Patent ID: 8621254

Claim:
A method for operating an electronic device of a communication network that is controllable at least into a first operational state and a second operational state, the electronic device requiring a first amount of power when operating in the first operational state and a second amount of power when operating in the second operational state, the first amount of power being greater than the second amount of power, the method comprising: a first processing unit of the electronic device controlling the electronic device when the electronic device operates in the first operational state; a second processing unit controlling the electronic device when the electronic device operates in the second operational state such that the first processing unit and functional units of the electronic device implemented in circuitry of the electronic device are controlled into a state with reduced power consumption; when in the second operational state, monitoring at least one input unit of the electronic device, at least one activation unit of the electronic device, and at least one communication network interface unit of the electronic device to detect a first indication, the first indication indicating a need for a transition to the first operational state; and in response to detecting the first indication, switching the electronic device into the first operational state; when the electronic device is in the first operational state, monitoring the at least one input unit, the at least one activation unit, and the at least one communication network interface unit to detect a second indication, the second indication indicating when the electronic device is not in use for a telephone call and that no telephone call is being signaled by the electronic device; upon determining that the electronic device is not in use for a telephone call and that no telephone call is being signaled by the electronic device, switching the electronic device into the second operational state; and wherein the second processing unit performs the monitoring of the at least one input unit, the at least one activation unit, and the at least one communication network interface unit to detect the second indication and the second processing unit causes the switching of the electronic device into the second operational state upon determining that the electronic device is not in use for a telephone call and that no telephone call is being signaled by the electronic device.