Electronic device for reducing power consumption and operating method thereof

Abstract

An apparatus and method for reducing power consumption of an electronic device are provided. The electronic device includes a display device, a battery, and at least one processor configured to be operatively connected to the display device, wherein the processor can determine whether to perform a handover to a second communication network based on whether the display device is activated and a data throughput in a state of being connected to a first communication network among a plurality of communication networks supportable by the electronic device, and perform the handover to the second communication network when it is determined to perform the handover to the second communication network.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on August 5, 2020, with application number 202010776567.3. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for reducing power consumption due to wireless communication in electronic devices. Background Technology

[0003] For user portability and mobility, electronic devices use batteries as their power source. Batteries have a limited storage capacity. Therefore, due to the limited storage capacity of batteries, electronic devices may be used for a limited period of time.

[0004] Methods to increase the usage time of electronic devices include increasing battery capacity or reducing the device's power consumption. Because battery capacity is proportional to its size and weight, there may be limitations to increasing battery capacity. Therefore, electronic devices require methods to reduce power consumption in order to increase usage time.

[0005] The above information is presented merely as background information to aid in understanding this disclosure. No judgment or assertion is made as to whether any of the above can be applied to prior art relating to this disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To meet users' demand for wireless data services, 5G communication utilizes 6 GHz or lower frequency bands (e.g., 1.8 GHz or 3.5 GHz bands) or extremely high frequency (mmWave, millimeter wave) frequency bands (e.g., 28 GHz or 39 GHz bands), thus achieving high data transmission rates.

[0007] When electronic devices are connected to 5G networks, the power consumption for wireless communication can increase compared to when connected to fourth-generation (4G) networks (such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks). Therefore, electronic devices connected to 5G networks and performing wireless communication will result in a reduction in battery life with limited storage capacity.

[0008] The aspects of this disclosure will at least address the problems and / or disadvantages mentioned above and provide at least the advantages described below. Therefore, the aspects of this disclosure will provide apparatus and methods for reducing power consumption due to wireless communication in electronic devices.

[0009] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the following description, and will be partly obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments.

[0010] According to an aspect of this disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a display device, a battery, and at least one processor operatively connected to the display device, wherein the processor is configured to determine, in the state of being connected to a first communication network among a plurality of communication networks supported by the electronic device, whether to perform a handover to a second communication network based on whether the display device is activated and the data throughput, and to perform the handover to the second communication network when it is determined that a handover to the second communication network is to be performed.

[0011] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method of operating an electronic device is provided. The method includes: connecting to a first communication network among a plurality of communication networks supported by the electronic device; while connected to the first communication network, determining whether to switch to a second communication network based on whether a display device is activated and data throughput; and when it is determined that a switch to the second communication network should be performed, performing the switch to the second communication network.

[0012] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a display device, a battery, and at least one processor operatively connected to the display device, wherein the processor is configured to connect to a first communication network based on control information acquired through a second communication network among a plurality of communication networks supported by the electronic device; determine whether to use the first communication network based on whether the display device is activated and data throughput while connected to the first communication network; identify whether data is transmitted and received through the first communication network when it is determined that use of the first communication network is restricted; and restrict data channel requests to the first communication network when no data is transmitted and received through the first communication network while connected to the second communication network.

[0013] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, an electronic device can select a network for data transmission based on at least one of whether a display device is activated, data throughput, application execution, battery charging state, or whether an external power source is connected, thereby reducing power consumption due to wireless communication and thus extending battery life.

[0014] According to various embodiments, the electronic device can adaptively set the network selection criteria for each user based on the usage pattern of each user's electronic device, thereby providing optimal battery life for each user.

[0015] Other aspects, advantages, and notable features of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of various embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device in a network environment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device for controlling switching according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an electronic device switching to a second communication network based on the state of a display device and data throughput, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 4 The figure illustrates a screen configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure for displaying information about switching to a second communication network in an electronic device;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an electronic device determining whether to perform a switching operation based on the state of a display device and data throughput, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an electronic device determining whether to perform a switching operation based on the state of a display device, the characteristics of an application, and data throughput, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an electronic device switching to a second communication network based on the battery charging state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 8 The figure illustrates a screen configuration of a switching setting menu for battery charging state in an electronic device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an electronic device switching to a second communication network based on the state of a display device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating an electronic device switching to a first communication network based on the state of a display device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating an electronic device switching to a first communication network based on the state of a display device and data throughput, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 12This is a flowchart illustrating an electronic device switching to a first communication network based on the state of a display device and the state of battery charging, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, how an electronic device switches to a first communication network based on the state of a display device and whether an application is being executed;

[0030] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating an electronic device performing a switch from a first communication network configured in non-standalone (NSA) mode to a second communication network based on the state of a display device and data throughput, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating an electronic device switching to a second communication network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 16 This is a flowchart illustrating an electronic device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, performing a switch from a first communication network configured in NSA mode to a second communication network based on information about the battery's state of charge.

[0033] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating electronic device configuration switching reference information according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 18 The figure illustrates the screen configuration of the network mode setting menu in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0035] Figure 19 The figure illustrates a screen configuration of a network switching menu in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Throughout the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals will be understood to refer to the same parts, components, and structures. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The following description, provided with reference to the accompanying drawings, is intended to aid in a comprehensive understanding of the various embodiments of this disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to aid this understanding, but these specific details are to be considered merely exemplary. 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, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0038] The terminology and wording used in the following description and claims are not limited to their literal meaning, but are merely for the inventors' use to achieve the explicit and consistent understanding of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of this disclosure is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the purpose of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0039] It should be understood that the singular forms “a” and “the” include plural indicators unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “a component surface” includes a reference to one or more such surfaces.

[0040] In the following description, for convenience, terms used to refer to network entities, terms referring to interfaces between network entities, etc., are used illustratively. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to the terms used as follows, and other terms referring to entities with equivalent technical meanings may be used.

[0041] As used herein, the first communication network may include a new radio (NR) network (or 5G network) using frequencies in the high-frequency band (mmWave), and the second communication network may include legacy networks such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks (or 4G networks), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) networks, etc. However, the first and second communication networks are not limited to the examples above but may include networks based on different communication technologies. For example, wireless communication using the first communication network may have higher power consumption due to wireless communication compared to wireless communication using the second communication network.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 101 in a network environment 100 according to various embodiments. (Refer to...) Figure 1In 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 device 150, sound output device 155, display device 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 these components (e.g., display device 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 may be implemented as a single integrated circuit. For example, the sensor module 176 (e.g., a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, or an illuminance sensor) may be implemented as embedded in the display device 160 (e.g., a display).

[0043] 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 the main processor 121, or adapted for 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.

[0044] When the main processor 121 is inactive (e.g., in sleep mode), the auxiliary processor 123 may control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device 101 (other than the main processor 121) (e.g., display device 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 may 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 device 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) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., camera module 180 or communication module 190) functionally associated with the auxiliary processor 123.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] Input device 150 can receive commands or data from outside electronic device 101 (e.g., a user) that will be used by other components of electronic device 101 (e.g., processor 120). Input device 150 may include, for example, a microphone, mouse, or keyboard.

[0048] The sound output device 155 can output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device 101. The sound output device 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.

[0049] Display device 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 device 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.

[0050] 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 device 150, or output sound via the sound output device 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] Connection 178 may include a connector, through which electronic device 101 may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102). According to embodiments, connection 178 may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0054] The haptic 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 an embodiment, the haptic module 179 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0055] Camera module 180 can capture still 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.

[0056] 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).

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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 separate from each other (e.g., multiple chips). 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.

[0059] 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 embodiments, antenna module 197 may include one or more antennas, and therefore, 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 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 external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna.

[0060] 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)).

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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. It will be understood that nouns in the singular form corresponding to terms may include one or more things unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. 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 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 one component from another and do not limit the components 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 “connected to another element (e.g., a second element)”, it means that the element can be directly (e.g., wiredly) connected to the other element, wirelessly connected to the other element, or connected to the other element via a third element.

[0064] As used herein, the term "module" can include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and is used interchangeably with other terms such as "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).

[0065] 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" simply means 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.

[0066] 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 may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an app store (e.g., Play Store™), or may be distributed directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones) (e.g., downloaded or uploaded). If distributed 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 stored at least temporarily in a machine-readable storage medium (such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an app store's server, or a forwarding server).

[0067] 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 still perform the one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as the 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.

[0068] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 101 for controlling handover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0069] refer to Figure 2 The electronic device 101 may include an application processor (AP) 210, communication processors (CP) 220 and 230, a display device 240, and a power management module 250. The application processor (AP) 210 may substantially be integrated with... Figure 1 The main processor 121 is the same as or can be included in the main processor 121. Communication processors (CPs) 220 and 230 can be substantially the same as... Figure 1 The auxiliary processor 123 (or coprocessor) is the same as or can be included in the auxiliary processor 123 (or coprocessor). The display device 240 can be substantially the same as... Figure 1 The display device 160 is the same as or can be included in the display device 160. The power management module 250 can be substantially the same as... Figure 1 The power management module 188 is the same as or can be included in the power management module 188.

[0070] The application processor 210 can select the network for wireless communication based on at least one of the following: whether the display device 240 is activated, the data throughput of the electronic device 101, whether an application associated with the first communication network is being executed, the state of charge (SoC) of the battery 189, or whether an external power source is connected.

[0071] When the display device 240 is switched to an inactive state while the electronic device 101 is connected to the first communication network, the application processor 210 can control the first communication processor 220 and / or the second communication processor 230 to switch the electronic device 101 to the second communication network. For example, when the first communication network is configured in non-standalone (NSA) mode, the application processor 210 can send a message to the second communication processor 230 requesting a switch to the second communication network. The second communication processor 230 can perform a switch from the first communication network connection state to the second communication network connection state based on the request from the application processor 210. Although not shown in the figures, the first communication processor 220 and the second communication processor 230 can be connected via a separate interface (e.g., a UART interface, etc.) without going through the application processor 210. In another example, when the first communication network is configured in standalone (SA) mode, the application processor 210 can send a message to the first communication processor 220 and the second communication processor 230 requesting a switch to the second communication network. For example, when the display device 240 remains in an inactive state for a reference time, the application processor 210 can determine that the display device 240 has been switched to an inactive state.

[0072] When the display device 240 switches to an inactive state while the electronic device 101 is connected to the first communication network and the data throughput of the electronic device 101 is lower than a reference throughput, the application processor 210 can control the first communication processor 220 and / or the second communication processor 230 to switch the electronic device 101 to the second communication network. For example, when the display device 240 is in an inactive state, the application processor 210 can periodically detect the data throughput of the electronic device 101.

[0073] When the display device 240 is switched to an inactive state while the electronic device 101 is connected to the first communication network and the application associated with the first communication network is not running, the application processor 210 can control the first communication processor 220 and / or the second communication processor 230 to switch the electronic device 101 to the second communication network. When the application associated with the first communication network is running while the display device 240 is switched to an inactive state, but the data throughput of the electronic device 101 is lower than a reference throughput, the application processor 210 can control the first communication processor 220 and / or the second communication processor 230 to switch the electronic device 101 to the second communication network. When the application associated with the first communication network is running while the display device 240 is switched to an inactive state and the data throughput of the electronic device 101 is equal to or higher than the reference throughput, the application processor 210 can control the first communication processor 220 and / or the second communication processor 230 to maintain the connection to the first communication network.

[0074] When electronic device 101 is connected to the first communication network, application processor 210 can determine whether to switch to the second communication network based on at least one of the state of charge (SoC level) of battery 189 or whether an external power source is connected. For example, when the state of charge (SoC level) of battery 189 is above a reference level or an external power source is connected, application processor 210 can determine whether to switch to the second communication network based on at least one of the following: whether display device 240 is activated, whether an application associated with the first communication network is running, or the data throughput of electronic device 101. For example, when the state of charge (SoC level) of battery 189 is below a reference level or no external power source is connected, application processor 210 can control the first communication processor 220 and / or the second communication processor 230 to switch electronic device 101 to the second communication network.

[0075] When the display device 240 is switched to an active state while the electronic device 101 is switched to the second communication network, the application processor 210 can control the first communication processor 220 and / or the second communication processor 230 to switch the electronic device 101 to the first communication network. For example, when the first communication network is configured in non-standalone (NSA) mode, the application processor 210 can send a message to the second communication processor 230 requesting a switch to the first communication network. For example, when the first communication network is configured in standalone (SA) mode, the application processor 210 can send a message to both the first communication processor 220 and the second communication processor 230 requesting a switch to the first communication network.

[0076] When the display device 240 is switched to the active state and the data throughput of the electronic device 101 is equal to or higher than the reference throughput, the application processor 210 can control the first communication processor 220 and / or the second communication processor 230 to switch the electronic device 101 to the first communication network.

[0077] When the electronic device 101 is switched to the second communication network, the display device 240 is switched to the active state and the application associated with the first communication network is run, the application processor 210 can control the first communication processor 220 and / or the second communication processor 230 to switch the electronic device 101 to the first communication network.

[0078] Application processor 210 can determine whether to perform a switch to the first communication network based on at least one of the battery 189's state of charge (SoC level) or whether an external power source is connected. For example, if the battery 189's state of charge (SoC level) is above a reference level and an external power source is connected, application processor 210 can control the first communication processor 220 and / or the second communication processor 230 to perform the switch to the first communication network. For example, if the battery 189's state of charge (SoC level) is below a reference level or no external power source is connected, application processor 210 can control the first communication processor 220 and / or the second communication processor 230 to maintain the connection to the second communication network.

[0079] Application processor 210 can adaptively set reference information (e.g., reference level, reference throughput, etc.) for the handover of electronic device 101 based on each user's usage patterns of electronic device 101. Application processor 210 can set user usage patterns of electronic device 101 by considering at least one of the following collected data usage, data throughput, application usage frequency, or application usage time for each user of electronic device 101 within a certain time period. Application processor 210 can set (or update) the reference information for network handover based on user usage patterns of electronic device 101. Application processor 210 can send at least one of the following data usage, data throughput, application usage frequency, or application usage time for each user of electronic device 101 collected within a certain time period to the server. Application processor 210 can receive per-user reference information for network handover from the server.

[0080] Application processor 210 can adapt and apply reference information (e.g., reference level, reference throughput, etc.) to the switching of electronic device 101 based on at least one of the user, location, or time of use of electronic device 101.

[0081] Application processor 210 can detect the data throughput of electronic device 101 based on the amount of data (or packets) sent and received through communication processors 220 and 230. First communication processor 220 and second communication processor 230 can provide application processor 210 with the amount of data (or packets) sent and received through each communication network. Application processor 210 can identify (or estimate) the data throughput of electronic device 101 based on the amount of data sent and received through each communication network and provided by communication processors 220 and 230. For example, application processor 210 can periodically (e.g., every 10 seconds) identify the data throughput of electronic device 101 when display device 240 is inactive.

[0082] The first communication processor 220 can control the transmission and reception of data through the first communication network. The second communication processor 230 can control the transmission and reception of data through the second communication network. When the first communication network is configured in non-standalone (NSA) mode, the first communication processor 220 can provide services through the first communication network by interacting with the second communication processor 230. For example, when the electronic device 101 wishes to connect to the first communication network, the second communication processor 230 can establish a control channel associated with the first communication network through the second communication network. The first communication processor 220 can establish a data channel through the first communication network based on the control channel associated with the first communication network established through the second communication network and can provide services through the first communication network. When the first communication network is configured in standalone (SA) mode, the first communication processor 220 can provide services independently through the first communication network.

[0083] When the first communication network is configured in standalone (SA) mode, the first communication processor 220 can control the second communication processor 230 to switch the communication network of the electronic device 101 based on a switching request from the application processor 210. For example, the first communication processor 220 can provide the second communication processor 230 with a time for switching to the second communication network based on the operating state of the first communication network.

[0084] When application processor 210 determines to switch to the second communication network based on first state information, first communication processor 220 can control second communication processor 230 to perform the switch to the second communication network if no data is being sent or received through the first communication network. In one example, when no data is being sent or received through the first communication network when a switch request is received from application processor 210, first communication processor 220 can control second communication processor 230 to perform the switch to the second communication network. In another example, when data is being sent or received through the first communication network when a switch request is received from application processor 210, first communication processor 220 can delay the switch to the second communication network until the data transmission and reception through the first communication network is complete. When the data transmission and reception through the first communication network is complete, first communication processor 220 can control second communication processor 230 to perform the switch to the second communication network. When no data is being sent or received through the first communication network within a certain time period (e.g., 10 minutes), first communication processor 220 can control second communication processor 230 to perform the switch to the second communication network. The first communication processor 220 can control the timing for the second communication processor 230 to switch to the second communication network based on whether data is being sent and received through the first communication network. For example, the first status information may include at least one of whether the display device 240 is active, whether an application is being executed, or the data throughput.

[0085] When application processor 210 determines to switch to the second communication network based on information about the battery's charging state, first communication processor 220 can disconnect from the first communication network. Regardless of whether there is data being sent or received through the first communication network, first communication processor 220 can disconnect from the first communication network based on a switching request from application processor 210. For example, first communication processor 220 can send a disconnection request message to the first communication network based on the switching request from application processor 210. When the communication channel with the first communication network is released based on the disconnection request message, first communication processor 220 can send information to second communication processor 230 regarding the completion of disconnection from the first communication network.

[0086] When the application processor 210 receives a message requesting a switch to the second communication network, the second communication processor 230 can establish a communication channel with the second communication network. For example, if the application processor 210 determines to switch to the second communication network based on first status information, the second communication processor 230 can establish a communication channel with the second communication network based on switching control information provided by the first communication processor 220. The switching control information may include information about the timing of the switch, determined based on whether data has been sent / received through the first communication network. For example, when the application processor 210 receives a message requesting a switch to the second communication network based on the battery's charging state, the second communication processor 230 can establish a communication channel with the second communication network.

[0087] When the first communication network is configured in non-standalone mode (NSA), the second communication processor 230 can restrict data channel requests to the first communication network.

[0088] When application processor 210 determines to switch to the second communication network based on the first state parameter, second communication processor 230 can restrict data channel requests to the first communication network if no data is being sent / received through the first communication network. For example, when application processor 210 requests a switch, second communication processor 230 can identify whether data is being sent / received through the first communication network. Second communication processor 230 can identify whether data is being sent / received through the first communication network by using first communication processor 220. When no data is being sent / received through the first communication network, second communication processor 230 can control first communication processor 220 to restrict data channel requests to the first communication network. For example, when data is being sent and received through the first communication network when application processor 210 requests a switch, second communication processor 230 can identify whether data transmission and reception through the first communication network are complete. When data transmission and reception through the first communication network are complete, second communication processor 230 can control first communication processor 220 to restrict data channel requests to the first communication network. Here, a control channel with the second communication network can be maintained. When no data is transmitted or received through the first communication network within a certain time period (e.g., 10 minutes), the second communication processor 230 can control the first communication processor 220 to restrict data channel requests to the first communication network. For example, when data channel requests to the first communication network are restricted, the second communication processor 230 can establish a data channel with the second communication network and can transmit and receive data through the second communication network (e.g., back to a second communication (4G) network).

[0089] When application processor 210 determines to switch to the second communication network based on information about the battery's charging state, the second communication processor 230 can control the first communication processor 220 to release the data channel with the first communication network. The first communication processor 220 can send a disconnection request message to the first communication network based on the control of the second communication processor 230. When releasing the data channel with the first communication network, the first communication processor 220 can restrict requests for data channel access to the first communication network. Here, the control channel established with the second communication network using the second communication processor 230 can be maintained.

[0090] Display device 240 can display information about the operation of electronic device 101. For example, display device 240 can be activated or deactivated based on the control of application processor 210. In one example, display device 240 can provide application processor 210 with information about the operating state of display device 240 (e.g., active or inactive state). Information about the operating state can be sent periodically or when the operating state of display device 240 changes.

[0091] The power management module 250 can provide the application processor 210 with information about the charging state of the battery 189. For example, it can provide this information periodically or when the charging state level of the battery 189 changes. The power management module 250 can manage the charging of the battery 189 using an external power source connected via at least one wired or wireless charging method. The power management module 250 can provide the application processor 210 with information about the connection of the external power source. This information can be provided to the application processor 210 when the external power source is connected to the electronic device 101 or when the external power source is disconnected.

[0092] At least one of the application processor 210 or communication processors 220 and 230 can be configured as a single chip. According to an embodiment, the application processor 210 and communication processors 220 and 230 can be configured as a single chip. Communication processors 220 and 230 can be configured as a single chip. The configuration and structure of the communication processors (multiple) supporting the first and second communication networks are not limited to the above examples, and different configurations and structures can be supported for the communication processors supporting the first and second communication networks.

[0093] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, electronic device 101 may include display device 160; battery 189; and at least one processor 120 configured to be operatively connected to display device 160, wherein processor 120 may determine whether to perform a switch to a second communication network based on whether display device 160 is activated and data throughput while in a state connected to a first communication network among a plurality of communication networks supported by electronic device 101, and may perform a switch to the second communication network when it is determined that a switch to the second communication network should be performed.

[0094] When the display device 160 is deactivated and the data throughput is lower than the reference throughput, the processor 120 can determine to switch to the second communication network.

[0095] The reference throughput can be set based on the user's usage pattern of the electronic device 101, and the usage pattern can be set based on at least one of the data usage, data throughput, application usage frequency, or application usage time collected per user during the reference time period.

[0096] The processor 120 can identify whether there is data sent and received through the first communication network when it determines to switch to the second communication network; if there is data sent and received through the first communication network, it can identify whether the sending and receiving of data through the first communication network has been completed; and when the sending and receiving of data through the first communication network has been completed, it can switch to the second communication network.

[0097] The processor 120 can identify the state of charge (SoC) of the battery 189 and can switch to a second communication network when the SoC of the battery 189 is below a reference level.

[0098] When the SoC of battery 189 is equal to or higher than the reference level, processor 120 can determine whether to switch to the second communication network based on whether display device 160 is activated and data throughput.

[0099] The reference level can be set based on the user’s usage pattern of the electronic device 101, and the usage pattern can be set based on at least one of the data usage, data throughput, application usage frequency or application usage time collected per user during the reference time period.

[0100] The processor 120 can switch to the first communication network when the display device is activated in a state where it is connected to the second communication network based on the deactivation of the display device.

[0101] The first communication network may include a new radio (NR) communication network, and the second communication network may include a long-term evolution (LTE) communication network.

[0102] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, electronic device 101 may include display device 160; a battery 189; and at least one processor 120 configured to be operatively connected to display device 160. Processor 120 may connect to a first communication network based on control information obtained through a second communication network among a plurality of communication networks supported by electronic device 101; may determine whether to use the first communication network while connected to the first communication network based on whether display device 160 is activated and data throughput; may identify whether data is being sent and received through the first communication network when it is determined that use of the first communication network is restricted; and may restrict data channel requests to the first communication network while connected to the second communication network when no data is being sent and received through the first communication network.

[0103] The processor 120 can identify the state of charge (SoC) of the battery, can send a message associated with disconnection from the first communication network when the state of charge of the battery 189 is below a reference level, and can restrict data channel requests to the first communication network when disconnected from the first communication network and when connected to the second communication network.

[0104] Figure 3 This is a flowchart 300 illustrating an electronic device switching to a second communication network based on the state of a display device and data throughput, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0105] In the following description, independent operations can be executed sequentially, but not necessarily in a specific order. For example, the order of independent operations can be changed, and at least two operations can be executed in parallel. An electronic device can be... Figure 1 or Figure 2 Electronic device 101. Reference will be made below. Figure 4 To describe Figure 3 At least some of the operations.

[0106] Figure 4 The figure illustrates a screen configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure for displaying information about switching to a second communication network in an electronic device.

[0107] refer to Figure 3 In operation 301, the electronic device (e.g., Figure 1 The processor 120 and / or wireless communication module 192 can be connected to a first communication network (e.g., a 5G network) and can send and receive data through the first communication network. When the electric field strength of the first communication network (e.g., Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI)) is equal to or higher than a reference electric field strength, the processor 120 (e.g., Figure 2The application processor 210 can be connected to the first communication network via the wireless communication module 192 to send and receive data.

[0108] In operation 303, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120) can determine whether to switch to the second communication network based on whether the display device 160 is activated and the data throughput. When the display device 160 is switched to an inactive state and the data throughput is lower than a reference throughput, the processor 120 can determine to switch to the second communication network. When the display device 160 is active or the data throughput is higher than the reference throughput, the processor 120 can determine to maintain the connection to the first communication network.

[0109] In operation 305, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120) can determine whether to switch to the second communication network based on whether the display device 160 is activated and the data throughput. When it is determined to maintain the connection to the first communication network (e.g., "No" in operation 305), the electronic device (e.g., processor 120 and / or wireless communication module 192) can maintain the connection to the first communication network.

[0110] When it is determined that a switch to a second communication network (e.g., a 4G network) will be executed (e.g., "Yes" in operation 305), in operation 307, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120 and / or wireless communication module 192) may execute the switch to the second communication network. When it is determined that a switch to the second communication network will be executed based on whether the display device 160 is activated and the data throughput, the processor 120 may identify the channel state (e.g., electric field strength) of at least one second communication network adjacent to the electronic device 101. The processor 120 may execute a switch to a second communication network with an electric field strength equal to or higher than a reference electric field strength. In one example, when multiple second communication networks with electric field strengths equal to or higher than the reference electric field strength exist, the processor 120 may execute a switch to the second communication network with the highest electric field strength.

[0111] When it is determined that a switch to a second communication network (e.g., a 4G network) should be executed, the processor 120 may instruct the wireless communication module 192 to switch to the second communication network. When the switch to the second communication network is instructed, the wireless communication module 192 may identify whether data has been transmitted and received through the first communication network. If no data has been transmitted and received through the first communication network, the wireless communication module 192 may execute the switch to the second communication network after completing the transmission and reception of data using the first communication network. For example, if no data has been transmitted and received through the first communication network for a certain period of time (e.g., 10 seconds), the wireless communication module 192 (e.g., the first CP 220 or the second CP 230) may execute the switch to the second communication network.

[0112] When it is determined that switching to the second communication network will be performed (e.g., "Yes" in operation 305), processor 120 may display information 400 about the switch to the second communication network on display device 160. When input of the "Accept" selection menu 402 is detected, processor 120 may perform the switch to the second communication network. When input of the "Deny" selection menu 404 is detected, processor 120 may determine that the user of electronic device 101 does not wish to switch to the second communication network. Therefore, processor 120 may maintain the connection to the first communication network. When no input of either the "Accept" selection menu 402 or the "Deny" selection menu 404 is detected within a reference time period, processor 120 may perform the switch to the second communication network.

[0113] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an electronic device determining whether to perform a switching operation based on the state of a display device and data throughput, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0114] Figure 5 The following operations can be Figure 3 The detailed operation of operation 303. In the following embodiments, independent operations can be executed sequentially, but not necessarily sequentially. For example, the order of independent operations can be changed, and at least two operations can be executed in parallel. Here, the electronic device can be Figure 1 or Figure 2 Electronic device 101.

[0115] refer to Figure 5 In operation 501, electronic devices (e.g., Figure 1 The processor 120 can determine whether the display device 160 has been switched to an inactive state. When the electronic device 101 is connected to a first communication network (e.g., an NR network), Figure 3 During operation 301), processor 120 (e.g., Figure 2 The application processor 210 can identify whether the display device 160 remains in an inactive state during a reference time period. When the display device 160 remains in an inactive state during the reference time period, the processor 120 can determine that the display device 160 has been switched to an inactive state.

[0116] When the display device 160 is switched to an inactive state (e.g., "Yes" in operation 501), in operation 503, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120) can identify whether the data throughput of the electronic device is lower than a reference throughput. When the display device 160 is switched to an inactive state, the processor 120 can periodically determine the data throughput of the electronic device 101 based on the amount of data sent and received through the wireless communication module 192.

[0117] When the data throughput of the electronic device is lower than a reference throughput (e.g., "Yes" in operation 503), in operation 505, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120 and / or wireless communication module 192) can determine to switch the communication network to a second communication network (e.g., an LTE network). When the display device 160 is switched to an inactive state and the data throughput is lower than the reference throughput, the processor 120 can identify the electric field strength of the second communication network adjacent to the electronic device 101. Among the second communication networks adjacent to the electronic device 101, the second communication network with an electric field strength equal to or higher than the reference electric field strength can be selected as the network that the electronic device 101 performs the switch to.

[0118] In operation 507, when the display device 160 remains in an active state (e.g., "No" in operation 501) or the data throughput of the electronic device is equal to or greater than a reference throughput (e.g., "No" in operation 503), the electronic device (e.g., processor 120 and / or wireless communication module 192) can determine to maintain a connection to the first communication network. The wireless communication module 192 can send and receive data via the first communication network.

[0119] While maintaining a connection to the first communication network when the display device 160 is in an inactive state, the processor 120 can periodically identify the data throughput of the electronic device 101. When the data throughput of the electronic device 101 is lower than a reference throughput when the display device 160 is in an inactive state, the processor 120 can control the wireless communication module 192 to switch to the second communication network.

[0120] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an electronic device determining whether to perform a switching operation based on the state of a display device, the characteristics of an application, and data throughput, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0121] Figure 6 The following operations can be Figure 3 The detailed operation of operation 303. In the following embodiments, independent operations can be executed sequentially, but not necessarily sequentially. For example, the order of independent operations can be changed, and at least two operations can be executed in parallel. Here, the electronic device can be Figure 1 or Figure 2 Electronic device 101.

[0122] refer to Figure 6 In operation 601, in electronic device 101 (e.g., Figure 1 The processor 120) is connected to a first communication network (e.g., a 5G network). Figure 3 In the case of operation 301), the electronic device can identify whether the display device 160 has been switched to an inactive state. For example, switching the display device 160 to an inactive state may include a state in which the display device 160 remains in an inactive state for a reference time period.

[0123] When the display device 160 is switched to an inactive state (e.g., "Yes" in operation 601), in operation 603, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120) can identify whether an application associated with the first communication network is being run. For example, the application associated with the first communication network may include at least one application that uses the first communication network to provide services.

[0124] While an application associated with the first communication network is running (e.g., in operation "603"), in operation 605, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120) can identify whether the data throughput of the electronic device is lower than a reference throughput. For example, if the display device 160 is switched to an inactive state, the data throughput of the electronic device 101 can be determined based on the amount of data sent and received by the wireless communication module 192 during the reference time period.

[0125] In operation 607, when the application associated with the first communication network is not executed (e.g., "No" in operation 603) or the data throughput of the electronic device is lower than the reference throughput (e.g., "Yes" in operation 605), the electronic device (e.g., processor 120 and / or wireless communication module 192) may determine to switch the communication network to a second communication network (e.g., an LTE network). For example, the second communication network that the electronic device 101 switches to may include an LTE network having an electric field strength equal to or higher than the reference electric field strength.

[0126] In operation 609, when the display device 160 remains in an active state (e.g., "No" in operation 601) or the data throughput of the electronic device is equal to or greater than the reference throughput (e.g., "No" in operation 605), the electronic device (e.g., processor 120 and / or wireless communication module 192) can determine to maintain the connection to the first communication network.

[0127] When the display device 160 is in an inactive state and the connection to the first communication network is maintained based on the operation of an application associated with the first communication network, the processor 120 can periodically identify the data throughput of the electronic device 101. When the data throughput of the electronic device 101 is lower than a reference throughput when the display device 160 is in an inactive state, the processor 120 can control the wireless communication module 192 to switch to the second communication network.

[0128] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an electronic device switching to a second communication network based on the battery charging state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0129] In the following embodiments, independent operations may be executed sequentially, but not necessarily sequentially. For example, the order of independent operations can be changed, and at least two operations can be executed in parallel. Here, the electronic device may be... Figure 1 or Figure 2 Electronic device 101. Reference will be made below. Figure 8 To describe Figure 7 At least some of the operations.

[0130] Figure 8 The figure illustrates a screen configuration of a switching settings menu for battery charging status in an electronic device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0131] refer to Figure 7 and 8 In operation 701, electronic devices (e.g., Figure 1 The processor 120 and / or wireless communication module 192 can transmit and receive data via a first communication network (e.g., an NR network). The wireless communication module 192 can be connected to the first communication network having an electric field strength equal to or higher than the reference electric field strength to transmit and receive data.

[0132] In operation 703, electronic devices (e.g., processor 120 and / or power management module 188) can identify whether the battery's state-of-charge level (SoC level) is equal to or greater than a reference level. For example, the power management module 188 can report the battery's SoC level to the processor 120 periodically or when the battery's SoC level changes.

[0133] When the battery's state-of-charge level (SoC level) is equal to or greater than a reference level (e.g., "Yes" in operation 703), in operation 705, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120) can determine whether to switch to a second communication network based on whether the display device 160 is activated and the data throughput. Figure 5 As shown in operations 501 to 507, processor 120 (e.g., Figure 2 The application processor 210 can determine whether to switch to the second communication network based on whether the display device 160 is activated and the data throughput. For example... Figure 6 As shown in operations 601 to 609, processor 120 (e.g., Figure 2 The application processor 210 can determine whether to switch to the second communication network based on whether the display device 160 is activated, whether the application associated with the first communication network is running, and the data throughput.

[0134] In operation 707, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120) can determine whether to switch to the second communication network based on whether the display device 160 is activated and the data throughput. When the display device 160 is switched to an inactive state and the data throughput is lower than a reference throughput, the processor 120 can determine to switch to the second communication network. When the display device 160 is switched to an inactive state and an application associated with the first communication network is running but the data throughput is lower than the reference throughput, the processor 120 determines to switch to the second communication network.

[0135] When it is determined in operation 705 that switching to the second communication network is not to be performed (e.g., in operation 707, "No"), the electronic device (e.g., processor 120 and / or wireless communication module 192) can maintain its connection to the first communication network.

[0136] In operation 709, when the battery's state of charge level (SoC level) is lower than a reference level (e.g., "No" in operation 703) or when it is determined to switch to a second communication network (e.g., "Yes" in operation 707), the electronic device (e.g., processor 120 and / or wireless communication module 192) may perform a switch to the second communication network. Processor 120 may provide a request to wireless communication module 192 to switch to the second communication network. Wireless communication module 192 may perform a switch to the second communication network having an electric field strength equal to or higher than the reference electric field strength. When a switch to the second communication network is determined based on the battery's SoC, processor 120 may send a switch request message to the first communication network. When a switch to the second communication network is determined based on the battery's SoC, processor 120 may control wireless communication module 192 to perform the switch to the second communication network regardless of whether data is transmitted and received through the first communication network. In one example, processor 120 may provide wireless communication module 192 with information related to parameters considered when determining the switch to the second communication network (e.g., first state information or information about the battery's SoC). For example, processor 120 can add parameter information to the switching request message, configure the switching request message in different forms to correspond to parameters, or send parameter information using a separate message.

[0137] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, electronic device 101 can switch networks based on whether an external power source is connected. When electronic device 101 is connected to and powered by an external power source, processor 120 (e.g., Figure 2 The application processor 210 can determine whether to switch to the second communication network based on whether the display device 160 is activated and the data throughput, such as Figure 5 The operations shown in 501 to 507. When electronic device 101 is connected to and powered by an external power source, processor 120 (e.g., Figure 2 The application processor 210 can determine whether to switch to the second communication network based on whether the display device 160 is activated, whether the application associated with the first communication network is running, and data throughput, such as... Figure 6 The operation is shown in 601 to 609. When the electronic device 101 is not connected to an external power source, the processor 120 (e.g., Figure 2 The application processor 210 can determine whether to switch to a second communication network based on the battery's state of charge level, such as... Figure 7 The operations are shown in 701 to 709.

[0138] When the network switching menu 800 is configured in the power-saving mode of battery management mode, the electronic device 101 (e.g., processor 120) can switch networks based on the state-of-charge level of the battery 189 or whether an external power source is connected. Figure 7 The operations shown in 701 to 709.

[0139] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an electronic device switching to a second communication network based on the state of a display device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0140] In the following embodiments, independent operations may be executed sequentially, but not necessarily sequentially. For example, the order of independent operations can be changed, and at least two operations can be executed in parallel. Here, the electronic device may be... Figure 1 or Figure 2 Electronic device 101.

[0141] refer to Figure 9 In operation 901, electronic devices (e.g., Figure 1 The processor 120 and / or wireless communication module 192 can be connected to a first communication network (e.g., a 5G network) having an electric field strength equal to or higher than the reference electric field strength and can send and receive data through the first communication network.

[0142] In operation 903, when connected to the first communication network, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120) can identify whether the display device 160 is deactivated. When the display device 160 remains inactive for a reference time period, the processor 120 (e.g., Figure 2 The application processor 210 can determine whether the display device 160 is deactivated. In one example, the processor 120 can identify whether the display device 160 remains in an inactive state for a reference period of time starting from the time when the deactivation request signal is sent to the display device 160. In another example, the processor 120 can identify whether the display device 160 remains in an inactive state for a reference period of time starting from the time when the display device 160 receives the deactivation switching signal.

[0143] When the display device 160 is deactivated (e.g., "Yes" in operation 903), in operation 905, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120 and / or wireless communication module 192) can perform a switch to a second communication network. For example, the second communication network to which the electronic device 101 switches may include a network having an electric field strength equal to or higher than a reference electric field strength. When determining whether to switch to the second communication network based on whether the display device 160 is activated, the processor 120 can control the wireless communication module 192 to perform the switch to the second communication network when there is no data being transmitted and received through the first communication network.

[0144] According to various embodiments, when the display device 160 is in an active state (e.g., "No" in operation 903), the electronic device (e.g., processor 120 and / or wireless communication module 192) can maintain a connection to the first communication network. For example, the active state of the display device 160 may include a state in which the display device 160 is deactivated but reactivated within a reference time period.

[0145] When it is determined, based on sensing data acquired by sensor module 176, that the user is in an environment where electronic device 101 cannot be used, such as a movie theater, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120) can switch to a second communication network.

[0146] Figure 10 This is a flowchart 1000 illustrating an electronic device switching to a first communication network based on the state of a display device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0147] In the following embodiments, independent operations may be executed sequentially, but not necessarily sequentially. For example, the order of independent operations can be changed, and at least two operations can be executed in parallel. Here, the electronic device may be... Figure 1 or Figure 2 Electronic device 101.

[0148] refer to Figure 10 In operation 1001, electronic devices (e.g., Figure 1 The processor 120 and / or wireless communication module 192 can switch to a second communication network. When performing data transmission and reception via the first communication network, the processor 120 (e.g., Figure 2 The application processor 210 can control the wireless communication module 192 to switch to the second communication network based on at least one of the following: whether the display device 160 is activated, the data throughput of the electronic device 101, whether the application associated with the first communication network is running, the state of charge (SoC) level of the battery 189, or whether an external power source is connected.

[0149] In operation 1003, when connecting to the second communication network via a switching mechanism, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120) can identify whether the display device 160 is activated. In one example, activation of the display device 160 can be determined based on whether the processor 120 sends an activation request signal to the display device 160. In another example, activation of the display device 160 can be determined based on whether the processor 120 receives an activation switching signal from the display device 160.

[0150] When the display device 160 is activated (e.g., "Yes" in operation 1003), in operation 1005, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120 and / or wireless communication module 192) can switch to a first communication network. For example, the first communication network that the electronic device 101 switches to may include a network having an electric field strength equal to or higher than a reference electric field strength.

[0151] When the display device 160 is in an inactive state (e.g., "No" in operation 1003), in operation 1007, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120 and / or wireless communication module 192) can maintain a connection to the second communication network.

[0152] Figure 11 This is a flowchart 1100 illustrating an electronic device switching to a first communication network based on the state of a display device and data throughput, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0153] In the following embodiments, independent operations may be executed sequentially, but not necessarily sequentially. For example, the order of independent operations can be changed, and at least two operations can be executed in parallel. Here, the electronic device may be... Figure 1 or Figure 2 Electronic device 101.

[0154] refer to Figure 11 In operation 1101, electronic devices (e.g., Figure 1 The processor 120 and / or wireless communication module 192 can perform a switch to a second communication network. When connected to the first communication network, the wireless communication module 192 can perform a switch to the second communication network based on the control of the processor 120.

[0155] In operation 1103, when switching to the second communication network, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120) can identify whether the display device 160 is activated. For example, the inactive state of the display device 160 may include the always-on-display (AOD) mode of the display device 160.

[0156] When the display device 160 is activated (e.g., "Yes" in operation 1103), in operation 1105, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120) can identify whether the data throughput of the electronic device 101 is equal to or higher than a reference throughput. When the display device 160 is inactive, the processor 120 can periodically identify the data throughput of the electronic device 101 based on the amount of data sent and received through the wireless communication module 192.

[0157] When the data throughput of electronic device 101 is equal to or greater than a reference throughput (e.g., "Yes" in operation 1105), in operation 1107, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120 and / or wireless communication module 192) may perform a switch to a first communication network. Wireless communication module 192 may perform a switch to a first communication network having an electric field strength equal to or greater than the reference electric field strength.

[0158] When the display device 160 is in an inactive state (e.g., "No" in operation 1103) or the data throughput of the electronic device 101 is lower than the reference throughput (e.g., "No" in operation 1105), in operation 1109, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120 and / or wireless communication module 192) can maintain a connection to the second communication network.

[0159] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating an electronic device switching to a first communication network based on the state of a display device and the state of battery charging, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0160] In the following embodiments, independent operations may be executed sequentially, but not necessarily sequentially. For example, the order of independent operations can be changed, and at least two operations can be executed in parallel. Here, the electronic device may be... Figure 1 or Figure 2 Electronic device 101.

[0161] refer to Figure 12 In operation 1201, electronic devices (e.g., Figure 1 The processor 120 and / or wireless communication module 192 can perform a switch to a second communication network. The wireless communication module 192 can perform the switch to the second communication network based on whether the display device 160 is activated and the data throughput, such as... Figure 3 As shown in operations 301 to 307. The wireless communication module 192 can switch to a second communication network based on the battery's state of charge level, such as... Figure 7 The operations shown in 701 to 709. The wireless communication module 192 can switch to a second communication network based on whether the display device 160 is activated, such as... Figure 9The operations shown in 901 to 907.

[0162] In operation 1203, when switching to a second communication network, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120) can identify whether the display device 160 is activated.

[0163] When the display device 160 is switched to an active state (e.g., "Yes" in operation 1203), in operation 1205, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120) can identify whether the battery state-of-charge level of the electronic device 101 is equal to or higher than a reference level. For example, the battery state-of-charge level may include the remaining battery level of the electronic device 101.

[0164] When the battery state of charge level of electronic device 101 is equal to or higher than a reference level (e.g., "Yes" in operation 1205), in operation 1207, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120 and / or wireless communication module 192) can switch to a first communication network. For example, the electric field strength of the first communication network to which electronic device 101 switches can be equal to or higher than the reference electric field strength.

[0165] In operation 1209, when the display device 160 is in an inactive state (e.g., "No" in operation 1203) or the battery charge state level of the electronic device 101 is below a reference level (e.g., "No" in operation 1205), the electronic device (e.g., processor 120 and / or wireless communication module 192) can maintain its connection to the second communication network.

[0166] Electronic device 101 can switch to the first communication network based on whether an external power source is connected. When electronic device 101 is connected to and powered by an external power source while display device 160 is activated, processor 120 can perform the switch to the first communication network. When powered by an external power source, regardless of the battery charge level, electronic device 101 can determine whether to switch to the first communication network based on whether display device 160 is activated.

[0167] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating an electronic device switching to a first communication network based on the state of a display device and whether an application is running, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0168] In the following embodiments, independent operations may be executed sequentially, but not necessarily sequentially. For example, the order of independent operations can be changed, and at least two operations can be executed in parallel. Here, the electronic device may be... Figure 1 or Figure 2 Electronic device 101.

[0169] refer to Figure 13 In operation 1301, electronic devices (e.g., Figure 1 The processor 120 and / or wireless communication module 192 can perform a switch to a second communication network. The processor 120 can control the wireless communication module 192 to perform the switch to the second communication network based on status information about the electronic device 101 in order to reduce power consumption due to wireless communication. For example, the status information about the electronic device 101 may include at least one of whether the display device 160 is activated, the data throughput of the electronic device 101, whether the application associated with the first communication network is running, and the state of charge (SoC) level of the battery 189 or whether an external power source is connected.

[0170] In operation 1303, when connecting to the second communication network via switching, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120) can identify whether the display device 160 is activated. The processor 120 can identify whether an event associated with the activation of the display device 160 has been triggered. For example, the event associated with the activation of the display device 160 may include at least one of receiving a call, detecting input via the power button, or detecting input via the home button.

[0171] When the display device 160 is switched to an active state (e.g., "Yes" in operation 1303), in operation 1305, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120) can identify whether an application associated with the first communication network is being executed. For example, the application associated with the first communication network may include at least one application that provides services through the first communication network.

[0172] When an application associated with the first communication network is run (e.g., "Yes" in operation 1305), in operation 1307, an electronic device (e.g., processor 120 and / or wireless communication module 192) may switch to the first communication network.

[0173] According to various embodiments, in operation 1309, when the display device 160 is in an inactive state (e.g., "No" in operation 1303) or the application associated with the first communication network is not executed (e.g., "No" in operation 1305), the electronic device (e.g., processor 120 and / or wireless communication module 192) can maintain a connection to the second communication network.

[0174] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating an electronic device performing a switch from a first communication network configured in NSA mode to a second communication network based on the state of a display device and data throughput, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0175] In the following embodiments, independent operations may be executed sequentially, but not necessarily sequentially. For example, the order of independent operations can be changed, and at least two operations can be executed in parallel. Here, the electronic device may be... Figure 1 or Figure 2 Electronic device 101.

[0176] refer to Figure 14 In operation 1401, electronic devices (e.g., Figure 1 The processor 120 and / or wireless communication module 192 can connect to the first communication network (e.g., a 5G network) using a second communication network (e.g., an LTE network). When the first communication network is configured in non-standalone (NSA) mode, the wireless communication module 192 can establish a control channel through the second communication network. The wireless communication module 192 can establish a data channel with the first communication network based on control information provided through the control channel with the second communication network. The wireless communication module 192 can send and receive data through the data channel with the first communication network.

[0177] In operation 1403, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120) can determine whether to switch to the second communication network based on whether the display device 160 is activated and the data throughput. Processor 120 (e.g., Figure 2 The application processor 210 can determine whether to switch to the second communication network based on whether the display device 160 is activated and the data throughput, such as Figure 5 As shown in operations 501 to 507. According to an embodiment, the processor 120 can determine whether to switch to the second communication network based on whether the display device 160 is activated, whether an application associated with the first communication network is being executed, and data throughput, such as... Figure 6 The operations shown in 601 to 609.

[0178] In operation 1405, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120) can determine whether to switch to the second communication network based on whether the display device 160 is activated and the data throughput. According to an embodiment, processor 120 can determine to switch to the second communication network when the display device 160 is switched to an inactive state and the data throughput is lower than a reference throughput. According to an embodiment, processor 120 determines to switch to the second communication network when the display device 160 is switched to an inactive state and no application associated with the first communication network is being executed.

[0179] When it is determined in operation 1403 that a connection to the first communication network is maintained (e.g., in operation 1405, "No"), electronic devices (e.g., processor 120 and / or wireless communication module 192) may maintain a connection to the first communication network.

[0180] When it is determined that a switch to a second communication network (e.g., a 4G network) will be executed (e.g., "Yes" in operation 1405), in operation 1407, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120 and / or wireless communication module 192) may restrict the establishment of a data channel with the first communication network. When it is determined that a switch to the second communication network will be executed, processor 120 may restrict data channel requests to the first communication network when there is no data being sent and received through the first communication network.

[0181] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating an electronic device switching to a second communication network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0182] Figure 15 The following operations can be Figure 14 The detailed operation of operation 1407. In the following embodiments, independent operations can be executed sequentially, but not necessarily sequentially. For example, the order of independent operations can be changed, and at least two operations can be executed in parallel. Here, the electronic device can be Figure 1 or Figure 2 Electronic device 101.

[0183] refer to Figure 15 When it is determined that the execution will switch to the second communication network (e.g., in...) Figure 14 In operation 1405, when "Yes" is selected, in operation 1501, the electronic device (e.g., Figure 1 The processor 120 and / or wireless communication module 192 can identify whether data is being transmitted and received through the first communication network. The wireless communication module 192 can identify whether data is being transmitted and received through a data channel with the first communication network.

[0184] When there is data being sent and received through the first communication network (e.g., "yes" in operation 1501), in operation 1503, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120 and / or wireless communication module 192) can identify whether the sending and receiving of data through the first communication network has been completed.

[0185] When data transmission and reception via the first communication network is not completed (e.g., "No" in operation 1503), the electronic device (e.g., processor 120 and / or wireless communication module 192) can identify whether data transmission and reception via the first communication network has been completed. Processor 120 (e.g., Figure 2 The application processor 210 can periodically identify whether the transmission and reception of data through the first communication network has been completed.

[0186] In operation 1505, when no data is being sent and received through the first communication network (e.g., "No" in operation 1501) or when data transmission and reception through the first communication network is complete (e.g., "Yes" in operation 1503), the electronic device (e.g., processor 120 and / or wireless communication module 192) may restrict data channel requests to the first communication network. In this case, communication channels (control channel and data channel) with the second communication network can be maintained. In one example, the restriction on data channel requests may include a state in which the electronic device 101 is configured not to send a request message to the first communication network to establish a data channel when data associated with the electronic device 101 occurs, provided that the data channel with the first communication network is disconnected. The electronic device 101 can send and receive data associated with the electronic device 101 through the communication channel with the second communication network.

[0187] Figure 16 This is a flowchart illustrating an electronic device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, performing a switch from a first communication network configured in NSA mode to a second communication network based on information about the battery's state of charge.

[0188] In the following embodiments, independent operations may be executed sequentially, but not necessarily sequentially. For example, the order of independent operations can be changed, and at least two operations can be executed in parallel. Here, the electronic device may be... Figure 1 or Figure 2 Electronic device 101.

[0189] refer to Figure 16 In operation 1601, electronic devices (e.g., Figure 1 The processor 120 and / or wireless communication module 192 can connect to the first communication network (e.g., a 5G network) using a second communication network (e.g., an LTE network). When the first communication network is configured in non-standalone (NSA) mode, the wireless communication module 192 can establish a data channel with the first communication network based on control information obtained through the second communication network.

[0190] In operation 1603, electronic devices (e.g., processor 120 and / or power management module 188) can identify whether the battery's state-of-charge level (SoC) is lower than a reference level. The power management module 188 can periodically or when the battery's SoC changes, send a signal to the processor 120 (e.g., ...). Figure 2 The application processor 210 provides information about the battery's charging status.

[0191] When the battery's state of charge (SoC) is below a reference level (e.g., "yes" in operation 1603), in operation 1605, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120 and / or power management module 188) identifies whether an external power source is connected. The power management module 188 can identify whether it is being powered via cable or wirelessly from an external power source connected to the electronic device 101.

[0192] When no external power source is connected (e.g., "No" in operation 1605), in operation 1607, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120 and / or wireless communication module 192) can send a disconnect message to the first communication network. When the battery's state of charge level is below a reference level and no external power source is connected, processor 120 can determine to switch to the second communication network. Processor 120 can control wireless communication module 192 to send a disconnect message to release the data channel with the first communication network.

[0193] In operation 1609, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120 and / or wireless communication module 192) can disconnect from the first communication network. Upon receiving a response message (e.g., an ACK signal) to the disconnection message from the first communication network, processor 120 can release the data channel with the first communication network. Wireless communication module 192 can then connect to the first communication network by sending and receiving data through a communication channel with a preset second communication network.

[0194] In operation 1611, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120 and / or wireless communication module 192) can restrict data channel requests to the first communication network. For example, when data associated with electronic device 101 occurs while the data channel with the first communication network is disconnected, processor 120 does not send a request message to the first communication network to establish a data channel. In this case, wireless communication module 192 can send and receive data associated with electronic device 101 through a communication channel with the second communication network.

[0195] When the battery's state-of-charge level (SoC level) is equal to or greater than a reference level (e.g., "No" in operation 1603) or an external power source is connected (e.g., "Yes" in operation 1605), the electronic device (e.g., processor 120) can determine whether to switch to a second communication network based on whether the display device 160 is activated and the data throughput. The processor 120 can determine whether to switch to a second communication network based on whether the display device 160 is activated and the data throughput, such as... Figure 5The operations shown in 501 to 507 are as follows. The processor 120 can determine whether to switch to the second communication network based on whether the display device 160 is activated, whether an application associated with the first communication network is running, and data throughput, such as... Figure 6 The operations shown in 601 to 609.

[0196] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating electronic device configuration switching reference information according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0197] In the following embodiments, independent operations may be executed sequentially, but not necessarily sequentially. For example, the order of independent operations can be changed, and at least two operations can be executed in parallel. Here, the electronic device may be... Figure 1 or Figure 2 Electronic device 101.

[0198] refer to Figure 17 In operation 1701, electronic devices (e.g., Figure 1 The processor 120 can collect usage information about the electronic device. For example, the usage information about the electronic device may include at least one of the following: data usage per user of the electronic device 101, data throughput, application usage frequency, or application usage time.

[0199] In operation 1703, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120) can determine a user's usage pattern regarding the electronic device based on usage information about the electronic device. For example, the usage pattern may include at least one of the frequency of use of a service associated with the first communication network, the time of use, or the duration of use. The electronic device may include a numerical processing unit (NPU) to analyze the usage information about the electronic device and determine the user's usage pattern regarding the electronic device.

[0200] In operation 1705, electronic devices (e.g., processor 120) can set reference information associated with the switching based on usage patterns. The user uses the service associated with the first communication network relatively frequently, and the processor 120 (e.g., Figure 2The application processor 210 can set reference information associated with switching to reduce the frequency of switching to the second communication network. When the frequency of user use of services associated with the first communication network is relatively low, the processor 120 can set reference information associated with switching to make switching to the second communication network relatively easy. In one example, the processor 120 can set the reference information associated with switching based on the location or usage time of the electronic device 101. The reference information associated with switching may include at least one of, for example, a reference level for comparison with the state of charge level of the battery, a reference throughput for comparison with data throughput, or a reference time period for identifying whether the display device 160 is inactive.

[0201] In operation 1707, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120) can identify whether the reference information associated with the switching has changed. Processor 120 can identify whether the reference information associated with the switching set in operation 1705 is the same as the reference information associated with the switching stored in memory 130.

[0202] When the reference information associated with the switch has changed (e.g., "yes" in operation 1707), in operation 1709, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120) can update the reference information associated with the switch that is pre-set in the electronic device to reference information associated with the switch that corresponds to the user's usage pattern. In one example, the reference information associated with the switch can be stored in tabular form.

[0203] The electronic device can send usage information about itself to the server. The electronic device can also update the reference information stored within it based on switching-related reference information provided by the server.

[0204] The electronic device can set reference information associated with the switching based on user input. The processor 120 can set reference information associated with the switching based on user input to the reference information setting menu.

[0205] Electronic devices can selectively collect usage information based on user settings. When a user enables usage information collection, the electronic device can collect usage information.

[0206] When it is determined that usage information about the electronic device cannot be collected or that the collected usage information is unreliable, the electronic device may use predefined reference information associated with the handover to determine whether to perform a handover to a second communication network. For example, the predefined reference information associated with the handover may include at least one of previously set reference information or initial reference information set in the electronic device 101.

[0207] Electronic device 101 can selectively perform switching based on user input to reduce power consumption due to wireless communication. See the following reference... Figure 18 or Figure 19 To describe the selective execution of switching operations.

[0208] Figure 18 The figure illustrates the screen configuration of the network mode setting menu in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0209] refer to Figure 18 According to an embodiment, electronic device 101 may provide a network mode menu 1802 for selecting a network for wireless communication within a menu 1800 for managing networks used for wireless communication. When input to select network mode menu 1802 is detected, electronic device 101 may display a network list 1810 via at least a portion of display device 160. For example, LTE mode 1812 may include a mode in which electronic device 101 is preferably connected to an LTE network among supported networks. LTE handover mode 1814 may include a mode in which the network used for wireless communication is switched to reduce power consumption due to wireless communication. 5G / LTE mode 1816 may include a mode in which electronic device 101 is preferably connected to a 5G network (NR network) among supported networks.

[0210] When LTE handover mode 1814 is selected from network list 1810, electronic device 101 can switch the network used for wireless communication based on at least one of the following: whether display device 160 is activated, data throughput, whether an application associated with the first communication network is executed, the state of charge (SoC) of battery 189, or whether an external power source is connected. For example, when LTE handover mode 1814 is selected, electronic device 101 can switch the network used for wireless communication based on: Figure 3 Use steps 301 to 307 to switch networks.

[0211] When LTE handover mode 1814 is not selected from network list 1810, electronic device 101 can determine that handover for reducing power consumption due to wireless communication is limited. For example, when LTE handover mode 1814 is not selected, electronic device 101 can determine based on... Figure 3 Operations 301 to 307 are used to restrict network switching operations.

[0212] Figure 19 The figure illustrates a screen configuration of a network switching menu in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0213] refer to Figure 19The electronic device 101 may provide an LTE handover settings menu 1902 in a menu 1900 for managing the network used for wireless communication, for setting whether to activate the LTE handover mode. For example, the LTE handover mode may include a mode that switches the network used for wireless communication to reduce power consumption due to wireless communication.

[0214] When the LTE handover settings menu 1902 is set in an inactive state, the electronic device 101 can determine that handover for reducing power consumption due to wireless communication is limited.

[0215] When the LTE switching settings menu 1902 is set in the active state, the electronic device 101 can switch the network used for wireless communication based on at least one of the following: whether the display device 160 is activated, data throughput, whether an application associated with the first communication network is running, the state of charge of the battery 189 (SoC), or whether an external power source is connected. For example, when the electronic device 101 performs a switch to a second communication network (LTE mode) based on the state of charge of the battery 189 while connected to the first communication network, the electronic device 101 can display information 1912 about the switch to the second communication network on the display device 160 (e.g., 'The device has switched to LTE to save power') (1910). For example, the information 1912 about the switch to the second communication network can be deleted from the display device 160 after a certain period of time or when user input is detected.

[0216] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, the operation method of the electronic device 101 may include: connecting to a first communication network among a plurality of communication networks supported by the electronic device 101; determining whether to perform a switch to a second communication network based on whether the display device 160 is activated and the data throughput while connected to the first communication network; and performing the switch to the second communication network when it is determined that a switch to the second communication network is to be performed.

[0217] Determining whether to perform a switch may include: when the display device 160 is deactivated and the data throughput is lower than the reference throughput, determining to perform a switch to the second communication network.

[0218] The reference throughput can be set based on the user's usage pattern of the electronic device 101, and the usage pattern can be set based on at least one of the data usage, data throughput, application usage frequency, or application usage time collected per user during the reference time period.

[0219] Determining whether to perform a switch may include: determining to perform a switch to a second communication network when the display device 160 is deactivated and the application processor associated with the first communication network is not driven; and determining to perform a switch to a second communication network when the display device 160 is deactivated, the application processor associated with the first communication network is driven, and the data throughput is lower than a reference throughput.

[0220] The switching process may include: when it is determined that switching to the second communication network is to be performed, identifying whether there is data being sent and received through the first communication network; when there is data being sent and received through the first communication network, identifying whether the sending and receiving of data through the first communication network has been completed; and when the sending and receiving of data through the first communication network has been completed, performing the switching to the second communication network.

[0221] The method may additionally include identifying the state of charge (SoC) of the battery 189; and switching to a second communication network when the SoC of the battery 189 is below a reference level.

[0222] Determining whether to perform a switch may include: when the SoC of battery 189 is equal to or higher than a reference level, determining whether to perform a switch to a second communication network based on whether the display device is activated and the data throughput.

[0223] The method may further include: identifying whether the display device is activated when switching to the second communication network; and switching to the first communication network when the display device is activated.

[0224] The first communication network may include a new radio (NR) communication network, and the second communication network may include a long-term evolution (LTE) communication network.

[0225] 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 therein without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An electronic device configured to support multiple communication networks, including a new radio (NR) communication network and a long-term evolution (LTE) communication network, the electronic device being configured to: Based on the control information received through the LTE communication network, a first cellular connection with the NR communication network is established. First cellular communication with the NR communication network is performed via the first cellular connection. At least in part, this is based on the fact that the data throughput identified when the display of the determined electronic device was inactive during the reference time period and when the first cellular connection was established was lower than the reference throughput: Secondary cellular communication with the LTE communication network is performed via a secondary cellular connection to the LTE communication network. Release the first cellular connection to the NR communication network, and After the first cellular connection is released, it is determined that the display of the electronic device is activated, and At least in part, this is based on the fact that the data throughput detected when the display is activated and when performing second cellular communication with the LTE communication network, while in a state of established second cellular connection, is higher than the reference throughput: A third cellular connection to the NR communication network is established based on control information received from the LTE communication network; and Third-cell communication with the NR communication network is performed via a third-cell connection.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, Performing second cellular communication with the LTE communication network includes establishing a data channel for the second cellular connection with the LTE communication network.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, Releasing the first cellular connection includes sending a disconnect message for releasing the data channel of the first cellular connection to the NR communication network.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The electronic device is also configured to set the reference throughput based on the user's usage patterns of the electronic device, and The usage pattern is based on at least one of the following settings: per-user data usage, data throughput, application usage frequency, or application usage time collected during a reference time period.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The electronic device is further configured as follows: If the display is inactive during the reference time period and the data throughput identified as being lower than the reference throughput in the state of the established first cellular connection, second cellular communication with the LTE communication network is performed when the transmission and / or reception of data through the NR communication network is completed.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The electronic device is also configured to: When the first cellular connection is released and the second cellular communication is performed via the second cellular connection, if the data throughput associated with the second cellular communication is lower than the reference throughput, the transmission of data channel requests to the NR communication network is restricted.

7. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The electronic device is also configured to: A settings menu is displayed on the screen to receive user input and allow automatic switching between NR and LTE communication networks; and Based on user input received via the settings menu, a switch is performed between the NR communication network and the second cellular communication network.

8. A method performed by an electronic device supporting multiple communication networks, including a new radio (NR) communication network and a long-term evolution (LTE) communication network, the method comprising: Based on the control information received through the LTE communication network, a first cellular connection with the NR communication network is established. First cellular communication with the NR communication network is performed via the first cellular connection. At least in part, this is based on the fact that the data throughput identified when the display of the determined electronic device was inactive during the reference time period and when the first cellular connection was established was lower than the reference throughput: Secondary cellular communication with the LTE communication network is performed via a secondary cellular connection to the LTE communication network. Release the first cellular connection to the NR communication network, and After the first cellular connection is released, it is determined that the display of the electronic device is activated, and At least in part, this is based on the fact that the data throughput detected when the display is activated and when performing second cellular communication with the LTE communication network, while in a state of established second cellular connection, is higher than the reference throughput: A third cellular connection to the NR communication network is established based on control information received from the LTE communication network. as well as Third-cell communication with the NR communication network is performed via a third-cell connection.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, Performing second cellular communication with the LTE communication network includes establishing a data channel for the second cellular connection with the LTE communication network.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein, Releasing the first cellular connection includes sending a disconnect message for releasing the data channel of the first cellular connection to the NR communication network.

11. The method of claim 8, further comprising setting the reference throughput based on user usage patterns of the electronic device, and in, The usage pattern is based on at least one of the following settings: data usage per user, data throughput, application usage frequency, or application usage time collected during the reference time period.

12. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: If the display is inactive during the reference time period and the data throughput identified as being lower than the reference throughput in the state of the established first cellular connection, second cellular communication with the LTE communication network is performed when the transmission and / or reception of data through the NR communication network is completed.

13. The method of claim 8, further comprising: When the first cellular connection is released and the second cellular communication is performed via the second cellular connection, if the data throughput associated with the second cellular communication is lower than the reference throughput, the transmission of data channel requests to the NR communication network is restricted.

14. The method of claim 8, further comprising: A settings menu is displayed on the screen to receive user input and allow automatic switching between NR and LTE communication networks; as well as Based on user input received via the settings menu, a switch is performed between the NR communication network and the second cellular communication network.

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