Patent ID: 12213077

With regard to description of drawings, the same or similar denotations may be used for the same or similar components.

MODE FOR INVENTION

FIG.1is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device101in a network environment100according to various embodiments. Referring toFIG.1, the electronic device101in the network environment100may communicate with an electronic device102via a first network198(e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or an electronic device104or a server108via a second network199(e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may communicate with the electronic device104via the server108. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may include a processor120, memory130, an input device150, a sound output device155, a display device160, an audio module170, a sensor module176, an interface177, a haptic module179, a camera module180, a power management module188, a battery189, a communication module190, a subscriber identification module (SIM)196, or an antenna module197. In some embodiments, at least one (e.g., the display device160or the camera module180) of the components may be omitted from the electronic device101, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device101. In some embodiments, some of the components may be implemented as single integrated circuitry. For example, the sensor module176(e.g., a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, or an illuminance sensor) may be implemented as embedded in the display device160(e.g., a display).

The processor120may execute, for example, software (e.g., a program140) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device101coupled with the processor120, and may perform various data processing or computation. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or computation, the processor120may load a command or data received from another component (e.g., the sensor module176or the communication module190) in volatile memory132, process the command or the data stored in the volatile memory132, and store resulting data in non-volatile memory134. According to an embodiment, the processor120may include a main processor121(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)), and an auxiliary processor123(e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that is operable independently from, or in conjunction with, the main processor121. Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary processor123may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor121, or to be specific to a specified function. The auxiliary processor123may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the main processor121.

The auxiliary processor123may control at least some of functions or states related to at least one component (e.g., the display device160, the sensor module176, or the communication module190) among the components of the electronic device101, instead of the main processor121while the main processor121is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor121while the main processor121is in an active state (e.g., executing an application). According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor123(e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., the camera module180or the communication module190) functionally related to the auxiliary processor123.

The memory130may store various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor120or the sensor module176) of the electronic device101. The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., the program140) and input data or output data for a command related thereto. The memory130may include the volatile memory132or the non-volatile memory134.

The program140may be stored in the memory130as software, and may include, for example, an operating system (OS)142, middleware144, or an application146.

The input device150may receive a command or data to be used by other component (e.g., the processor120) of the electronic device101, from the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device101. The input device150may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

The sound output device155may output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device101. The sound output device155may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as playing multimedia or playing record, and the receiver may be used for an incoming calls. According to an embodiment, the receiver may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the speaker.

The display device160may visually provide information to the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device101. The display device160may include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector and control circuitry to control a corresponding one of the display, hologram device, and projector. According to an embodiment, the display device160may include touch circuitry adapted to detect a touch, or sensor circuitry (e.g., a pressure sensor) adapted to measure the intensity of force incurred by the touch.

The audio module170may convert a sound into an electrical signal and vice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio module170may obtain the sound via the input device150, or output the sound via the sound output device155or a headphone of an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device102) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly coupled with the electronic device101.

The sensor module176may detect an operational state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device101or an environmental state (e.g., a state of a user) external to the electronic device101, and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to an embodiment, the sensor module176may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

The interface177may support one or more specified protocols to be used for the electronic device101to be coupled with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device102) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly. According to an embodiment, the interface177may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

A connecting terminal178may include a connector via which the electronic device101may be physically connected with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device102). According to an embodiment, the connecting terminal178may include, for example, a HDMI connector, a USB connector, a SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

The haptic module179may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., a vibration or a movement) or electrical stimulus which may be recognized by a user via his tactile sensation or kinesthetic sensation. According to an embodiment, the haptic module179may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulator.

The camera module180may capture a still image or moving images. According to an embodiment, the camera module180may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

The power management module188may manage power supplied to the electronic device101. According to one embodiment, the power management module188may be implemented as at least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

The battery189may supply power to at least one component of the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the battery189may include, for example, a primary cell which is not rechargeable, a secondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell.

The communication module190may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device101and the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device102, the electronic device104, or the server108) and performing communication via the established communication channel. The communication module190may include one or more communication processors that are operable independently from the processor120(e.g., the application processor (AP)) and supports a direct (e.g., wired) communication or a wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the communication module190may include a wireless communication module192(e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module194(e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules may communicate with the external electronic device via the first network198(e.g., a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth™, wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or the second network199(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)). These various types of communication modules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or may be implemented as multi components (e.g., multi chips) separate from each other. The wireless communication module192may identify and authenticate the electronic device101in a communication network, such as the first network198or the second network199, using subscriber information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module196.

The antenna module197may transmit or receive a signal or power to or from the outside (e.g., the external electronic device) of the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the antenna module197may include an antenna including a radiating element composed of a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., PCB). According to an embodiment, the antenna module197may include a plurality of antennas. In such a case, at least one antenna appropriate for a communication scheme used in the communication network, such as the first network198or the second network199, may be selected, for example, by the communication module190(e.g., the wireless communication module192) from the plurality of antennas. The signal or the power may then be transmitted or received between the communication module190and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) other than the radiating element may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module197.

At least some of the above-described components may be coupled mutually and communicate signals (e.g., commands or data) therebetween 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)).

According to an embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device101and the external electronic device104via the server108coupled with the second network199. Each of the electronic devices102and104may be a device of a same type as, or a different type, from the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, all or some of operations to be executed at the electronic device101may be executed at one or more of the external electronic devices102,104, or108. For example, if the electronic device101should perform a function or a service automatically, or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device101, instead of, or in addition to, executing the function or the service, may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or the service. The one or more external electronic devices receiving the request may perform the at least part of the function or the service requested, or an additional function or an additional service related to the request, and transfer an outcome of the performing to the electronic device101. The electronic device101may provide the outcome, with or without further processing of the outcome, as at least part of a reply to the request. To that end, a cloud computing, distributed computing, or client-server computing technology may be used, for example.

FIG.2illustrates a P2P group205in a network environment200based on W-Fi Direct standards.

Referring toFIG.2, terminals (e.g.,201,202-1, and202-2) may refer to devices used by a user, which may include a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone or a tablet), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance. The terminals shown inFIG.2may include the same or similar components to an electronic device101shown inFIG.1and may perform the same or similar function to the electronic device101.

According to an embodiment, the terminals may create the P2P group205based on the Wi-Fi Direct standards. The P2P group205may include a 1:1 connection and may include a 1:n (where n is a natural number) connection. For example, the group owner201may be connected with the client202-1one to one and may be connected with the client202-1and the client202-2one to two. The number of clients connectable to the group owner201may be based on a capability of the group owner.

According to an embodiment, the group owner201may perform the same or similar function to a function of an AP, and the client202-1or202-2may perform the same or similar function to a function of an STA.

According to an embodiment, the group owner201and the clients202-1and202-2included in the P2P group205may perform wireless communication in a specified channel. An attribute of a channel may be based on a frequency band and a bandwidth. For example, the frequency band complying with institute of electrical and electronics engineers (IEEE) 802.11ac standards may include 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) and GHz, and the bandwidth may include 20 megahertz, (MHz) to 160 MHz. For another example, the frequency band complying with IEEE 802.11ad standards may include 60 GHz. For another example, the frequency band complying with IEEE 802.11ah standards may include less than 1 GHz (may be referred to as sub 1 GHz), and the bandwidth may include 1, 2, 4, and 8 MHz. The higher the frequency band, the more the data transfer rate may increase and the more the interference may decrease, but the more the coverage may decease and the more the power consumption may increase. The wider the frequency band, the more the data transfer rate may increase, but the more the power consumption may increase.

FIG.3illustrates a procedure flowchart300for creating a P2P group205.

Referring toFIG.3, an electronic device101and an external electronic device301may perform the same or similar function to terminals (e.g.,201,202-1, and202-2) shown inFIG.2. The electronic device101and the external electronic device301may create the P2P group205and may operate as a group owner (e.g.,201ofFIG.2) or a client (e.g.,202-1or202-2ofFIG.2).

In operation305, the electronic device101according to an embodiment may perform a P2P discovery procedure to identify presence of the external electronic device301. For example, the electronic device101may exchange a probe request message and a probe response message with the external electronic device301to identify the presence of the external electronic device301.

When the external electronic device301is identified, in operation310, the electronic device101according to an embodiment may perform a provision discovery exchange procedure to request the external electronic device301to connect. For example, the electronic device101may transmit a message (e.g., a provision discovery request message) requesting the external electronic device301to connect, and the external electronic device301may request triggering (e.g., connection request acknowledgment) from a user. When the input triggering the connection is received from the user, the external electronic device301may transmit a response message to the electronic device101.

When the provision discovery exchange procedure is performed, in operation315, the electronic device101according to an embodiment may perform a group owner (GO) negotiation procedure with the external electronic device301to determine a group owner (e.g.,201ofFIG.2) and a client (e.g.,202-1ofFIG.2). For example, the electronic device101and the external electronic device301may exchange a GO negotiation request message and a GO negotiation response message.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101and the external electronic device301may determine attribution of a P2P group (e.g., the P2P group205ofFIG.2) through the GO negotiation procedure. The attribution of the P2P group205may include a temporary group and a persistent group.

When the GO negotiation procedure is performed, in operation320, the electronic device101according to an embodiment may perform a provisioning procedure with the external electronic device301to exchange a credential. The credential may include information for encryption. For example, the credential may include at least one of an authentication type, an encryption type, a network key, or a service set identifier (SSID).

When the provisioning procedure is performed, the P2P group205between the electronic device101and the external electronic device301may be created. The electronic device101may perform wireless communication over a channel having a specified channel attribute with the external electronic device301. For example, the electronic device101may operate as a GO, and the external electronic device301may operate as a group client (GC). When operating as the GO, the electronic device101may set attribution of the group or may trigger a reconnection operation (e.g., operation410ofFIG.4).

Because the P2P group205is a group created to perform wireless communication between terminals without an AP, a security problem between terminals may occur. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101and the external electronic device301may determine the attribution of the P2P group205as a temporary group in the GO negotiation procedure to reduce risk of security. When the attribution of the P2P group205is the temporary group, after the connection between the electronic device101and the external electronic device301is terminated, the electronic device101and the external electronic device301may delete a profile of the P2P group205from a memory. The profile of the P2P group205may include at least one of, for example, identification information of the P2P group205, a credential, information of the electronic device101and the external electronic device301, or an operation mode (e.g., a group owner or client). To re-create the P2P group205with the external electronic device301, the electronic device101may perform the procedure shown inFIG.3again with the external electronic device301.

FIG.4illustrates a procedure flowchart400for re-creating a P2P group when operating as a persistent group.

Referring toFIG.4, in operation405, an electronic device101may perform a P2P discovery procedure with an external electronic device301(e.g.,305ofFIG.3).

When the external electronic device301is identified, in operation410, the electronic device101may perform a reconnection triggering procedure with the external electronic device301. For example, the electronic device101may exchange an invitation request message and an invitation response message. The invitation request message may include at least a portion of a profile of a P2P group205. For another example, the electronic device101may perform a provision discovery exchange procedure (e.g., an operation310ofFIG.3) with the external electronic device301. A provision discovery request message may include at least a portion of the profile of the P2P group205.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may determine attribution of the P2P group205as a persistent group to quickly perform reconnection after the connection with the external electronic device301is terminated. When the attribution of the P2P group205is the persistent group, after the connection between the electronic device101and the external electronic device301is terminated, the electronic device101and the external electronic device301may store the profile of the P2P group205in a memory. The electronic device101and the external electronic device301may omit a GO negotiation procedure (e.g., operation315) and a provisioning procedure (e.g., operation320) based on the stored profile of the P2P group205and may re-create the P2P group205, thus enhancing a connection speed.

FIG.5illustrates a signal sequence diagram500for changing a channel attribute according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.5, in operation505, an electronic device101may create a first P2P group based on a first channel attribute with an external electronic device301. For example, the electronic device101may perform operations305to320shown inFIG.3to create the first P2P group. The first channel attribute may include a first frequency band and a first bandwidth. The first frequency band may include one of, for example, sub 1 GHz, 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 60 GHz, and the first bandwidth may include one of, for example, 1 MHz to 8 MHz or 20 MHz to 160 MHz.

According to an embodiment when the first P2P group is generated, the electronic device101and the external electronic device301may perform wireless communication based on a profile of the first P2P group.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101and the external electronic device301may exchange data through the first P2P group. For example, the electronic device101and the external electronic device301may perform at least one of file sharing, screen mirroring, mobile printing, group chatting, or mobile tethering.

In operation510, the electronic device101according to an embodiment may detect that an event associated with power save occurs. The event associated with the power save may refer to an event which needs to reduce power consumption of the electronic device101. For example, when a data rate of a transmit signal or a receive signal between the electronic device101and the external electronic device301is less than a threshold during a specified time, when a screen of a display (e.g., a display device160ofFIG.1) of the electronic device101changes from an on-state to an off-state, when an application connected through the first P2P group (or run in the electronic device110and the external electronic device301through the first P2P group) ends or pauses, the electronic device101may detect that the event associated with the power save occurs. For another example, when a user input selecting a power save mode is received or when detecting that the external electronic device301enters the power save mode, the electronic device101may detect that the event associated with the power save occurs.

In operation515, the electronic device101may transmit a request message requesting to change a channel attribute to the electronic device301. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may determine to change a channel attribute to a second channel attribute, at least a portion of which differs from the first channel attribute. For example, when the second channel attribute includes a second frequency band and a second bandwidth, the second frequency band may be less than the first frequency band, the second bandwidth may be less than the first bandwidth, or the second frequency band may be less than the first frequency band and the second bandwidth may be less than the first bandwidth. The request message may include information associated with the second channel attribute.

According to an embodiment, the request message may include at least one of a generic advertisement service frame, an action frame, a data frame, or a control frame based on IEEE 802.11u standards.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may insert information requesting to change attribution of the P2P group from a temporary group to a persistent group into the request message. For example, the request message may include one bit information requesting to change the attribution of the P2P group. For another example, the request message may include at least a portion of a profile of the first P2P group. Although not illustrated inFIG.5, according to another embodiment, the electronic device101may transmit information requesting to change the attribution of the P2P group by means of a separate message.

In operation520, the second electronic device101may receive a response message from the external electronic device301. According to an embodiment, the response message may include information indicating accept or rejection of the request to change the channel attribute.

According to an embodiment, the response message may include information associated with a third channel attribute, at least a portion of which differs from the second channel attribute. For example, when the external electronic device301is unable to support the second channel attribute by a capability of the external electronic device301, it may determine the third channel attribute. When the third channel attribute includes a third frequency band and a third bandwidth, the third frequency band may be less than the first frequency band, the third bandwidth may be less than the first bandwidth, or the third frequency band may be less than the first frequency band and the third bandwidth may be less than the first bandwidth.

In operation525, the electronic device101and the external electronic device301may store the profile of the first P2P group in a memory (e.g., a memory130ofFIG.1) to operate as a persistent group. According to another embodiment, the electronic device101and the external electronic device301may perform operation530without performing operation525.

In operation530, the electronic device101and the external electronic device301may terminate the connection of the first P2P group.

In operation535, the electronic device101may create a second P2P group based on the second channel attribute (or the third channel attribute) with the external electronic device301. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may create a second P2P group depending on a connection scheme of a persistent group shown inFIG.4using the profile of the first P2P group to quickly create the second P2P group.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101and the external electronic device301may delete the profile of the first P2P group, which is stored in the memory, after the second P2P group is created.

Although not illustrated inFIG.5, according to another embodiment, the electronic device101and the external electronic device301may create the second P2P group using a profile (hereinafter referred to as “second profile”), at least a portion of which differs from a profile (hereinafter referred to as “first profile”) of the first P2P group. For example, in operation515, the electronic device101may transmit a request message including the second profile to the external electronic device301. In this case, the electronic device101and the external electronic device301may store the second profile in operation525and may create the second P2P group depending on the connection scheme of the persistent group using the second profile in operation530.

FIG.6illustrates an operational flowchart600of an electronic device101for changing a channel attribute to a second channel attribute according to various embodiments. The optional flowchart600ofFIG.6and operations of operational flowcharts described below may be performed by an electronic device101or a component (e.g., a processor120ofFIG.1) of the electronic device101.

Referring toFIG.6, in operation605, the electronic device101may create a first P2P group based on a first channel attribute with an external electronic device (e.g., an external electronic device301ofFIG.3). The first channel attribute may include, for example, a first frequency band and a first bandwidth.

In operation610, the electronic device101may detect that an event associated with power save occurs after the first P2P group is created.

In operation615, the electronic device101may transmit a message requesting to change a channel attribute to the external electronic device. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may request to change the channel attribute to a second channel attribute, at least a portion of which differs from the first channel attribute.

In operation620, the electronic device101may receive a response message from the external electronic device.

In operation625, the electronic device101may store a profile (e.g., a first profile ofFIG.5) of the first P2P group. For another example, the electronic device101may store a profile (e.g., a second profile ofFIG.5) to which at least a portion of the profile of the first P2P group is changed.

In operation630, the electronic device101may terminate the connection of the first P2P group. According to another embodiment, the electronic device101may perform operation635without terminating the connection of the first P2P group.

In operation635, the electronic device101may create the second P2P group based on the second channel attribute using the stored profile (e.g., the first profile or the second profile) and a connection scheme of a persistent group. For example, the electronic device101may perform operations405and410ofFIG.4.

FIG.7illustrates a graph700indicating a notice of absence (NoA) operation according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.7, when an electronic device101operates as a group owner (e.g., a group owner201ofFIG.2) and when an external electronic device301operates as a client (e.g., a client202-1or202-2ofFIG.2), the electronic device101may perform a NoA operation of not transmitting data to the external electronic device301during a specified duration. The electronic device101may perform the NoA operation to additionally reduce power consumption.

For example, the electronic device101may perform the NoA operation, after a first P2P group based on a first channel attribute is created. The first channel attribute may include, for example, a first frequency band705. The electronic device101may transmit a message indicating the NoA operation to the external electronic device301to perform the NoA operation. The message indicating the NoA may be, for example, a beacon signal or a probe response message. The beacon signal or the probe response message may include information associated with the NoA operation. The information associated with the NoA operation may include, for example, a timing of the NoA operation or scheduling information of the NoA operation. For another example, the message indicating the NoA may be a separate message.

During a period when the NoA operation is performed, the electronic device101and the external electronic device301may synchronize a duration where power consumption is reduced. For example, the electronic device101and the external electronic device301may operate in a non-active mode during a series of consecutive first durations (e.g.,715) from a specified first time point710. In the non-active mode, the electronic device101and the external electronic device301may fail to transmit data. During a series of consecutive second durations720, the electronic device101and the external electronic device301may operate in an active mode. In the active mode, the electronic device101and the external electronic device301may transmit data.

According to an embodiment, when a second P2P group is created in a second frequency band733, at least a portion of which differs from the first frequency band705, the electronic device101may perform the NoA operation after the second P2P group is created. For example, the electronic device101and the external electronic device301may operate in the non-active mode during a series of consecutive third durations765from a specified second time point760and may operate in the active mode during a series of consecutive fourth durations770. The length of the third duration may be the same or differ from the length of the first duration, and the length of the fourth duration may be the same or differ from the length of the second duration.

FIG.7illustrates the embodiment in which the NoA operation is newly triggered after the second P2P group is created. However, according to another embodiment, the electronic device101and the external electronic device301may create the second P2P group while the NoA operation is performed in the first P2P group. For example, when the second P2P group is created while performing the NoA operation in the first frequency band705, the electronic device101and the external electronic device301may change the frequency band to the second frequency band755during the same duration (e.g., the first duration and the second duration).

FIG.8illustrates an operational flowchart800of an electronic device101for changing a channel attribute to a first channel attribute according to various embodiments. Operations shown inFIG.8may be performed after operation635ofFIG.6.

Referring toFIG.8, in operation805, an electronic device101may detect that an event associated with power save ends after the second P2P group is created. For example, when a data rate of a transmit signal or a receive signal between the electronic device101and an external electronic device301is greater than or equal to a threshold during a specified time, when a screen of the display of the electronic device101changes from an off-state to an on-state, or when an application is run or played, the electronic device101may detect that the event associated with the power save ends. For another example, when a user input releasing a power save mode is received or when detecting that the external electronic device301releases the power save mode, the electronic device101may detect that the event associated with the power save ends.

In operation810, the electronic device101may transmit a second request message requesting to change a channel attribute to the external electronic device301. For example, the electronic device101may request the external electronic device301to change a second channel attribute to a first channel attribute. For another example, the electronic device101may request the external electronic device301to change the second channel attribute to a fourth channel attribute, at least a portion of which differs from the first channel attribute and the second channel attribute. When the fourth channel attribute includes a fourth frequency band and a fourth bandwidth, the fourth frequency band may be greater than the second frequency band, the fourth bandwidth may be greater than the second bandwidth, or the fourth frequency band may be greater than the second frequency band and the fourth bandwidth may be greater than the second bandwidth. According to an embodiment, the second request message may include information associated with the first channel attribute or information associated with the fourth channel attribute.

According to an embodiment, the second request message may include at least one of a generic advertisement service frame, an action frame, a data frame, or a control frame based on IEEE 802.11u standards.

In operation815, the electronic device101may receive a second response message from the external electronic device. According to an embodiment, the second response message may include information indicating accept or rejection of the request to change the channel attribute.

In operation820, the electronic device101may terminate the connection of the second P2P group, when receiving the second response message including accept information about the change in channel attribute. According to another embodiment, the electronic device101may perform operation825in response to receiving the second response message, without performing operation825.

In operation825, the electronic device101may create a first P2P group based on a first channel attribute with the external electronic device301using the stored profile (e.g., a first profile or a second profile ofFIG.5) and a connection scheme of a persistent group. For another example, the electronic device101may create a third P2P group based on the fourth channel attribute with the external electronic device301.

As described above, an electronic device (e.g.,101ofFIG.1) may include a display (e.g., at least a part of a display device160ofFIG.1), a memory (e.g.,130ofFIG.1), a wireless communication circuitry (e.g., at least a part of a wireless communication module192ofFIG.1) supporting a Wi-Fi Direct protocol, and a processor (e.g.,120ofFIG.1) operatively connected with the display, the memory, and the wireless communication circuitry, The processor may be configured to create a first group (e.g., a first P2P group ofFIG.1) based on a first channel attribute with an external electronic device (e.g.,301ofFIG.3), via the wireless communication circuitry, the first channel attribute including at least one of a frequency band or a bandwidth, detect that an event associated with power save occurs, transmit a first request message requesting to change the first channel attribute to a second channel attribute, at least a portion of which differs from the first channel attribute, to the external electronic device via the wireless communication circuitry, receive a first response message from the external electronic device via the wireless communication circuitry, store a profile of the first group in the memory, and create a second group (e.g., a second P2P group ofFIG.5) based on the second channel attribute with the external electronic device, using the profile of the first group and a connection scheme of a persistent group defined in the Wi-Fi Direct protocol.

According to an embodiment, the processor may be configured to detect that the event associated with the power save occurs, when a data rate of a transmit signal or a receive signal between the electronic device and the external electronic device is less than a threshold during a specified time, when a screen of the display changes from an on-state to an off-state, or when an application run in the electronic device and the external electronic device ends or pauses.

According to an embodiment, a frequency band of the second channel attribute may be less than a frequency band of the first channel attribute, a bandwidth of the second channel attribute may be less than a bandwidth of the first channel attribute, or the frequency band and the bandwidth of the second channel attribute may be less than the frequency band and the bandwidth of the first channel attribute.

According to an embodiment, the first request message may include information indicating to change group attribution of the first group from a temporary group to the persistent group.

According to an embodiment, the first response message may include information of a third channel attribute, at least a portion of which differs from the second channel attribute. The processor may be configured to create a third group based on the third channel attribute with the external electronic device, using the profile of the first group and the connection scheme of the persistent group.

According to an embodiment, the processor may be configured to, when the second group is created, perform wireless communication with the external electronic device using a NoA defined in the Wi-Fi protocol.

According to an embodiment, the processor may be configured to detect that the event associated with the power save ends, after the second group is created, transmit a second request message requesting to change the second channel attribute to the first channel attribute to the external electronic device, via the wireless communication circuitry, receive a second response message from the external electronic device via the wireless communication circuitry, terminate a connection of the second group, and create the first group with the external electronic device, using the profile of the first group and the connection scheme of the persistent group.

According to an embodiment, the first request message may include at least one of a generic advertisement service frame, an action frame, a data frame, or a control frame based on the Wi-Fi protocol.

According to an embodiment, the profile of the first group may include at least one of identification information of the first group, a credential of the first group, information of the external electronic device, or an operation mode in the first group.

As described above, a method of an electronic device (e.g.,101ofFIG.1) for supporting a Wi-Fi Direct protocol may include creating a first group (e.g., a first P2P group ofFIG.5) based on a first channel attribute including at least one of a frequency band and a bandwidth with an external electronic device, detecting that an event associated with power save occurs, transmitting a first request message requesting to change the first channel attribute to a second channel attribute, at least a portion of which differs from the first channel attribute, to the external electronic device based on the event, receiving a first response message from the external electronic device, storing a profile of the first group in a memory, and creating a second group (e.g., a second P2P group ofFIG.5) based on the second channel attribute with the external electronic device, using the profile of the first group and a connection scheme of a persistent group defined in the Wi-Fi protocol.

According to an embodiment, the detecting that the event associated with the power save occurs may include detecting that a data rate of a transmit signal or a receive signal between the electronic device and the external electronic device is less than a threshold during a specified time, detecting that a screen of a display of the electronic device changes from an on-state to an off-state, or detecting that an application run in the electronic device and the external electronic device ends or pauses.

According to an embodiment, a frequency band of the second channel attribute may be less than a frequency band of the first channel attribute, a bandwidth of the second channel attribute may be less than a bandwidth of the first channel attribute, or the frequency band and the bandwidth of the second channel attribute may be less than the frequency band and the bandwidth of the first channel attribute.

According to an embodiment, the first request message may include information indicating to change group attribution of the first group from a temporary group to the persistent group.

According to an embodiment, the method may further include, when the second group is created, performing wireless communication with the external electronic device using a NoA defined in the Wi-Fi protocol.

According to an embodiment, the method may further include detecting that the event associated with the power save ends, after the second group is created, transmitting a second request message requesting to change the second channel attribute to the first channel attribute to the external electronic device, receiving a second response message from the external electronic device, terminating a connection of the second group, and creating the first group with the external electronic device, using the profile and the connection scheme of the persistent group.

As described above, an electronic device (e.g.,101ofFIG.1) may include a display (e.g., at least a part of a display device160ofFIG.1), a wireless communication circuitry (e.g., at least a part of a wireless communication module192ofFIG.1) supporting a Wi-Fi Direct protocol, a processor (e.g.,120ofFIG.1) operatively connected with the display, and the wireless communication circuitry, and a memory (e.g.,130ofFIG.1) operatively connected with the processor. The memory may store instructions, when executed, causing the processor to create a first group (e.g., a first P2P group ofFIG.5) based on a first channel attribute including at least one of a frequency band and a channel bandwidth of an external electronic device, via the wireless communication circuitry, detect that an event associated with power save occurs, transmit a first request message requesting to change the first channel attribute to a second channel attribute, at least a portion of which differs from the first channel attribute, to the external electronic device via the wireless communication circuitry, the first request message including a second profile, at least a portion of which differs from a first profile associated with the first group, receive a first response message from the external electronic device via the wireless communication circuitry, store the second profile in the memory, and create a second group (e.g., a second P2P group ofFIG.5) based on the second channel attribute with the external electronic device, using the second profile and a connection scheme of a persistent group defined in the Wi-Fi protocol.

According to an embodiment, the instructions may cause the processor to detect that the event associated with the power save occurs, when a data rate of a transmit signal or a receive signal between the electronic device and the external electronic device is less than a threshold during a specified time, when a screen of the display changes from an on-state to an off-state, or when an application run in the electronic device and the external electronic device ends or pauses.

According to an embodiment, a frequency band of the second channel attribute may be less than a frequency band of the first channel attribute, a bandwidth of the second channel attribute may be less than a bandwidth of the first channel attribute, or the frequency band and the bandwidth of the second channel attribute may be less than the frequency band and the bandwidth of the first channel attribute.

According to an embodiment, the instructions may cause the processor to, when the second group is created, perform wireless communication with the external electronic device using a NoA defined in the Wi-Fi protocol.

According to an embodiment, the instructions may cause the processor to detect that the event associated with the power save ends, after the second group is created, transmit a second request message requesting to change the second channel attribute to the first channel attribute to the external electronic device, via the wireless communication circuitry, receive a second response message from the external electronic device via the wireless communication circuitry, terminate a connection of the second group, and create the first group with the external electronic device, using the second profile of the first group and the connection scheme of the persistent group.

The electronic device according to various embodiments may be one of various types of electronic devices. The electronic devices 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. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic devices are not limited to those described above.

It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technological features set forth herein to particular embodiments and include various changes, equivalents, or replacements for a corresponding embodiment. With regard to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. It is to be understood that a singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the things, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. 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.

As used herein, the term “module” may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may interchangeably be used with other terms, for example, “logic,” “logic block,” “part,” or “circuitry”. A module may be a single integral component, or a minimum unit or part thereof, adapted to perform one or more functions. For example, according to an embodiment, the module may be implemented in a form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Various embodiments as set forth herein may be implemented as software (e.g., the program140) including one or more instructions that are stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory136or external memory138) that is readable by a machine (e.g., the electronic device101). For example, a processor (e.g., the processor120) of the machine (e.g., the electronic device101) may invoke at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, and execute it, with or without using one or more other components under the control of the processor. This allows the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one instruction invoked. The one or more instructions may include a code generated by a complier or a code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Wherein, the term “non-transitory” simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device, and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but this term does not differentiate between where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where the data is temporarily stored in the storage medium.

According to an embodiment, a method according to various embodiments of the disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) online via an application store (e.g., PlayStore™), or between two user devices (e.g., smart phones) directly. If distributed online, at least part of the computer program product may be temporarily generated or at least temporarily stored in the machine-readable storage medium, such as memory of the manufacturer's server, a server of the application store, or a relay server.

According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include a single entity or multiple entities. According to various embodiments, one or more of the above-described components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, according to various embodiments, the integrated component may still perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components in the same or similar manner as they are performed by a corresponding one of the plurality of components before the integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by the module, the program, or another component may be carried out sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.