11, an electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (1102) (e.g., an external electronic device (210, 220, or 230) of FIG. 2) may perform NAN cluster synchronization (operation 1111). For example, the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (1102) may perform synchronization with a NAN cluster based on NAN cluster information included in a signal broadcasted by electronic devices (e.g., electronic devices (101, 210, 220, and/or 230) of FIG. 2) included in a cluster (or network) implemented in a NAN manner (e.g., cluster (200) of FIG. 2).

According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may search for an external electronic device (1102) for data transmission via SDF exchange within a discovery window synchronized with at least one external electronic device included in a NAN cluster based on NAN cluster synchronization (operation 1113).

In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (1102) can establish a data link for data communication (operation 1115). For example, the electronic device (101) can establish a data link with the external electronic device (1102) based on first scheduling information for data communication with the external electronic device (1102). For example, the first scheduling information can include at least one sub-scheduling information corresponding to each of at least one additional available window for data communication between the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (1102). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (1102) can perform an authentication procedure and a security setting procedure for data communication.

According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (1102) can perform data communication through an NDP set based on the first scheduling information (operation 1117).

According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may perform synchronization with the external electronic device (1102) to maintain an NDP with the external electronic device (1102) based on the occurrence of an event associated with the transition to a low power mode (operation 1119). For example, the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (1102) may store information associated with an NDP established with the external electronic device (1102) based on the occurrence of an event associated with the transition to a low power mode. For example, the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (1102) may maintain synchronization based on second scheduling information that is different from the first scheduling information based on the occurrence of an event associated with the transition to a low power mode.

For example, when the electronic device (101) is connected to the same AP as the external electronic device (1102), the electronic device (101) can obtain time information of the AP (1100) from the AP (1100) through a designated transmission interval set based on the second scheduling information for synchronization with the external electronic device (1102). Time synchronization with the external electronic device can be maintained based on the time information (e.g., TSF) of the AP (1100) of the electronic device (101) and offset information included in the second scheduling information. For example, the designated transmission interval may represent a time interval set based on the second scheduling information for maintaining synchronization between the electronic device (101) operating in a low power mode and the external electronic device. For example, the size of the designated transmission interval may correspond to a discovery window for NAN communication. For example, the period of the designated transmission interval may be set to an integer multiple of the period of the discovery window as a setting value of "Beacon period of new time reference subject" in Table 2.

According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may determine whether to perform data communication with an external electronic device (1102) with which an NDP connection is maintained (operation 1121). For example, the electronic device (101) may determine to perform data communication with the external electronic device (1102) when an event related to releasing a low power mode occurs. For example, the event related to releasing a low power mode may be generated based on at least one of execution of a function or application program related to data transmission, input of a control signal related to data transmission, or reception of a user input related to data transmission.

According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) determines that it is performing data communication with an external electronic device (1102) with which an NDP connection is maintained (operation 1121), the electronic device (101) may perform data communication with the external electronic device (1102) based on information related to the NDP with the external electronic device (1102) (operation 1123). For example, when an event related to releasing the low-power mode occurs while the NDP connection with the external electronic device (1102) is operating in a low-power mode, the electronic device (101) may determine whether the first scheduling information can be supported. For example, the state in which the NDP connection is operating in a low-power mode may include a state in which information related to the NDP with the external electronic device (1102) (e.g., the first scheduling information) is stored, and synchronization with the external electronic device (1102) is maintained based on the second scheduling information (operation 1119).

For example, if the electronic device (101) determines that it can support the first scheduling information, it can transmit control information related to the release of the low power mode to the external electronic device (1102). For example, the control information related to the release of the low power mode can be transmitted to the external electronic device (1102) together with information related to the addition of at least one sub-scheduling included in the first scheduling information. For example, the electronic device (101) can perform data communication with the external electronic device (1102) through NDP based on the first scheduling information.

For example, if the electronic device (101) determines that it cannot support the first scheduling information, it may transmit information related to a third scheduling for data communication with the external electronic device (1102) and control information related to releasing a low power mode to the external electronic device (1102). For example, the information related to the third scheduling may include information related to adding a sub-scheduling supported by the electronic device (101) among at least one sub-scheduling included in the first scheduling information and information related to removing a sub-scheduling not supported by the electronic device (101). For example, the information related to the third scheduling may include information related to adding a new sub-scheduling not included in the first scheduling information. For example, the electronic device (101) may perform data communication with the external electronic device (1102) through an NDP based on the third scheduling information.

For example, when the electronic device (101) receives information related to the fourth scheduling from the external electronic device (1102), it can check whether it can support the fourth scheduling. When the electronic device (101) determines that it supports the fourth scheduling, it can perform data communication with the external electronic device (1102) through NDP based on the fourth scheduling information.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart (1200) for performing data communication with an external electronic device in an electronic device according to one embodiment. According to one embodiment, at least a part of FIG. 12 may be a detailed operation of operation 711 of FIG. 7. In the following embodiments, each operation may be performed sequentially, but is not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of each operation may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. For example, the electronic device of FIG. 12 may be the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, or FIG. 6.

According to one embodiment referring to FIG. 12, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, or FIG. 6) or a processor (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1 or the processor (500) of FIG. 5) may determine, in operation 1201, whether to perform data communication with the external electronic device operating in a low power mode related to the NDP when maintaining synchronization with an external electronic device with which an NDP connection is maintained (e.g., operation 707 of FIG. 7). For example, the processor (500) may determine to perform data communication with the external electronic device (900) when an event related to releasing the low power mode occurs. For example, the event related to releasing the low power mode may be generated based on at least one of execution of a function or application program related to data transmission, input of a control signal related to data transmission, or reception of a user input related to data transmission.

In one embodiment, if an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 500)) determines that it is not performing data communication with an external electronic device operating in a low power mode associated with an NDP (e.g., 'NO' in operation 1201), it may terminate one embodiment for data communication with the external electronic device. For example, if the processor (500) determines that it is not performing data communication with an external electronic device with which an NDP connection is maintained, it may continuously maintain synchronization with the external electronic device based on the second scheduling information.

According to one embodiment, when an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 500)) determines that it is performing data communication with an external electronic device operating in a low power mode associated with NDP (e.g., 'Yes' in operation 1201), in operation 1203, it may determine whether it can support first scheduling information. For example, the processor (500) may determine whether it can support at least one sub-scheduling information included in the first scheduling information.

According to one embodiment, if an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 500)) determines that the first scheduling information can be supported (e.g., 'Yes' in operation 1203), in operation 1205, the electronic device may transmit control information related to deactivation of a low power mode to an external electronic device. For example, the control information related to deactivation of the low power mode may be transmitted during a transmission interval specified based on the second scheduling information. For example, the control information related to deactivation of the low power mode may be transmitted via OOB communication. For example, the control information related to deactivation of the low power mode may include information of Table 1 or Table 2 based on a synchronization method of the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device. For example, the control information related to deactivation of the low power mode may be transmitted to the external electronic device together with information related to addition of at least one sub-scheduling included in the first scheduling information.

According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 500)) may perform data communication with an external electronic device via NDP based on first scheduling information at operation 1207. For example, when the processor (500) receives information related to 'acceptance' of the first scheduling information from the external electronic device, the processor (500) may control the communication circuit (510) to perform data communication with the external electronic device via NDP based on the first scheduling information.

According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101)) or the processor (e.g., the processor (120 or 500)) determines that the first scheduling information cannot be supported (e.g., 'NO' in operation 1203), in operation 1209, the electronic device may transmit information related to third scheduling for data communication with the external electronic device and control information related to release of the low power mode to the external electronic device. For example, the information related to the third scheduling and the control information related to release of the low power mode may be transmitted during a transmission interval specified based on the second scheduling information. For example, the information related to the third scheduling and the control information related to release of the low power mode may be transmitted via OOB communication. For example, the information related to the third scheduling may include information related to addition of a sub-scheduling supported by the electronic device (101) among at least one sub-scheduling included in the first scheduling information and information related to removal of a sub-scheduling not supported by the electronic device (101). For example, information related to a third scheduling may include information related to the addition of a new sub-scheduling not included in the first scheduling information.

According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 500)) may perform data communication with an external electronic device via NDP based on third scheduling information at operation 1211. For example, when the processor (500) receives information related to 'acceptance' of third scheduling information from the external electronic device, the processor (500) may control the communication circuit (510) to perform data communication with the external electronic device via NDP based on the third scheduling information.

According to one embodiment, an electronic device (101) and an external electronic device that maintain synchronization in a low power mode can perform data communication by omitting an SDF exchange procedure, a data path setup procedure, an authentication procedure, and/or a security setup procedure related to NDP setup based on information related to an NDP stored for transition to a low power mode.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart (1300) for performing data communication with an external electronic device in an electronic device according to one embodiment. According to one embodiment, at least a part of FIG. 13 may be a detailed operation of operation 711 of FIG. 7. In the following embodiments, each operation may be performed sequentially, but is not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of each operation may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. For example, the electronic device of FIG. 13 may be the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, or FIG. 6.

According to one embodiment referring to FIG. 13, when an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, or FIG. 6) or a processor (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1 or the processor (500) of FIG. 5) maintains synchronization with an external electronic device with which an NDP connection is maintained (e.g., operation 707 of FIG. 7), in operation 1301, it may determine whether information related to the release of a low-power mode is received from the external electronic device operating in a low-power mode related to the NDP. For example, the information related to the release of the low-power mode may be received during a designated transmission interval set based on second scheduling information.

According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 500)) may terminate an embodiment for data communication with an external electronic device if information related to deactivation of a low power mode is not received (e.g., 'NO' in operation 1301). For example, if information related to deactivation of a low power mode is not received from an external electronic device to which an NDP connection is maintained, the processor (500) may continuously maintain synchronization with the external electronic device based on the second scheduling information.

According to one embodiment, when an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 500)) receives information related to release from a low power mode (e.g., 'Yes' in operation 1301), in operation 1303, the electronic device may check scheduling information for data communication with an external electronic device. For example, the scheduling information for data communication with the external electronic device may include first scheduling information stored when switching to the low power mode or third scheduling information newly set in the external electronic device based on release from the low power mode.

According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 500)) may, at operation 1305, determine whether it can support scheduling information for data communication with an external electronic device received from an external electronic device. For example, the processor (500) may determine whether it can support at least one sub-scheduling information included in the scheduling information for data communication with the external electronic device (e.g., first scheduling information or third scheduling information).

According to one embodiment, when an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 500)) determines that it can support scheduling information for data communication with an external electronic device (e.g., 'Yes' in operation 1305), in operation 1307, it can perform data communication with the external electronic device via an NDP based on the scheduling information (e.g., first scheduling information or third scheduling information) for data communication with the external electronic device. For example, when the processor (500) determines that it can support scheduling information for data communication with the external electronic device, it can transmit information related to 'acceptance' of the scheduling information to the external electronic device. The processor (500) can control the communication circuit (510) to perform data communication with the external electronic device via an NDP based on the scheduling information for data communication with the external electronic device.

According to one embodiment, when an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 500)) determines that it cannot support scheduling information for data communication with an external electronic device (e.g., 'No' in operation 1305), in operation 1309, it can transmit fourth scheduling information generated based on the scheduling information for data communication with the external electronic device to the external electronic device.

For example, if the processor (500) determines that it cannot support scheduling information for data communication with an external electronic device, it may generate fourth scheduling information based on the scheduling information for data communication with the external electronic device. The processor (500) may control the communication circuit (510) to transmit information related to a 'modification proposal' (counter) including the fourth scheduling information to the external electronic device. For example, the fourth scheduling information may include information related to adding a sub-scheduling supported by the electronic device (101) among at least one sub-scheduling included in the scheduling information received from the external electronic device and information related to removing a sub-scheduling not supported by the electronic device (101). For example, the fourth scheduling information may include information related to adding a new sub-scheduling that is not included in the scheduling information received from the external electronic device.

According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) or a processor (e.g., processor (120 or 500)) may perform data communication with an external electronic device via NDP based on the fourth scheduling information at operation 1311. For example, when the processor (500) receives information related to 'acceptance' of the fourth scheduling information from the external electronic device, the processor (500) may control the communication circuit (510) to perform data communication with the external electronic device via NDP based on the fourth scheduling information.

According to one embodiment, an electronic device (101) and an external electronic device that maintain synchronization in a low power mode can perform data communication by omitting an SDF exchange procedure, a data path setup procedure, an authentication procedure, and/or a security setup procedure related to NDP setup based on information related to an NDP stored for transition to a low power mode.

FIG. 14 is an example for setting up NDP with multiple external electronic devices in an electronic device according to one embodiment.

According to one embodiment referring to FIG. 14, the electronic device (101) can perform NAN cluster synchronization with external electronic device 1 (1420) and external electronic device 2 (1422) included in a NAN cluster (1410) (e.g., NAN cluster (200) of FIG. 2).

According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can set up an NDP based on the first scheduling information through SDF exchange and data link establishment with the external electronic device 1 (1420). The electronic device (101) can switch the NDP connection with the external electronic device 1 (1420) to the low power mode based on an event related to switching to the low power mode. For example, the electronic device (101) can store information related to the NDP with the external electronic device 1 (1420). The electronic device (101) can maintain synchronization with the external electronic device 1 (1420) based on second scheduling information that is different from the first scheduling information.

According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may additionally set up an NDP with an external electronic device 2 (1422) while the NDP connection with the external electronic device 1 (1420) is switched to a low power mode. For example, if an external electronic device 2 (1422) for data communication is detected while the NDP connection with the external electronic device 1 (1420) is switched to a low power mode, the electronic device (101) may set up an NDP based on the sixth scheduling information through SDF exchange and data link establishment with the external electronic device 2 (1422). For example, the sixth scheduling information is independent of the first scheduling information and may be the same as or different from the first scheduling information.

According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can switch an NDP connection with an external electronic device 2 (1422) to the low power mode based on an event related to switching to a low power mode. For example, the electronic device (101) can store information related to an NDP with the external electronic device 2 (1422) based on the switching to the low power mode. The electronic device (101) can maintain synchronization with the external electronic device 2 (1422) based on seventh scheduling information that is different from the sixth scheduling information based on the switching to the low power mode. For example, the seventh scheduling information is independent of the second scheduling information and can be the same as or different from the second scheduling information. For example, the NDP connection with the external electronic device 1 (1420) that has switched to a low power state and the NDP connection with the external electronic device 2 (1422) can be managed independently of each other. For example, the discovery of the external electronic device 2 (1422) may be performed based on at least one of OOB communication, layer 3 discovery related to uPnP (universal plug and play), or wireless LAN discovery (e.g., Wi-Fi direct or NAN communication).

According to one embodiment, when an external electronic device 3 (1424) included in the same group as the electronic device (101) is detected (operation 1431), the electronic device (101) may set an NDP based on the 8th scheduling information through SDF exchange and data link establishment with the external electronic device 3 (1424) (operation 1433). For example, the 8th scheduling information is independent of the first scheduling information and/or the 6th scheduling information, and may be identical to or different from the first scheduling information and/or the 6th scheduling information.

According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may switch the NDP connection with the external electronic device 3 (1424) to the low power mode based on an event associated with switching to the low power mode (operations 1435 and 1437). For example, if the electronic device (101) determines that it is not performing data communication with the external electronic device 3 (1424), it may switch the NDP setting with the external electronic device 3 (1424) to the low power mode.

For example, the electronic device (101) may store information related to an NDP with an external electronic device 3 (1424) based on a transition to a low power mode. The electronic device (101) may maintain synchronization with the external electronic device 3 (1424) based on ninth scheduling information that is different from the eighth scheduling information based on a transition to a low power mode. For example, the external electronic device 3 (1424) included in the same group as the electronic device (101) may include an external electronic device that includes the same user account as the electronic device (101). For example, the ninth scheduling information is independent of the second scheduling information and/or the seventh scheduling information and may be the same as or different from the second scheduling information and/or the seventh scheduling information. For example, the same group as the electronic device (101) may include at least one of a family group, a company group, a club group, or a friend group that includes the electronic device (101). For example, an external electronic device 3 (1424) included in the same group as the electronic device (101) may be searched based on at least one of OOB communication, 3-layer search related to uPnP (universal plug and play), or wireless LAN search (e.g., Wi-Fi direct or NAN communication).

According to one embodiment, a method of operating an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5 or FIG. 6) may include an operation of establishing an NAN data path (NDP) for data communication with an external device (e.g., the external electronic device (210, 220 or 230) of FIG. 2 or the external electronic device (600) of FIG. 6) included in a NAN cluster (e.g., the NAN cluster (200) of FIG. 2) based on first scheduling information. According to one embodiment, the method of operating the electronic device may include an operation of storing information related to the NDP based on a transition to a low power mode related to the NDP connection. According to one embodiment, the method of operating the electronic device may include an operation of maintaining synchronization with the external electronic device based on second scheduling information that is different from the first scheduling information. According to one embodiment, a method of operating an electronic device may include, when performing data communication with an external device, performing data communication with the external device through an NDP with the external electronic device based on information related to the NDP.

According to one embodiment, the act of establishing the NDP may include the act of establishing the NDP with the external electronic device through an exchange of a service discovery frame (SDF) and establishment of a data link with the external device related to the first scheduling information.

According to one embodiment, a method of operating an electronic device may include determining whether to switch an NDP connection with an external device to a low power mode based on an amount of data transmitted and/or received with the external device over a specified period of time.

According to one embodiment, a method of operating an electronic device may include an operation of determining whether to switch an NDP connection with an external device to a low power mode based on a function related to data communication or operating information of an application program.

In one embodiment, the operation of maintaining synchronization with an external electronic device may include transmitting a synchronization beacon during a designated transmission interval set based on second scheduling information when the electronic device is set as a master device.

In one embodiment, the operation of maintaining synchronization with the external electronic device may include an operation of maintaining synchronization with the external electronic device based on a synchronization beacon received from the external electronic device during a designated transmission interval established based on the second scheduling information, when the electronic device is not set as a master device.

According to one embodiment, the operation of maintaining synchronization with an external electronic device may include an operation of maintaining synchronization with the external device based on time information of an AP (access point), when the electronic device and the external device are connected to the same AP.

According to one embodiment, the operation of performing data communication with an external device may include performing data communication with the external device through an NDP with the external electronic device based on the first scheduling information, based on a determination that at least one sub-scheduling included in the first scheduling information can be supported when performing data communication with the external device.

According to one embodiment, an operating method of an electronic device may include, when it is determined that at least some of at least one sub-scheduling included in the first scheduling information cannot be supported, an operation of generating third scheduling information based on the first scheduling information, and an operation of performing data communication with an external device through an NDP with the external electronic device based on the third scheduling information.

The embodiments of the present invention disclosed in this specification and drawings are merely specific examples presented to easily explain the technical contents according to the embodiments of the present invention and to help understand the embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the various embodiments of the present invention should be interpreted as including all changes or modified forms derived based on the technical ideas of the various embodiments of the present invention in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims (20)

In electronic devices,
A communication circuit supporting wireless LAN communication, and
A processor operatively connected to the above communication circuit,
The above processor,
Establish an NDP (NAN data path) for data communication based on the first scheduling information with an external device included in a NAN (neighbor awareness networking) cluster,
Store information related to said NDP based on a transition to a low power mode associated with said NDP connection,
Maintaining synchronization with the external electronic device based on second scheduling information that is different from the first scheduling information;
An electronic device that performs data communication with the external device through the NDP based on information related to the NDP when performing data communication with the external device.
In paragraph 1,
The above processor is an electronic device that sets up the NDP with the external electronic device through SDF (service discovery frame) exchange and data link establishment with the external device related to the first scheduling information.
In paragraph 1,
An electronic device wherein said processor determines whether to switch said NDP connection with said external device to a low power mode based on an amount of data transmitted and/or received with said external device during a specified period of time.
In paragraph 1,
The above processor is an electronic device that determines whether to switch the NDP connection with the external device to a low power mode based on the operation information of the function or application program related to the data communication.
In paragraph 1,
The above processor is an electronic device that transmits a synchronous beacon during a designated transmission interval set based on the second scheduling information when the electronic device is set as a master device.
In paragraph 1,
The electronic device wherein the processor maintains synchronization with the external electronic device based on a synchronization beacon received from the external electronic device during a designated transmission interval set based on the second scheduling information, when the electronic device is not set as a master device.
In paragraph 1,
The above processor obtains time information of the AP when the electronic device and the external device are connected to the same AP (access point),
An electronic device that maintains synchronization with the external device based on time information of the AP during a designated transmission interval set based on the second scheduling information.
In paragraph 1,
The processor determines whether, when performing data communication with the external device, it can support at least one sub-scheduling included in the first scheduling information,
An electronic device that performs data communication with an external device through the NDP based on the first scheduling information, if it is determined that at least one sub-scheduling included in the first scheduling information can be supported.
In Article 8,
If the processor determines that at least some of at least one sub-scheduling included in the first scheduling information cannot be supported, the processor generates third scheduling information based on the first scheduling information,
An electronic device that performs data communication with an external device through the NDP based on the third scheduling information.
In paragraph 1,
The above processor is an electronic device that sets up NDP with another external electronic device while maintaining synchronization with the external electronic device.
In a method of operating an electronic device,
An operation for establishing an NDP (NAN data path) for data communication based on first scheduling information with an external device included in a NAN (neighbor awareness networking) cluster.
An operation of storing information related to said NDP based on a transition to a low power mode associated with said NDP connection;
An operation of maintaining synchronization with the external electronic device based on second scheduling information that is different from the first scheduling information, and
A method comprising: performing data communication with the external device through the NDP based on information related to the NDP;
In Article 11,
A method wherein the operation of setting the NDP includes an operation of setting the NDP with the external electronic device through an SDF (service discovery frame) exchange and a data link establishment with the external device related to the first scheduling information.
In Article 11,
A method further comprising the action of determining whether to switch the NDP connection with the external device to a low power mode based on an amount of data transmitted and/or received with the external device during a specified period of time.
In Article 11,
A method further comprising an action of determining whether to switch the NDP connection with the external device to a low power mode based on the operation information of the function or application program related to the data communication.
In Article 11,
A method wherein the operation of maintaining synchronization with the external electronic device comprises an operation of transmitting a synchronization beacon during a designated transmission interval set based on the second scheduling information when the electronic device is set as a master device.
In Article 11,
A method wherein the operation of maintaining synchronization with the external electronic device includes an operation of maintaining synchronization with the external electronic device based on a synchronization beacon received from the external electronic device during a designated transmission interval established based on the second scheduling information, when the electronic device is not set as a master device.
In Article 11,
The operation of maintaining synchronization with the above external electronic device is:
When the electronic device and the external device are connected to the same AP (access point), an operation of obtaining time information of the AP, and
A method comprising an operation of maintaining synchronization with the external device based on time information of the AP during a designated transmission interval set based on the second scheduling information.
In Article 11,
The operation of performing data communication with the above external device is:
When performing data communication with the external device, an operation of determining whether at least one sub-scheduling included in the first scheduling information can be supported, and
A method including an operation of performing data communication with an external device through the NDP with the external electronic device based on the first scheduling information, if it is determined that at least one sub-scheduling included in the first scheduling information can be supported.
In Article 18,
An operation of generating third scheduling information based on the first scheduling information, if it is determined that at least some of at least one sub-scheduling included in the first scheduling information cannot be supported, and
A method further comprising an action of performing data communication with the external device through the NDP based on the third scheduling information.
In Article 11,
A method further comprising the action of establishing an NDP with another external electronic device while maintaining synchronization with said external electronic device.

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