Patent Description:
An electronic device such as a smartphone of the related art provides a communication connection function using its communication module. The electronic device may communicate with another electronic device over a long-range communication network such as a cellular network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN)). Furthermore, the electronic device may communicate with another electronic device over a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi direct, or infrared data association (IrDA).

Relevant prior art can be found in <CIT>.

The above-mentioned electronic device of the related art may make a phone call with another electronic device over a long-range communication network. When receiving an incoming call for the phone call, the electronic device may display the reception of the incoming call on its screen by means of an icon or the like. Furthermore, the electronic device may be connected with a short-range communication device using a short-range communication network (e.g., Bluetooth). Meanwhile, the electronic device may set a call path for a phone call over a long-range communication network to a short-range communication device which is connecting. However, a user may fail to clearly remember whether the call path is set to the short-range communication device when the incoming call is received. Although the call path is set to the short-range communication device, because the short-range communication device is connected wirelessly, it is difficult for the user to identify that the call path is set to the short-range communication device with the naked eye. Thus, the user frequently feels confused in identifying the call path.

Accordingly, an aspect of the disclosure is to provide an electronic device for differently displaying a call reception object when receiving an incoming call depending on whether there is a short-range communication device connected to the electronic device.

Accordingly, another aspect of the disclosure is to provide an electronic device for determining priorities of connected short-range communication devices depending on an environment state of a user when a plurality of short-range communication devices are connected to the electronic device when receiving an incoming call and providing information about the short-range communication device suitable for a user environment.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> in a network environment <NUM> may communicate with an external electronic device <NUM> via a first network <NUM> (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or an external electronic device <NUM> or a server <NUM> via a second network <NUM> (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may communicate with the external electronic device <NUM> via the server <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a processor <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, an input device <NUM>, a sound output device <NUM>, a display device <NUM>, an audio module <NUM>, a sensor module <NUM>, an interface <NUM>, a haptic module <NUM>, a camera module <NUM>, a power management module <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a communication module <NUM>, a subscriber identification module (SIM) <NUM>, or an antenna module <NUM>.

According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or computation, the processor <NUM> may load a command or data received from another component (e.g., the sensor module <NUM> or the communication module <NUM>) in a volatile memory <NUM>, process the command or the data stored in the volatile memory <NUM>, and store resulting data in a non-volatile memory <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor <NUM> (e.g., an ISP or a CP) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., the camera module <NUM> or the communication module <NUM>) functionally related to the auxiliary processor <NUM>.

The input device <NUM> may receive a command or data to be used by other components (e.g., the processor <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM>, from the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the audio module <NUM> may obtain the sound via the input device <NUM>, or output the sound via the sound output device <NUM> or a headphone of an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device <NUM>) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly coupled with the electronic device <NUM>.

The interface <NUM> may support one or more specified protocols to be used for the electronic device <NUM> to be coupled with the external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device <NUM>) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly.

A connector <NUM> may include a connector via which the electronic device <NUM> may be physically connected with the external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device <NUM>). According to an embodiment, connector <NUM> may include, for example, a HDMI connector, a USB connector, a SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

According to an embodiment, the camera module <NUM> may include one or more lenses, image sensors, ISPs, or flashes.

The communication module <NUM> may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device <NUM> and the external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device <NUM>, the external electronic device <NUM>, or the server <NUM>) and performing communication via the established communication channel. The communication module <NUM> may include one or more CPs that are operable independently from the processor <NUM> (e.g., the AP) and supports a direct (e.g., wired) communication or a wireless communication. A corresponding one of these communication modules may communicate with the external electronic device via the first network <NUM> (e.g., a short-range communication network, such as BluetoothTM, Wi-Fi direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or the second network <NUM> (e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a cellular network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or wide area network (WAN)). The wireless communication module <NUM> may identify and authenticate the electronic device <NUM> in a communication network, such as the first network <NUM> or the second network <NUM>, using subscriber information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the SIM <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the antenna module <NUM> may include an antenna including a radiating element composed of a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., printed circuit board (PCB)).

At least some of the above-described components may be coupled mutually and communicate signals (e.g., commands or data) there between via an inter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., a bus, general purpose input and output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)).

Each of the external electronic devices <NUM> and <NUM> may be a device of a same type as, or a different type, from the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, all or some of operations to be executed at the electronic device <NUM> may be executed at one or more of the external electronic devices <NUM> and <NUM> or the server <NUM>.

<FIG> is a drawing illustrating a network connection relationship of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a first electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may communicate with short-range communication devices <NUM> (e.g., the external electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) over a first network <NUM> (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network) in a network environment <NUM> (e.g., the network environment <NUM> of <FIG>) or may communicate with a second electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the external electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) or a server <NUM> (e.g., the server <NUM> of <FIG>) over a second network <NUM> (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). For example, the short-range communication devices <NUM> may include a television (TV) 202a, a headset 202b, a wearable device 202c, a home speaker 202d, a car 202e, and the like. Alternatively, the short-range communication devices <NUM> may include a display each and may include a refrigerator, a tablet, a cleaner, or the like capable of performing short-range communication. The first network <NUM> may include a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi direct, or IrDA. The second network <NUM> may include a long-range communication network such as a cellular network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a WAN).

According to an embodiment, the first electronic device <NUM> may include a first communication circuitry and a second communication circuitry (e.g., the wireless communication module <NUM> of <FIG>). For example, the first electronic device <NUM> may communicate with the short-range communication devices <NUM> via the first communication circuitry. The first electronic device <NUM> may receive an incoming call from the second electronic device <NUM> via the second communication circuitry.

According to an embodiment, the first electronic device <NUM> may be connected with at least one of the short-range communication devices <NUM> over the first network <NUM>. Furthermore, the first electronic device <NUM> may receive an incoming call from the second electronic device <NUM> over the second network <NUM>. In a state where the first electronic device <NUM> is connected with the short-range communication devices <NUM> over the first network <NUM>, it may receive an incoming call from the second electronic device <NUM> over the second network <NUM>. When receiving the incoming call from the second electronic device <NUM>, the first electronic device <NUM> may display a call reception object (e.g., an icon, a text, or a list) on its screen.

According to an embodiment, when the incoming call is received, the first electronic device <NUM> may differently display a call reception object depending on whether it is connected with the first network <NUM>. For example, when the incoming call is received in a state where there is no connection with the first network <NUM>, the first electronic device <NUM> may display a first call reception object (e.g., an image or text which indicates the reception of the incoming call or an icon including only a call reception indication) on the screen. When the incoming call is received in a state where there is a connection with the first network <NUM>, the first electronic device <NUM> may display a second call reception object (e.g., an icon or text in which a call reception indication and an indication corresponding to each of the short-range communication devices <NUM> are combined with each other) on the screen.

According to an embodiment, when connected with a plurality of short-range communication devices (e.g., the short-range communication devices <NUM>) upon the reception of the incoming call, the first electronic device <NUM> may display the second call reception object corresponding to one selected among the connected short-range communication devices based on a predetermined priority on the screen. Alternatively, when connected with the plurality of short-range communication devices upon the reception of the incoming call, the first electronic device <NUM> may display second call reception objects (e.g., icons, texts, or a list) corresponding to the connected short-range communication devices based on the priority. The priority may be determined based on terminal state information stored in the server <NUM>. For example, the terminal state information may include information such as a state where the short-range communication devices <NUM> are connected with the first electronic device <NUM>, a history where the short-range communication devices <NUM> are connected with the first electronic device <NUM>, and a distance between the first electronic device <NUM> and the short-range communication devices <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, when connected with a short-range communication device upon the reception of the incoming call, the first electronic device <NUM> may display the second call reception object together with the first call reception object on the screen. Alternatively, when connected with the short-range communication device upon the reception of the incoming call, the first electronic device <NUM> may display only the second call reception object alone on the screen.

As described above, according to various embodiments, when connected with a short-range communication device (e.g., the short-range communication devices <NUM>) upon the reception of the incoming call, the first electronic device <NUM> may display the second call reception object (e.g., an icon or text in which a call reception indication and an indication corresponding to each of the short-range communication devices <NUM> are combined with each other) together with the first call reception object or alone on the screen. Moreover, when the plurality of short-range communication devices are connected to the first electronic device <NUM>, the first electronic device <NUM> may recommend a short-range communication device suitable for a state of its user to the user based on a priority. The user may determine whether a short-range communication device is connected to the first electronic device <NUM> when the incoming call is received and may select a suitable call method (e.g., a call connection via the short-range communication device or a call connection via the first electronic device <NUM>) depending on his or her state.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of an electronic device when an incoming call is received, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, when receiving an incoming call, the first electronic device <NUM> may display a different call reception object depending on whether short-range communication devices are connected to the first electronic device <NUM> on its screen.

In operation <NUM>, the first electronic device <NUM> may receive an incoming call from the second electronic device <NUM> different from the first electronic device <NUM> (e.g., an electronic device connected over the second network <NUM>).

In operation <NUM>, the first electronic device <NUM> may determine whether there is a connected short-range communication device (e.g., an electronic device connected over the first network <NUM>). According to an embodiment, when there is no connected communication device, the first electronic device <NUM> may perform operation <NUM>. Alternatively, when there is the connected short-range communication device, the first electronic device <NUM> may perform operation <NUM>.

When there is no connected short-range communication device, in operation <NUM>, the first electronic device <NUM> may display a first call reception object on the screen. According to an embodiment, the first call reception object may be implemented as an icon including only a call reception indication.

When there is the connected short-range communication device, in operation <NUM>, the first electronic device <NUM> may display a second call reception object on the screen. According to an embodiment, the second call reception object may be implemented as an icon in which a call reception indication and an indication corresponding to the connected short-range communication device are combined with each other.

According to an embodiment, the first electronic device <NUM> may set a call path to the first electronic device <NUM> depending on a user input to the first call reception object (e.g., touch move for the icon). Alternatively, the first electronic device <NUM> may set a call path to the connected short-range communication device (e.g., one of the TV 202a, the headset 202b, the wearable device 202c, the home speaker 202d, and the car 202e) depending on the user input to the second call reception object.

<FIG> is a drawing illustrating one example of a method for displaying an incoming call when there is no connected short-range communication device when an incoming call is received according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, when receiving an incoming call, an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the first electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may display a first screen 410a. The electronic device <NUM> may display a call rejection object <NUM> and a first call reception object <NUM> on the first screen 410a.

According to an embodiment, when there is no connected short-range communication device, the electronic device <NUM> may receive an incoming call. When there is no connected short-range communication device when receiving the incoming call, the electronic device <NUM> may display the first call reception object <NUM> on the first screen 410a. For example, the first call reception object <NUM> may be implemented as an icon including only a call reception indication.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may display a second screen 410b depending on a user input <NUM> (e.g., touch move for an icon). For example, the electronic device <NUM> may set a call path for the incoming call to the electronic device <NUM> and may display the second screen 410b.

<FIG> is a drawing illustrating an example of a method for displaying an incoming call when there is a connected short-range communication device when an incoming call is received according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, when receiving an incoming call, an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the first electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may display a first screen 510a. The electronic device <NUM> may display a call rejection object <NUM> and a second call reception object <NUM> on the first screen 510a.

According to an embodiment, when there is a connected short-range communication device, the electronic device <NUM> may receive an incoming call. When there is the connected short-range communication device upon the reception of the incoming call, the electronic device <NUM> may display the second call reception object <NUM> on the first screen 510a. According to an embodiment, the second call reception object <NUM> may be implemented as an icon in which a call reception indication and an indication corresponding to a short-range communication mode (e.g., Bluetooth) are combined with each other. According to another embodiment, a second call reception object 514a, 514b, 514c, or 514d may be implemented as an icon in which a call reception indication and an indication corresponding to each of the connected short-range communication devices (e.g., a headset, a wearable device, a home speaker, and a car) are combined with each other.

According to an embodiment, when there are a plurality of connected short-range communication devices upon the reception of the incoming call, the electronic device <NUM> may determine a priority of a short-range communication device, a call path of which will be set, based on a predetermined priority determination rule. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may receive terminal state information (e.g., information such as a state where a short-range communication device is connected to the electronic device <NUM>, a history where the short-range communication device is connected to the electronic device <NUM>, and a distance between the electronic device <NUM> and the short-range communication device) from a server (e.g., the server <NUM> of <FIG>). The electronic device <NUM> may use the terminal state information to determine the priority. According to an embodiment, priorities among short-range communication devices may include an order where the short-range communication devices are near to the electronic device <NUM>, an order according to a frequency where the short-range communication devices are used, an order where the short-range communication devices are recently used, an order where a priority is designated for each place, or the like.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may display a second screen 510b depending on a user input <NUM> (e.g., touch move). For example, the electronic device <NUM> may set a call path for an incoming call to a selected short-range communication device (e.g., a headset) and may display the second screen 510b. The electronic device <NUM> may display a connection display object <NUM>, which displays the connected short-range communication device (e.g., the headset) (or the connection display object <NUM> which displays a communication mode), on the second screen 510b. When there is a user input (e.g., touch) to the connection display object <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may release the call path set to the short-range communication device and may reset the call path to the electronic device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a drawing illustrating another example of a method for displaying an incoming call when there is a connected short-range communication device when an incoming call is received according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, when receiving an incoming call when there is a connected short-range communication device, an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the first electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may display a first screen 610a. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may receive an incoming call while performing another operation. When receiving the incoming call while performing the other operation, the electronic device <NUM> may display a call rejection object <NUM> and a second call reception object <NUM> on an upper end of the first screen 610a. Herein, this is merely illustrative, and the location where the call rejection object <NUM> and the second call reception object <NUM> are displayed on the screen is not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may simultaneously display a previous task screen, the call rejection object <NUM>, and the second call reception object <NUM> on the first screen 610a. Because a method for determining a priority of a short-range communication device displayed on the second call reception object <NUM> is the same or similar to the method for determining the priority of the short-range communication device displayed on the second call reception object <NUM> of <FIG>, a description thereof will be omitted.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may display a second screen 610b depending on a user input <NUM> (e.g., touch). For example, the electronic device <NUM> may set a call path for the incoming call to a selected short-range communication device (e.g., a headset) and may display the second screen 610b. The electronic device <NUM> may display a connection display object <NUM>, which displays a connected short-range communication device (e.g., the headset) (or the connection display object <NUM> which displays a communication mode), on the second screen 610b. When there is a user input (e.g., touch) to the connection display object <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may release the call path set to the short-range communication device and may reset the call path to the electronic device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of an electronic device when there is a connected short-range communication device when an incoming call is received, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a description will be given of a case where there is a short-range communication device (e.g., the short-range communication devices <NUM> of <FIG>) which is already connected to the first electronic device <NUM>. When there is no short-range communication device connected to the first electronic device <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, a first reception object (e.g., an icon or text including only a call reception indication) may be displayed on a screen of the first electronic device <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, when there is a connected short-range communication device, the first electronic device <NUM> may receive an incoming call from the second electronic device <NUM> different from the first electronic device <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, the first electronic device <NUM> may determine whether a plurality of short-range communication devices (e.g., the plurality of short-range communication devices among the TV 202a, the headset 202b, the wearable device 202c, the home speaker 202d, and the car 202e) is being connected to the first electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when only one short-range communication device is being connected to the first electronic device <NUM>, the first electronic device <NUM> may perform operation <NUM>. Alternatively, when the plurality of short-range communication devices are being connected to the first electronic device <NUM>, the first electronic device <NUM> may perform operation <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, the first electronic device <NUM> may display a second call reception object corresponding to the connected short-range communication device (e.g., an icon or text in which a call reception indication and an indication corresponding to the connected short-range communication device are combined with each other) on its screen.

In operation <NUM>, when the plurality of short-range communication devices are being connected to the first electronic device <NUM>, the first electronic device <NUM> may determine whether the received incoming call is a video call. According to an embodiment, when the video call is received, the first electronic device <NUM> may perform operation <NUM>. Alternatively, when the incoming call which is not the video call is received, the first electronic device <NUM> may perform operation <NUM>.

When the video call is received, in operation <NUM>, the first electronic device <NUM> may determine whether there is a short-range communication device including a display (e.g., the TV 202a of <FIG>) among the connected short-range communication devices. According to an embodiment, when there is the short-range communication device including the display (e.g., the TV 202a of <FIG>), the first electronic device <NUM> may perform operation <NUM>. Alternatively, when there is no the short-range communication device including the display, the first electronic device <NUM> may perform operation <NUM>.

When there is the short-range communication device including the display (e.g., the TV 202a of <FIG>), in operation <NUM>, the first electronic device <NUM> may display a second call reception object corresponding to the short-range communication device including the display on the screen based on a priority. According to an embodiment, the first electronic device <NUM> may display a second call reception object, corresponding to one short-range communication device selected based on a priority (e.g., an order according to a history where the short-range communication devices are used, an order according to a frequency where the short-range communication devices are used, an order where the short-range communication devices are near to the first electronic device <NUM>, or the like) among the short-range communication devices (e.g., a TV, a tablet, a refrigerator, or the like), each of which includes the display, on the screen. According to another embodiment, the first electronic device <NUM> may display all of second call reception objects respectively corresponding to the short-range communication devices, each of which includes the display, on the screen based on priorities. According to another embodiment, the first electronic device <NUM> may display the second call reception object (or the second call reception objects) together with a first call reception object on the screen. According to the invention, although the short-range communication device has the display, when the short-range communication device is a car (e.g., the car 202e of <FIG>) and is driving at a specified speed or more, the first electronic device <NUM> may process the car as a short-range communication device which does not have a display. When the short-range communication device having the display is a car and is in a stopped state, the first electronic device <NUM> may recognize the car as a short-range communication device including a display. In this regard, periodically or when receiving an incoming call, the first electronic device <NUM> may receive sensor information associated with movement from the car to determine a state where the car is driving.

In operation <NUM>, when the incoming call which is not the video call is received or when there is no the short-range communication device including the display, the first electronic device <NUM> may display second call reception objects corresponding to the plurality of short-range communication devices (e.g., the headset 202b, the wearable device 202c, and the home speaker 202d of <FIG>) on the screen based on priorities. According to an embodiment, the first electronic device <NUM> may display a second call reception object corresponding to one short-range communication device selected based on the priority on the screen. According to another embodiment, the first electronic device <NUM> may display all of second call reception objects respectively corresponding to the short-range communication devices on the screen based on priorities. According to another embodiment, the first electronic device <NUM> may display a second call reception object (or second call reception objects) together with a first call reception object on the screen.

<FIG> is a drawing illustrating an example of a method for displaying a call reception object corresponding to a short-range communication device on a screen when an incoming call is received according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, when receiving an incoming call, an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the first electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may display a first screen 810a. The electronic device <NUM> may display a call rejection object <NUM> (e.g., the call rejection object <NUM> of <FIG>) and a second call reception object <NUM> (e.g., the second call reception object <NUM> of <FIG>) on the first screen 810a.

According to an embodiment, when one short-range communication device (e.g., a headset) is being connected to the electronic device <NUM> when the reception of the incoming call, the electronic device <NUM> may display the second call reception object <NUM> corresponding to the connected short-range communication device (e.g., an icon in which a call reception indication and an indication corresponding to the headset are combined with each other) on the first screen 810a.

According to an embodiment, when a plurality of short-range communication devices (e.g., a headset, a wearable device, a home speaker, or a car) are being connected to the electronic device <NUM> upon the reception of the incoming call, the electronic device <NUM> may display the second call reception object <NUM> corresponding to one short-range communication device (e.g., the headset) selected based on a priority among the connected short-range communication devices (e.g., the icon in which the call reception indication and the indication corresponding to the headset are combined with each other) on the first screen 810a.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may determine priorities of short-range communication devices capable of processing an incoming call, based on a predetermined priority determination criterion (e.g., whether the short-range communication devices are connected with the electronic device <NUM>, a distance between the short-range communication devices and the electronic device <NUM>, a history where the short-range communication devices are used, an order where the short-range communication devices are recently used, a frequency where the short-range communication devices are used, whether the short-range communication devices are worn, designation of a priority for each place of the short-range communication devices, or the like). The electronic device <NUM> may receive terminal state information (e.g., information such as a state where a short-range communication device is connected with the electronic device <NUM>, a history where the short-range communication device is connected with the electronic device <NUM>, a frequency where the short-range communication device is used, and a distance between the electronic device <NUM> and the short-range communication device) from a server (e.g., the server <NUM> of <FIG>). The electronic device <NUM> may determine priorities of short-range communication devices using the terminal state information. The electronic device <NUM> may select one short-range communication device based on the determined priorities and may display the second call reception object <NUM> corresponding to the selected short-range communication device on the first screen 810a.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may display a second screen 810b depending on a user input <NUM> (e.g., touch move for the icon). For example, the electronic device <NUM> may set a call path for the incoming call to the selected short-range communication device (e.g., the headset) and may display the second screen 810b.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may display a connection display object <NUM>, which displays the connected short-range communication device (e.g., the headset), on the second screen 810b. When there is a user input (e.g., touch) to the connection display object <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may release the call path set to the short-range communication device and may reset the call path to the electronic device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a drawing illustrating an example of a method for displaying a list of call reception objects corresponding to a plurality of short-range communication devices, each of which is capable of processing an incoming call according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, when receiving an incoming call, an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the first electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may display a first screen 910a. The electronic device <NUM> may display a call rejection object <NUM> (e.g., the call rejection object <NUM> of <FIG>) and a second call reception object <NUM> (e.g., the second reception object <NUM> of <FIG>) on the first screen 910a.

According to an embodiment, when a short-range communication device is being connected to the electronic device <NUM> upon the reception of the incoming call, the electronic device <NUM> may display the second call reception object <NUM> corresponding to a short-range communication mode (e.g., Bluetooth) (e.g., an icon in which a call reception indication and an indication corresponding to Bluetooth are combined with each other) on the first screen 910a.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may display sub call reception objects <NUM> on a second screen 910b depending on a first user input 913a (e.g., long press). For example, the sub call reception objects <NUM> may include icons 915a, 915b, and 915c respectively corresponding to connected communication devices (e.g., a headset, a wearable device, and a home speaker) and an icon 915d corresponding to the electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, when a plurality of short-range communication devices (e.g., a headset, a wearable device, or a home speaker) are being connected to the electronic device <NUM> upon the reception of the incoming call, the electronic device <NUM> may display the sub call reception objects <NUM> respectively corresponding to the connected short-range communication devices on the second screen 910b based on priorities. Furthermore, the electronic device <NUM> may display the sub call reception object (i.e., the icon 915d) corresponding to the electronic device <NUM> in the last order.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may determine priorities of short-range communication devices capable of processing an incoming call, based on a predetermined priority determination criterion. Because a method for determining priorities of the short-range communication devices displayed on the sub call reception objects <NUM> is the same or similar to the method for determining the priorities of the short-range communication devices displayed on the second call reception object <NUM> of <FIG>, a description thereof will be omitted.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may differently locations of the sub call reception objects <NUM> in the determined priorities. For example, when the plurality of short-range communication devices (e.g., the headset, the wearable device, or the home speaker) are being connected to the electronic device <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may determine priorities of the plurality of short-range communication devices (e.g., a first priority ? the headset, a second priority ? the wearable device, and a third priority ? the home speaker) based on a priority determination criterion (e.g., whether the plurality of short-range communication devices are connected with the electronic device <NUM>, a distance between the plurality of short-range communication devices and the electronic device <NUM>, a history where the plurality of short-range communication devices are used, an order where the plurality of short-range communication devices are recently used, a frequency where the plurality of short-range communication devices are used, whether the plurality of short-range communication devices are worn, designation of a priority for each place of the plurality of short-range communication devices, or the like). The electronic device <NUM> may arrange sub call reception objects (i.e., the icons 915a, 915b, and 915c) respectively corresponding to the plurality of short-range communication devices from left to right or from top to bottom based on the priorities. Herein, this is merely illustrative, and the method for arranging the sub call reception objects (i.e., the icons 915a, 915b, and 915c) in the priorities is not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may display a third screen 910c depending on a second user input 913b (e.g., a touch on an icon). For example, the electronic device <NUM> may set a call path for the incoming call to the selected short-range communication device (e.g., the home speaker) and may display the third screen 910c.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may display a connection display object <NUM>, which displays the connected short-range communication device (e.g., the home speaker), on the third screen 910c. When there is a user input (e.g., touch) to the connection display object <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may release the call path set to the short-range communication device and may reset the call path to the electronic device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a drawing illustrating another example of a method for displaying a list of call reception objects corresponding to a plurality of short-range communication devices, each of which is capable of processing an incoming call according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, when receiving an incoming call, an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the first electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may display a first screen 1010a. The electronic device <NUM> may display a call rejection object <NUM> (e.g., the call rejection object <NUM> of <FIG>) and a second call reception object <NUM> (e.g., the second call reception object <NUM> of <FIG>) on the first screen 1010a.

According to an embodiment, when a short-range communication device is being connected to the electronic device <NUM> upon the reception of the incoming call, the electronic device <NUM> may display the second call reception object <NUM> corresponding to a short-range communication mode (e.g., Bluetooth) (e.g., an icon in which a call reception indication and an indication corresponding to Bluetooth are combined with each other) on the first screen 1010a.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may display a sub call reception object list <NUM> on a second screen 1010b depending on a first user input 1013a (e.g., long press). For example, the sub call reception object list <NUM> may include objects 1016a and 1016b corresponding to the connected short-range communication devices (e.g., a headset or a home speaker) and an object 1016c corresponding to the electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, when a plurality of short-range communication devices (e.g., a headset or a home speaker) are being connected to the electronic device <NUM> when the reception of the incoming call, the electronic device <NUM> may display a sub call reception object list <NUM> corresponding to the connected short-range communication devices on a second screen 1010b based on a priority. The electronic device <NUM> may display the object 1016c corresponding to the electronic device <NUM> in the last order. Because a method for determining priorities of the short-range communication devices (e.g., the headset or the home speaker) included in the sub call reception object list <NUM> is the same or similar to the method for determining the priorities of the short-range communication devices displayed on the second call reception object <NUM> of <FIG>, a description thereof will be omitted.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may differently display locations of objects corresponding to the plurality of short-range communication devices included in the sub call reception object list <NUM> depending on the determined priorities. For example, when the plurality of short-range communication devices (e.g., the headset or the home speaker) are being connected to the electronic device <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may determine priorities of the plurality of short-range communication devices (e.g., a first priority ? the headset and a second priority ? the home speaker) based on a priority determination criterion (e.g., whether the plurality of short-range communication devices are connected with the electronic device <NUM>, a distance between the plurality of short-range communication devices and the electronic device <NUM>, a history where the plurality of short-range communication devices are used, an order where the plurality of short-range communication devices are recently used, a frequency where the plurality of short-range communication devices are used, whether the plurality of short-range communication devices are worn, or designation of a priority for each place of the plurality of short-range communication devices, or the like). The electronic device <NUM> may arrange objects 1016a and 1016b corresponding to the plurality of short-range communication devices from top to bottom based on the priorities. Herein, this is merely illustrative, and the method for arranging the objects 1016a and 1016b corresponding to the plurality of short-range communication devices included in the sub call reception object list <NUM> in the priorities.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may display a third screen 1010c depending on a second user input 1013b (e.g., a touch for the list). For example, the electronic device <NUM> may set a call path for the incoming call to the selected short-range communication device (e.g., the home speaker) and may display the third screen 1010c.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may display a connection display object <NUM>, which displays the connected short-range communication device (e.g., the home speaker), on the third screen 1010c. When there is a user input (e.g., touch) to the connection display object <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may release the call path set to the short-range communication device and may reset the call path to the electronic device <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, when receiving an incoming call, an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the first electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may display a first screen 1110a. The electronic device <NUM> may display a call rejection object <NUM> (e.g., the call rejection object <NUM> of <FIG>), a second call reception object <NUM> (e.g., the second call reception object <NUM> of <FIG>), and sub call reception objects <NUM> (e.g., the sub call reception objects <NUM> of <FIG>) on the first screen 1110a.

According to an embodiment, when a short-range communication device is being connected to the electronic device <NUM> upon the reception of the incoming call, the electronic device <NUM> may display the second call reception object <NUM> corresponding to a short-range communication mode (e.g., Bluetooth) (e.g., an icon in which a call reception indication and an indication corresponding to Bluetooth are combined with each other) on the first screen 1110a. Furthermore, when a plurality of short-range communication devices (e.g., a headset, a wearable device, or a home speaker) are being connected to the electronic device <NUM> upon the reception of the incoming call, the electronic device <NUM> may display sub call reception objects 1115a, 1115b, and 1115c respectively corresponding to the connected short-range communication devices on the first screen 1110a based on priorities. The electronic device <NUM> may display a sub call reception object 1115d corresponding to the electronic device <NUM> in the last order. Because a method for determining priorities of the short-range communication devices displayed on the sub call reception objects <NUM> is the same or similar to the method for determining the priorities of the short-range communication devices displayed on the second call reception object <NUM> of <FIG>, a description thereof will be omitted.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may differently display locations of the sub call reception objects <NUM> in the determined priorities. For example, when the plurality of short-range communication devices (e.g., the headset, the wearable device, or the home speaker) are being connected to the electronic device <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may determine priorities of the plurality of short-range communication devices (e.g., a first priority ? the headset, a second priority ? the wearable device, and a third priority ? the home speaker) based on a priority determination criterion (e.g., whether the plurality of short-range communication devices are connected with the electronic device <NUM>, a distance between the plurality of short-range communication devices and the electronic device <NUM>, a history where the plurality of short-range communication devices are used, an order where the plurality of short-range communication devices are recently used, a frequency where the plurality of short-range communication devices are used, whether the plurality of short-range communication devices are worn, designation of a priority for each place of the plurality of short-range communication devices, or the like). The electronic device <NUM> may arrange the sub call reception objects 1115a, 1115b, and 1115c corresponding to the plurality of short-range communication devices from left to right or from top to bottom based on the priorities. Herein, this is merely illustrative, and the method for arranging the sub call reception objects 1115a, 1115b, and 1115c in the priorities is not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may display a second screen 1110b depending on a user input <NUM> (e.g., drag and drop for the icon). For example, when receiving the user input <NUM> for dragging and dropping the second call reception object <NUM> into the selected sub call reception object 1115c (e.g., the home speaker), the electronic device <NUM> may set a call path for the incoming call to the selected short-range communication device (e.g., the home speaker) and may display the second screen 1110b.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may display a connection display object <NUM>, which displays the connected short-range communication device (e.g., the home speaker), on the second screen 1110b. When there is a user input (e.g., touch) to the connection display object <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may release the call path set to the short-range communication device and may reset the call path to the electronic device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a drawing illustrating another example of a method for displaying a call reception object corresponding to a short-range communication device on a screen when an incoming call is received according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, when receiving an incoming call, an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the first electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may display a first screen 1210a. The electronic device <NUM> may display a call rejection object <NUM> (e.g., the call rejection object <NUM> of <FIG>), a first call reception object <NUM> (e.g., the first call reception object <NUM> of <FIG>), and a second call reception object <NUM> (e.g., the second call reception object <NUM> of <FIG>) on the first screen 1210a.

According to an embodiment, when one short-range communication device (e.g., a headset) is being connected to the electronic device <NUM> upon the reception of the incoming call, the electronic device <NUM> may display the second call reception object <NUM> corresponding to the connected short-range communication device (e.g., an icon in which a call reception indication and an indication corresponding to the headset are combined with each other) on the first screen 1210a.

According to an embodiment, when a plurality of short-range communication devices (e.g., a headset, a wearable device, a home speaker, or a car) are being connected to the electronic device <NUM> upon the reception of the incoming call, the electronic device <NUM> may display the second call reception object <NUM> corresponding to one short-range communication device (e.g., the headset) selected based on a priority among the connected short-range communication devices (e.g., an icon in which a call reception indication and an indication corresponding to the headset are combined with each other) on the first screen 1210a. Because a method for determining the priority of the short-range communication device displayed on the second call reception object <NUM> is the same or similar to the method for determining the priority of the short-range communication device displayed on the second call reception object <NUM> of <FIG>, a description thereof will be omitted.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may display a second screen 1210b depending on a user input <NUM> (e.g., touch move for the icon). For example, the electronic device <NUM> may set a call path for the incoming call to the selected short-range communication device (e.g., the headset) and may display the second screen 1210b.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may display a connection display object <NUM>, which displays the connected short-range communication device (e.g., the headset), on the second screen 1210b. When there is a user input (e.g., touch) to the connection display object <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may release the call path set to the short-range communication device and may reset the call path to the electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may display the first call reception object <NUM> together with the second call reception object <NUM> on the first screen 1210a. The call path when the incoming call is received may be set to the short-range communication device (e.g., the headset) selected based on the priority according to a default setting. When a user input for selecting the first call reception object <NUM> (e.g., touch move for the first call reception object <NUM>) is received, the electronic device <NUM> may release the call path set to the short-range communication device (e.g., the headset) and may reset the call path to the electronic device <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, when receiving an incoming call, an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the first electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may display a first screen 1310a. The electronic device <NUM> may display a call rejection object <NUM> (e.g., the call rejection object <NUM> of <FIG>), a first call reception object <NUM> (e.g., the first call reception object <NUM> of <FIG>), and second call reception objects <NUM> on the first screen 1310a.

According to an embodiment, when a plurality of short-range communication devices (e.g., a car or a headset) are being connected to the electronic device <NUM> upon the reception of the incoming call, the electronic device <NUM> may display second call reception objects 1314a and 1314b corresponding to the connected short-range communication devices on the first screen 1310a based on priorities. Because a method for determining priorities of the short-range communication devices displayed on the second call reception objects <NUM> is the same or similar to the method for determining the priorities of the short-range communication devices displayed on the second call reception object <NUM> of <FIG>, a description thereof will be omitted.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may differently display locations of the second call reception objects 1314a and 1314b base on priorities. For example, when the plurality of short-range communication devices (e.g., the car or the headset) are connected to the electronic device <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may determine priorities (e.g., a first priority ? the car and a second priority ? the headset) based on a predetermined priority determination criterion (e.g., a criterion where the car has a first priority, when the electronic device <NUM> is connected with the car and when a distance between the electronic device <NUM> and the car is less than or equal to a reference distance). The electronic device <NUM> may arrange the second call reception objects 1314a and 1314b corresponding to the plurality of short-range communication devices from left to right or from top to bottom based on the priorities. Herein, this is merely illustrative, and the method for arranging the second call reception objects 1314a and 1314b in the priorities is not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may display a second screen 1310b depending on a user input <NUM> (e.g., touch move for the icon). For example, the electronic device <NUM> may set a call path for the incoming call to the selected short-range communication device (e.g., the headset) and may display the second screen 1310b.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may display a connection display object <NUM>, which displays the connected short-range communication device (e.g., the headset), on the second screen 1310b. When there is a user input (e.g., touch) to the connection display object <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may release the call path set to the short-range communication device and may reset the call path to the electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may display the first call reception object <NUM> together with the second call reception objects <NUM> on the first screen 1310a. The call path when the incoming call is received may be set to the short-range communication device (e.g., the car) determined based on the priority according to a default setting. When a user input for selecting the first call reception object <NUM> (e.g., touch move for the first call reception object <NUM>) is received, the electronic device <NUM> may release the call path set to the short-range communication device (e.g., the car) and may reset the call path to the electronic device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of an electronic device when there is a connected short-range communication device when an incoming call is received, according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a description will be given of a case where there is a short-range communication device (e.g., the short-range communication devices <NUM> of <FIG>) which is already connected to an electronic device (e.g., the first electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>). When there is no short-range communication device connected to the electronic device, as shown in <FIG>, a first call reception object (e.g., an icon including only a call reception indication) may be displayed on a screen of the electronic device.

In operation <NUM>, when there is the connected short-range communication device (e.g., an electronic device connected over the first network <NUM> of <FIG>), the electronic device may receive an incoming call from another electronic device (e.g., the second electronic device <NUM> connected over the second network <NUM> of <FIG>).

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device may determine whether a plurality of short-range communication devices are being connected to the electronic device. According to an embodiment, when only one short-range communication device is being connected to the electronic device, the electronic device may perform operation <NUM>. Alternatively, when the plurality of short-range communication devices are being connected to the electronic device, the electronic device may perform operation <NUM>.

When only the one short-range communication device is being connected to the electronic device, in operation <NUM>, the electronic device may display a second call reception object corresponding to the connected short-range communication device (e.g., an icon in which a call reception indication and an indication corresponding to the connected short-range communication device are combined with each other) on its screen.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device may determine whether there is a history where a car is connected to the electronic device. According to an embodiment, the electronic device may set the history where the car is connected to the electronic device as a first priority condition. When there is the history where the car is connected to the electronic device, the electronic device may perform operation <NUM>. Alternatively, when there is no history where the car is connected to the electronic device, the electronic device may perform operation <NUM>.

When there is the history where the car is connected to the electronic device, in operation <NUM>, the electronic device may determine whether a distance from the car is less than or equal to a reference distance. According to an embodiment, the electronic device may identify the distance from the car based on terminal state information received from a server (e.g., the server <NUM> of <FIG>). For example, the reference distance may be determined on the basis of a state where the electronic device is located in the car. When the distance between the electronic device and the car is less than or equal to the reference distance, the electronic device may perform operation <NUM>. Alternatively, when the distance between the electronic device and the car is greater than the reference distance, the electronic device may perform operation <NUM>.

When the distance between the electronic device and the car is less than or equal to the reference distance, in operation <NUM>, the electronic device may display a second call reception object corresponding to the car (e.g., an icon in which a call reception indication and an indication corresponding to the car are combined with each other) on the screen.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device may determine whether the received incoming call is a video call. According to an embodiment, the electronic device may set whether it is able to execute the video call as a second priority condition. When the received incoming call is the video call, the electronic device may perform <NUM>. Alternatively, when the received incoming call is not the video call, the electronic device may perform operation <NUM>.

When the received incoming call is the video call, in operation <NUM>, the electronic device may determine whether there is a short-range communication device including a display among the connected short-range communication devices. As an embodiment, the electronic device may identify the short-range communication device including the display among the connected short-range communication devices based on the terminal state information. When there is the short-range communication device including the display, the electronic device may perform operation <NUM>. Alternatively, when there is no the short-range communication device including the display, the electronic device may perform operation <NUM>.

When there is the short-range communication device including the display, in operation <NUM>, the electronic device may display a call reception object corresponding to the short-range communication device including the display on the screen based on a priority. According to an embodiment, the electronic device may display a second call reception object corresponding to one short-range communication device selected among the short-range communication devices, each of which includes the display, on a screen based on a priority (e.g., an order according to a history where the short-range communication devices are used, an order according to a frequency where the short-range communication devices are used, an order where the short-range communication devices are near to the electronic device, or the like) on the screen. According to another embodiment, the electronic device may display all of the second call reception objects corresponding to the short-range communication devices, each of which includes the display, on the screen based on priorities. According to another embodiment, the electronic device may display the second call reception object (or second call reception objects) together with a first call reception object on the screen.

When the received incoming call is not the video call or when there is no the short-range communication device including the display, in operation <NUM>, the electronic device may determine whether there is a wearable device which is being worn. According to an embodiment, the electronic device may set whether there is the wearable device which is being worn as a third priority condition. The electronic device may determine whether there is a wearable device among the connected short-range communication devices. The electronic device may receive a variety of sensor information from the determined wearable device. The electronic device may determine whether the wearable device is worn, based on the sensor information. When there is the wearable device which is being worn, the electronic device may perform operation <NUM>. Alternatively, when there is no the wearable device which is being worn, the electronic device may perform operation <NUM>.

When there is the wearable device which is being worn, in operation <NUM>, the electronic device may display a second call reception object corresponding to the wearable device which is being worn (e.g., an icon in which a call reception indication and an indication corresponding to the wearable device are combined with each other) on the screen.

When there is no the wearable device which is being worn, in operation <NUM>, the electronic device may display a call reception object corresponding to the connected short-range communication device on the screen based on a priority. According to an embodiment, the electronic device may display the second call reception object corresponding to one short-range communication device selected based on a priority (e.g., an order according to a history where the short-range communication device is used, an order according to a frequency where the short-range communication device is used, an order where the short-range communication device is near to the electronic device, or the like) on the screen. According to another embodiment, the electronic device may display all of second call reception objects corresponding to the connected short-range communication devices on the screen based on priorities. According to another embodiment, the electronic device may display the second call reception object (or the second call reception objects) together with the first call reception object on the screen.

As described above, according to various embodiments, when the plurality of short-range communication devices are connected to the electronic device, the electronic device may determine an order where the connected short-range communication devices are connected to a call path, based on a predetermined priority. The electronic device may display one second call reception object or a plurality of second call reception objects on the screen in the determined order or may display the second call reception object (or the second call reception objects) together with the first call reception object on the screen. Thus, when receiving the incoming call, the electronic device may provide information about a call path suitable for an environment state of the user (e.g., a place, a distance from a short-range communication device, or the like).

As used herein, each of such phrases as "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" may include any one of, or all possible combinations of the items enumerated together in a corresponding one of the phrases. As used herein, such terms as "1st" and "2nd", or "first" and "second" may be used to simply distinguish a corresponding component from another, and does not limit the components in other aspect (e.g., importance or order). It is to be understood that if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to, with or without the term "operatively" or "communicatively", as "coupled with", "coupled to", "connected with", or "connected to" another element (e.g., a second element), it means that the element may be coupled with the other element directly (e.g., wiredly), wirelessly, or via a third element.

According to various embodiments disclosed in the disclosure, the electronic device may differently display a call reception object on a screen of the electronic device when receiving an incoming call, depending on whether there is a short-range communication device connected to the electronic device.

According to various embodiments disclosed in the disclosure, the electronic device may determine priorities of connected short-range communication devices depending on an environment state of the user, when the plurality of short-range communication devices are connected to the electronic device when receiving an incoming call, and may provide information about the short-range communication device suitable for the user environment.

In addition, various effects directly or indirectly ascertained through the disclosure may be provided.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>), comprising:
a first communication circuit configured to communicate with a plurality of short-range communication devices (<NUM>);
a second communication circuit configured to receive an incoming call;
a display (<NUM>); and
a processor (<NUM>) operatively connected to the first communication circuit, the second communication circuit, and the display (<NUM>), the processor (<NUM>) being configured to:
when receiving the incoming call via the second communication circuit, identify that the electronic device (<NUM>) is connected with the plurality of short-range communication devices (<NUM>) via the first communication circuit,
determine whether the received incoming call is a video call,
when the received incoming call is the video call:
determine at least one short-range communication device including a screen among the plurality of short-range communication devices,
determine whether the plurality of short-range communication devices include a car,
determine whether the car is driving at a specified speed or more,
when the car is driving at the specified speed or more, process the car as a short-range communication device not having a screen,
when the car is in a stopped state, recognize the car as one of the at least one short-range communication device including the screen,
determine one of the at least one short-range communication device including the screen as a first short-range communication device based on a priority, wherein the priority is determined based on predetermined priority determination criterion,
when the received incoming call is not the video call, determine one of the plurality of short-range communication devices as the first short-range communication device (<NUM>) based on the priority, and
control the display (<NUM>) to display only one call reception object on the display (<NUM>), wherein the call reception object is associated with the determined first short-range communication device.