Electronic device for operating a link and method of operation thereof

Abstract

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes communication circuitry and at least one processor operatively coupled to the communication circuitry. The at least one processor can be configured to identify whether a first communication link and a second communication link can be integrated based on first information associated with a first external device coupled via a first communication link and second information associated with a second external device coupled via a second communication link; in response to identifying that the first and second communication links can be integrated, to establish a common communication link with the first and second external devices; and to transmit data to the first and second external devices via the common communication link.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an electronic device for operating a link and a method of operating the same. Background Technology

[0002] In a wireless communication system, when establishing a communication link with an external electronic device, the electronic device can set connection intervals. The electronic device can perform communication with the external electronic device during each connection interval. The electronic device can send data to the external electronic device and can receive a signal from the external electronic device after a specific time period, indicating whether the data was successfully received.

[0003] The above information is presented as background information only to aid in understanding this disclosure. No determination or assertion is made regarding whether any of the above is applicable as prior art to this disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Technical issues

[0005] The aspects of this disclosure at least address the aforementioned problems and / or disadvantages, and at least provide the following advantages. Accordingly, one aspect of this disclosure is to provide an electronic device that improves the efficiency of communication links by integrating multiple communication links with external electronic devices.

[0006] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments.

[0007] Technical solutions

[0008] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes communication circuitry and at least one processor operatively coupled to the communication circuitry. The at least one processor may be configured to: identify whether a first communication link and a second communication link can be integrated based on first information associated with a first external device coupled via a first communication link and second information associated with a second external device coupled via a second communication link; establish a common communication link with the first external device and the second external device in response to identifying that the first and second communication links can be integrated; and transmit data to the first external device and the second external device via the common communication link.

[0009] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method performed by an electronic device is provided. The method may include: identifying whether a first communication link and a second communication link can be integrated based on first information associated with a first external device coupled via a first communication link and second information associated with a second external device coupled via a second communication link; establishing a common communication link with the first external device and the second external device in response to identifying that the first and second communication links can be integrated; and transmitting data to the first external device and the second external device via the common communication link.

[0010] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes communication circuitry and at least one processor operatively coupled to the communication circuitry. The at least one processor can be configured to transmit data to a first external device coupled via a first communication link, receive a response to the data from the first external device at a first response time, and identify whether the response is an acknowledgment (ACK) or a negative acknowledgment (NACK).

[0011] Beneficial effects of the invention

[0012] In the electronic device and method according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the efficiency of the communication links can be improved by integrating multiple communication links with external electronic devices.

[0013] Other aspects, advantages, and distinctive features of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of various embodiments disclosed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of specific embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 2 An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0017] Figure 3 The signal flow between an electronic device for establishing a communication link and a first external electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0018] Figure 4 The signal flow between an electronic device for adjusting response time and a first external electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0019] Figure 5 The signal flow between an electronic device and an external electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0020] Figure 6 An operation flow for an electronic device for integrating a communication link according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0021] Figure 7 An operational flow of an electronic device based on a response received from an external electronic device, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, is shown;

[0022] Figure 8 The signal flow between an electronic device and an external electronic device via an integrated communication link according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated;

[0023] Figure 9 The signal flow between an electronic device and an external electronic device via an integrated communication link according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated;

[0024] Figure 10 The signal flow between an electronic device and an external electronic device via an integrated communication link according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated;

[0025] Figure 11 The signal flow between an electronic device and an external electronic device via an integrated communication link according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated;

[0026] Figure 12 An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0027] Figure 13 The signal flow between an electronic device and an external electronic device via an integrated communication link according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated;

[0028] Figure 14 The signal flow between an electronic device and an external electronic device via an integrated communication link according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; and

[0029] Figure 15 The signal flow between an electronic device and an external electronic device via an integrated communication link according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0030] In all the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals will be understood to refer to similar parts, components and structures. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The following description, provided with reference to the accompanying drawings, is intended to aid in a full understanding of the various embodiments of this disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to aid understanding, but these are to be considered exemplary only. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the various embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Furthermore, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of well-known functions and structures may be omitted.

[0032] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to their literal meaning, but are used solely by the inventors to enable a clear and consistent understanding of this disclosure. Therefore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of this disclosure is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0033] It should be understood that the singular forms of “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly specifies otherwise. Thus, for example, referring to “the surface of a component” includes referring to one or more such surfaces.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 101 in a network environment 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Reference Figure 1 In network environment 100, electronic device 101 can communicate with electronic device 102 via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or with electronic device 104 or server 108 via a second network 199 (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, electronic device 101 can communicate with electronic device 104 via server 108. According to an embodiment, electronic device 101 may include a processor 120, memory 130, input module 150, sound output module 155, display module 160, audio module 170, sensor module 176, interface 177, haptic module 179, camera module 180, power management module 188, battery 189, communication module 190, user identification module (SIM) 196, or antenna module 197. In some embodiments, at least one of the above components (e.g., display module 160 or camera module 180) may be omitted from electronic device 101, or one or more other components may be added to electronic device 101. In some embodiments, some of the components described above may be implemented as a single integrated circuit. For example, sensor module 176 (e.g., fingerprint sensor, iris sensor, or illuminance sensor) may be implemented as embedded in display module 160 (e.g., display).

[0036] Processor 120 may run software (e.g., program 140) to control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of electronic device 101 connected to processor 120, and may perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or calculation, processor 120 may load commands or data received from another component (e.g., sensor module 176 or communication module 190) into volatile memory 132, process the commands or data stored in volatile memory 132, and store the resulting data in non-volatile memory 134. According to embodiments, processor 120 may include a main processor 121 (e.g., central processing unit (CPU) or application processor (AP)) and an auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., graphics processing unit (GPU), image signal processor (ISP), sensor hub processor, or communication processor (CP)) that is operationally independent of or combined with the main processor 121. Additionally or alternatively, auxiliary processor 123 may be adapted to consume less power than main processor 121, or adapted to be dedicated to a specific function. The auxiliary processor 123 can be implemented separately from the main processor 121, or it can be implemented as part of the main processor 121.

[0037] When the main processor 121 is inactive (e.g., in sleep mode), the auxiliary processor 123 (rather than the main processor 121) can control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device 101 (e.g., display module 160, sensor module 176, or communication module 190), or when the main processor 121 is active (e.g., running an application), the auxiliary processor 123 can work with the main processor 121 to control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device 101 (e.g., display module 160, sensor module 176, or communication module 190). According to embodiments, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) can be implemented as part of another component (e.g., camera module 180 or communication module 190) functionally associated with the auxiliary processor 123.

[0038] Memory 130 may store various data used by at least one component of electronic device 101 (e.g., processor 120 or sensor module 176). The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., program 140) and input or output data for commands associated with it. Memory 130 may include volatile memory 132 or non-volatile memory 134.

[0039] The program 140 may be stored as software in the memory 130, and the program 140 may include, for example, an operating system (OS) 142, middleware 144, or application 146.

[0040] The input module 150 can receive commands or data from outside the electronic device 101 (e.g., a user) that will be used by other components of the electronic device 101 (e.g., processor 120). The input module 150 may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus).

[0041] The sound output module 155 can output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device 101. The sound output module 155 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes such as playing multimedia or playing records, and the receiver can be used for incoming calls. According to an embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0042] Display module 160 can visually provide information to the outside of electronic device 101 (e.g., to a user). Display device 160 may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector, and control circuitry for controlling a respective one of the display, holographic device, and projector. According to an embodiment, display module 160 may include touch circuitry adapted to detect touch or sensor circuitry (e.g., a pressure sensor) adapted to measure the intensity of the force caused by touch.

[0043] The audio module 170 can convert sound into electrical signals and vice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio module 170 can obtain sound via the input module 150, or output sound via the sound output module 155 or headphones of an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102) that is directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly connected to the electronic device 101.

[0044] Sensor module 176 can detect the operating state of electronic device 101 (e.g., power or temperature) or the environmental state outside electronic device 101 (e.g., user state), and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to embodiments, sensor module 176 may include, for example, a gesture sensor, gyroscope sensor, atmospheric pressure sensor, magnetic sensor, accelerometer, grip sensor, proximity sensor, color sensor, infrared (IR) sensor, biometric sensor, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, or illuminance sensor.

[0045] Interface 177 may support one or more specific protocols used to enable electronic device 101 to connect directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly to external electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 102). According to embodiments, interface 177 may include, for example, a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, a Secure Digital Card (SD) interface, or an audio interface.

[0046] Connection end 178 may include a connector, through which electronic device 101 can be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102). According to embodiments, connection end 178 may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0047] The tactile module 179 can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or motion) or electrical stimuli that can be recognized by a user through his touch or kinesthesia. According to embodiments, the tactile module 179 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0048] Camera module 180 can capture images or moving images. According to an embodiment, camera module 180 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, an image signal processor, or a flash.

[0049] The power management module 188 manages the power supply to the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the power management module 188 may be implemented as at least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0050] Battery 189 can power at least one component of electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, battery 189 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable rechargeable battery, or a fuel cell.

[0051] Communication module 190 can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication channel between electronic device 101 and external electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 102, electronic device 104, or server 108), and perform communication via the established communication channel. Communication module 190 may include one or more communication processors capable of operating independently of processor 120 (e.g., application processor (AP)) and support direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication. According to embodiments, communication module 190 may include wireless communication module 192 (e.g., cellular communication module, short-range wireless communication module, or Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) communication module) or wired communication module 194 (e.g., local area network (LAN) communication module or power line communication (PLC) module). One of these communication modules can communicate with an external electronic device via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, or Infrared Data Association (IrDA)) or a second network 199 (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a cellular network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a wide area network (WAN))). These various types of communication modules can be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip) or as multiple components (e.g., multiple chips) that are separate from each other. The wireless communication module 192 can identify and verify the electronic device 101 in the communication network (such as the first network 198 or the second network 199) using user information (e.g., the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) stored in the user identification module 196.

[0052] Antenna module 197 can transmit or receive signals or power to or from the exterior of electronic device 101 (e.g., external electronic device). According to an embodiment, antenna module 197 may include an antenna comprising a radiating element formed of a conductive material or conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). According to an embodiment, antenna module 197 may include multiple antennas. In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication scheme used in a communication network (such as a first network 198 or a second network 199) can be selected from the multiple antennas by, for example, communication module 190 (e.g., wireless communication module 192). Signals or power can then be transmitted or received between communication module 190 and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment, additional components besides the radiating element (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally incorporated into antenna module 197.

[0053] At least some of the aforementioned components can be interconnected and communicate signals (e.g., commands or data) between them via an inter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., bus, general purpose input / output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industrial processor interface (MIPI)).

[0054] According to an embodiment, commands or data can be sent or received between electronic device 101 and external electronic device 104 via server 108 connected to a second network 199. Each of electronic device 102 and electronic device 104 can be a device of the same type as electronic device 101, or a device of a different type. According to an embodiment, all or some operations that would be performed on electronic device 101 can be performed on one or more of external electronic devices 102, external electronic devices 104, or server 108. For example, if electronic device 101 is required to automatically perform a function or service, or is required to perform a function or service in response to a request from a user or another device, electronic device 101 may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least a portion of the function or service, instead of running the function or service, or electronic device 101 may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least a portion of the function or service in addition to running the function or service. Upon receiving the request, the one or more external electronic devices may perform at least a portion of the requested function or service, or perform additional functions or services related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to electronic device 101. Electronic device 101 may provide the result as at least a partial response to the request, either with further processing or without further processing. For this purpose, technologies such as cloud computing, distributed computing, or client-server computing may be used.

[0055] The electronic device according to various embodiments can be one of a variety of types of electronic devices. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the electronic device is not limited to those described above.

[0056] Figure 2 An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0057] refer to Figure 2The electronic device 200 may include a first external electronic device 201 and a second external electronic device 203, which are of a type that can operate while being worn (or inserted) on the electronic device 101 and the user's body (e.g., the ear) (e.g., ear-wearable type). In embodiments, the first external electronic device 201 and the second external electronic device 203 may be one of an earphone, a headphone, a speaker, a television (TV), a headset, an audio device, a portable multimedia playback device, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a personal computer (PC), a laptop computer, a desktop computer, and an MPEG-1 audio layer 3 (MP3) player.

[0058] In an embodiment, the first external electronic device 201 may include a processor 210, a communication module 212, a sensor 214, an audio module 216, an input module 218, a memory 220, a battery 222, a power management module 224, or a combination thereof.

[0059] In this embodiment, processor 210 can provide overall control to the first external electronic device 201. Processor 210 can receive data from other components of the first external electronic device 201, interpret the received data, and calculate the interpreted data.

[0060] In an embodiment, the processor 210 can control the communication module 212 to enable the first external electronic device 201 to establish a communication link (e.g., Bluetooth pairing) with another electronic device (e.g., electronic device 101, second external electronic device 203).

[0061] In this embodiment, the communication link between electronic device 101 and the first external electronic device 201 can be referred to as the first communication link. In this embodiment, the communication link between electronic device 101 and the second external electronic device 203 can be referred to as the second communication link. In this embodiment, the communication link between the first external electronic device 201 and the second external electronic device 203 can be referred to as the third communication link.

[0062] In an embodiment, electronic device 101, first external electronic device 201, and second external electronic device 203 can be configured with a first wireless connection structure. In this embodiment, the first wireless connection structure can be configured such that a first communication link is established between electronic device 101 and the first external electronic device 201, and a third communication link is established between the first external electronic device 201 and the second external electronic device 203. In this embodiment, wireless communication can be implemented in such a way that electronic device 101 sends data to the first external electronic device 201, and the first external electronic device 201 sends data received from electronic device 101 to the second external electronic device 203.

[0063] In an embodiment, electronic device 101, first external electronic device 201, and second external electronic device 203 can be configured with a second wireless connection structure. In this embodiment, the second wireless connection structure can be configured such that a first communication link is established between electronic device 101 and the first external electronic device 201, and a second communication link is established between the first external electronic device 201 and the second external electronic device 203. In this embodiment, wireless communication can be implemented in the second wireless connection structure such that electronic device 101 sends data to the first external electronic device 201 via the first communication link and sends data to the second external electronic device 203 via the second communication link.

[0064] In an embodiment, electronic device 101, first external electronic device 201, and second external electronic device 203 can be configured with a third wireless connection structure. In this embodiment, the third wireless connection structure can be configured such that, with a first communication link established between electronic device 101 and the first external electronic device 201, and with a third communication link established between the first external electronic device 201 and the second external electronic device 203, the second external electronic device 203 monitors the first communication link to obtain data transmitted from electronic device 101 to the first external electronic device 201. In this embodiment, wireless communication can be implemented in such a way that electronic device 101 sends data to the first external electronic device 201, and the second external electronic device 203 monitors the first communication link to obtain the data.

[0065] In the embodiments, the first wireless connection structure, the second wireless connection structure, and the third wireless communication structure can be referred to as a Bluetooth Low Energy (AoBLE) topology. Although in Figure 2The first to third wireless connection structures are described in the present disclosure, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. In embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more external electronic devices may be included, and electronic device 101 may be configured to establish a wireless connection structure that directly or indirectly establishes a communication link with one or more external electronic devices.

[0066] In an embodiment, sensor 214 can detect the operating state of the first external electronic device 201 (e.g., power or temperature) or the environmental state outside the first external electronic device 201 (e.g., the user's state), and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. In an embodiment, sensor 214 may include a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an accelerometer, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an illuminance sensor, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, when the first external electronic device 201 is worn (or inserted) on the body, sensor 214 may be configured to be in close contact with at least a part of the body. In an embodiment, sensor 214 can identify events for generating advertising signals. In an embodiment, events for generating advertising signals may include wearing the first external electronic device 201, detaching it from the casing of the first external electronic device 201, user input, or a combination thereof.

[0067] In an embodiment, when a communication link is established with different electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 101, second external electronic device 203), the processor 210 can receive data from the different electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 101, second external electronic device 203) using the communication module 212. In an embodiment, the data received from the different electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 101) may include data including audio signals.

[0068] In one embodiment, processor 210 may provide data from various electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 101) to audio module 216. In another embodiment, audio module 216 may include a speaker. In yet another embodiment, audio module 216 may convert (e.g., decode) the provided data into an audio signal, and may output the converted audio signal through a speaker.

[0069] In an embodiment, processor 210 can receive data from different electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 101) using communication module 212, and can send responses to different electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 101) indicating whether the data has been received normally.

[0070] In this embodiment, the input module 218 can receive input from a user. In this embodiment, the input received from the user may be for controlling the volume of an audio signal output through the first external electronic device 201 or for reproducing the next song.

[0071] In one embodiment, the input module 218 may include a touchpad. In another embodiment, the input module 218 may detect touch input or hover input using the touchpad. In yet another embodiment, the input module 218 may include physical buttons.

[0072] In one embodiment, the input module 218 may provide the processor 210 with data indicating input received from the user.

[0073] In one embodiment, battery 222 can supply power to components of the first external electronic device 201. In another embodiment, battery 222 can be charged when the first external electronic device 201 is placed (or connected) to a designated charging device (e.g., a housing).

[0074] In one embodiment, the power management module 224 can manage the power supplied to the first external electronic device 201 via the battery 222. In another embodiment, the power management module 224 can be configured as at least a portion of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0075] In one embodiment, the power management module 224 can measure the power level of the battery 222 of the first external electronic device 201. In another embodiment, the power management module 224 can provide information about the power level to the processor 210. In yet another embodiment, the processor 210 can send information about the remaining power level of the battery 222 of the first external electronic device 201 to different electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 101).

[0076] In this embodiment, the second external electronic device 203 may be a device corresponding to the first external electronic device 201. In this embodiment, the processor 230, communication module 232, sensor 234, audio module 236, input module 238, memory 240, battery 242, and power management module 244 of the second external electronic device 203 may respectively correspond to the processor 210, communication module 212, sensor 214, audio module 216, input module 218, memory 220, battery 222, and power management module 224 of the first external electronic device 201.

[0077] Figure 3 The signal flow between an electronic device for establishing a communication link and a first external electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 3 The operation of electronic device 101 for establishing a communication link with first external electronic device 201 is described.

[0078] Reference Figure 3 In operation 301, an advertising signal can be sent from the first external electronic device 201 as a request to establish a communication link. In an embodiment, the advertising signal can be sent from the first external electronic device 201 based on a specified interval, wearing of the first external electronic device 201, detachment from the casing of the first external electronic device 201, power supply, or a combination thereof.

[0079] In one embodiment, advertising signals can be periodically transmitted from the first external electronic device 201. In another embodiment, the advertising signals can be periodically transmitted from the first external electronic device 201 in a broadcast or multicast manner.

[0080] In an embodiment, the advertising signal may include information for establishing a communication link with a neighboring electronic device (e.g., electronic device 101). In an embodiment, the advertising signal may include the identity information of the first external electronic device 201, user account information associated with the first external electronic device 201, current pairing information of the first external electronic device 201, a list of devices previously paired with the first external electronic device 201, information on the simultaneous pairing capability that the first external electronic device 201 can perform, the transmission power of the first external electronic device 201, the battery status information of the first external electronic device 201, the detection area of ​​the first external electronic device 201, the role information of the first external electronic device 201, information about the data to be received by the first external electronic device 201, or a combination thereof.

[0081] In operation 303, electronic device 101 can scan advertising signals to identify the first external electronic device 201. In an embodiment, electronic device 101 can scan advertising signals to identify the first external electronic device 201 based on a preset scanning interval. In an embodiment, when advertising signals are scanned, electronic device 101 can display a user interface (UI) on display device 160 for establishing a communication link with the first external electronic device 201. In an embodiment, the UI may include an object indicating the first external electronic device 201. In an embodiment, electronic device 101 can determine whether a communication link with the first external electronic device 201 has been established based on user input to the UI (e.g., accepting or rejecting the establishment of the link). In an embodiment, when the first external electronic device 201 is pre-paired, electronic device 101 can establish a communication link with the first external electronic device 201 regardless of user input.

[0082] In operation 305, electronic device 101 may send information related to a communication link to first external electronic device 201. In embodiments, the information related to the communication link may include information indicating transmission time points, access addresses, connection intervals, wait times, connection monitoring timeouts, response times, or combinations thereof. In embodiments, a transmission time point may be the time when electronic device 101 sends data to the first external electronic device 201 on the communication link to be established. In embodiments, an access address may be used to exclude packets of another physical packet. In embodiments, a connection interval may be the interval between periodic transmission time points between electronic device 101 and the first external electronic device 201. In embodiments, a wait time may be the number of times the connection is not released even if the first external electronic device 201 does not respond to data transmissions from electronic device 101. In embodiments, a connection monitoring timeout may be the period during which a connection is considered released when there is no valid data transmission / reception between electronic device 101 and the first external electronic device 201 within a specified time period. In embodiments, a response time may be the time required from after electronic device 101 sends data to the first external electronic device 201 until a response to the data is received. In this embodiment, the response time may be referred to as the inter-frame space (T_IFS). In this embodiment, T_IFS may be a fixed value assigned to the first external electronic device 201 (e.g., 150 μs).

[0083] In operation 309, electronic device 101 can send data to first external electronic device 201. In an embodiment, electronic device 101 can send data to first external electronic device 201 from transmission time point 307.

[0084] In operation 313, electronic device 101 can receive a response to data from first external electronic device 201. In an embodiment, electronic device 101 can send data and receive a response to data from first external electronic device 201 at response time 311. In an embodiment, the response to data can be an acknowledgment (ACK) indicating that first external electronic device 201 has successfully received data. In an embodiment, the response to data can be a negative ACK (NACK) indicating that first external electronic device 201 has not successfully received data.

[0085] In this embodiment, electronic device 101 and the first external electronic device 201 can communicate whether data has been received normally based on a Sequence Number (SN) and a Next Expected Sequence Number (NESN). In this embodiment, the SN can be a 1-bit information included in a Protocol Data Unit (PDU). In this embodiment, the NESN can be a 1-bit information included in a data channel PDU.

[0086] In one embodiment, the first external electronic device 201 can identify whether the data is a retransmission or the next data based on the SN and NESN. In another embodiment, if the SN and NESN are the same, the first external electronic device 201 can identify that the next data has been received. In yet another embodiment, if the next data is identified as received, the first external electronic device 201 can increment the NESN. In yet another embodiment, if the SN and NESN are different, the first external electronic device 201 can identify that the same data has been retransmitted.

[0087] In one embodiment, electronic device 101 can identify whether the received response is ACK or NACK based on the SN and NESN. In another embodiment, if the SN and NESN are different, electronic device 101 can identify the received response as ACK. In yet another embodiment, if the received response is identified as ACK, electronic device 101 can increment the SN and send the next data. In yet another embodiment, if the SN and NESN are the same, electronic device 101 can identify the received response as NACK. In yet another embodiment, if the received response is identified as NACK, electronic device 101 can retransmit the data.

[0088] Referring to the description above, electronic device 101 can perform communication in such a manner that data is sent to first external electronic device 201 and a response is received after a fixed T_IFS period. Therefore, when electronic device 101 needs to perform operations based on different wireless communications with high priority (e.g., Wi-Fi / Bluetooth coexistence) or operations based on the same wireless communications (e.g., Bluetooth concurrency) within a connection interval, communication with the first external electronic device 201 may not be completed within the connection interval. When the situation of electronic device 101 failing to complete communication with the first external electronic device 201 repeats, the same data is sent several times, resulting in a waste of resources for electronic device 101. Since this also leads to a deterioration in communication quality, a method for adjusting the response time relative to the first external electronic device 201 is needed.

[0089] Figure 4The signal flow between an electronic device for adjusting response time and a first external electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. When the electronic device 101 establishes a first communication link with the first external electronic device 201, in Figure 4 The process of adjusting the response time is described in the document.

[0090] In one embodiment, electronic device 101 and first external electronic device 201 can determine an adjusted response time 405. In another embodiment, electronic device 101 can determine the response time 405 based on the connection interval, the size of the data to be sent to the first external electronic device 201, the duration of WiFi / Bluetooth coexistence operation, the duration of Bluetooth concurrent operation, the battery state of the electronic device (e.g., electronic device 101, first external electronic device 201), whether the service is performed in real time, the size of the response, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the adjusted response time 405 can be shorter than the original response time (e.g., 150 μs). In another embodiment, the adjusted response time 405 can be longer than the original response time (e.g., 150 μs). In yet another embodiment, the adjusted response time 405 can be the maximum time within the connection interval during which electronic device 101 can send data to and receive a response from the first external electronic device 201.

[0091] In an embodiment, when a first communication link is established with the first external electronic device 201, the electronic device 101 can adjust the response time. For example, the electronic device 101 can insert information about the adjusted response time 405 into the information related to the communication link and send the resulting information to the first external electronic device 201. In an embodiment, the electronic device 101 can establish a first communication link with the first external electronic device 201 and then adjust the response time. In an embodiment, the electronic device 101 can establish a first communication link with the first external electronic device 201 and then adjust the response time based on a specific event. In an embodiment, if the number of times the same data is retransmitted to the first external electronic device 201 is greater than or equal to a specified value (e.g., 3), the electronic device 101 can adjust the response time. In an embodiment, the electronic device 101 can adjust the response time by sending a link change message to the first external electronic device 201. In an embodiment, the link change message may include information about the adjusted response time 405.

[0092] Reference Figure 4 In operation 401, electronic device 101 can send data to first external electronic device 201 via the first communication link.

[0093] In operation 403, electronic device 101 can process WiFi data traffic. In an embodiment, electronic device 101 can process WiFi data traffic within an adjusted response time 405. In an embodiment, the time for processing WiFi data traffic can be shorter than the adjusted response time 405. That is, within the adjusted response time 405, electronic device 101 can process WiFi data traffic with a higher priority than the response of the first external electronic device 201.

[0094] In operation 407, electronic device 101 can receive a response to data from first external electronic device 201. In an embodiment, electronic device 101 can send data and receive a response to data from first external electronic device 201 within an adjusted response time 405. In an embodiment, the response can be an ACK indicating that data was received normally. In an embodiment, the response can be a NACK indicating that data was not received normally.

[0095] Referring to the above description, the electronic device 101 can adjust its response time (e.g., T_IFS). That is, the electronic device 101 can flexibly adjust its response time as needed, rather than communicating with the first external electronic device 201 with a fixed response time (e.g., 150 μs). Therefore, in the event that communication with the first external electronic device 201 is incomplete, the electronic device 101 can adjust its response time to avoid wasting resources and degrading communication quality.

[0096] Figure 5 The signal flow between an electronic device and an external electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. Figure 5 The text describes the operation of electronic device 101 sending / receiving data relative to external electronic devices (e.g., first external electronic device, second external electronic device, third external electronic device, and fourth external electronic device) via corresponding communication links (e.g., first communication link, second communication link, third communication link, and fourth communication link).

[0097] Reference Figure 5 In operation 501, electronic device 101 can send data to a first external electronic device via the first communication link. In operation 505, electronic device 101 can send data and receive a response to the data from the first external electronic device via the first communication link at a response time 503. In an embodiment, the response time 503 can be a specified time (e.g., 150 μs).

[0098] In operation 507, electronic device 101 can send data to a second external electronic device via the second communication link. In operation 511, electronic device 101 can send data and receive a response to the data from the second external electronic device via the second communication link at a response time 509. In an embodiment, the response time 509 can be a specified time (e.g., 150 μs).

[0099] In operation 513, electronic device 101 can send data to a third external electronic device via the third communication link. In operation 517, electronic device 101 can send data and receive a response to the data from the third external electronic device via the third communication link at a response time 515. In an embodiment, the response time 515 can be a specified time (e.g., 150 μs).

[0100] In operation 519, electronic device 101 can send data to a fourth external electronic device via the fourth communication link. In operation 523, electronic device 101 can send data and receive a response to the data from the fourth external electronic device via the fourth communication link at a response time 521. In an embodiment, the response time 521 can be a specified time (e.g., 150 μs).

[0101] Referring to the above description, electronic device 101 can perform communication by sending data to each external electronic device and receiving a response from each external electronic device. Therefore, since the same data is sent multiple times, the connection interval increases, and the resources of electronic device 101 are wasted. Furthermore, since the overall quality deteriorates when any of the multiple communication links deteriorates, a method for integrating communication links with external electronic devices is needed.

[0102] Figure 6 An operation flow for an electronic device for integrating a communication link according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Figure 6 The operation of electronic device 101 for integrating a communication link with external electronic devices is described in the document. Figure 6 The text assumes that electronic device 101 establishes a communication link with an external electronic device, either directly or indirectly.

[0103] refer to Figure 6In operation 610, electronic device 101 can receive information required for the integrated communication link. In an embodiment, the information required for the integrated communication link may be included in an advertising signal transmitted from an external electronic device. In an embodiment, if the information required for the integrated communication link is not included in the advertising signal, electronic device 101 can receive the information required for the integrated communication link through a communication link established with the external electronic device. In an embodiment, in the case of a second wireless connection structure, electronic device 101 can receive information required for the integrated communication link of an external electronic device (e.g., first external electronic device 201, second external electronic device 203) through a corresponding communication link (e.g., first communication link, second communication link). In an embodiment, in the case of a first wireless connection structure or a third wireless connection structure, electronic device 101 can receive information required for the integrated communication link of another external electronic device (e.g., second external electronic device 203) from one of the external electronic devices (e.g., first external electronic device 201). In an embodiment, the information required to integrate the communication link may include information about the data that the external electronic device can receive, information about the services performed by the external electronic device (e.g., audio services), information about the roles performed by the external electronic device (e.g., left audio role, right audio role), or a combination thereof.

[0104] In operation 620, electronic device 101 can identify whether a communication link can be integrated. In an embodiment, electronic device 101 can identify whether a communication link with an external electronic device can be integrated based on information required to integrate the communication link. In an embodiment, if the external electronic device can receive the same data, electronic device 101 can identify that a communication link with the external electronic device can be integrated. In an embodiment, if the external electronic devices perform the same service, electronic device 101 can identify that a communication link with the external electronic device can be integrated. For example, if all external electronic devices perform an audio service for reproducing audio content, electronic device 101 can identify that a communication link with the external electronic devices can be integrated. In an embodiment, if the external electronic devices perform the same role, electronic device 101 can identify that a communication link with the external electronic devices can be integrated. For example, if all external electronic devices reproduce audio content in the same role (e.g., to the right or to the left), electronic device 101 can identify that a communication link with the external electronic devices can be integrated.

[0105] In one embodiment, if the communication link can be integrated, the electronic device 101 can perform operation 603. In another embodiment, if the communication link cannot be integrated, the electronic device 101 can be based on... Figure 6 End operation.

[0106] In operation 630, electronic device 101 can establish an integrated communication link with an external electronic device. In an embodiment, electronic device 101 can establish the integrated communication link by allowing other communication links to operate in the same manner as their counterparts while maintaining one of the existing communication links with the external electronic device. In an embodiment, electronic device 101 can establish an integrated communication link different from the existing communication link with the external electronic device. Meanwhile, although in Figure 6 The premise described herein is the establishment of a communication link directly or indirectly with an external electronic device; however, situations where no communication link is established with some electronic devices may also be included in the embodiments of this disclosure. In an embodiment, electronic device 101 can receive advertising signals from an external electronic device for establishing a communication link. In an embodiment, electronic device 101 can assign the access address of a pre-established communication link to an external electronic device that has already sent an advertising signal, and can send information about the response time, thereby establishing an integrated communication link.

[0107] In one embodiment, electronic device 101 can determine the response time of each external electronic device. In another embodiment, electronic device 101 can determine the response time of each external electronic device based on the size of the data to be jointly transmitted to the external electronic devices, the duration of WiFi / Bluetooth coexistence operation, the duration of Bluetooth concurrent operation, battery status, whether the service is performed in real time, the size of the response, or a combination thereof.

[0108] In one embodiment, electronic device 101 can establish an integrated communication link by sending information related to the integrated communication link to external electronic devices. In another embodiment, the information related to the integrated communication link may include information indicating the transmission time point, access address, connection interval, latency, connection monitoring timeout, response time, or a combination thereof for each external electronic device.

[0109] In operation 640, electronic device 101 can send common data to external electronic devices via an integrated communication link. That is, since electronic device 101 sends data to external electronic devices all at once via the integrated communication link, the efficiency of the communication link can be higher than that of sending data via each communication link individually.

[0110] although Figure 6Although not shown, electronic device 101 can adjust at least one of the response times after establishing an integrated communication link. In an embodiment, after establishing an integrated communication link with an external electronic device, electronic device 101 can adjust at least one of the response times based on a specific event. In an embodiment, if the number of times the same data is retransmitted to the external electronic device via the integrated communication link is greater than or equal to a specified value (e.g., 3), electronic device 101 can determine that one of the response times needs to be adjusted. In an embodiment, during the transmission of the same data, electronic device 101 can determine to adjust the response time of an external electronic device that has already sent a NACK. In an embodiment, electronic device 101 can send a link change message to the external electronic device corresponding to the determination of at least one response time to be adjusted. In an embodiment, the link change message may include information about the adjusted response time.

[0111] Figure 7 An operational flow of an electronic device based on a response received from an external electronic device, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, is shown. Figure 7 The operation of electronic device 101 is described in the document, which is used to determine the data to be transmitted in the next transmission opportunity based on a response received from an external electronic device included in the integrated communication link.

[0112] refer to Figure 7 In operation 710, electronic device 101 can receive responses to first data from external electronic devices included in the integrated communication link. In an embodiment, electronic device 101 may sequentially receive responses to the first data from the external electronic devices included in the integrated communication link at each response time. In an embodiment, each response time may be the time interval between the point in time when electronic device 101 sends data to the external electronic device and the point in time when it receives a response from the external electronic device. In an embodiment, the received response may be an ACK indicating that the first data was received normally or a NACK indicating that the first data was not received. In an embodiment, the corresponding response times of the external electronic devices may be different from each other.

[0113] In operation 720, electronic device 101 can identify whether all responses to the first data received from external electronic devices included in the integrated communication link are ACKs.

[0114] In one embodiment, if all responses to the received first data are ACK, then electronic device 101 can perform operation 760. In another embodiment, if at least one of the responses to the received first data is NACK, then electronic device 101 can perform operation 730.

[0115] In operation 730, electronic device 101 can identify whether at least one ACK has been received individually from an external electronic device included in the integrated communication link. In an embodiment, electronic device 101 can identify whether at least one ACK has been received individually from an external electronic device included in the integrated communication link in the presence of at least one retransmission.

[0116] In one embodiment, if at least one ACK is received individually from an external electronic device included in the integrated communication link, electronic device 101 may perform operation 760. In another embodiment, if at least one ACK is not received individually from an external electronic device included in the integrated communication link, electronic device 101 may perform operation 740.

[0117] In operation 740, electronic device 101 can identify whether the retransmission time has elapsed. In an embodiment, the retransmission time can be the period during which electronic device 101 abandons transmitting the first data regardless of ACK reception and transmits the second data as the next data. In an embodiment, the retransmission time can be the interval between the time when the first data was transmitted and any time point greater than or equal to the connection interval.

[0118] In one embodiment, if the retransmission time has elapsed, the electronic device 101 may perform operation 760. In another embodiment, if the retransmission time has not elapsed, the electronic device 101 may perform operation 750.

[0119] In operation 750, electronic device 101 may retransmit the first data to external electronic devices included in the integrated communication link. That is, if no ACK is received from each of the external electronic devices included in the integrated communication link and no retransmission has been performed, electronic device 101 may retransmit the first data.

[0120] In operation 760, electronic device 101 may send second data as next data to external electronic devices included in the integrated communication link. In one embodiment, electronic device 101 may send the second data as next data if all responses received from the external electronic devices included in the integrated communication link are ACKs. In another embodiment, electronic device 101 may send the second data as next data if at least one of the responses received from the external electronic devices included in the integrated communication link is an ACK. In yet another embodiment, electronic device 101 may send the second data as next data even if no ACK is received from the external electronic devices included in the integrated communication link, after the retransmission time has elapsed.

[0121] Figure 8 The diagram illustrates the signal flow between an electronic device and an external electronic device via an integrated communication link according to an embodiment of this disclosure. This is for performing... Figure 7The operation of the electronic devices 101 of the 720 and 760 is in Figure 8 As described in the text. Figure 8 The paper assumes that electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 101, first external electronic device 201 and second external electronic device 203) establish an integrated communication link in one of the first wireless connection structure, the second wireless connection structure and the third wireless connection structure.

[0122] In the embodiments, the first external electronic device 201 and the second external electronic device 203 may be one of the following types of devices that are operable when worn (or inserted) on the user's body (e.g., ears): headphones, headsets, speakers, TVs, headband headphones, audio devices, portable multimedia playback devices, smartphones, tablets, PCs, laptops, desktop computers, and MP3 players.

[0123] In an embodiment, the data sent from the electronic device 101 (e.g., first data, second data) may consist of a field including at least one of a preamble, an access address, a Protocol Data Unit (PDU), a Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC), and a Message Integrity Check (MIC).

[0124] refer to Figure 8 In operation 803, electronic device 101 can transmit first data via an integrated communication link. In an embodiment, electronic device 101 can transmit the first data to a first external electronic device 201 and a second external electronic device 203 via the integrated communication link at a first transmission time point 801. In an embodiment, the first transmission time point 801 can be one of the transmission time point of the first communication link with the first external electronic device 201 before integration, the transmission time point of the second communication link with the second external electronic device 203 before integration, or a newly defined transmission time point.

[0125] In operation 807, electronic device 101 can receive a response to the first data from first external electronic device 201 via an integrated communication link. In an embodiment, electronic device 101 can send the first data and can receive a response to the first data from first external electronic device 201 via the integrated communication link at a first response time 805. In an embodiment, the response to the first data received from first external electronic device 201 can be ACK or NACK.

[0126] In operation 811, electronic device 101 can receive a response to the first data from second external electronic device 203 via an integrated communication link. In an embodiment, electronic device 101 can send the first data and can receive a response to the first data from second external electronic device 203 via the integrated communication link at a second response time 809. In an embodiment, the response to the first data received from second external electronic device 203 can be ACK or NACK.

[0127] In one embodiment, electronic device 101 can identify whether a received response is ACK or NACK based on the SN and NESN. In another embodiment, if the SN and NESN included in the response to the first data are different, electronic device 101 can identify the received response as ACK. In another embodiment, if the received response is identified as ACK, electronic device 101 can send second data by adding the SN included in the second data to indicate that the next data is to be sent to the first external electronic device 201 and the second external electronic device 203. In another embodiment, if the SN and NESN included in the response to the first data are the same, electronic device 101 can identify the received response as NACK. In another embodiment, if the received response is identified as NACK, electronic device 101 can send first data with an unchanged SN to indicate that the same first data is retransmitted to the first external electronic device 201 and the second external electronic device 203.

[0128] In operation 817, if all responses to the first data are specified responses (e.g., ACK), electronic device 101 may send the second data as the next data at the next transmission opportunity (e.g., second transmission time point 815). In an embodiment, if all responses from the first external electronic device 201 and the second external electronic device 203 are specified responses (e.g., ACK), electronic device 101 may send the second data as the next data to the first external electronic device 201 and the second external electronic device 203 at the next transmission opportunity (e.g., second transmission time point 815). In an embodiment, the SN and NESN included in the second data may be the same value. That is, electronic device 101 may not retransmit the first data because the ACK is received from all external electronic devices included in the integrated communication link. In an embodiment, the second transmission time point 815 may be a time point elapsed from the first transmission time point 801 through the connection interval 813. In another embodiment, the second transmission time point 815 may be any time point within the connection interval 813 starting from the first transmission time point 801.

[0129] Despite Figure 8Two external electronic devices are shown (e.g., first external electronic device 201, second external electronic device 203), but this is merely exemplary. In embodiments, electronic device 101 may establish integrated communication links with at least three external electronic devices.

[0130] Figure 9 The signal flow between an electronic device and an external electronic device via an integrated communication link according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. Figure 9 The document describes the method for execution. Figure 7 The operation of electronic devices 101 of 720 and 750. Figure 9 The paper assumes that electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 101, first external electronic device 201 and second external electronic device 203) establish an integrated communication link in one of the first wireless connection structure, the second wireless connection structure and the third wireless connection structure.

[0131] In the embodiments, the first external electronic device 201 and the second external electronic device 203 may be one of the following types of devices that are operable when worn (or inserted) on the user's body (e.g., ears): headphones, headsets, speakers, TVs, headband headphones, audio devices, portable multimedia playback devices, smartphones, tablets, PCs, laptops, desktop computers, and MP3 players.

[0132] In an embodiment, the data (e.g., first data) sent from the electronic device 101 may consist of a field including at least one of a preamble, a protocol data unit (PDU), a cyclic redundancy check (CRC), and a message integrity check (MIC).

[0133] Reference Figure 9 In operation 903, electronic device 101 can transmit first data via an integrated communication link. In an embodiment, electronic device 101 can transmit the first data to a first external electronic device 201 and a second external electronic device 203 via the integrated communication link at a first transmission time point 901. In an embodiment, the first transmission time point 901 can be one of the transmission time point of the first communication link with the first external electronic device 201 before integration, the transmission time point of the second communication link with the second external electronic device 203 before integration, or a newly defined transmission time point.

[0134] In operation 907, electronic device 101 can receive a response to the first data from first external electronic device 201 via an integrated communication link. In an embodiment, electronic device 101 can send the first data and can receive a response to the first data from first external electronic device 201 via the integrated communication link at a first response time 905. In an embodiment, the response to the first data received from first external electronic device 201 can be ACK or NACK.

[0135] In operation 911, electronic device 101 can receive a response to the first data from second external electronic device 203 via an integrated communication link. In an embodiment, electronic device 101 can send the first data and can receive a response to the first data from second external electronic device 203 via the integrated communication link at a second response time 909. In an embodiment, the response to the first data received from second external electronic device 203 can be ACK or NACK.

[0136] In one embodiment, electronic device 101 can identify whether a received response is ACK or NACK based on the SN and NESN. In another embodiment, if the SN and NESN included in the response to the first data are different, electronic device 101 can identify the received response as ACK. In another embodiment, if the received response is identified as ACK, electronic device 101 can send second data by adding the SN included in the second data to indicate that the next data is to be sent to the first external electronic device 201 and the second external electronic device 203. In another embodiment, if the SN and NESN included in the response to the first data are the same, electronic device 101 can identify the received response as NACK. In another embodiment, if the received response is identified as NACK, electronic device 101 can send first data with an unchanged SN to indicate that the same first data is retransmitted to the first external electronic device 201 and the second external electronic device 203.

[0137] In operation 917, if at least one of the responses to the first data is a specified response (e.g., NACK), electronic device 101 may retransmit the first data at the next transmission opportunity (e.g., second transmission time point 915). In an embodiment, if at least one of the responses from the first external electronic device 201 and the second external electronic device 203 is a specified response (e.g., NACK), electronic device 101 may retransmit the first data to the first external electronic device 201 and the second external electronic device 203 at the next transmission opportunity (e.g., second transmission time point 915). In an embodiment, SN and NESN included in the second data may be different values. That is, if at least one of the responses to the first data from the first external electronic device 201 and the second external electronic device 203 is NACK, electronic device 101 may retransmit the first data because the first external electronic device 201 or the second external electronic device 203 did not receive the first data normally. In an embodiment, the second transmission time point 915 may be the time point elapsed from the first transmission time point 901 after a connection interval 913. In another embodiment, the second transmission time point 915 can be any time point within the connection interval 913 starting from the first transmission time point 901.

[0138] Despite Figure 9 Two external electronic devices are shown (e.g., first external electronic device 201, second external electronic device 203), but this is merely exemplary. In embodiments, electronic device 101 may establish integrated communication links with at least three external electronic devices.

[0139] Figure 10 The signal flow between an electronic device and an external electronic device via an integrated communication link according to an embodiment of this disclosure is illustrated. Figure 10 The document describes the method for execution. Figure 7 The operation of electronic devices 101 of 730 and 760. Figure 10 The paper assumes that electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 101, first external electronic device 201 and second external electronic device 203) establish an integrated communication link in one of the first wireless connection structure, the second wireless connection structure and the third wireless connection structure.

[0140] In the embodiments, the first external electronic device 201 and the second external electronic device 203 may be one of the following types of devices that are operable when worn (or inserted) on the user's body (e.g., ears): headphones, headsets, speakers, TVs, headband headphones, audio devices, portable multimedia playback devices, smartphones, tablets, PCs, laptops, desktop computers, and MP3 players.

[0141] In an embodiment, the data sent from the electronic device 101 (e.g., first data, second data) may consist of a field including at least one of a preamble, an access address, a protocol data unit (PDU), a cyclic redundancy check (CRC), and a message integrity check (MIC).

[0142] because Figure 10 The reference numerals 1001 to 1017 and Figure 9 The reference numerals 901 to 917 are the same, therefore their description will be omitted below.

[0143] Reference Figure 10 In operation 1021, electronic device 101 can receive a response to retransmitted first data from first external electronic device 201 via an integrated communication link. In an embodiment, electronic device 101 can retransmit the first data and can receive a response to the retransmitted first data from first external electronic device 201 via the integrated communication link at a first response time 1019. In an embodiment, the response to the retransmitted first data received from first external electronic device 201 can be ACK or NACK.

[0144] In operation 1025, electronic device 101 can receive a response to the retransmitted first data from second external electronic device 203 via an integrated communication link. In an embodiment, electronic device 101 can retransmit the first data and can receive a response to the retransmitted first data from second external electronic device 203 at a second response time 1023. In an embodiment, the response to the retransmitted first data received from second external electronic device 203 can be ACK or NACK.

[0145] In one embodiment, electronic device 101 can identify whether a received response is ACK or NACK based on the SN and NESN. In another embodiment, if the SN and NESN included in the response to the first data are different, electronic device 101 can identify the received response as ACK. In another embodiment, if the received response is identified as ACK, electronic device 101 can send second data by adding the SN included in the second data to indicate that the next data is to be sent to the first external electronic device 201 and the second external electronic device 203. In another embodiment, if the SN and NESN included in the response to the first data are the same, electronic device 101 can identify the received response as NACK. In another embodiment, if the received response is identified as NACK, electronic device 101 can send first data with an unchanged SN to indicate that the same first data is retransmitted to the first external electronic device 201 and the second external electronic device 203.

[0146] In operation 1031, if at least one specified response (e.g., ACK) is received from each external electronic device for the first data, electronic device 101 may transmit the second data as the next data at the next transmission opportunity (e.g., the third transmission time point 1029). In an embodiment, if at least one of the responses to the first data from the first external electronic device 201 is a specified response (e.g., ACK), and if at least one of the responses to the second data from the second external electronic device 203 is a specified response (e.g., ACK), electronic device 101 may transmit the second data as the next data at the next transmission opportunity (e.g., the third transmission time point 1029). In an embodiment, the SN and NESN included in the second data may be the same value. That is, if at least one of the responses to the first data from the first external electronic device 201 is ACK, and if at least one of the responses to the first data from the second external electronic device 203 is ACK, then the first external electronic device 201 and the second external electronic device 203 may not retransmit the first data because the first data was received normally. In one embodiment, the third transmission time point 1029 can be the time point elapsed from the second transmission time point 1015 through the connection interval 1027. In another embodiment, the third transmission time point 1029 can be any time point within the connection interval 1027 starting from the second transmission time point 1015. In another embodiment, the connection intervals 1013 and 1027 can be the same as or different from each other.

[0147] Despite Figure 10 Two external electronic devices are shown (e.g., first external electronic device 201, second external electronic device 203), but this is merely exemplary. In embodiments, electronic device 101 may establish integrated communication links with at least three external electronic devices.

[0148] Figure 11 The signal flow between an electronic device and an external electronic device via an integrated communication link according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. Figure 11 The document describes the method for execution. Figure 7 The operation of electronic devices 101 of 740 and 760. Figure 11 The paper assumes that electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 101, first external electronic device 201 and second external electronic device 203) establish an integrated communication link in one of the first wireless connection structure, the second wireless connection structure and the third wireless connection structure.

[0149] because Figure 11 The attached figures 1101 to 1117 and Figure 9 The reference numerals 901 to 917 are the same, therefore their description will be omitted below.

[0150] Reference Figure 11 In operation 1121, electronic device 101 can receive a response to retransmitted first data from first external electronic device 201 via an integrated communication link. In an embodiment, electronic device 101 can retransmit the first data and can receive a response to the retransmitted first data from first external electronic device 201 via the integrated communication link at a first response time 1119. In an embodiment, the response to the retransmitted first data received from first external electronic device 201 can be ACK or NACK.

[0151] In operation 1125, electronic device 101 can receive a response to the retransmitted first data from second external electronic device 203 via an integrated communication link. In an embodiment, electronic device 101 can retransmit the first data and can receive a response to the retransmitted first data from second external electronic device 203 via the integrated communication link at a second response time 1123. In an embodiment, the response to the retransmitted first data received from second external electronic device 203 can be ACK or NACK.

[0152] As per the above reference Figures 8 to 10 The first data can be retransmitted if the electronic device 101 does not receive at least one ACK from the first external electronic device 201 or the second external electronic device 203. However, if the same data is continuously retransmitted only when no ACK is received from a specific external electronic device (e.g., the second external electronic device 203), the efficiency of the entire link may deteriorate. In an embodiment, the electronic device 101 can send the next data based on the retransmission time. In an embodiment, the retransmission time can be the period during which the electronic device 101 sends the next data regardless of the ACK reception.

[0153] In operation 1133, if retransmission time 1131 has elapsed, electronic device 101 may send second data as next data. In an embodiment, even if all responses received from the first external electronic device 201 or the second external electronic device 203 are specified responses (e.g., NACK), if retransmission time 1131 has elapsed, electronic device 101 may send the second data as next data at the next transmission opportunity (e.g., the third transmission time point 1129). In an embodiment, even if all responses received from the first external electronic device 201 are specified responses (e.g., ACK) and all responses received from the second external electronic device 203 are specified responses (e.g., NACK), if retransmission time 1131 has elapsed, electronic device 101 may send the second data as next data at the next transmission opportunity (e.g., the third transmission time point 1129). That is, even if electronic device 101 does not receive an ACK for data from a specific external electronic device (e.g., the second external electronic device 203) during retransmission time 1131, electronic device 101 may still send next data for the efficiency of the entire link. In one embodiment, the retransmission time 1131 may be longer than the connection intervals 1113 and 1127. In another embodiment, the third transmission time point 1129 may be the time point elapsed from the second transmission time point 1115 through the connection interval 1127. In yet another embodiment, the third transmission time point 1129 may be any time point within the connection interval 1127 starting from the second transmission time point 1115.

[0154] Despite Figure 11 Two external electronic devices are shown (e.g., first external electronic device 201, second external electronic device 203), but this is merely exemplary. In embodiments, electronic device 101 may establish integrated communication links with at least three external electronic devices.

[0155] Figure 12 An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 12 The document describes the process by which electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 101, a first external electronic device, a second external electronic device, a third external electronic device, and a fourth external electronic device) establish an integrated communication link. See also... Figure 1 The structure of the electronic device 101 is described. External electronic devices (e.g., a first external electronic device, a second external electronic device, a third external electronic device, and a fourth external electronic device) can be referred to... Figure 2 Described using the structure of [structure / method / method]. Furthermore, in [the context of / specification]... Figure 12 In this context, the first external electronic device that outputs left audio data and the second external electronic device that outputs right audio data can form a set, and the third external electronic device that outputs left audio data and the fourth external electronic device that outputs right audio data can form a set.

[0156] refer to Figure 12 Assume that electronic device 101 establishes a communication link directly or indirectly with external electronic devices (e.g., a first external electronic device, a second external electronic device, a third external electronic device, and a fourth external electronic device). Although reference can be made to... Figure 2 The first, second, and third wireless connection structures described herein are used to describe the communication link between electronic device 101 and an external electronic device, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the first communication link may be a communication link between electronic device 101 and a first external electronic device. In an embodiment, the second communication link may be a communication link between electronic device 101 and a second external electronic device. In an embodiment, the third communication link may be a communication link between electronic device 101 and a third external electronic device. In an embodiment, the fourth communication link may be a communication link between electronic device 101 and a fourth external electronic device. In an embodiment, communication link A may be a communication link between the first and second external electronic devices. In an embodiment, communication link B may be a communication link between the third and fourth external electronic devices.

[0157] In an embodiment, electronic device 101 can receive information required for the integrated communication link. In an embodiment, the information required for the integrated communication link may include an advertising signal transmitted from an external electronic device. In an embodiment, if the information required for the integrated communication link is not included in the advertising signal, electronic device 101 can receive the information required for the integrated communication link through at least one of the communication links established with the external electronic device. For example, in a second or third wireless connection structure, electronic device 101 can receive information required for the communication link integrating the first and second external electronic devices 203 through a first communication link, and can receive information required for the communication link integrating the third and fourth external electronic devices through a third communication link. In an embodiment, the information required for the integrated communication link may include information about the data that the external electronic device can receive, information about the services performed by the external electronic device (e.g., audio services), information about the roles performed by the external electronic device (e.g., left audio role, right audio role), or a combination thereof.

[0158] Electronic device 101 can identify whether a communication link can be integrated. In an embodiment, electronic device 101 can identify whether a communication link with an external electronic device can be integrated based on information required for integrating the communication link. In an embodiment, if the external electronic device can receive the same data, electronic device 101 can identify that a communication link with the external electronic device can be integrated. In an embodiment, if the external electronic devices provide the same service, electronic device 101 can identify that a communication link with the external electronic device can be integrated. For example, since all external electronic devices (e.g., a first external electronic device, a second external electronic device, a third external electronic device, and a fourth external electronic device) provide audio services, electronic device 101 can identify that a communication link with the external electronic devices can be integrated.

[0159] In one embodiment, electronic device 101 can establish an integrated communication link with an external electronic device. In another embodiment, electronic device 101 can establish an integrated communication link by allowing other communication links to operate in the same manner as one of the existing communication links. In yet another embodiment, electronic device 101 can establish an integrated communication link with an external electronic device that differs from existing communication links. Meanwhile, although in Figure 12 The premise described herein is the establishment of a communication link directly or indirectly with an external electronic device; however, situations where no communication link is established with some electronic devices may also be included in the embodiments of this disclosure. In an embodiment, electronic device 101 can receive advertising signals from an external electronic device for establishing a communication link. In an embodiment, electronic device 101 can assign the access address of a pre-established communication link to an external electronic device that has already sent an advertising signal, and can send information about the response time, thereby establishing an integrated communication link.

[0160] In an embodiment, electronic device 101 may determine the response time to be applied to the integrated communication link. In an embodiment, electronic device 101 may determine the response time to be applied to various sets of external electronic devices. For example, electronic device 101 may determine a first response time to be allocated to the first and second external electronic devices constituting a first set, and a second response time to be allocated to the third and fourth external electronic devices constituting a second set. In an embodiment, electronic device 101 may determine the response time based on the role performed by the external electronic device. For example, electronic device 101 may determine a first response time to be allocated to the first and third external electronic devices performing a left audio role, and a second response time to be allocated to the second and fourth external electronic devices performing a right audio role.

[0161] In one embodiment, electronic device 101 may send information related to the integrated communication link to an external electronic device. In another embodiment, the information related to the integrated communication link may include indication time, access address, connection interval, latency, connection monitoring timeout, response time, or a combination thereof.

[0162] Figure 13 The signal flow between an electronic device and an external electronic device via an integrated communication link according to an embodiment of this disclosure is illustrated. Figure 13 The text assumes that electronic devices supporting stereo audio services (e.g., electronic device 101, first external electronic device 201, second external electronic device, and third external electronic device) are based on... Figure 12 The process described herein establishes an integrated communication link.

[0163] refer to Figure 13 In an embodiment, the first group may include first and second external electronic devices constituting a first set, and the second group may include third and fourth external electronic devices constituting a second set. In an embodiment, the first group may include first and third external electronic devices performing a left audio role, and the second group may include second and fourth external electronic devices performing a right audio role.

[0164] In operation 1301, electronic device 101 can transmit data. In an embodiment, electronic device 101 can transmit audio data to a first group and a second group. For example, electronic device 101 can send audio data to the first group and the second group, and a first and third external electronic device performing a left audio role can output left audio data based on the received audio data, and a second and fourth external electronic device performing a right audio role can output right audio data based on the received audio data. In an embodiment, electronic device 101 can transmit data based on the role performed by the external electronic device. For example, electronic device 101 can transmit data to the external electronic devices (e.g., the first and third external electronic devices) of the first group performing a left audio role, and can transmit right audio data to the external electronic devices (e.g., the second and fourth external electronic devices) of the second group performing a right audio role.

[0165] In operation 1305, electronic device 101 may receive a response to data from external electronic devices included in the first group. In an embodiment, electronic device 101 may receive a response to data from the first and second external electronic devices constituting the first group at a first response time 1303. In an embodiment, electronic device 101 may receive a response to data from the first and third external electronic devices performing the left audio role at the first response time 1303. In an embodiment, the received response may be ACK or NACK.

[0166] In operation 1309, electronic device 101 may receive a response to data from external electronic devices included in the second group. In an embodiment, electronic device 101 may receive a response to data from third and fourth external electronic devices constituting the second group at a second response time 1307. In an embodiment, electronic device 101 may receive a response to data from second and fourth external electronic devices performing a right audio role at a second response time 1307. In an embodiment, the received response may be ACK or NACK.

[0167] In one embodiment, electronic device 101 can identify whether a received response is ACK or NACK based on the SN and NESN included in the received response. In another embodiment, if the SN and NESN included in the received response are different, electronic device 101 can identify the received response as ACK. In yet another embodiment, if the SN and NESN included in the received response are the same, electronic device 101 can identify the received response as NACK.

[0168] Despite Figure 13 Although not shown in the diagram, electronic device 101 can send the same or next data based on the received response, as can be seen in [reference needed]. Figures 7 to 11 To describe.

[0169] Figure 14 The signal flow between an electronic device and an external electronic device via an integrated communication link according to an embodiment of this disclosure is illustrated. Figure 14 The text assumes that electronic devices supporting stereo audio services (e.g., electronic device 101, first external electronic device 201, second external electronic device, and third external electronic device) are based on... Figure 12 The process described herein establishes an integrated communication link.

[0170] refer to Figure 14 In one embodiment, the first group may include first and second external electronic devices constituting the first set, and the second group may include third and fourth external electronic devices constituting the second set. In another embodiment, the first group may include first and third external electronic devices performing a left audio role, and the second group may include second and fourth external electronic devices performing a right audio role.

[0171] In operation 1401, electronic device 101 can transmit data. In an embodiment, electronic device 101 can transmit audio data to a first group and a second group. For example, electronic device 101 can send audio data to the first group and the second group, and a first and third external electronic device performing a left audio role can output left audio data based on the received audio data, and a second and fourth external electronic device performing a right audio role can output right audio data based on the received audio data. In an embodiment, electronic device 101 can transmit data based on the role performed by the external electronic device. For example, electronic device 101 can transmit data to the external electronic devices (e.g., the first and third external electronic devices) of the first group performing a left audio role, and can transmit right audio data to the external electronic devices (e.g., the second and fourth external electronic devices) of the second group performing a right audio role.

[0172] In operation 1405, external electronic devices belonging to the first group can send a response to data to at least one of the external electronic devices belonging to the second group. In an embodiment, external electronic devices belonging to the first group can send a response to data to at least one of the external electronic devices belonging to the second group at a specified time 1403. In an embodiment, the specified time 1403 can be shorter than the response time 1407.

[0173] In one embodiment, an external electronic device belonging to the second group that receives responses to data from the first group can determine the response to be sent to electronic device 101. In another embodiment, if all received responses and all responses to be sent by the external electronic device are ACKs, then the external electronic device belonging to the second group that receives responses to data from the first group can determine that the response to be sent to electronic device 101 is an ACK. In yet another embodiment, if at least one of the received responses and the responses to be sent by the external electronic device is a NACK, then the external electronic device belonging to the second group that receives responses to data from the first group can determine that the response to be sent to electronic device 101 is a NACK.

[0174] In operation 1409, electronic device 101 can receive a response to data from external electronic devices belonging to the second group. In an embodiment, electronic device 101 can receive a response to data from external electronic devices belonging to the second group at a response time 1407.

[0175] Despite Figure 14 Although not shown in the diagram, electronic device 101 can send the same or next data based on the received response, as can be seen in [reference needed]. Figures 7 to 11 To describe.

[0176] Figure 15The signal flow between an electronic device and an external electronic device via an integrated communication link according to an embodiment of this disclosure is illustrated. Figure 15 The text assumes that electronic devices supporting stereo audio services (e.g., electronic device 101, first external electronic device 201, second external electronic device, and third external electronic device) are based on... Figure 12 The process described herein establishes an integrated communication link.

[0177] Reference Figure 15 In operation 1501, electronic device 101 can send data to external electronic devices (e.g., a first external electronic device, a second external electronic device, a third external electronic device, and a fourth external electronic device). In embodiments, electronic device 101 can send the same data to external electronic devices. For example, when external electronic devices perform a stereo audio service, the first and third external electronic devices performing the left role can output left data based on the received audio data, and the second and fourth external electronic devices performing the right role can output right data based on the received audio data. In embodiments, electronic device 101 can send different data to external electronic devices. For example, when external electronic devices perform a stereo audio service, electronic device 101 can send audio data corresponding to the left role to the first and third external electronic devices performing the left role, and can send audio data corresponding to the right role to the second and fourth external electronic devices performing the right role.

[0178] In operations 1505, 1509, 1513, and 1517, electronic device 101 can receive responses to data sent to external electronic devices (e.g., a first external electronic device, a second external electronic device, a third external electronic device, and a fourth external electronic device) at corresponding response times 1503, 1507, 1511, and 1515.

[0179] Despite Figure 15 Although not shown in the diagram, electronic device 101 can send the same or next data based on the received response, as can be seen in [reference needed]. Figures 7 to 11 To describe.

[0180] Reference Figures 1 to 11This paper compares data communication via a communication link established between an electronic device and an external electronic device according to a method with data communication via an integrated communication link established between an electronic device and an external electronic device according to this disclosure. When data is sent and responses are received via a communication link established between an electronic device and an external electronic device, the efficiency of all communication links inevitably deteriorates because the same data will be sent several times. However, in the case of data communication via an integrated communication link according to various embodiments of this disclosure, efficient link operation is possible in such a way that data is sent once via the integrated communication link to an external electronic device capable of receiving the same data, and a response is received after each of its defined response times has elapsed.

[0181] The electronic device according to the above-disclosed embodiments may include a communication circuit and at least one processor operatively coupled to the communication circuit. The at least one processor may be configured to identify whether a first communication link and a second communication link can be integrated based on first information associated with a first external device coupled via a first communication link and second information associated with a second external device coupled via a second communication link; in response to identifying that the first and second communication links can be integrated, to establish a common communication link with the first and second external devices; and to send data to the first and second external devices via the common communication link.

[0182] In an embodiment, the first information may include at least one of information about data to be received by the first external device, information about a service performed by the first external device, and information about a role performed by the first external device. The second information may include at least one of information about data received by the second external device, information about a service performed by the second external device, and information about a role performed by the second external device.

[0183] In an embodiment, at least one processor may be configured to identify whether public data can be sent to a first external device and a second external device based on first information and second information, and to identify whether the first communication link and the second communication link can be integrated when it is identified that public data can be sent to the first external device and the second external device.

[0184] In an embodiment, the common communication link may be the first communication link.

[0185] In an embodiment, at least one processor may be configured to determine a first response time for a first external device and a second response time for a second external device, send information about the first response time to the first external device, and send information about the second response time to the second external device.

[0186] In an embodiment, at least one processor may be configured to receive a first response signal from a first external device at a first response time, and to receive a second response signal from a second external device at a second response time.

[0187] In this embodiment, the first response time and the second response time can be determined based on the size of the data.

[0188] In an embodiment, at least one processor may be configured to identify whether a retransmission time has elapsed, and in response to identifying that a retransmission time has elapsed, send different data to a first external device and a second external device.

[0189] The method performed by an electronic device according to the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure may include: identifying whether the first communication link and the second communication link can be integrated based on first information related to a first external device coupled via a first communication link and second information related to a second external device coupled via a second communication link; in response to identifying that the first communication link and the second communication link can be integrated, establishing a common communication link with the first external device and the second external device; and sending data to the first external device and the second external device via the common communication link.

[0190] In an embodiment, the first information may include at least one of information about data to be received by the first external device, information about a service performed by the first external device, and information about a role performed by the first external device. The second information may include at least one of information about data received by the second external device, information about a service performed by the second external device, and information about a role performed by the second external device.

[0191] In an embodiment, the method may further include identifying whether public data can be sent to a first external device and a second external device based on first information and second information, and identifying whether a first communication link and a second communication link can be integrated when it is identified that public data can be sent to the first external device and the second external device.

[0192] In an embodiment, the common communication link may be the first communication link.

[0193] In an embodiment, the method may further include determining a first response time for a first external device and a second response time for a second external device, sending information about the first response time to the first external device, and sending information about the second response time to the second external device.

[0194] In an embodiment, the method may include receiving a first response signal from a first external device at a first response time, and receiving a second response signal from a second external device at a second response time.

[0195] In this embodiment, the first response time and the second response time can be determined based on the size of the data.

[0196] In an embodiment, the method may include identifying whether a retransmission time has elapsed, and in response to identifying that a retransmission time has elapsed, sending different data to a first external device and a second external device.

[0197] The electronic device according to the above-disclosed embodiments may include a communication circuit and at least one processor operatively coupled to the communication circuit. The at least one processor may be configured to send data to a first external device coupled via a first communication link, receive a response to the data from the first external device at a first response time, and identify whether the response is an acknowledgment (ACK) or a negative acknowledgment (NACK).

[0198] In an embodiment, at least one processor may be configured to, in response to identifying a response as NACK, identify the number of times data is sent to a first external device, and adjust the first response time if the number of transmissions exceeds a threshold.

[0199] In an embodiment, at least one processor may be configured to identify the cause of data transmission failure in response to recognizing a response as NACK, and to adjust the first response time based on the cause of failure.

[0200] In an embodiment, at least one processor may be configured to receive an advertising signal from a second external device, assign an access address for a first external device to the second external device, and send a second response time of the second external device to the second external device.

[0201] It should be understood that the various embodiments of this disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features set forth herein to the specific embodiments, but rather to include various changes, equivalents, or substitutions to the respective embodiments. In the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. As used herein, each of the phrases such 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 or all possible combinations of the items enumerated together with the corresponding phrase among the plurality of phrases. As used herein, terms such as “first” and “second” or “first” and “second” may be used to simply distinguish the corresponding component from another component and do not limit the component in other respects (e.g., importance or order). It will be understood that, whether the terms “operably” or “communically” are used or not, if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as “combined with another element (e.g., a second element),” “combined to another element (e.g., a second element),” “connected to another element (e.g., a second element),” or “attached to another element (e.g., a second element)”, it means that the first element can be directly (e.g., wiredly) connected to the second element, wirelessly connected to the second element, or connected to the second element via a third element.

[0202] As used herein, the term "module" can include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and is used interchangeably with other terms (e.g., "logic," "logic block," "part," or "circuit"). A module can be a single integrated component adapted to perform one or more functions, or the smallest unit or part of such a single integrated component. For example, according to an embodiment, a module can be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0203] The various embodiments set forth herein can be implemented as software (e.g., program 140) containing one or more instructions readable by a machine (e.g., electronic device 101) stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory 136 or external memory 138). For example, under the control of a processor, the processor (e.g., processor 120) of the machine (e.g., electronic device 101) can invoke and execute at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, with or without the use of one or more other components. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the invoked at least one instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. Machine-readable storage media may be provided in the form of non-transitory storage media. The term "non-transitory" means only that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), but this term does not distinguish between data being stored semi-permanently in the storage medium and data being temporarily stored in the storage medium.

[0204] According to embodiments, methods according to various embodiments of this disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product can 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., a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or via an app store (e.g., the Play Store). TM The computer program product may be published online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded), or may be distributed directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones) (e.g., downloaded or uploaded). If published online, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily generated, or at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored in a machine-readable storage medium (such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an app store's server, or a forwarding server).

[0205] According to various embodiments, each of the above-described components (e.g., a module or program) 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. Optionally or additionally, multiple components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, according to various embodiments, the integrated component may perform the one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as a corresponding component of the multiple components performed one or more functions prior to integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be run in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0206] Although this disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An electronic device comprising: Communication circuits; and At least one processor operatively coupled to the communication circuit. Wherein, the at least one processor is configured to: Based on first information related to a first external device coupled via a first communication link and second information related to a second external device coupled via a second communication link, it is determined whether the first communication link and the second communication link can be integrated. In response to the recognition that the first communication link and the second communication link can be integrated, a common communication link with the first external device and the second external device is established. Data is sent to the first external device and the second external device through the public communication link, and A first response signal for data is received from a first external device via the public communication link, and a second response signal for data is received from a second external device via the public communication link.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, in, The first information includes at least one of the following: information about data to be received by the first external device, information about a service performed by the first external device, or information about a role performed by the first external device. The second information includes at least one of the following: information about data received by the second external device, information about services performed by the second external device, or information about roles performed by the second external device.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured to: Based on the first information and the second information, it is determined whether public data can be sent to the first external device and the second external device, and When it is identified that the public data can be sent to the first external device and the second external device, it is identified that the first communication link and the second communication link can be integrated.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The public communication link is the first communication link.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured to: Determine the first response time for the first external device and the second response time for the second external device. Send information about the first response time to the first external device, and Send information about the second response time to the second external device.

6. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured to: Receive a first response signal from the first external device at the first response time, and The second response signal is received from the second external device at the second response time.

7. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein, The first response time and the second response time are determined based on the size of the data.

8. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured to: Identify whether the retransmission time has elapsed, and In response to recognizing that the retransmission time has elapsed, different data is sent to the first external device and the second external device.

9. A method performed by an electronic device, the method comprising: Based on first information related to a first external device coupled via a first communication link and second information related to a second external device coupled via a second communication link, it is determined whether the first communication link and the second communication link can be integrated; In response to the recognition that the first communication link and the second communication link can be integrated, a common communication link with the first external device and the second external device is established; Data is sent to the first external device and the second external device via the public communication link; as well as A first response signal for data is received from a first external device via the public communication link, and a second response signal for data is received from a second external device via the public communication link.

10. The method according to claim 9, in, The first information includes at least one of the following: information about data to be received by the first external device, information about a service performed by the first external device, or information about a role performed by the first external device. The second information includes at least one of the following: information about data received by the second external device, information about services performed by the second external device, or information about roles performed by the second external device.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising: Based on the first information and the second information, identify whether public data can be sent to the first external device and the second external device; as well as When it is identified that the public data can be sent to the first external device and the second external device, it is identified that the first communication link and the second communication link can be integrated.

12. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The public communication link is the first communication link.

13. The method of claim 9, further comprising: Determine the first response time for the first external device and the second response time for the second external device; Send information about the first response time to the first external device; as well as Send information about the second response time to the second external device.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: Receive a first response signal from the first external device at the first response time; as well as The second response signal is received from the second external device at the second response time.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, The first response time and the second response time are determined based on the size of the data.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising: Identify whether the retransmission time has elapsed; as well as In response to recognizing that the retransmission time has elapsed, different data is sent to the first external device and the second external device.

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