Method and apparatus for performing WI-FI aware communications in cluster

Abstract

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an operation method of an electronic device performing Wi-Fi-aware communication may include: transmitting a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) advertisement message and activating a Wi-Fi-aware module of the electronic device; checking whether the electronic device is a first type of Wi-Fi sensing device or a second type of Wi-Fi sensing device; checking the type of a cluster to which the electronic device intends to join; and performing a discovery process based on the type of the electronic device and the type of the cluster.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for Wi-Fi Aware communication between electronic devices in a cluster. BACKGROUND

[0002] The Internet is evolving from a human-centered connection network, where humans create and consume information, to an Internet of Things (IoT) network, where distributed components such as things exchange and process information. Another technology emerging is the Internet of Everything (IoE), which is a combination of the big data processing technology and the IoT technology through, for example, a connection with a cloud server. Implementation of the IoT requires technological elements such as sensing technology, wired / wireless communication and network infrastructure, service interface technology, and security technology. Recent research is being conducted on technologies for a sensor network, machine to machine (M2M), or machine type communication (MTC) for connection between things.

[0003] In the IoT environment, intelligent Internet technology (IT) services can be provided to collect and analyze data generated from connected things, and to create new value in people's lives. The IoT can have various applications, such as a smart home, a smart building, a smart city, a smart car or a connected car, a smart grid, health care, a smart home appliance industry, or a medical service industry, through conversion or integration of existing information technology (IT) with various industries.

[0004] Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Wi-Fi Aware TM (Wi-Fi Aware) is a technology that extends the capabilities of Wi-Fi without the need for traditional network infrastructure, Internet connectivity, or GPS signals by enabling fast discovery, connection, and data exchange with other Wi-Fi devices. Wi-Fi Aware can provide a function of enabling mutual search and direct connection between devices even without any other type of connection. Wi-Fi Aware can also be referred to as a neighbor aware network (NAN). SUMMARY

[0005] TECHNICAL PROBLEM The present disclosure proposes a method for operating wireless channels and time resources during Wi-Fi Aware communication in a cluster.

[0006] TECHNICAL SOLUTION According to an embodiment of the disclosure, an operation method of an electronic device performing Wi-Fi Aware communication can include transmitting a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) advertising message and activating a Wi-Fi Aware module of the electronic device, determining whether the electronic device is a first type of Wi-Fi Aware device or a second type of Wi-Fi Aware device, identifying a type of a cluster that the electronic device intends to join, and performing a discovery procedure based on the type of the electronic device and the type of the cluster.

[0007] According to an embodiment, the first type of Wi-Fi Aware device can be configured to perform legacy Wi-Fi Aware functions of transmitting a discovery beacon, a synchronization beacon, and a service discovery frame (SDF). According to an embodiment, the second type of Wi-Fi Aware device can be configured to perform the legacy Wi-Fi Aware functions and advanced Wi-Fi Aware functions, and the advanced Wi-Fi Aware functions can include unsynchronized service discovery (USD).

[0008] According to an embodiment, the type of the cluster can include a legacy Wi-Fi Aware cluster and an advanced Wi-Fi Aware cluster. The legacy Wi-Fi Aware cluster can include at least one first type of Wi-Fi Aware device, and the advanced Wi-Fi Aware cluster can include only second type of Wi-Fi Aware devices.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, an electronic device performing Wi-Fi Aware communication includes a transceiver, and a controller. The controller can transmit a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) advertising message and activate a Wi-Fi Aware module of the electronic device, determine whether the electronic device is a first type of Wi-Fi Aware device or a second type of Wi-Fi Aware device, identify a type of a cluster that the electronic device intends to join, and perform a discovery procedure based on the type of the electronic device and the type of the cluster.

[0010] Advantageous Effects According to an embodiment of the disclosure, an electronic device can operate enhanced wireless channel and time resources during Wi-Fi Aware communication.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, an electronic device can operate wireless channel and time resources according to a device type. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 An example of device and service discovery of an electronic device is illustrated.

[0013] Figure 2 An example of various nodes included in a cluster is illustrated.

[0014] Figure 3is a view illustrating a non-synchronized service discovery (USD) operation of an electronic device.

[0015] Figure 4 is a view illustrating an operation of an electronic device in a cluster according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 5 is a view illustrating an operation of an electronic device in a cluster in a non-RSDB case according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 6 is a view illustrating an operation of an electronic device in a cluster in an RSDB case according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 7 is a view illustrating an operation of an electronic device in a cluster according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 8 is a view illustrating an operation of an electronic device in a plurality of clusters according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 9 is a view illustrating an operation of an electronic device (a sender) in a single cluster according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 10 is a view illustrating an operation of an electronic device (a sender) in a plurality of clusters according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 11 is a view illustrating a structure of an electronic device (a sender) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 12 is a view illustrating a structure of an electronic device (a receiver) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] In describing embodiments, detailed description on technologies known in the art and not directly related to the present disclosure will be omitted. This is to further clarify the gist of the present disclosure without making it unclear.

[0026] For the same reason, some elements can be exaggerated or schematically shown. The size of each element does not necessarily reflect the real size of the element. Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same elements.

[0027] The advantages and features of the present disclosure and methods for accomplishing the same can be understood by referring to the embodiments described below in detail. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein and can be variously changed. The embodiments disclosed herein are provided only to inform the general category of the present disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. The present disclosure is limited only by the claims. Throughout the specification, like reference numerals denote like elements.

[0028] It should be understood that the blocks in each flowchart and combinations of the flowcharts can be performed by computer program instructions. Since the computer program instructions can be equipped in the processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus generate means for performing the functions described in connection with the blocks of each flowchart. Since the computer program instructions can be stored in a computer usable or computer readable memory that can direct the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a specified manner, the instructions stored in the computer usable or computer readable memory can produce a product including instruction means for performing the functions described in connection with the blocks in each flowchart. Since the computer program instructions can be equipped in the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, the instructions that generate a process executed by the computer as a series of operational steps on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus and operate the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus can provide steps for performing the functions described in connection with the blocks in each flowchart.

[0029] In addition, each block can represent a module, a segment, or a portion of code including one or more executable instructions for performing a specified logic function. In addition, it should also be noted that the functions mentioned in the blocks can occur in a different order in some alternative embodiments. For example, two blocks shown in succession can be executed substantially simultaneously or in reverse order, depending on the corresponding functions.

[0030] As used herein, the term "unit" denotes a software element or a hardware element such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The unit performs a function. However, the "unit" is not limited to software or hardware. The "unit" can be configured in a storage medium that can be addressed, or can be configured to perform one or more processors. Accordingly, the "unit" includes, by way of example, elements such as software elements, object-oriented software elements, class elements and task elements, processes, functions, attributes, procedures, sub-routines, program code segments, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables. The functions provided within components and "units" can be combined into a smaller number of components and "units", or further divided into additional components and "units". Furthermore, components and "units" can be implemented to perform one or more CPUs in a device or a secure multimedia card. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the "… unit" can include one or more processors.

[0031] As used herein, the term "terminal" or "device" can also be referred to as a mobile station (MS), a user equipment (UE), a user terminal (UT), a terminal, a wireless terminal, an access terminal (AT), a subscriber unit, a subscriber station (SS), a wireless device, a wireless communication device, a wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU), a mobile node, or a mobile device, or can be referred to by other terms. Various embodiments of the terminal can include a cellular phone, a smart phone having wireless communication capability, a personal digital assistant (PDA) having wireless communication capability, a wireless modem, a laptop computer having wireless communication capability, a capture / recording / shooting / photographing device such as a digital camera having wireless communication capability, a game console having wireless communication capability, a music storage and playback appliance having wireless communication capability, an Internet appliance capable of wireless Internet access and browsing, or a portable unit or terminal incorporating combinations of these capabilities. Further, the terminal can include a machine-to-machine (M2M) terminal and a machine type communication (MTC) terminal / device, but is not limited thereto. In the present disclosure, the terminal can be referred to as an electronic device, or can be simply referred to as a device.

[0032] Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Wi-Fi Aware TM (Wi-Fi Aware) is a technology that extends the capabilities of Wi-Fi without the need for traditional network infrastructure, Internet connectivity, or GPS signals by enabling fast discovery, connection, and data exchange with other Wi-Fi devices. Wi-Fi Aware can provide a function of enabling mutual search and direct connection between devices even without any other type of connection. Wi-Fi Aware can also be referred to as a neighbor aware network (NAN). The proximity service of the NAN specification can configure a set of electronic devices named a cluster.

[0033] A Wi-Fi Aware network can work by forming a cluster with a peripheral device or by creating a new cluster if the device is the first device in the area. An application can communicate with a Wi-Fi Aware system service that manages the Wi-Fi Aware hardware of the device using an application programming interface (Wi-Fi Aware API). For example, a Wi-Fi Aware network connection can support higher processing speed over a long distance where a Bluetooth connection is not reachable. For example, a Wi-Fi Aware network connection can be very useful for an application that shares a large amount of data between users, such as a photo sharing application.

[0034] Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) refers to a technology that operates at lower power than regular Bluetooth (or classic Bluetooth) and can be used for electronic devices such as smart bands, watches, and beacons.

[0035] Hereinafter, the working principle of the present disclosure is described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. When a detailed description of a known function or configuration is determined to unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present disclosure, a detailed description thereof can be skipped in describing embodiments of the present disclosure. The terms used herein are defined in consideration of the functions in the present disclosure, and can be replaced with other terms according to the intention or practice of a user or operator. Accordingly, the terms should be defined based on the overall disclosure.

[0036] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An example of a conventional Wi-Fi operation and node configuration is illustrated.

[0037] Figure 1 An example of device and service discovery of an electronic device is illustrated.

[0038] Referring to Figure 1 At least one electronic device included in the cluster can transmit at least one discovery beacon 110 according to a NAN specification. According to the NAN specification, the at least one electronic device can transmit at least one synchronization beacon 120 and / or at least one service discovery frame 130 within a discovery window (DW) 140 that occupies 16 time units (TUs).

[0039] According to an embodiment, the DW 140 can occupy 16 TUs, and a DW interval 160 that is a time interval between the DWs 140 can occupy 512 TUs. According to an embodiment, a discovery beacon interval 170 that indicates a transmission interval of the at least one discovery beacon 110 can occupy 50 to 200 TUs. The time in which the electronic device performs discovery can depend on the DW interval 160.

[0040] According to an embodiment, the at least one synchronization beacon 120 can be a signal for maintaining synchronization (e.g., clock synchronization) between electronic devices included in the cluster. The at least one synchronization beacon 120 can include at least one piece of information accompanying synchronization between electronic devices.

[0041] For example, the at least one synchronization beacon 120 can include at least one of a frame control (FC) field indicating a function of a signal (e.g., a beacon), a broadcast address, a medium access control (MAC) address of an electronic device that transmits the at least one synchronization beacon 120, a cluster identifier, a sequence control field, a timestamp of a beacon frame, a beacon interval field indicating an interval between start times of a synchronization communication section, or capability information of an electronic device that transmits the at least one synchronization beacon 120.

[0042] The at least one synchronization beacon 120 can include at least one information element related to at least one neighboring network, and can include, for example, service-related content that can be provided based on a neighboring network. According to the NAN specification, the at least one synchronization beacon 120 can be transmitted by an electronic device defined as an anchor master device, a master device, or a non-master synchronization device among at least one electronic device in the cluster.

[0043] According to an embodiment, the at least one service discovery frame 130 can be a signal for advertising a service between at least one electronic device in the cluster and exchanging information related to the service based on a neighboring network. According to the NAN specification, the at least one service discovery frame 130 is a vendor-specific public action frame, and can include various fields. For example, the at least one service discovery frame 130 can include at least one information element related to at least one neighboring network.

[0044] According to an embodiment, the at least one electronic device can transmit the at least one discovery beacon 110 in a section other than the DW section 140. The at least one discovery beacon 110 can be a signal of a cluster advertisement function transmitted so that at least one electronic device that has not joined the cluster can discover the cluster.

[0045] According to an embodiment, the at least one electronic device that has not joined the cluster can perform passive scanning to detect the at least one discovery beacon 110 transmitted from at least one electronic device participating in the cluster, thereby discovering the cluster and joining the cluster.

[0046] According to embodiments, the at least one discovery beacon 110 can include at least one piece of information for synchronizing to the cluster. According to embodiments, the discovery beacon 110 can include at least one of a frame control (FC) field indicating a function of the signal (e.g., a beacon), a broadcast address, a medium access control (MAC) address of the electronic device transmitting the at least one discovery beacon 110, a cluster identifier, a sequence control field, a timestamp for the beacon frame, a discovery beacon interval field indicating a transmission interval of the at least one discovery beacon 110, or capability information of the electronic device transmitting the at least one discovery beacon 110. According to embodiments, the at least one discovery beacon 110 can include at least one information element related to at least one neighboring network.

[0047] Figure 2 An example of various nodes included in a cluster is shown.

[0048] Figure 2 Each of the nodes shown can be implemented as an electronic device (or Wi-Fi aware device). Referring to Figure 2 , each electronic device can be classified as an anchor master node 205, a NAN master node 215a, 215b, 215c, a synchronization node 210a, 210b, or a non-synchronization node 220a, 220b, 220c.

[0049] According to embodiments, the anchor master node 205 can communicate with the synchronization nodes 210a, 210b and the NAN master node 215b within the coverage range through a discovery method of Figure 1 According to embodiments, the anchor master node 205 is restricted in direct communication with nodes located outside the coverage range and can communicate with nodes located outside the coverage range through a hop via connection with other master nodes.

[0050] Figure 3 is a view showing a non-synchronization service discovery (USD) operation of an electronic device.

[0051] Referring to Figure 3 , a first electronic device 310 can be a Wi-Fi aware device performing a receiver role, a second electronic device 320 can be a Wi-Fi aware device performing a transmitter role, and a third electronic device 330 can be a Wi-Fi aware device performing a receiver role.

[0052] In operation 301, the second electronic device 320 can transmit a BLE advertising message including the provided service information (e.g., vendor / service specific information, account, and / or contact hash information) to the first electronic device 310. In operation 303, the second electronic device 320 can transmit a BLE advertising message including the provided service information (e.g., vendor / service specific information, account, and / or contact hash information) to the third electronic device 330.

[0053] According to an embodiment, in operation 305, the second electronic device 320 can transmit a wake-up radio (WUR) packet to the first electronic device 310. According to an embodiment, in operation 307, the second electronic device 320 can transmit a WUR packet to the third electronic device 330.

[0054] The second electronic device 320 can use an out-of-band (OOB) message (e.g., a BLE advertising message or a WUR packet) to trigger a Wi-Fi Aware interface (receiver) of another electronic device.

[0055] In operation 309, the first electronic device 310 can trigger a Wi-Fi Aware interface within a random delay after receiving a BLE advertising message or a WUR packet from the second electronic device 320. In operation 311, the second electronic device 320 can trigger its own Wi-Fi Aware interface after transmitting a BLE advertising message or a WUR packet. In operation 313, the third electronic device 330 can trigger a Wi-Fi Aware interface within a random delay after receiving a BLE advertising message or a WUR packet from the second electronic device 320.

[0056] According to an embodiment, if the Wi-Fi Aware interface of the second electronic device 320 is activated, the second electronic device 320 can wait for a response message to be received through an OOB message. Also, the second electronic device 320 can wait for an SDF subscription message to be received as an ACK for the OOB message.

[0057] The first electronic device 310 to the third electronic device 330 can support fast discovery between multiple devices by performing unsynchronized service discovery (USD) on a pre-designated channel (e.g., channel 149) after triggering a Wi-Fi Aware interface of each device.

[0058] According to an embodiment, in operations 315 and 317, the second electronic device 320 can transmit an unsolicited service discovery frame (SDF) publication message including synchronization information (sync). According to an embodiment, the synchronization information can include additional timing synchronization function (TSF) information for synchronization.

[0059] According to an embodiment, during the USD procedure on the pre-designated channel (e.g., channel 149), the first electronic device 310 can transmit an unsolicited SDF subscribe message to the second electronic device 320 as an ACK for the BLE advertising message in operation 319. As an active subscriber, the first electronic device 310 can transmit the unsolicited SDF subscribe message without receiving a message from a publisher.

[0060] During the USD procedure, the second electronic device 320 can transmit a solicited SDF publish message including synchronization information (sync) to the first electronic device 310 in operation 321. The solicited SDF publish message can be a unicast message. According to an embodiment, the synchronization information can include additional timing synchronization function (TSF) information for synchronization. The first electronic device 310 and the second electronic device 320 can exchange NAN SDF follow-up messages in operation 323. According to an embodiment, the NAN SDF follow-up messages can be service-specific messages and can include scheduling information for a next period and / or channel.

[0061] According to an embodiment, during the USD procedure on the pre-designated channel (e.g., channel 149), the third electronic device 330 can transmit an unsolicited SDF subscribe message to the second electronic device 320 as an ACK for the BLE advertising message in operation 325. As an active subscriber, the third electronic device 330 can transmit the unsolicited SDF subscribe message without receiving a message from a publisher.

[0062] During the USD procedure, the third electronic device 330 can transmit a solicited SDF publish message including synchronization information (sync) to the first electronic device 310 in operation 327. The solicited SDF publish message can be a unicast message. According to an embodiment, the synchronization information can include additional timing synchronization function (TSF) information for synchronization. The third electronic device 330 and the second electronic device 320 can exchange NAN SDF follow-up messages in operation 329. According to an embodiment, the NAN SDF follow-up messages can be service-specific messages and can include scheduling information for a next period and / or channel.

[0063] The first electronic device 310 and the second electronic device 320 can perform a NAN data path (NDP) setup procedure in operation 331. The NDP setup procedure can include an authentication procedure. A NAN connection can be established between the first electronic device 310 and the second electronic device 320 in operation 333.

[0064] In operation 335, the third electronic device 330 transmits a data path request message to the second electronic device 320, and in operation 337, the third electronic device 330 can receive a data path response message from the second electronic device 320. In operation 339, the third electronic device 330 transmits a data path request message to the second electronic device 320, and in operation 341, the third electronic device 330 can receive a data path key installation message from the second electronic device 320. In operation 343, a NAN connection can be established between the third electronic device 330 and the second electronic device 320.

[0065] In operation 345, the second electronic device 320 can transmit a BLE advertisement message and / or a WUR packet to the first electronic device 310. In operation 347, the second electronic device 320 can transmit a BLE advertisement message and / or a WUR packet to the third electronic device 330.

[0066] During a service discovery (SD) procedure on a pre-designated channel (e.g., channel 149), in operation 349, the second electronic device 320 can transmit an unsolicited SDF publication message including synchronization information (sync) to the first electronic device 310. According to an embodiment, the synchronization information can include additional timing synchronization function (TSF) information for synchronization. In operation 351, the first electronic device 310 and the second electronic device 320 can exchange NAN SDF follow-up messages.

[0067] During the SD procedure on the pre-designated channel (e.g., channel 149), in operation 353, the second electronic device 320 can transmit an unsolicited SDF publication message including synchronization information (sync) to the third electronic device 330. According to an embodiment, the synchronization information can include additional timing synchronization function (TSF) information for synchronization. In operation 355, the third electronic device 330 and the second electronic device 320 can exchange NAN SDF follow-up messages.

[0068] According to an embodiment, if the NDP is established, data can be transmitted between Wi-Fi aware devices included in the cluster. According to a specific service type, a service discovery period, a DW, and a lower timing of an operating channel can be reserved through SDF publication / subscription and NAN SDF follow-up messages.

[0069] In the disclosure, a legacy Wi-Fi aware device denotes a device performing Figure 1 The legacy Wi-Fi aware device can transmit at least one of a discovery beacon, a synchronization beacon, and a service discovery frame (SDF). The legacy Wi-Fi aware device can transmit at least one synchronization beacon and at least one service discovery frame within a discovery window (DW).

[0070] In the present disclosure, an advanced Wi-Fi aware device denotes a device capable of performing Figure 3 synchronous service discovery (USD) as shown. An advanced Wi-Fi aware device can not only perform Figure 3 USD as shown, but also can perform Figure 1 device / service discovery as a legacy Wi-Fi aware device. An advanced Wi-Fi aware device can transmit a service discovery frame (SDF) message including synchronization information and / or a follow-up message including synchronization information within a service discovery period (SDP). An advanced Wi-Fi aware device can exchange synchronization information during a service discovery procedure. An advanced Wi-Fi aware device can transmit or receive synchronization information carried on an SDF message.

[0071] The present disclosure proposes coexistence and processing methods for legacy Wi-Fi aware devices and / or advanced Wi-Fi aware devices in a cluster under the following three cases (1) to (3).

[0072] (1) When only advanced Wi-Fi aware devices exist in a cluster (1-1) An advanced Wi-Fi aware device newly enters a cluster (1-2) A legacy Wi-Fi aware device newly enters a cluster (2) When only legacy Wi-Fi aware devices exist in a cluster (2-1) A legacy Wi-Fi aware device newly enters a cluster (2-2) An advanced Wi-Fi aware device newly enters a cluster (3) When advanced Wi-Fi aware devices and legacy Wi-Fi aware devices coexist in a cluster (3-1) A legacy Wi-Fi aware device is a master device, and a legacy Wi-Fi aware device newly enters a cluster (3-2) A legacy Wi-Fi aware device is a master device, and an advanced Wi-Fi aware device newly enters a cluster (3-3) An advanced Wi-Fi aware device is a master device, and a legacy Wi-Fi aware device newly enters a cluster (3-4) An advanced Wi-Fi aware device is a master device, and an advanced Wi-Fi aware device newly enters a cluster Figure 4 is a view illustrating an operation of an electronic device in a cluster according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0073] Figure 4 An operation when an advanced Wi-Fi aware device newly enters a cluster is illustrated in a case where only legacy Wi-Fi aware devices exist in a cluster.

[0074] ReferenceFigure 4 The first electronic device 410 can be implemented as an advanced Wi-Fi Aware sender device, and the second electronic device 420 and the third electronic device 430 belonging to one cluster (legacy Wi-Fi Aware cluster) can be implemented as legacy Wi-Fi Aware receiver devices. In the cluster (legacy Wi-Fi Aware cluster), the second electronic device 420 can be a non-sync device performing a non-master role, and the third electronic device 430 can be a device performing a master role.

[0075] In operation 401, the first electronic device 410 can transmit a BLE advertising message including provided service information (e.g., vendor / service specific information, account, and / or contact hash information) to the second electronic device 420 and / or the third electronic device 430. In operation 403, the first electronic device 410 can trigger a Wi-Fi Aware interface (or a NAN module) after transmitting the BLE advertising message. The first electronic device 410 can obtain information (e.g., vendor / service specific information, device type) about the second electronic device 420 and / or the third electronic device 430 by receiving a BLE response message.

[0076] According to an embodiment, a legacy Wi-Fi Aware device can wake up periodically in a DW to exchange frames for synchronization and service discovery (e.g., synchronization beacons, SDFs). According to Wi-Fi Aware specification version 4, a legacy Wi-Fi Aware device can transmit discovery beacons at a predefined value (e.g., 50-200 TUs) interval.

[0077] In operation 405, the third electronic device 430 can transmit a discovery beacon to the first electronic device 410. In operation 407, the third electronic device 430 can transmit a synchronization beacon to the first electronic device 410 within a configured discovery window (DW).

[0078] In operation 409, the third electronic device 430 can transmit a discovery beacon to the first electronic device 410. In operation 411, the third electronic device 430 can transmit a synchronization beacon to the first electronic device 410 within a configured DW.

[0079] In operations 413 and 415, after a service discovery period (SDP) of the first electronic device 410, the third electronic device 430 transmits a discovery beacon, but the first electronic device 410 can not receive the discovery beacon.

[0080] When only the second electronic device 420 and the third electronic device 430 as legacy Wi-Fi Aware devices exist in the cluster, the first electronic device 410 can operate to perform a master role in the cluster.

[0081] In operation 417, to take over the master role in the cluster, the first electronic device 410 can transmit a sync beacon including a master indicator attribute within the DW and SDP of the first electronic device 410 to each of the second electronic device 420 and the third electronic device 430.

[0082] In operation 419, the first electronic device 410 can transmit an unsolicited SDF subscription message within the DW and SDP to each of the second electronic device 420 and the third electronic device 430.

[0083] In operation 421, the first electronic device 410 transmits a discovery beacon within the SDP, and each of the second electronic device 420 and the third electronic device 430 can not receive the discovery beacon. In operation 423, the first electronic device 410 can transmit a sync beacon within the DW and SDP to each of the second electronic device 420 and the third electronic device 430.

[0084] Figure 5 is a view illustrating operations of electronic devices in a cluster in a non-RSDB case according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0085] Figure 5 Operations when an advanced Wi-Fi aware device newly enters a cluster in a non-RSDB case in which a legacy Wi-Fi aware device and an advanced Wi-Fi aware device coexist in the cluster are illustrated.

[0086] Reference Figure 5 The first electronic device 510 can be implemented as an advanced Wi-Fi aware transmitter device, the second electronic device 520 can be implemented as a legacy Wi-Fi aware receiver device, and the third electronic device 530 can be implemented as an advanced Wi-Fi aware receiver device. The second electronic device 520 and the third electronic device 530 can belong to one cluster (legacy Wi-Fi aware cluster). In the cluster (legacy Wi-Fi aware cluster), the second electronic device 520 can be a non-sync device performing a non-master role, and the third electronic device 530 can be a device performing a master role.

[0087] In operation 501, the first electronic device 510 can transmit a BLE advertising message including provided service information (e.g., vendor / service specific information, account, and / or contact hash information) to the second electronic device 520 and / or the third electronic device 530. The first electronic device 510 can obtain information (e.g., vendor / service specific information, device type) about the second electronic device 520 and / or the third electronic device 530 by receiving a BLE response message.

[0088] In operation 503, the first electronic device 510 can trigger a Wi-Fi Aware interface (or a NAN module) after transmitting the BLE advertising message.

[0089] In operation 505, the third electronic device 530 can transmit an unsolicited SDF publish message including synchronization information (sync) to the first electronic device 510 in an SDP. According to an embodiment, the synchronization information can include additional timing synchronization function (TSF) information for synchronization. In operation 507, the first electronic device 510 can transmit a solicited SDF subscribe message to the third electronic device 530 in the SDP.

[0090] In operation 509, the first electronic device 510 and the third electronic device 530 can exchange a NAN SDF follow-up message in the SDP. According to an embodiment, the NAN SDF follow-up message can be a service-specific message, and can include scheduling information for a next period and / or channel.

[0091] In operation 511, the third electronic device 530 can transmit a discovery beacon to the first electronic device 510 in the SDP. In operation 513, the third electronic device 530 can transmit a synchronization beacon to the first electronic device 510 in the DW and the SDP. In operation 515, the third electronic device 530 can transmit a discovery beacon to the first electronic device 510 in the SDP. In operation 517, the third electronic device 530 can transmit a synchronization beacon to the first electronic device 510 in the DW and the SDP.

[0092] The first electronic device 510 can discover a cluster (legacy Wi-Fi Aware cluster) by communicating with the third electronic device 530. The first electronic device 510 can operate as a legacy Wi-Fi Aware device during the DW, and can operate as an advanced Wi-Fi Aware device except for the DW.

[0093] In operations 519 and 521, the third electronic device 530 transmits a discovery beacon after the SDP of the first electronic device 510, but the first electronic device 510 can not receive the discovery beacon.

[0094] In operation 523, the third electronic device 530 can transmit a synchronization beacon to the first electronic device 510. In operation 525, the first electronic device 510 and the second electronic device 520 can transmit / receive an unsolicited SDF subscribe message and / or a NAN SDF follow-up message. In operation 527, the third electronic device 530 can transmit a discovery beacon in the SDP part so that a legacy Wi-Fi Aware device existing in the vicinity can newly enter the cluster.

[0095] Figure 6is a view illustrating an operation of an electronic device in a cluster in an RSDB case according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0096] Figure 6 Operations when an advanced Wi-Fi Aware device newly enters a cluster in an RSDB case in which a legacy Wi-Fi Aware device and an advanced Wi-Fi Aware device coexist in the cluster are illustrated.

[0097] Reference Figure 6 The first electronic device 610 can be implemented as an advanced Wi-Fi Aware sender device, the second electronic device 620 can be implemented as a legacy Wi-Fi Aware receiver device, and the third electronic device 630 can be implemented as an advanced Wi-Fi Aware receiver device. The second electronic device 620 and the third electronic device 630 can belong to one cluster (legacy Wi-Fi Aware cluster). In the cluster (legacy Wi-Fi Aware cluster), the second electronic device 620 can be a non-sync device performing a non-master role, and the third electronic device 630 can be a device performing a master role.

[0098] The first electronic device 610 and the third electronic device 630 have an RSDB function and can operate as a legacy Wi-Fi Aware device at 2.4 GHz (or ch. 6) during a DW. The first electronic device 610 and the third electronic device 630 have an RSDB function and can operate as a legacy Wi-Fi Aware device or an advanced Wi-Fi Aware device at 5 GHz (or ch. 149).

[0099] In operation 601, the first electronic device 610 can transmit a BLE advertising message including provided service information (e.g., vendor / service specific information, account, and / or contact hash information) to the second electronic device 620 and / or the third electronic device 630. The first electronic device 610 can obtain information (e.g., vendor / service specific information, device type) about the second electronic device 620 and / or the third electronic device 630 by receiving a BLE response message.

[0100] In operation 603, the first electronic device 610 can trigger a Wi-Fi Aware interface (or a NAN module) after transmitting the BLE advertising message.

[0101] In operation 605, the third electronic device 630 can transmit an unsolicited SDF publish message including synchronization information (sync) in the SDP at 5 GHz (or ch. 149) to the first electronic device 610. According to an embodiment, the synchronization information can include additional timing synchronization function (TSF) information for synchronization. In operation 607, the first electronic device 610 can transmit a solicited SDF subscribe message in the SDP at 5 GHz (or ch. 149) to the third electronic device 630.

[0102] In operation 609, the first electronic device 610 and the third electronic device 630 can exchange a NAN SDF follow-up message in the SDP at 5 GHz (or ch. 149). According to an embodiment, the NAN SDF follow-up message can be a service-specific message, and can include scheduling information for the next period and / or channel.

[0103] In operation 611, the third electronic device 630 can transmit a discovery beacon in the SDP at 5 GHz (or ch. 149) to the first electronic device 610. In operation 613, the third electronic device 630 can transmit a synchronization beacon in the DW and the SDP at 5 GHz (or ch. 149) to the first electronic device 610. In operation 615, the third electronic device 630 can transmit a discovery beacon in the SDP at 5 GHz (or ch. 149) to the first electronic device 610. In operation 617, the third electronic device 630 can transmit a synchronization beacon in the DW and the SDP at 5 GHz (or ch. 149) to the first electronic device 610.

[0104] The first electronic device 610 can discover the cluster (legacy Wi-Fi aware cluster) by communicating with the third electronic device 630 at 5 GHz (or ch. 149).

[0105] In operations 619 and 621, after the SDP of the first electronic device 610 at 5 GHz (or ch. 149), the third electronic device 630 can transmit a discovery beacon so that a legacy Wi-Fi aware device existing in the vicinity can newly enter the cluster.

[0106] In operation 623, the third electronic device 630 can transmit a synchronization beacon to the first electronic device 610 in DW at 5 GHz (or ch. 149). In operation 625, the first electronic device 610 and the second electronic device 620 can transmit / receive unsolicited SDF subscription messages and / or NAN SDF follow-up messages in DW at 5 GHz (or ch. 149). In operation 627, the third electronic device 630 can transmit a discovery beacon in SDP at 5 GHz (or ch. 149) so that a legacy Wi-Fi aware device that is present nearby can newly enter the cluster.

[0107] The third electronic device 630 can operate as a legacy Wi-Fi aware device during DW at 2.4 GHz (or ch. 6). In operation 629, the third electronic device 630 can transmit a discovery beacon to the first electronic device 610 and / or the second electronic device 620 at 2.4 GHz (or ch. 6). In operation 631, the third electronic device 630 can transmit a synchronization beacon to the first electronic device 610 and / or the second electronic device 620 in DW at 2.4 GHz (or ch. 6).

[0108] In operation 633, the third electronic device 630 can transmit a discovery beacon to the first electronic device 610 and / or the second electronic device 620 at 2.4 GHz (or ch. 6). In operation 635, the third electronic device 630 can transmit a synchronization beacon to the first electronic device 610 and / or the second electronic device 620 in DW at 2.4 GHz (or ch. 6).

[0109] In operation 637, the third electronic device 630 can transmit a discovery beacon to the first electronic device 610 and / or the second electronic device 620 at 2.4 GHz (or ch. 6). In operation 639, the third electronic device 630 can transmit a synchronization beacon to the first electronic device 610 and / or the second electronic device 620 in DW at 2.4 GHz (or ch. 6).

[0110] In operation 641, the third electronic device 630 can transmit a discovery beacon to the first electronic device 610 and / or the second electronic device 620 at 2.4 GHz (or ch. 6). In operation 643, the third electronic device 630 can transmit a synchronization beacon to the first electronic device 610 and / or the second electronic device 620 in DW at 2.4 GHz (or ch. 6).

[0111] In operation 645, the third electronic device 630 can transmit a synchronization beacon to the first electronic device 610 and / or the second electronic device 620 in DW at 2.4 GHz (or ch. 6).

[0112] Figure 7 is a view illustrating an operation of an electronic device in a cluster according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0113] Figure 7 An operation when a legacy Wi-Fi Aware device newly enters a cluster in a case where a legacy Wi-Fi Aware device and an advanced Wi-Fi Aware device coexist in the cluster is illustrated.

[0114] Referring to Figure 7 , the first electronic device 710 can be implemented as a legacy Wi-Fi Aware sender device, the second electronic device 720 can be implemented as a legacy Wi-Fi Aware receiver device, and the third electronic device 730 can be implemented as an advanced Wi-Fi Aware receiver device. The second electronic device 720 and the third electronic device 730 can belong to one cluster (legacy Wi-Fi Aware cluster). In the cluster (legacy Wi-Fi Aware cluster), the second electronic device 720 can be a non-sync device performing a non-master role, and the third electronic device 730 can be a device performing a master role.

[0115] In operation 701, the first electronic device 710 can transmit a BLE advertising message including provided service information (e.g., vendor / service specific information, account, and / or contact hash information) to the second electronic device 720 and / or the third electronic device 730. The first electronic device 710 can obtain information (e.g., vendor / service specific information, device type) about the second electronic device 720 and / or the third electronic device 730 by receiving a BLE response message. In operation 703, the first electronic device 710 can trigger a Wi-Fi Aware interface (or a NAN module) after transmitting the BLE advertising message.

[0116] According to an embodiment, the first electronic device 710 as a legacy Wi-Fi Aware sender device can discover a cluster (legacy Wi-Fi Aware cluster) by receiving a discovery beacon and / or a synchronization beacon via passive scanning (PS) for a designated channel.

[0117] In operation 705, in a part other than a PS part of the first electronic device 710, the third electronic device 730 transmits a discovery beacon to the first electronic device 710, but the first electronic device 710 can not receive the discovery beacon. In operation 707, in the PS part of the first electronic device 710, the third electronic device 730 transmits a synchronization beacon to the first electronic device 710 within a configured discovery window (DW), but the first electronic device 710 can not receive the synchronization beacon.

[0118] In operation 709, in the PS part of the first electronic device 710, the third electronic device 730 can transmit a discovery beacon to the first electronic device 710. In operation 711, the third electronic device 730 can transmit a synchronization beacon to the first electronic device 710 within a configured DW. In operation 713, the first electronic device 710 can transmit an unsolicited SDF subscription message to the third electronic device 730 within the DW.

[0119] In operations 715 and 717, after the PS part of the first electronic device 710, the third electronic device 730 transmits a discovery beacon, but the first electronic device 710 can not receive the discovery beacon.

[0120] In operation 719, the third electronic device 730 can transmit a synchronization beacon to the first electronic device 710 within the DW. In operation 721, the first electronic device 710 can transmit / receive an unsolicited SDF subscription message to / from the second electronic device 720 and / or the third electronic device 730. In operation 723, the third electronic device 730 can transmit a discovery beacon in the SDP so that a legacy Wi-Fi aware device existing in the vicinity can newly enter the cluster.

[0121] Figure 8 is a view illustrating operations of electronic devices in a plurality of clusters according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0122] Figure 8 Operations when a legacy Wi-Fi aware device newly enters a first cluster (legacy Wi-Fi aware cluster) are illustrated in an RSDB case in which the legacy Wi-Fi aware device and the advanced Wi-Fi aware device coexist in the first cluster (legacy Wi-Fi aware cluster). Meanwhile, Figure 8 Operations when a legacy Wi-Fi aware device newly enters a second cluster (advanced Wi-Fi aware cluster) are illustrated in an RSDB case in which only the advanced Wi-Fi aware device exists in the second cluster (advanced Wi-Fi aware cluster). In other words, Figure 8 Operations of a legacy Wi-Fi aware device that newly enters each of a plurality of clusters in an RSDB case are illustrated. For example, a cluster ID of the first cluster (legacy Wi-Fi aware cluster) can be 0X01, and a cluster ID of the second cluster (advanced Wi-Fi aware cluster) can be 0X00.

[0123] Reference Figure 8The first electronic device 810 can be implemented as a legacy Wi-Fi aware sender device, the second electronic device 820 can be implemented as a legacy Wi-Fi aware receiver device, the third electronic device 830 can be implemented as an advanced Wi-Fi aware receiver device, and the fourth electronic device 840 can be implemented as an advanced Wi-Fi aware receiver device.

[0124] The second electronic device 820 and the third electronic device 830 can belong to a first cluster (legacy Wi-Fi aware cluster). In the first cluster (legacy Wi-Fi aware cluster), the second electronic device 820 can be a non-sync device performing a non-master role, and the third electronic device 830 can be a device performing a master role.

[0125] The third electronic device 830 and the fourth electronic device 840 can belong to a second cluster (advanced Wi-Fi aware cluster). In the second cluster (advanced Wi-Fi aware cluster), the third electronic device 830 can be a device performing a master role, and the fourth electronic device 840 can be a non-sync device performing a non-master role.

[0126] The third electronic device 830 and the fourth electronic device 840 have an RSDB function, and can operate as legacy Wi-Fi aware devices at 2.4 GHz (or ch. 6) during DW. The third electronic device 830 and the fourth electronic device 840 have an RSDB function, and can operate as legacy Wi-Fi aware devices or advanced Wi-Fi aware devices at 5 GHz (or ch. 149).

[0127] In operation 801, the first electronic device 810 can transmit a BLE advertising message including provided service information (e.g., vendor / service specific information, account, and / or contact hash information) to the second electronic device 820, the third electronic device 830, and / or the fourth electronic device 840. The first electronic device 810 can obtain information (e.g., vendor / service specific information, device type) about the second electronic device 820 and / or the third electronic device 830 by receiving a BLE response message. In operation 803, the first electronic device 810 can trigger a Wi-Fi aware interface (or a NAN module) after transmitting the BLE advertising message.

[0128] In operation 805, the third electronic device 830 can transmit an unsolicited SDF publish message including synchronization information (sync) in the SDP at 5 GHz (or ch. 149) to the first electronic device 810. According to an embodiment, the synchronization information can include additional timing synchronization function (TSF) information for synchronization. In operation 807, the third electronic device 830 can transmit a discovery beacon in the SDP at 5 GHz (or ch. 149) to the first electronic device 810. In operation 809, the third electronic device 830 can transmit a synchronization beacon in the DW at 5 GHz (or ch. 149) to the first electronic device 810. In operation 811, the third electronic device 830 can transmit a discovery beacon at 5 GHz (or ch. 149) to the first electronic device 810. In operation 813, the third electronic device 830 can transmit a synchronization beacon in the DW at 5 GHz (or ch. 149) to the first electronic device 810.

[0129] The first electronic device 810 can discover the first cluster (legacy Wi-Fi aware cluster) (e.g., cluster ID = 0X01) by communicating with the third electronic device 830 at 5 GHz (or ch. 149).

[0130] In operations 815 and 817, the third electronic device 830 can transmit a discovery beacon to the first electronic device 810. In operation 819, the third electronic device 830 can transmit a synchronization beacon in the DW at 5 GHz (or ch. 149) to the first electronic device 810. The first electronic device 810 receiving the discovery beacon can discover the second cluster (advanced Wi-Fi aware cluster) (e.g., cluster ID = 0X00). In operation 821, the third electronic device 830 can transmit an unsolicited SDF subscribe message including synchronization information at 5 GHz (or ch. 149) to the first electronic device 810.

[0131] The third electronic device 830 can operate as a legacy Wi-Fi aware device during the DW at 2.4 GHz (or ch. 6). In operation 823, the third electronic device 830 can transmit a discovery beacon at 2.4 GHz (or ch. 6) to the first electronic device 810 and / or the second electronic device 820. In operation 825, the third electronic device 830 can transmit a synchronization beacon in the DW at 2.4 GHz (or ch. 6) to the first electronic device 810 and / or the second electronic device 820.

[0132] In operation 827, the third electronic device 830 can transmit a discovery beacon to the first electronic device 810 and / or the second electronic device 820 at 2.4 GHz (or ch. 6). In operation 829, the third electronic device 830 can transmit a synchronization beacon to the first electronic device 810 and / or the second electronic device 820 in a DW at 2.4 GHz (or ch. 6).

[0133] In operation 831, the third electronic device 830 can transmit a discovery beacon to the first electronic device 810 and / or the second electronic device 820 at 2.4 GHz (or ch. 6). In operation 833, the third electronic device 830 can transmit a synchronization beacon to the first electronic device 810 and / or the second electronic device 820 in a DW at 2.4 GHz (or ch. 6).

[0134] In operation 835, the third electronic device 830 can transmit a discovery beacon to the first electronic device 810 and / or the second electronic device 820 at 2.4 GHz (or ch. 6). In operation 837, the third electronic device 830 can transmit a synchronization beacon to the first electronic device 810 and / or the second electronic device 820 in a DW at 2.4 GHz (or ch. 6).

[0135] In operation 839, the third electronic device 830 can transmit a synchronization beacon to the first electronic device 810 and / or the second electronic device 820 in a DW at 2.4 GHz (or ch. 6). In operation 841, the first electronic device 810 can transmit an unsolicited subscription message to the second electronic device 820 and / or the third electronic device 830 in a DW at 2.4 GHz (or ch. 6).

[0136] In operation 843, the third electronic device 830 can transmit an unsolicited SDF publication message including synchronization information (sync) to the fourth electronic device 840 in an SDP at 5 GHz (or ch. 149). According to an embodiment, the synchronization information can include additional timing synchronization function (TSF) information for synchronization. In operation 845, the third electronic device 830 can transmit a solicited SDF subscription message to the fourth electronic device 840 in an SDP at 5 GHz (or ch. 149).

[0137] In operation 847, the third electronic device 830 and the fourth electronic device 840 can exchange a NAN SDF follow-up message in an SDP at 5 GHz (or ch. 149). According to an embodiment, the NAN SDF follow-up message can be a service-specific message, and can include scheduling information for a next period and / or channel.

[0138] In operation 849, the third electronic device 830 can transmit a synchronization beacon to the fourth electronic device 840 at 5 GHz (or ch. 149). In operation 851, the third electronic device 830 can transmit an unsolicited SDF publication message including synchronization information (sync) to the fourth electronic device 840 in an SDP at 5 GHz (or ch. 149).

[0139] According to an embodiment, in operation 853, at least one of the first electronic device 810 to the fourth electronic device 840 can perform at least one operation configured to merge the first cluster (legacy Wi-Fi Aware cluster) and the second cluster (advanced Wi-Fi Aware cluster). According to an embodiment, the second cluster (advanced Wi-Fi Aware cluster) can be merged into the first cluster (legacy Wi-Fi Aware cluster). Thereafter, at least one of the first electronic device 810 to the fourth electronic device 840 can operate within the merged cluster (legacy Wi-Fi Aware cluster).

[0140] According to an embodiment, in the case where operation 853 is not performed, at least one of the first electronic device 810 to the fourth electronic device 840 can operate within the first cluster (legacy Wi-Fi Aware cluster) and the second cluster (advanced Wi-Fi Aware cluster).

[0141] Figure 9 is a view illustrating an operation of an electronic device (sender) in a single cluster according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0142] In Figure 9 , the electronic device (sender) operating in a single cluster can be implemented as an advanced Wi-Fi Aware sender device.

[0143] In operation 901, the electronic device (sender) can transmit a BLE advertisement message and activate (turn on) a NAN module (or a Wi-Fi Aware interface).

[0144] In operation 903, the electronic device (sender) can allocate a discovery / operation channel list and / or time information initial value based on Equation 1.

[0145] [Equation 1]

[0146] Here, Params denotes a parameter set consisting of channel and time parameters, and can be set . Here, CH dis denotes a NAN discovery channel set, and CH OPCHk, l, m, n represents a set of channels for NAN data path operation. k represents SDP duration (in TU), l represents SDP interval, m represents DW duration, and n represents DW interval.

[0147] In operation 905, the electronic device (transmitter) can receive at least one of a BLE response message, an SDF message / beacon. In operation 907, the electronic device (transmitter) can identify whether it is a target service / vendor ID.

[0148] If it is not the target service / vendor ID (907-NO), in operation 909, the electronic device (transmitter) can deactivate (turn off) the NAN module after a timeout.

[0149] If it is the target service / vendor ID (907-YES), in operation 911, the electronic device (transmitter) can identify whether the relevant cluster is a legacy Wi-Fi aware cluster. According to an embodiment, the legacy Wi-Fi aware cluster can be a cluster including at least one legacy Wi-Fi aware device.

[0150] If it is not the legacy Wi-Fi aware cluster (911-NO), in operation 913, the electronic device (transmitter) can apply a service / vendor-specific channel list and time parameters (perform an advanced USD operation).

[0151] According to an embodiment, the set of service / vendor-specific channel and time parameters in the advanced USD operation, Params SVC .

[0152] [Equation 2]

[0153] Here, CH dis,SVC represents a set of NAN discovery channels, and CH OP,SVC represents a set of channels for NAN data path operation. k SVC represents SDP duration (in TU), l SVC represents SDP interval, m SVC represents DW duration, and n SVC represents DW interval.

[0154] If it is the legacy Wi-Fi aware cluster (911-YES), in operation 915, the electronic device (transmitter) can identify whether another legacy Wi-Fi aware device is a master device of the cluster.

[0155] If the other legacy Wi-Fi Aware device is the master of the cluster (915 - Yes), then in operation 917, the electronic device (sender) can proceed to take over the master role (master role takeover) from the other legacy Wi-Fi Aware device. According to an embodiment, the electronic device (sender) can obtain the master role by sending a synchronization beacon after setting the master device indication attribute to a value higher than the common DW of the legacy Wi-Fi Aware cluster (refer to the TSF value in the discovery / synchronization beacon received previously).

[0156] If the other legacy Wi-Fi Aware device is not the master of the cluster (915 - No), then in operation 919, the electronic device (sender) can identify whether it is the master or not.

[0157] If the electronic device (sender) is the master (919 - Yes), then in operation 921, the electronic device (sender) can perform the standard discovery operation and the advanced USD operation as the master role. According to an embodiment, in operation 921, the set of parameters (Params) consisting of channel and time parameters can be configured as Equation 3.

[0158] [Equation 3]

[0159] Here, Params std may be the set of parameters consisting of channel and time parameters in the standard discovery operation.

[0160] If the electronic device (sender) is not the master (919 - No), then in operation 923, the electronic device (sender) can apply the Wi-Fi Aware standard channel list and time parameters (perform the standard discovery operation).

[0161] According to an embodiment, the set of channel and time parameters in the standard discovery operation, Params std may be set according to Equation 4.

[0162] [Equation 4]

[0163] Here, CH dis,std denotes the set of standard-compliant NAN discovery channels, and CH OP,std denotes the set of standard-compliant channels for NAN data path operations. k std denotes the SDP duration (in TUs), l std denotes the SDP interval, m std denotes the DW duration, and n std denotes the DW interval.

[0164] In operation 925, the electronic device (sender) can join an existing legacy Wi-Fi Aware cluster as a non-master non-synchronized (NMNS) role of the cluster. According to an embodiment, the electronic device (sender) can transmit an unsolicited SDF subscribe message in the common DW of the cluster (reference the TSF value in the discovery / synchronization beacon previously received) so that surrounding devices can discover itself.

[0165] According to an embodiment, if one of operations 913, 917, 921, and 925 is completed, the electronic device (sender) can perform operation 905 again.

[0166] Table 1 describes attributes included in each of an SDF publish / subscribe message, an SDF follow-up message, a synchronization beacon, and a discovery beacon according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0167] [Table 1] The disclosure

[0168] Referring to Table 1, compared to the Wi-Fi Aware standard R4, the SDF publish / subscribe message of the disclosure can further include a master indication attribute, a cluster attribute, and a service ID list attribute.

[0169] Compared to the Wi-Fi Aware standard R4, the SDF follow-up message of the disclosure can further include a master indication attribute, a cluster attribute, a service ID list attribute, a NAN availability attribute, and a vendor specific attribute.

[0170] Compared to the Wi-Fi Aware standard R4, the synchronization beacon of the disclosure can further include a service ID list attribute, a subscribe service ID list attribute, a NAN availability attribute, and a vendor specific attribute.

[0171] Compared to the Wi-Fi Aware standard R4, the discovery beacon of the disclosure can further include a NAN availability attribute.

[0172] The SDF publish / subscribe, the SDF follow-up, the synchronization beacon, and the discovery beacon of the disclosure can further include attributes defined in the Wi-Fi Aware standard R4 other than the attributes specified in Table 1.

[0173] Figure 10 is a view illustrating operations of an electronic device (sender) in a plurality of clusters according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0174] In Figure 10 In the above-described embodiments, the electronic device (sender) operating in the plurality of clusters can be implemented as an advanced Wi-Fi Aware sender device.

[0175] In operation 1001, the electronic device (a transmitter) can transmit a BLE advertising message and activate (turn on) a NAN module (or a Wi-Fi Aware interface).

[0176] In operation 1003, the electronic device (a transmitter) can allocate a discovery / operation channel list and / or time information initial value based on Equation 1.

[0177] In operation 1005, the electronic device (a transmitter) can receive at least one of a BLE response message, an SDF message / beacon. In operation 1007, the electronic device (a transmitter) can identify whether it is a target service / vendor ID.

[0178] If it is not the target service / vendor ID (1007-No), in operation 1009, the electronic device (a transmitter) can deactivate (turn off) the NAN module after a timeout.

[0179] If it is the target service / vendor ID (1007-Yes), in operation 1011, the electronic device (a transmitter) can identify whether a relevant cluster is a legacy Wi-Fi Aware cluster. According to an embodiment, the legacy Wi-Fi Aware cluster can be a cluster including at least one legacy Wi-Fi Aware device.

[0180] If it is not the legacy Wi-Fi Aware cluster (1011-No), in operation 1013, the electronic device (a transmitter) can apply a service / vendor-specific channel list and time parameters (perform an advanced USD operation).

[0181] According to an embodiment, the set of channel and time parameters in the advanced USD operation, Params, can be set according to Equation 2 SVC .

[0182] If it is the legacy Wi-Fi Aware cluster (1011-Yes), in operation 1015, the electronic device (a transmitter) can identify whether another legacy Wi-Fi Aware device is a master device of the cluster.

[0183] If the other legacy Wi-Fi Aware device is the master device of the cluster (1015-Yes), in operation 1017, the electronic device (a transmitter) can control to take over a master role from the other legacy Wi-Fi Aware device (master role takeover). According to an embodiment, the electronic device (a transmitter) can obtain the master role by transmitting a synchronization beacon after setting a master device indication attribute to a value higher than a threshold in a common DW of the legacy Wi-Fi Aware cluster (refer to a TSF value in a discovery / synchronization beacon received previously).

[0184] If the other legacy Wi-Fi aware device is not the master of the cluster (1015 - No), then in operation 1019, the electronic device (sender) can identify whether it is the master.

[0185] If the electronic device (sender) is the master (1019 - Yes), then in operation 1021, the electronic device (sender) can perform standard discovery operations and advanced USD operations as the master role. According to an embodiment, in operation 1021, a set of parameters (Params) consisting of channel and time parameters can be configured as Equation 3.

[0186] In operation 1023, the electronic device (sender) can identify whether multiple clusters are running. If multiple clusters are running (1023 - Yes), then in operation 1025, the electronic device (sender) can perform operations for cluster merge. According to an embodiment, the electronic device (sender) can set at least one of master indication, cluster, and NAN availability properties in the common DW of the cluster, and transmit a synchronization beacon, and can align cluster ID and time / channel schedule information (align) with respect to one cluster. According to an embodiment, the electronic device (sender) can determine to keep each cluster without performing operation 1025.

[0187] If multiple clusters are not running (1023 - No), then the electronic device (sender) can perform operation 1005 again.

[0188] If the electronic device (sender) is not the master (1019 - No), then in operation 1027, the electronic device (sender) can apply a Wi-Fi aware standard channel list and time parameters (perform standard discovery operations).

[0189] According to an embodiment, the set of channel and time parameters, Params, in the standard discovery operations can be set according to Equation 4 above std .

[0190] In operation 1029, the electronic device (sender) can join an existing legacy Wi-Fi aware cluster as a non-master non-synchronized (NMNS) role of the cluster. According to an embodiment, the electronic device (sender) can transmit an unsolicited SDF subscription message in the common DW of the cluster (refer to the TSF value in the previously received discovery / synchronization beacon) so that surrounding devices can discover itself.

[0191] According to an embodiment, if one of operations 1013, 1017, 1025, and 1029 is completed, the electronic device (sender) can perform operation 1005 again.

[0192] Figure 11is a view illustrating a structure of an electronic device (a transmitter) according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Figure 11 The electronic device (the transmitter) of FIG. 1 can be implemented to perform Figures 1 to 10 the role of the transmitter or a Wi-Fi Aware device as illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0193] Referring to FIG. 1, Figure 11 The electronic device can include a transceiver 1110, a controller 1120, and a storage unit 1130. In the disclosure, the controller can be defined as a circuit or an application-specific integrated circuit or at least one processor.

[0194] The transceiver 1110 can transmit and receive a signal to and from an external electronic device.

[0195] The controller 1120 can control the overall operation of the electronic device (the transmitter) according to the embodiments proposed in the disclosure. For example, the controller 1120 can control an inter-block signal flow to perform operations according to the flowcharts described above. Specifically, the controller 1120 can control operations of the electronic device (the transmitter) as illustrated in FIG. 2, for example. Figures 1 to 10

[0196] The storage unit 1130 can store at least one of information transmitted / received via the transceiver 1110 and information generated via the controller 1120.

[0197] According to an embodiment, the controller 1120 can transmit a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) advertising message and activate a Wi-Fi Aware module of the electronic device. According to an embodiment, the controller 1120 can determine whether the electronic device is a first type Wi-Fi Aware device or a second type Wi-Fi Aware device, and identify a type of a cluster that the electronic device intends to join. According to an embodiment, the controller 1120 can perform a discovery procedure based on the type of the electronic device and the type of the cluster.

[0198] According to an embodiment, the first type Wi-Fi Aware device can be configured to perform a conventional Wi-Fi Aware function of transmitting a discovery beacon, a synchronization beacon, and a service discovery frame (SDF).

[0199] According to an embodiment, the second type Wi-Fi Aware device can be configured to perform a conventional Wi-Fi Aware function and an advanced Wi-Fi Aware function, and the advanced Wi-Fi Aware function can include an unsynchronized service discovery (USD).

[0200] According to an embodiment, the type of the cluster can include a conventional Wi-Fi Aware cluster and an advanced Wi-Fi Aware cluster. The conventional Wi-Fi Aware cluster can include at least one first type Wi-Fi Aware device, and the advanced Wi-Fi Aware cluster can include only second type Wi-Fi Aware devices.​

[0201] According to an embodiment, when the electronic device is a second type Wi-Fi Aware device and the cluster includes only first type Wi-Fi Aware devices, the controller 1120 can transmit a synchronization beacon including a master device indication attribute.

[0202] According to an embodiment, when the electronic device is a second type Wi-Fi Aware device and the cluster includes an external electronic device that is a second type Wi-Fi Aware device, the controller 1120 can receive an unsolicited service discovery frame (SDF) publish message including synchronization information from the external electronic device. According to an embodiment, the controller 1120 can transmit an unsolicited service discovery frame (SDF) subscribe message to the external electronic device in response to the unsolicited service discovery frame (SDF) publish message.

[0203] According to an embodiment, the electronic device can be a second type Wi-Fi Aware device supporting a real-time simultaneous dual band (RSDB) function. The electronic device can operate based on a legacy Wi-Fi Aware function during a discovery window (DW) on a first channel, and the electronic device can operate based on the legacy Wi-Fi Aware function and an advanced Wi-Fi Aware function on a second channel.

[0204] According to an embodiment, when the electronic device joins a first cluster that is a legacy Wi-Fi Aware cluster and a second cluster that is an advanced Wi-Fi Aware cluster, the second cluster can be merged into the first cluster.

[0205] Figure 12 FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a structure of an electronic device (receiver) according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Figure 12 The electronic device (receiver) of FIG. 1 can be implemented to perform Figures 1 to 10 the role of a receiver as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0206] Referring to Figure 12 , the electronic device can include a transceiver 1210, a controller 1220, and a storage unit 1230. In the disclosure, the controller can be defined as a circuit, an application-specific integrated circuit, or at least one processor.

[0207] The transceiver 1210 can transmit and receive a signal to and from an external electronic device.

[0208] According to an embodiment, the controller 1220 can control the overall operation of the electronic device. For example, the controller 1220 can control an inter-block signal flow to perform operations according to the above-described flowcharts. Specifically, the controller 1220 can control operations of the electronic device (receiver) as illustrated in FIG. 1, for example. Figures 1 to 10

[0209] ​Storage unit 1230 can store at least one of information sent / received via transceiver 1210 and information generated via controller 1220.

[0210] In the specific embodiments described above, the components included in this disclosure are represented in either a singular or plural form according to the proposed specific embodiments. However, the singular or plural form is chosen to suit the context suggested for ease of description, and this disclosure is not limited to singular or plural components. As used herein, the singular forms “an,” “a,” and “described” are also intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0211] Furthermore, although specific embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, various modifications can be made thereto without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of this invention should not be limited to the above embodiments, but should be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method of operating an electronic device that performs Wi-Fi Aware communication, the method comprising: transmitting a Bluetooth Low Energy, BLE, advertising message and activating a Wi-Fi Aware module of the electronic device; determining whether the electronic device is a first type of Wi-Fi Aware device or a second type of Wi-Fi Aware device; identifying a type of cluster that the electronic device intends to join; and performing a discovery procedure based on the type of the electronic device and the type of the cluster. the first type of Wi-Fi Aware device is configured to perform legacy Wi-Fi Aware functions of transmitting discovery beacons, synchronization beacons, and service discovery frames, SDFs, and 2. The method of claim 1, wherein, wherein the second type of Wi-Fi Aware device is configured to perform the legacy Wi-Fi Aware functions and advanced Wi-Fi Aware functions, and wherein the advanced Wi-Fi Aware functions include unsynchronized service discovery, USD. the type of the cluster includes a legacy Wi-Fi Aware cluster and an advanced Wi-Fi Aware cluster, 3. The method of claim 2, wherein, wherein the legacy Wi-Fi Aware cluster includes at least one first type of Wi-Fi Aware device, and wherein the advanced Wi-Fi Aware cluster includes only second type of Wi-Fi Aware devices. transmitting a synchronization beacon that includes a master device indication attribute when the electronic device is the second type of Wi-Fi Aware device and the cluster includes only the first type of Wi-Fi Aware devices.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising: receiving an unsolicited service discovery frame, SDF, publication message that includes synchronization information from an external electronic device that is a second type of Wi-Fi Aware device when the electronic device is the second type of Wi-Fi Aware device and the cluster includes the external electronic device.

5. The method of claim 3, further comprising: transmitting an unsolicited SDF subscription message to the external electronic device in response to the unsolicited SDF publication message.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising: the electronic device is the second type of Wi-Fi Aware device that supports real-time simultaneous dual band, RSDB, functionality.

7. The method of claim 3, wherein, the electronic device operates based on the legacy Wi-Fi Aware functions during a discovery window, DW, on a first channel, and 8. The method of claim 7, wherein, wherein the electronic device operates based on the legacy Wi-Fi Aware functions and the advanced Wi-Fi Aware functions on a second channel. the second cluster is merged into the first cluster when the electronic device joins a first cluster that is the legacy Wi-Fi Aware cluster and a second cluster that is the advanced Wi-Fi Aware cluster.

9. The method of claim 3, wherein, SDF messages transmitted during the discovery procedure include a master device indication attribute, a cluster attribute, and a service ID list attribute.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein, 11. An electronic device that performs Wi-Fi Aware communication, the electronic device comprising: a transceiver; and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to: transmit a Bluetooth Low Energy, BLE, advertising message and activate a Wi-Fi Aware module of the electronic device; determine whether the electronic device is a first type of Wi-Fi Aware device or a second type of Wi-Fi Aware device; identify a type of cluster that the electronic device intends to join; and ​ ​ performing a discovery procedure based on a type of the electronic device and a type of the cluster.

12. The electronic device of claim 11, wherein, The first type of Wi-Fi aware device is configured to perform legacy Wi-Fi aware functions of transmitting discovery beacons, synchronization beacons, and service discovery frames (SDFs), and The second type of Wi-Fi aware device is configured to perform the legacy Wi-Fi aware functions and advanced Wi-Fi aware functions, and wherein the advanced Wi-Fi aware functions include unsynchronized service discovery (USD).

13. The electronic device of claim 12, wherein, The type of the cluster includes a legacy Wi-Fi aware cluster and an advanced Wi-Fi aware cluster, The legacy Wi-Fi aware cluster includes at least one first type of Wi-Fi aware device, and The advanced Wi-Fi aware cluster includes only second type of Wi-Fi aware devices.

14. The electronic device of claim 13, wherein, The controller is configured to transmit a synchronization beacon including a master device indication attribute when the electronic device is the second type of Wi-Fi aware device and the cluster includes only the first type of Wi-Fi aware devices.

15. The electronic device of claim 13, wherein, The controller is configured to receive an unsolicited service discovery frame (SDF) publish message including synchronization information from an external electronic device that is the second type of Wi-Fi aware device when the electronic device is the second type of Wi-Fi aware device and the cluster includes the external electronic device.

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