Electronic device for searching for external electronic device which supports nan communication and external electronic device which supports p2p communication, and operation method of electronic device

Abstract

In an electronic device and an operation method of the electronic device, according to an embodiment, the electronic device may comprise a communication circuit for supporting neighbor awareness network (NAN) communication and P2P communication different from the NAN communication. The electronic device may comprise a processor. The electronic device may comprise a memory. The memory may store instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the electronic device to search for a first external electronic device which supports NAN communication and / or a second external electronic device which supports P2P communication, through at least one social channel used to perform searching through the P2P communication, on the basis of schedule information for searching for the first external electronic device and the second external electronic device through at least one channel comprising the at least one social channel. The memory may store instructions to search for, on the basis of the schedule information, the first external electronic device and / or the second external electronic device through a social channel used to perform the NAN communication among the at least one social channel.

Description

An electronic device and a method of operating the electronic device for searching for an external electronic device supporting NAN communication and an external electronic device supporting P2P communication.

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device and a method of operating the electronic device, and relates to an electronic device that searches for an external electronic device supporting NAN communication and an external electronic device supporting P2P communication.

[0002] With the proliferation of various electronic devices, speed improvements have been implemented for wireless communication that can be used by various electronic devices.

[0003] The IEEE 802.11 WLAN standard defines a technology that supports data transmission and reception via peer-to-peer (P2P) methods. The technology, referred to as Wi-Fi P2P, can be used to support data transmission and / or reception between electronic devices without the use of an access point (AP).

[0004] Wi-Fi P2P technology allows one or more electronic devices to connect to each other, and multiple electronic devices can transmit and / or receive data using one electronic device as an intermediary. The electronic device that serves as an intermediary is defined as a GO (group owner), and the other electronic devices can be defined as GC (group clients).

[0005] In addition, various types of proximity services utilizing low-power discovery technology are being developed recently. For example, proximity services (or proximity communication services) are being developed that enable nearby electronic devices to quickly exchange data through a proximity network. Proximity services may include low-power proximity services using BLE (Bluetooth low energy) beacons, or low-power proximity services based on low-power short-range communication technologies (e.g., neighbor awareness networking (NAN), Wi-Fi aware) (hereinafter referred to as "NAN") based on wireless local area networks (WLANs).

[0006] According to one embodiment, a NAN-based low-power proximity service (hereinafter referred to as “proximity service”) refers to a service that utilizes a proximity network that dynamically changes according to the movement of an electronic device, and a set of electronic devices that constitute a proximity network may be referred to as a cluster. In the case of a proximity service, electronic devices included in a cluster may transmit and receive signals for discovery (e.g., beacons) and service discovery frames (SDFs) (hereinafter referred to as “SDFs”) within a time duration (or communication section) that are synchronized with each other. For example, at least one electronic device in a cluster may transmit a signal to notify the existence of the cluster, and a new electronic device that wishes to join the cluster may receive the signal.

[0007] To reduce current consumption (or power consumption), each electronic device within a cluster can set different active durations during which it can transmit and receive signals. In NAN communications, the active duration during which signals can be transmitted and received can be referred to as a discovery window (DW). Furthermore, electronic devices within a cluster can reduce current consumption by maintaining a low-power state (e.g., sleep state) outside of the discovery window.

[0008] Electronic devices can support both NAN and P2P communication. The electronic device can search for other electronic devices (e.g., external electronic devices supporting NAN communication and external electronic devices supporting P2P communication) with which it can exchange various data. However, the electronic device may have difficulty identifying the short-range wireless communication (e.g., NAN communication, P2P) supported by the other electronic device.

[0009] Accordingly, the electronic device can search for external electronic devices using all short-range wireless communications that the electronic device can support. The electronic device can sequentially perform operations of searching for an external electronic device supporting NAN communication through NAN communication and searching for an external electronic device supporting P2P communication through P2P communication. If the time required to perform both the operation of searching for an external electronic device supporting NAN communication through NAN communication and the operation of searching for an external electronic device supporting P2P communication through P2P communication increases, the time (or delay) required to exchange various data may increase. The quality of service related to the exchange of various data may deteriorate due to the increase in the time (or delay) required to exchange various data.

[0010] The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0011] An electronic device according to one embodiment may include a communication circuit that supports NAN (neighbor awareness network) communication and P2P communication different from the NAN communication. The electronic device may include a processor. The electronic device may include a memory. The memory may store instructions, when executed by the processor, for searching for a first external electronic device supporting the NAN communication and a second external electronic device supporting the P2P communication through at least one channel including at least one social channel used for searching through the P2P communication, to search for the first external electronic device and / or the second external electronic device through the at least one or more social channels based on schedule information. The memory may store instructions for searching for the first external electronic device and / or the second external electronic device through the social channel used for performing the NAN communication among the at least one or more social channels based on the schedule information.

[0012] A method of operating an electronic device according to one embodiment may include an operation of searching for a first external electronic device supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device supporting P2P communication through at least one or more social channels, based on schedule information for searching for the first external electronic device and / or the second external electronic device through the at least one or more social channels, wherein the first external electronic device and / or the second external electronic device are searched for through the at least one or more social channels, wherein the at least one social channel is used to perform the search for the at least one social channel. The method of operating an electronic device may include an operation of searching for the first external electronic device and / or the second external electronic device through the at least one social channel, wherein the social channel is used to perform the NAN communication, based on the schedule information.

[0013] An electronic device and an operating method thereof according to an example are capable of discovering a first external electronic device supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device supporting P2P communication through at least one social channel, based on schedule information for discovering the first external electronic device and / or the second external electronic device through the at least one social channel used for performing the discovery through the P2P communication. Accordingly, the electronic device can simultaneously perform a discovery operation of the external electronic device supporting NAN communication and the external electronic device supporting P2P communication, thereby reducing the time required for discovering the external electronic device supporting NAN communication and P2P communication.

[0014] The effects that can be obtained from the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains from the description below.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a neighbor awareness network (NAN) cluster according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a protocol for transmitting signals of electronic devices included in a NAN cluster according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of data transmission and reception within a NAN cluster according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device according to one embodiment searches for a first external electronic device supporting NAN communication and / or a second external electronic device supporting P2P communication.

[0020] Figure 6 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating schedule information used by an electronic device according to one embodiment to search for a first external electronic device and / or a second external electronic device through at least one social channel used to perform search via P2P communication.

[0022] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device according to one embodiment searches for a first external electronic device and / or a second external electronic device through at least one social channel used to perform search through P2P communication.

[0023] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of changing schedule information when an electronic device, according to one embodiment, searches for a first external electronic device and / or a second external electronic device through at least one social channel used to perform search through P2P communication, and searches for a first external electronic device.

[0024] FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E are diagrams illustrating schedule information for waiting for a search through at least one social channel used by an electronic device to perform a search through P2P communication according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) within a network environment (100) according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 1, in the network environment (100), the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with the electronic device (104) or a server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

[0027] The processor (120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store result data in a non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together with the main processor (121). For example, when the electronic device (101) includes the main processor (121) and the auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0028] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (160), a sensor module (176), or a communication module (190)) of the electronic device (101), for example, on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, in the electronic device (101) itself where artificial intelligence is performed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.

[0029] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0030] The program (140) may be stored as software in the memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0031] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The input module (150) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0032] The audio output module (155) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output module (155) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. In one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0033] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

[0034] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150), output sound through the sound output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

[0035] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0036] The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). In one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0037] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0038] The haptic module (179) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0039] The camera module (180) can capture still images and videos. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0040] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0041] A battery (189) may power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0042] The communication module (190) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can verify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0043] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) can support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

[0044] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device via the at least one selected antenna. In some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

[0045] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. In one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band.

[0046] At least some of the above components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)).

[0047] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102 or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included in the second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0048] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a neighbor awareness network (NAN) cluster according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0049] For example, FIG. 2 may illustrate an example configuration of a neighbor awareness networking (NAN) cluster (200) for a proximity network according to various embodiments. In the following description, the cluster (200) may refer to a set of electronic devices (210, 220, 230, or 240) that configure a proximity network so that each electronic device (or NAN device) (210, 220, 230, or 240) (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) can transmit and receive data with each other. For example, the cluster (200) may be referred to as a NAN cluster according to a NAN specification (or standard).

[0050] Referring to FIG. 2, a cluster (200) may be composed of a plurality of electronic devices (210, 220, 230, or 240). The electronic devices (210, 220, 230, or 240) included in the cluster (200) may transmit and receive a beacon (or discovery beacon) and / or a service discovery frame (SDF) (hereinafter, referred to as 'SDF') within a synchronized time duration (or communication period) (e.g., a discovery window (DW)).

[0051] Electronic devices (210, 220, 230, or 240) within a cluster (200) may have their time clocks synchronized with each other. For example, electronic devices (210, 220, 230, 240) may be synchronized to the time clock of one electronic device (e.g., electronic device (210)) and may exchange beacons and SDFs with each other within the same discovery window.

[0052] According to one embodiment, an electronic device supporting a low-power short-range communication technology based on NAN can broadcast a search signal (e.g., a beacon) for discovering other electronic devices every preset first period (e.g., about 100 msec), and perform scanning every preset second period (e.g., about 10 msec) to receive search signals broadcast from other electronic devices.

[0053] An electronic device (210, 220, 230, 240) can detect at least one other electronic device located around the electronic device based on a search signal received through scanning, and perform NAN cluster synchronization with the detected at least one other electronic device. The NAN cluster synchronization can include an operation of receiving time clock information of an electronic device representing a NAN cluster so that the electronic devices included in the NAN cluster transmit and / or receive data through the same channel and / or during the same time.

[0054] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, each of a plurality of electronic devices (210, 220, 230, or 240) can form a cluster (200) that operates according to a synchronized time clock by transmitting a beacon and receiving a beacon from other electronic devices (210, 220, 230, or 240), and the electronic devices (210, 220, 230, or 240) within the cluster (200) can perform NAN cluster synchronization.

[0055] NAN cluster synchronization can be performed based on the time and channel of the electronic device with the highest master preference within the cluster (200). For example, electronic devices (210, 220, 230, or 240) within the cluster (200) formed through discovery can exchange signals regarding master preference information indicating a preference for operating as an anchor master, and the electronic device with the highest master preference can be determined as the anchor master (or master electronic device) through the exchanged signals.

[0056] An anchor master may refer to an electronic device that serves as a reference for time and channel synchronization of electronic devices (210, 220, 230, or 240) within a cluster (200). The anchor master may be changed according to the master preference of the electronic devices. Each of the time and channel synchronized electronic devices (210, 220, 230, or 240) may transmit a beacon and an SDF within a discovery window (or search section) that repeats according to a preset cycle, and may receive beacons and SDFs from other electronic devices within the cluster (200). In one embodiment, the beacon may be periodically transmitted and received for each discovery window to continuously maintain time and channel synchronization of the electronic devices (210, 220, 230, or 240) within the cluster (200). The SDF may be transmitted and received during discovery windows as needed to provide services to discovered electronic devices (210, 220, 230, or 240). In one embodiment, an electronic device acting as an anchor master among the time and channel synchronized electronic devices (210, 220, 230, or 240) may transmit a beacon to detect a new electronic device during the interval between discovery windows.

[0057] Each of the electronic devices (210, 220, 230, or 240) within the cluster (200) can operate in an active state only during the discovery window and in a low-power state (e.g., sleep state) during the remaining periods outside the discovery window, thereby reducing current consumption.

[0058] For example, a discovery window is a period of time (e.g., milliseconds) during which an electronic device is active (or awake) and consumes a lot of current, whereas outside of the discovery window, the electronic device remains in a sleep state, allowing for low-power discovery.

[0059] Electronic devices (210, 220, 230, or 240) within a cluster (200) can be simultaneously activated at the start of a synchronized discovery window (e.g., DW start) and simultaneously transitioned to a sleep state at the end of the discovery window (e.g., DW end).

[0060] Electronic devices (210, 220, 230, or 240) included in a cluster (200) can perform discovery, synchronization, and data exchange operations using the protocol illustrated in FIG. 3 described below.

[0061] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a protocol for transmitting signals of electronic devices included in a NAN cluster according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0062] For example, FIG. 3 may illustrate an exemplary diagram of a discovery window according to various embodiments. FIG. 3 illustrates, by way of example, electronic devices included in a cluster transmitting signals through a specific channel (e.g., channel 6 (Ch6)) based on the NAN standard.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 3, electronic devices included in a cluster can transmit a synchronization beacon (310) and an SDF (320) in a synchronized discovery window (DW) (325). A discovery beacon (330) can be transmitted by at least one electronic device in a period (340) other than the discovery window (325) (e.g., an interval between discovery windows). According to one embodiment, the electronic devices can transmit the synchronization beacon (310) and the SDF (320) based on contention. For example, the synchronization beacon (310) and the SDF (320) can be transmitted based on contention between each electronic device included in the cluster.

[0064] The discovery window (325) may be a period during which the electronic devices are activated from a sleep state in power saving mode to a wake-up state for data exchange between the respective electronic devices. For example, the discovery window (325) may be divided into time units (TUs, time units) in milliseconds. According to one embodiment, the discovery window (325) for transmitting and receiving the synchronization beacon (310) and the SDF (320) may occupy 16 time units (TUs) (16 TUs) and may have a cycle (or interval) that repeats with 512 time units (512 TUs).

[0065] A discovery beacon (330) may represent a signal transmitted to enable other electronic devices that have not joined the cluster to discover the cluster. For example, the discovery beacon (330) is a signal to announce the existence of a cluster, and electronic devices that have not joined the cluster can perform a passive scan to discover and join the cluster by receiving the discovery beacon (330).

[0066] The discovery beacon (330) may include information necessary for synchronization with the cluster. For example, the discovery beacon (330) may include at least one of a frame control (FC) field indicating a function of the signal (e.g., a beacon), a broadcast address, a media access control (MAC) address of a transmitting electronic device, a cluster identifier (ID), a sequence control field, a time stamp for a beacon frame, a beacon interval indicating a transmission interval of the discovery beacon (330), or capability information for an electronic device transmitting the discovery beacon (330).

[0067] A discovery beacon (330) may include at least one proximity network (or cluster) related information element. In one embodiment, the proximity network related information may be referred to as attribute information.

[0068] A synchronization beacon (310) may represent a signal for maintaining synchronization between synchronized electronic devices within a cluster. The synchronization beacon (310) may be transmitted by a synchronization device among electronic devices within the cluster. For example, the synchronization device may include an anchor master electronic device, a master electronic device, or a non-master synchronization device defined in the NAN standard.

[0069] The synchronization beacon (310) may include information necessary for electronic devices to synchronize within a cluster. For example, the synchronization beacon (310) may include at least one of an FC field indicating the function of the signal (e.g., a beacon), a broadcast address, a MAC address of the transmitting electronic device, a cluster identifier, a sequence control field, a timestamp for the beacon frame, a beacon interval indicating the interval between the start points of the discovery window (325), or capability information for the transmitting electronic device. According to one embodiment, the synchronization beacon (310) may include at least one proximity network (or cluster) related information element. For example, the proximity network related information may include contents for a service provided through the proximity network.

[0070] SDF (320) may represent a signal for exchanging data over a proximity network. According to one embodiment, SDF (320) represents a vendor-specific public action frame and may include various fields. For example, SDF (320) may include a category or action field and may include at least one piece of proximity network-related information.

[0071] The synchronization beacon (310), the SDF (320), and the discovery beacon (330) may include proximity network related information. In one embodiment, the proximity network related information may include an identifier indicating a type of information, a length of the information, and a body field that is corresponding information. According to one embodiment, the corresponding information may include at least one of master indication information, cluster information, service identifier list information, service descriptor information, connection capability information, wireless LAN infrastructure information, peer to peer (P2P) operation information, independent basic service set (IBSS) information, mesh information, additional proximity network service discovery information, further availability map information, country code information, ranging information, cluster discovery information, or vendor specific information.

[0072] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of data transmission and reception within a NAN cluster according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0073] For example, FIG. 4 illustrates an example in which a first electronic device (410), a second electronic device (420), and a third electronic device (430) form a cluster through wireless short-range communication technology, and each of the electronic devices (410, 420, or 430) can transmit and receive beacons and / or SDFs to each other. According to one embodiment, FIG. 4 illustrates an example in which, among the electronic devices (410, 420, or 430) forming the cluster, the first electronic device (410) serves as a master electronic device.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 4, the first electronic device (410) can transmit a beacon and an SDF within a discovery window (450). The first electronic device (410) can broadcast a beacon and an SDF for each discovery window (450) that is repeated at each preset interval (e.g., interval (460)).

[0075] The second electronic device (420) and the third electronic device (430) can receive the beacon and SDF transmitted by the first electronic device (410). According to one embodiment, each of the second electronic device (420) and the third electronic device (430) can receive the beacon and SDF broadcast from the first electronic device (410) for each discovery window (450).

[0076] A beacon transmitted within a discovery window (450) may include a synchronization beacon and may include information for maintaining synchronization between electronic devices (410, 420, or 430). For example, a second electronic device (420) and / or a third electronic device (430) may perform NAN cluster synchronization based on time clock information of the first electronic device (410) included in a beacon transmitted by a first electronic device (410) operating as a master. The second electronic device (420) and / or the third electronic device (430) may be synchronized so that the discovery window (450) may be activated at the same time.

[0077] In periods other than the discovery window (450) (e.g., interval (460)), the electronic devices (410, 420, or 430) may remain in a sleep state to reduce current consumption. For example, the electronic devices (410, 420, or 430) may operate in a wake state only during the discovery window (450) based on a synchronized time clock to reduce current consumption.

[0078] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device according to one embodiment searches for a first external electronic device supporting NAN communication and / or a second external electronic device supporting P2P communication.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 5, an electronic device (510) (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may support a neighbor awareness network (NAN) and / or peer-to-peer (P2P) communication. P2P communication may refer to communication that performs direct communication (device to device, D2D) between electronic devices without going through an access point (AP). In one example, P2P communication may include Wi-Fi direct.

[0080] The electronic device (510) may activate both NAN communication and / or P2P communication for various reasons. In one example, the electronic device (510) is an electronic device that wishes to exchange various data (e.g., content) and may search for a counterpart electronic device (e.g., a first external electronic device (520) that supports NAN communication, a second external electronic device (530) that supports P2P communication) with which it can exchange various data. However, the electronic device (510) may have difficulty in identifying a short-range wireless communication (e.g., NAN communication, P2P) supported by the counterpart electronic device (e.g., the first external electronic device (520) and the second external electronic device (530)). Therefore, the electronic device (510) may search for an external electronic device using all short-range wireless communications that the electronic device (510) can support. According to one example, when the electronic device (510) supports NAN communication and / or P2P communication, the electronic device (510) may sequentially perform operations of searching for an external electronic device supporting NAN communication through NAN communication and searching for an external electronic device supporting P2P communication through P2P communication. If the time required to perform both the operation of searching for a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication through NAN communication and the operation of searching for a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication through P2P communication increases, the time (or delay time) required to exchange various data may increase. The quality of service related to the exchange of various data may deteriorate due to the increase in the time (or delay time) required to exchange various data.

[0081] Hereinafter, an example is described in which the time required to perform both an operation of searching for a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication through NAN communication and an operation of searching for a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication through P2P communication is reduced by having an electronic device (510) simultaneously search for a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and search for a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication.

[0082] Figure 6 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0083] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (510) of FIG. 5) may include a communication circuit (610) (e.g., wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1) and / or a processor (620) (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1).

[0084] The communication circuit (610) may be a communication circuit that supports NAN (neighbor awareness network) communication and peer-to-peer (P2P) communication other than NAN communication. NAN communication and other P2P communication may refer to communication that enables direct communication between electronic devices without going through an AP. In one example, P2P communication may include Wi-Fi direct.

[0085] The communication circuit (610) may include various circuit structures used for modulating and / or demodulating signals within the electronic device (510). For example, the communication circuit (610) may modulate a baseband signal into a radio frequency (RF) band signal to be output through an antenna (not shown), or may demodulate an RF band signal received through an antenna into a baseband signal and transmit the baseband signal to the processor (620).

[0086] The processor (620) may perform an operation of receiving data transmitted by an application processor (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1) and generating a packet for transmitting the received data. The processor (620) may be defined as a communication processor or an application processor included in a communication module (e.g., the wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1). The processor (620) may be electrically or operatively connected to the communication circuit (610) and may control the communication circuit (610).

[0087] The processor (620) may activate NAN communication and / or P2P communication for various reasons. In one example, the processor (620) may control the communication circuit (610) to activate NAN communication and / or P2P communication based on the activation of an application capable of performing a service using NAN communication and / or P2P communication, or based on the activation of a service using NAN communication and / or P2P communication.

[0088] The processor (620) may control the communication circuit (610) so as to perform simultaneously or substantially simultaneously a discovery operation of a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and / or a discovery operation of a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication. The processor (620) may control the communication circuit (610) so as to activate both an interface of NAN communication implemented as a hardware and / or software component of the communication circuit (610) and an interface of P2P communication implemented as a hardware and / or software component of the communication circuit (610). The interface of NAN communication and the interface of P2P communication may be activated simultaneously or sequentially.

[0089] The processor (620) can control the communication circuit (610) to perform an operation of activating an interface of NAN communication and an interface of P2P communication, and searching for a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication through at least one or more social channels (e.g., channel 1, channel 6, channel 11) used to perform searching through P2P communication and / or at least one or more channels used to transmit and / or receive data.

[0090] The processor (620) may perform an operation of searching for a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication according to (or based on) schedule information related to an operation of searching for a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication. The schedule information may include a schedule related to simultaneously searching for a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication, and the schedule related to simultaneously searching for a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication may be referred to as a common discovery search schedule (CDSS).

[0091] The schedule information may be configured (or set) to include a first period (or multi-channel schedule period (MCSP)) that refers to a period during which the electronic device (510) or the communication circuit (610) of the electronic device (510) performs a search for a first external electronic device (520) that supports NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) that supports P2P communication through a plurality of channels that can be supported, and a second period (or social-channel schedule period (SCSP)) that refers to a period during which the first external electronic device (520) that supports NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) that supports P2P communication are performed through at least one social channel used to perform the search via P2P communication. The channels corresponding to the first period may include channels excluding at least one social channel used to perform a search via P2P communication among a plurality of channels that the electronic device (510) or the communication circuit (610) of the electronic device (510) can support. The schedule information may enable the electronic device (510) to perform a search for a first external electronic device (520) that supports NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) that supports P2P communication through a plurality of channels that the electronic device (510) or the communication circuit (610) of the electronic device (510) can support during the first period, and may enable the electronic device (520) to perform a search for the first external electronic device (520) that supports NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) that supports P2P communication through at least one social channel used to perform a search via P2P communication during the second period.

[0092] The processor (620) may repeatedly perform an operation of searching for a first external electronic device (520) that supports NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) that supports P2P communication through a plurality of channels that can be supported by the electronic device (510) or the communication circuit (610) of the electronic device (510), and an operation of searching for a first external electronic device (520) that supports NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) that supports P2P communication through at least one social channel used to perform the search through P2P communication.

[0093] The schedule information may be configured to include a search order through at least one social channel used to perform search via P2P communication. The search order may include the order (or sequence) of channels used for search.

[0094] According to one example, when at least one social channel used to perform a search via P2P communication includes a first channel (e.g., channel 1), a second channel (e.g., channel 6), and / or a third channel (e.g., channel 11), the search order included in the schedule information may be set to search for a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication via the first channel, search for the first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication via the second channel, and search for the first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication via the third channel. The order described above is merely an example for description and may be set in various ways.

[0095] The processor (620) may set the number of searches through a social channel (e.g., a second channel) used for performing NAN communication among at least one social channel used for performing search through P2P communication in setting the search order included in the schedule information to be greater than the number of searches through other social channels. The number of social channels used for performing NAN communication (e.g., 1 channel as channel 6) may be smaller than the number of social channels used for performing search through P2P communication (e.g., 3 channels as channels 1, 6, and 11), and as the number of social channels increases, the probability of successful search may increase. Accordingly, the processor (620) may increase the probability of successful search of the first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication by setting the number of searches through a social channel used for performing NAN communication to be greater than the number of searches through other social channels.

[0096] According to one example, the processor (620) may be configured to search for a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication through a first channel, search for a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication through a second channel, search for a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication through a third channel, and search for a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication through a second channel, in setting a search order included in the schedule information.

[0097] The schedule information may be set to include a search time (or duration) for performing the search through at least one social channel used to perform the search through P2P communication.

[0098] According to one example, when at least one social channel used to perform a search via P2P communication includes a first channel (e.g., channel 1), a second channel (e.g., channel 6), and / or a third channel (e.g., channel 11), the search time included in the schedule information may be set to include a search time for searching a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication via the first channel, a search time for searching a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication via the second channel, and a search time for searching a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication via the third channel.

[0099] The processor (620) may, when setting the search time included in the schedule information, set the search time through the social channel (e.g., the second channel) used for performing NAN communication among at least one social channel used for performing search through P2P communication to be longer than the search time through other social channels. The number of social channels used for performing NAN communication (e.g., one channel as channel 6) may be smaller than the number of social channels used for performing search through P2P communication (e.g., three channels as channels 1, 6, and 11), and as the number of social channels increases, the probability of successful search may increase. Accordingly, the processor (620) may increase the probability of successful search of the second external electronic device (530) supporting NAN communication by setting the search time through the social channel used for performing NAN communication to be longer than the search time through other social channels.

[0100] The processor (620) may set a search time through a social channel used for performing NAN communication so that the duration of a discovery window (DW) of a NAN cluster to which the electronic device (510) belongs can be included in the search time through a social channel used for performing NAN communication. The frequency bands of the social channel used for performing NAN communication and the social channel used for searching through P2P communication may be the same (e.g., 2.4 GHz), and the communication circuit (610) may not simultaneously perform an operation of transmitting and / or receiving data through the social channel used for performing NAN communication and an operation of transmitting and / or receiving data through the social channel used for searching through P2P communication. In this case, the communication circuit (610) may not be able to simultaneously perform a data transmission and / or reception operation in the discovery window (DW) of the NAN cluster to which the electronic device (510) belongs and a data transmission and / or reception operation through the social channel used for exploration through P2P communication, and the quality of the NAN communication may deteriorate during the exploration period through P2P communication of the electronic device (510). Therefore, the processor (620) sets the exploration time through the social channel used for performing NAN communication so that the duration of the discovery window (DW) of the NAN cluster to which the electronic device (510) belongs can be included in the exploration time through the social channel used for performing NAN communication, thereby minimizing the impact of the NAN communication due to the exploration operation of the first external electronic device (520) and / or the second external electronic device (530).

[0101] The processor (620) can search for the first external electronic device (520) and / or the second external electronic device (530) during a time excluding a discovery window set for the NAN cluster to which the electronic device (510) belongs during a search time through a social channel (e.g., a second channel) used to perform NAN communication.

[0102] The schedule information may be generated (or set) by the processor (620) and stored in a memory on the electronic device (510) (e.g., memory (130) of FIG. 1) or in a memory within the communication circuit (610).

[0103] The processor (620) may search for the first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and / or the second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication through at least one social channel based on schedule information for searching for the first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and / or the second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication through at least one social channel used for searching for the first external electronic device (520) and / or the second external electronic device (530) through at least one social channel.

[0104] The operation of discovering the first external electronic device (520) and / or the second external electronic device (530) through at least one social channel may include an operation of transmitting (or broadcasting) a service discovery frame (SDF) (e.g., publish), which is a message for discovering an electronic device supporting NAN communication (e.g., the first external electronic device (520)), and / or an operation of transmitting (or broadcasting) a probe request message, which is a message for discovering an electronic device supporting P2P communication (e.g., the second external electronic device (530)).

[0105] An SDF, which is a message for searching for an electronic device supporting NAN communication, may refer to a subscribe SDF. The subscribe SDF may include information of an electronic device (510) related to NAN communication. According to one example, the information of an electronic device (510) related to NAN communication may include at least one of a name of a service activated on the electronic device (510), identification information of the service, a name of the electronic device (510), identification information of the electronic device (510), and an information element (IE) related to NAN communication. The information element related to NAN communication may include a master indication attribute, which is a parameter used to determine whether the electronic device (510) will operate as a master of a NAN cluster, and / or a characteristic of a NAN cluster to which the electronic device (510) belongs.

[0106] The first external electronic device (520) that receives the subscribe SDF can transmit a publish SDF message responding to the subscribe SDF to the electronic device (510).

[0107] The Publish SDF may include information of a first external electronic device (520) related to NAN communication. In one example, the information of the first external electronic device (520) related to NAN communication may include at least one of a name of a service activated on the first external electronic device (520), identification information of the service, a name of the first external electronic device (520), identification information of the first external electronic device (520), and an information element (IE) related to NAN communication. The information element related to NAN communication may include a master indication attribute, which is a parameter used to determine whether the first external electronic device (520) will operate as a master of a NAN cluster, and / or a characteristic of a NAN cluster to which the first external electronic device (520) belongs.

[0108] The processor (620) may succeed in searching for an electronic device supporting NAN communication when it receives a publish SDF from the first external electronic device (520).

[0109] A message for searching for an electronic device supporting P2P communication may be implemented as a probe request message, and the probe request message may include information of an electronic device (510) related to P2P communication. According to one example, the information of an electronic device (510) related to P2P communication may include at least one of a name of a service activated on the electronic device (510), identification information of the service, a name of the electronic device (510), identification information of the electronic device (510), and an information element (IE) related to P2P communication. The information element related to P2P communication may include a GO (group owner) intent used to determine whether the electronic device (510) will act as an owner of a P2P group and / or a characteristic of a P2P group to which the electronic device (510) belongs.

[0110] The second external electronic device (530) that receives the probe request message can transmit a probe response message corresponding to the probe request message to the electronic device (510).

[0111] The probe response message may include information of a second external electronic device (530) related to P2P communication. In one example, the information of the second external electronic device (530) related to P2P communication may include at least one of a name of a service activated on the second external electronic device (530), identification information of the service, a name of the second external electronic device (530), identification information of the second external electronic device (530), and / or an information element (IE) related to P2P communication. The information element related to P2P communication may include a GO (group owner) intent used to determine whether the second external electronic device (530) will act as an owner of a P2P group and / or a characteristic of a P2P group to which the second external electronic device (530) belongs.

[0112] The processor (620) may succeed in searching for an electronic device supporting NAN communication when it receives a probe response message from a second external electronic device (530).

[0113] As messages exchanged in the process of searching for a second external electronic device (530), a probe request message and / or a probe response message are described as examples, but the present invention may not be limited thereto. According to one example, the processor (620) may transmit a service discovery frame (e.g., subscribe SDF) to search for a second external electronic device (530), and the second external electronic device (530) may transmit a service discovery frame (e.g., publish SDF) as a response message to the electronic device (510).

[0114] The processor (620) can provide information about the searched electronic devices (e.g., the first external electronic device (520) and the second external electronic device (530)) to the user. According to one example, the processor (620) can display information about the searched electronic devices on the display of the electronic device (510) (e.g., the display module (160) of FIG. 1).

[0115] The processor (620) can control the communication circuit (610) to automatically perform a connection with the searched electronic devices (e.g., the first external electronic device (520) and the second external electronic device (530)).

[0116] Alternatively, the processor (620) may control the communication circuit (610) to perform a connection with the selected external electronic device upon receiving a user input for selecting at least one external electronic device among the searched electronic devices (e.g., the first external electronic device (520) and the second external electronic device (530)).

[0117] The processor (620) can control the communication circuit (610) to connect with the first external electronic device (520) through NAN communication based on information included in the publish SDF transmitted by the first external electronic device (520). The processor (620) can control the communication circuit (610) to connect with the second external electronic device (530) through P2P communication based on information included in the probe response message transmitted by the second external electronic device (530).

[0118] The processor (620) can perform NAN cluster synchronization with the first external electronic device (520) during the process of being connected to the first external electronic device (520) through NAN communication.

[0119] NAN cluster synchronization may include an operation of receiving time clock information of an electronic device representing a NAN cluster (or a master device of the NAN cluster) so that electronic devices included in the NAN cluster (200) transmit and / or receive data on the same channel and / or during the same time. For example, the processor (620) may receive a beacon broadcast by the first external electronic device (520) and perform NAN cluster synchronization based on the time clock information of the first external electronic device (520) included in the beacon. The processor (620) may determine to operate as a non-master rather than a master based on a comparison result between a master indication attribute included in a response message transmitted by the first external electronic device (520) and a master indication attribute of the electronic device (510). The processor (620) may change the characteristics of a discovery window (e.g., the start time, interval, and / or duration of the discovery window) while performing a series of operations synchronized to a NAN cluster including a first external electronic device (520). As the characteristics of the discovery window change, the processor (620) may change schedule information for searching for electronic devices supporting NAN communication and electronic devices supporting P2P communication. In one example, the processor (620) may change the schedule information so that the duration of the changed discovery window can be included in the search time through a social channel used to perform NAN communication.

[0120] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating schedule information used by an electronic device according to one embodiment to search for a first external electronic device and / or a second external electronic device through at least one social channel used to perform search via P2P communication.

[0121] An electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (510) of FIG. 6) can simultaneously or substantially simultaneously perform a discovery operation of a first external electronic device (e.g., a first external electronic device (520) of FIG. 5) that supports NAN communication and / or a discovery operation of a second external electronic device (e.g., a second external electronic device (530) of FIG. 5) that supports P2P communication. The electronic device (510) can generate (or set, configure) schedule information that enables the electronic device (510) to simultaneously or substantially simultaneously perform the discovery operation of the first external electronic device (520) that supports NAN communication and / or the discovery operation of the second external electronic device (530) that supports P2P communication.

[0122] The schedule information may include a schedule related to simultaneously searching for a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication, and the schedule related to simultaneously searching for a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication may be referred to as a common discovery search schedule (CDSS).

[0123] The schedule information may be configured (or set) to include a first period (710) (or multi-channel schedule period (MCSP)) that refers to a period during which the electronic device (510) or the communication circuit (610) of the electronic device (510) performs a search for a first external electronic device (520) that supports NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) that supports P2P communication through a plurality of channels that can be supported, and a second period (720) (or social-channel schedule period (SCSP)) that refers to a period during which the first external electronic device (520) that supports NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) that supports P2P communication are performed through at least one social channel used to perform the search via P2P communication.

[0124] The channels corresponding to the first period (710) may include channels (711, 712, 713, 714, 715, 716) excluding at least one social channel used to perform search through P2P communication among a plurality of channels that can be supported by the electronic device (510) or the communication circuit of the electronic device (510) (e.g., the communication circuit (610) of FIG. 6).

[0125] The schedule information may enable the electronic device (510) to search for a first external electronic device (520) that supports NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) that supports P2P communication through a plurality of channels (711, 712, 713, 714, 715, 716) that the electronic device (510) or the communication circuit (610) of the electronic device (510) can support during a first period (710).

[0126] The electronic device (510) may transmit (or broadcast) (721) a service discovery frame (SDF) (e.g., subscribe), which is a message for discovering an electronic device (e.g., a first external electronic device (520)) that supports NAN communication, and / or a probe request message, which is a message for discovering an electronic device (e.g., a second external electronic device (530)) that supports P2P communication, through one of a plurality of channels (711, 712, 713, 714, 715, 716) that the electronic device (510) or the communication circuit of the electronic device (510) (e.g., the communication circuit (610) of FIG. 6) can support.

[0127] The electronic device (510) may transmit (or broadcast) (722) a service discovery frame (SDF) (e.g., subscribe), which is a message for discovering an electronic device (e.g., a first external electronic device (520)) that supports NAN communication, and / or a probe request message, which is a message for discovering an electronic device (e.g., a second external electronic device (530)) that supports P2P communication, through one of a plurality of channels (711, 712, 713, 714, 715, 716) that the electronic device (510) or the communication circuit of the electronic device (510) (e.g., the communication circuit (610) of FIG. 6) can support.

[0128] The electronic device (510) may transmit (or broadcast) (723) a service discovery frame (SDF) (e.g., subscribe), which is a message for discovering an electronic device (e.g., a first external electronic device (520)) that supports NAN communication, and / or a probe request message, which is a message for discovering an electronic device (e.g., a second external electronic device (530)) that supports P2P communication, through one of a plurality of channels (711, 712, 713, 714, 715, 716) that the electronic device (510) or the communication circuit of the electronic device (510) (e.g., the communication circuit (610) of FIG. 6) can support.

[0129] The electronic device (510) may transmit (or broadcast) (724) a service discovery frame (SDF) (e.g., subscribe), which is a message for discovering an electronic device (e.g., a first external electronic device (520)) that supports NAN communication, and / or a probe request message, which is a message for discovering an electronic device (e.g., a second external electronic device (530)) that supports P2P communication, through one of a plurality of channels (711, 712, 713, 714, 715, 716) that the electronic device (510) or the communication circuit of the electronic device (510) (e.g., the communication circuit (610) of FIG. 6) can support.

[0130] The electronic device (510) may transmit (or broadcast) (725) a service discovery frame (SDF) (e.g., subscribe), which is a message for discovering an electronic device (e.g., a first external electronic device (520)) that supports NAN communication, and / or a probe request message, which is a message for discovering an electronic device (e.g., a second external electronic device (530)) that supports P2P communication, through one of a plurality of channels (711, 712, 713, 714, 715, 716) that the electronic device (510) or the communication circuit of the electronic device (510) (e.g., the communication circuit (610) of FIG. 6) can support.

[0131] The electronic device (510) may transmit (or broadcast) (726) a service discovery frame (SDF) (e.g., subscribe), which is a message for discovering an electronic device (e.g., a first external electronic device (520)) that supports NAN communication, and / or a probe request message, which is a message for discovering an electronic device (e.g., a second external electronic device (530)) that supports P2P communication, through one of a plurality of channels (711, 712, 713, 714, 715, 716) that the electronic device (510) or the communication circuit of the electronic device (510) (e.g., the communication circuit (610) of FIG. 6) can support.

[0132] The schedule information may enable the electronic device (520) to perform a search for a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication through at least one social channel (e.g., a first channel (721), a second channel (722), and / or a third channel (733)) used to perform a search via P2P communication during a second period (720).

[0133] The schedule information may be configured to include a search order through at least one social channel (e.g., a first channel (721), a second channel (722), and / or a third channel (733)) used to perform search via P2P communication. The search order may include the order (or sequence) of the channels used for search.

[0134] According to one example, when at least one social channel used to perform a search via P2P communication includes a first channel (721), a second channel (722), and / or a third channel (723), the search order included in the schedule information may be set to search for a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication via the first channel (721), search for the first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication via the second channel (722), and search for the first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication via the third channel (723). The order described above is merely an example for explanation and may be set in various ways.

[0135] The electronic device (510) may set the number of searches through the social channel (e.g., the second channel (722)) used for performing NAN communication among at least one social channel (e.g., the first channel (721), the second channel (722), the third channel (723)) used for performing searches through P2P communication in a search order included in the schedule information to be greater than the number of searches through other social channels. The number of social channels used for performing NAN communication (e.g., one as the second channel (722)) may be smaller than the number of social channels used for performing searches through P2P communication (e.g., three as the first channel (721), the second channel (722), the third channel (723)), and as the number of social channels increases, the probability of successful searches may increase.

[0136] Accordingly, the electronic device (510) can increase the probability of success in the search of the first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication by setting the number of searches through the second channel (722), which is a social channel used to perform NAN communication, to be greater than the number of searches through other social channels (e.g., the first channel (721), the third channel (723)).

[0137] The electronic device (510) may set a search time through the second channel (722), which is a social channel used for performing NAN communication, so that the duration of the discovery window (DW) of the NAN cluster to which the electronic device (510) belongs may be included in the search time through the second channel (722), which is a social channel used for performing NAN communication. The frequency bands of the social channel used for performing NAN communication and the social channel used for searching through P2P communication may be the same (e.g., 2.4 GHz), and the communication circuit (610) may not simultaneously perform a data transmission and / or reception operation through the second channel (722), which is a social channel used for performing NAN communication, and a data transmission and / or reception operation through the social channel used for searching through P2P communication. In this case, the communication circuit (610) may not be able to simultaneously perform data transmission and / or reception operations in the discovery window (DW) of the NAN cluster to which the electronic device (510) belongs and data transmission and / or reception operations through the social channel used for exploration through P2P communication, and the quality of the NAN communication may deteriorate during the exploration period through P2P communication of the electronic device (510). Therefore, the electronic device (510) may set the exploration time through the social channel used for performing NAN communication so that the duration of the discovery window (DW) of the NAN cluster to which the electronic device (510) belongs can be included in the exploration time through the social channel used for performing NAN communication, thereby minimizing the impact of the NAN communication due to the exploration operation of the first external electronic device (520) and / or the second external electronic device (530).

[0138] The electronic device (510) can transmit (or broadcast) (731) a service discovery frame (SDF) (e.g., subscribe), which is a message for discovering an electronic device (e.g., a first external electronic device (520)) that supports NAN communication, through a first channel (721) among at least one social channel (721, 722, 723) used for discovery through P2P communication, and / or a probe request message, which is a message for discovering an electronic device (e.g., a second external electronic device (530)) that supports P2P communication.

[0139] The electronic device (510) may transmit (or broadcast) a service discovery frame (SDF) (e.g., subscribe), which is a message for discovering an electronic device (e.g., a first external electronic device (520)) that supports NAN communication, and / or a probe request message, which is a message for discovering an electronic device (e.g., a second external electronic device (530)) that supports P2P communication, through a second channel (722) among at least one social channel (721, 722, 723) used for performing a discovery operation through P2P communication for a specified period of time. The electronic device (510) may receive or transmit a beacon from at least one electronic device included in the NAN cluster to which the electronic device (510) belongs (732) during a discovery window period while searching for an electronic device supporting NAN communication and / or an electronic device supporting P2P communication through a second channel (722).

[0140] The electronic device (510) may transmit (or broadcast) (733) a service discovery frame (SDF) (e.g., subscribe), which is a message for discovering an electronic device (e.g., a first external electronic device (520)) that supports NAN communication, and / or a probe request message, which is a message for discovering an electronic device (e.g., a second external electronic device (530)) that supports P2P communication, through a third channel (723) among at least one social channel (721, 722, 723) used for performing a discovery operation through P2P communication.

[0141] The electronic device (510) may transmit (or broadcast) a service discovery frame (SDF) (e.g., subscribe), which is a message for discovering an electronic device (e.g., a first external electronic device (520)) that supports NAN communication, and / or a probe request message, which is a message for discovering an electronic device (e.g., a second external electronic device (530)) that supports P2P communication, through a second channel (722) among at least one social channel (721, 722, 723) after performing a discovery operation through a third channel (723) for a specified period of time. The electronic device (510) may receive or transmit a beacon from at least one electronic device included in the NAN cluster to which the electronic device (510) belongs (732) during a discovery window period while searching for an electronic device supporting NAN communication and / or an electronic device supporting P2P communication through a second channel (722).

[0142] The electronic device (510) may transmit (or broadcast) (731) a service discovery frame (SDF) (e.g., subscribe), which is a message for discovering an electronic device (e.g., a first external electronic device (520)) supporting NAN communication, through a first channel (721) among at least one social channel (721, 722, 723) used to perform a discovery operation through a second channel (722) for a specified period of time, and / or a probe request message, which is a message for discovering an electronic device (e.g., a second external electronic device (530)) supporting P2P communication.

[0143] The electronic device (510) may transmit (or broadcast) a service discovery frame (SDF) (e.g., subscribe), which is a message for discovering an electronic device (e.g., a first external electronic device (520)) that supports NAN communication, and / or a probe request message, which is a message for discovering an electronic device (e.g., a second external electronic device (530)) that supports P2P communication, through a second channel (722) among at least one social channel (721, 722, 723) used for performing a discovery operation through P2P communication for a specified period of time. The electronic device (510) may receive or transmit a beacon from at least one electronic device included in the NAN cluster to which the electronic device (510) belongs (732) during a discovery window period while searching for an electronic device supporting NAN communication and / or an electronic device supporting P2P communication through a second channel (722).

[0144] The electronic device (510) may transmit (or broadcast) (733) a service discovery frame (SDF) (e.g., subscribe), which is a message for discovering an electronic device (e.g., a first external electronic device (520)) that supports NAN communication, and / or a probe request message, which is a message for discovering an electronic device (e.g., a second external electronic device (530)) that supports P2P communication, through a third channel (723) among at least one social channel (721, 722, 723) used for performing a discovery operation through P2P communication.

[0145] The electronic device (510) may transmit (or broadcast) a service discovery frame (SDF) (e.g., subscribe), which is a message for discovering an electronic device (e.g., a first external electronic device (520)) that supports NAN communication, and / or a probe request message, which is a message for discovering an electronic device (e.g., a second external electronic device (530)) that supports P2P communication, through a second channel (722) among at least one social channel (721, 722, 723) after performing a discovery operation through a third channel (723) for a specified period of time. The electronic device (510) may receive or transmit a beacon from at least one electronic device included in the NAN cluster to which the electronic device (510) belongs (732) during a discovery window period while searching for an electronic device supporting NAN communication and / or an electronic device supporting P2P communication through a second channel (722).

[0146] The electronic device (510) may transmit (or broadcast) (731) a service discovery frame (SDF) (e.g., subscribe), which is a message for discovering an electronic device (e.g., a first external electronic device (520)) supporting NAN communication, through a first channel (721) among at least one social channel (721, 722, 723) used to perform a discovery operation through a second channel (722) for a specified period of time, and / or a probe request message, which is a message for discovering an electronic device (e.g., a second external electronic device (530)) supporting P2P communication.

[0147] The electronic device (510) performs an operation (721, 722, 723, 724, 725, 726) of searching for a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication through a plurality of channels (711, 712, 713, 714, 715, 716) that the electronic device (510) or the communication circuit (610) of the electronic device (510) can support, and an operation (731, 732, 723, 724, 725, 726) of searching for a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication through at least one social channel (e.g., a first channel (721), a second channel (722), and a third channel (723)) used to perform searching for P2P communication. 733) can be performed repeatedly.

[0148] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device according to one embodiment searches for a first external electronic device and / or a second external electronic device through at least one social channel used to perform search through P2P communication.

[0149] An electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (510) of FIG. 6) can simultaneously or substantially simultaneously perform a discovery operation of a first external electronic device (e.g., a first external electronic device (520) of FIG. 5) that supports NAN communication and / or a discovery operation of a second external electronic device (e.g., a second external electronic device (530) of FIG. 5) that supports P2P communication. The electronic device (510) can generate (or set, configure) schedule information that enables the electronic device (510) to simultaneously or substantially simultaneously perform the discovery operation of the first external electronic device (520) that supports NAN communication and / or the discovery operation of the second external electronic device (530) that supports P2P communication.

[0150] The schedule information may be configured (or set) to include a first period (e.g., the first period (710) of FIG. 7) (or, multi-channel schedule period (MCSP)) referring to a period during which the electronic device (510) or the communication circuit (610) of the electronic device (510) performs a search for a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication through a plurality of channels that can be supported, and a second period (e.g., the second period (720) of FIG. 7) (or, social-channel schedule period (SCSP)) referring to a period during which the first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and the second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication are performed through at least one social channel used to perform the search via P2P communication.

[0151] FIG. 8 illustrates an example in which an electronic device (510) performs a search for a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication through at least one social channel used to perform a search via P2P communication during a second period (720).

[0152] The electronic device (510) may transmit (or broadcast) a service discovery frame (SDF) (e.g., subscribe), which is a message for discovering an electronic device (e.g., a first external electronic device (520)) that supports NAN communication, through a first channel (e.g., the first channel (721) of FIG. 7) among at least one social channel (e.g., 721, 722, 723 of FIG. 7) used for discovery through P2P communication, and / or a probe request message, which is a message for discovering an electronic device (e.g., a second external electronic device (530)) that supports P2P communication, for a specified time (811).

[0153] The electronic device (510) may perform a search operation through a first channel (721) for a specified time (811), and then transmit (or broadcast) a service discovery frame (SDF) (e.g., subscribe), which is a message for searching for an electronic device (e.g., a first external electronic device (520)) that supports NAN communication, and / or a probe request message, which is a message for searching for an electronic device (e.g., a second external electronic device (530)) that supports P2P communication, through a second channel (e.g., the second channel (722) of FIG. 7) among at least one social channel (721, 722, 723) used for searching for a search operation through P2P communication, for a specified time (812).

[0154] The electronic device (510) may, while searching for an electronic device supporting NAN communication and / or an electronic device supporting P2P communication through a second channel (722), receive or transmit a beacon from at least one electronic device included in a NAN cluster to which the electronic device (510) belongs during a discovery window period (813). The discovery window period (813) may be included in a specified time (812) through the second channel (722) (or a period for searching for an electronic device supporting NAN communication and / or an electronic device supporting P2P communication).

[0155] The electronic device (510) may perform a search operation through a second channel (722) for a specified time (812), and then transmit (or broadcast) a service discovery frame (SDF) (e.g., subscribe), which is a message for searching for an electronic device (e.g., a first external electronic device (520)) that supports NAN communication, and / or a probe request message, which is a message for searching for an electronic device (e.g., a second external electronic device (530)) that supports P2P communication, through a third channel (e.g., the third channel (723) of FIG. 7) among at least one social channel (721, 722, 723) used for searching for P2P communication, for a specified time (814).

[0156] The electronic device (510) may perform a search operation through a third channel (723) for a specified time (814), and then transmit (or broadcast) a service discovery frame (SDF) (e.g., subscribe), which is a message for searching for an electronic device (e.g., a first external electronic device (520)) supporting NAN communication, through a second channel (722) among at least one social channel (721, 722, 723) used for searching through P2P communication, and / or a probe request message, which is a message for searching for an electronic device (e.g., a second external electronic device (530)) supporting P2P communication, for a specified time (815).

[0157] The electronic device (510) may receive or transmit a beacon from at least one electronic device included in a NAN cluster to which the electronic device (510) belongs during a discovery window (816) period while searching for an electronic device supporting NAN communication and / or an electronic device supporting P2P communication through a second channel (722). The discovery window period (816) may be included in a specified time (815) through the second channel (722) (or a period for searching for an electronic device supporting NAN communication and / or an electronic device supporting P2P communication).

[0158] The electronic device (510) may perform a search operation through a second channel (722) for a specified time (815), and then transmit (or broadcast) a service discovery frame (SDF) (e.g., subscribe), which is a message for searching for an electronic device (e.g., a first external electronic device (520)) supporting NAN communication, through a first channel (721) among at least one social channel (721, 722, 723) used for searching through P2P communication, and / or a probe request message, which is a message for searching for an electronic device (e.g., a second external electronic device (530)) supporting P2P communication, for a specified time (817).

[0159] The electronic device (510) may perform a search operation through a first channel (721) for a specified time (817), and then transmit (or broadcast) a service discovery frame (SDF) (e.g., subscribe), which is a message for searching for an electronic device (e.g., a first external electronic device (520)) supporting NAN communication, through a second channel (722) among at least one social channel (721, 722, 723) used for searching through P2P communication, and / or a probe request message, which is a message for searching for an electronic device (e.g., a second external electronic device (530)) supporting P2P communication, for a specified time (818).

[0160] The electronic device (510) may receive or transmit a beacon from at least one electronic device included in a NAN cluster to which the electronic device (510) belongs during a discovery window (819) period while searching for an electronic device supporting NAN communication and / or an electronic device supporting P2P communication through a second channel (722). The discovery window period (819) may be included in a time period (818) specified through the second channel (722) (or a period for searching for an electronic device supporting NAN communication and / or an electronic device supporting P2P communication).

[0161] The electronic device (510) may perform a search operation through a second channel (722) for a specified time (818), and then transmit (or broadcast) a service discovery frame (SDF) (e.g., subscribe), which is a message for searching for an electronic device (e.g., a first external electronic device (520)) that supports NAN communication, and / or a probe request message, which is a message for searching for an electronic device (e.g., a second external electronic device (530)) that supports P2P communication, through a third channel (723) among at least one social channel (721, 722, 723) used for searching for a search operation through P2P communication, for a specified time (820).

[0162] The electronic device (510) may perform a search operation through a third channel (723) for a specified time (820), and then transmit (or broadcast) a service discovery frame (SDF) (e.g., subscribe), which is a message for searching for an electronic device (e.g., a first external electronic device (520)) that supports NAN communication, through a second channel (722) among at least one social channel (721, 722, 723) used for searching through P2P communication, and / or a probe request message, which is a message for searching for an electronic device (e.g., a second external electronic device (530)) that supports P2P communication, for a specified time (821).

[0163] The electronic device (510) may receive or transmit a beacon from at least one electronic device included in a NAN cluster to which the electronic device (510) belongs during a discovery window (822) period while searching for an electronic device supporting NAN communication and / or an electronic device supporting P2P communication through a second channel (722). The discovery window period (822) may be included in a specified time (821) through the second channel (722) (or a period for searching for an electronic device supporting NAN communication and / or an electronic device supporting P2P communication).

[0164] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of changing schedule information when an electronic device, according to one embodiment, searches for a first external electronic device and / or a second external electronic device through at least one social channel used to perform search through P2P communication, and searches for a first external electronic device.

[0165] An electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (510) of FIG. 6) can simultaneously or substantially simultaneously perform a discovery operation of a first external electronic device (e.g., a first external electronic device (520) of FIG. 5) that supports NAN communication and / or a discovery operation of a second external electronic device (e.g., a second external electronic device (530) of FIG. 5) that supports P2P communication. The electronic device (510) can generate (or set, configure) schedule information that enables the electronic device (510) to simultaneously or substantially simultaneously perform the discovery operation of the first external electronic device (520) that supports NAN communication and / or the discovery operation of the second external electronic device (530) that supports P2P communication.

[0166] The electronic device (510) can perform a search for a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication through at least one social channel (e.g., the first channel (721), the second channel (722), and / or the third channel (723) of FIG. 7) used to perform a search through P2P communication based on schedule information.

[0167] The electronic device (510) can perform a search for a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication through a second channel (722) (e.g., channel 6) that is a channel used for NAN communication among at least one social channel used for searching through P2P communication based on schedule information.

[0168] Referring to FIG. 9, the electronic device (510) can search for a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and / or a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication during a search time (931) set to include at least one discovery window (e.g., 923) among a plurality of discovery windows (921, 923, 925).

[0169] The electronic device (510) may transmit (or broadcast) a service discovery frame (SDF) (e.g., subscribe) (911), which is a message for searching for an electronic device supporting NAN communication (e.g., a first external electronic device (520)) and / or a probe request message, which is a message for searching for an electronic device supporting P2P communication (e.g., a second external electronic device (530)), through a second channel (722) for a specified time (931). The electronic device (510) may wait for reception of a response message transmitted by the electronic device supporting NAN communication while searching for an electronic device supporting NAN communication and / or an electronic device supporting P2P communication for a specified time (931).

[0170] According to one example, when the first external electronic device (520) receives the subscribe SDF (911) during the discovery window (903), it may transmit a publish SDF (913), which is a message responding to the subscribe SDF (911), to the electronic device (510). The publish SDF (913) may include information of the first external electronic device (520) related to NAN communication. According to one example, the information of the first external electronic device (520) related to NAN communication may include at least one of a name of a service activated on the first external electronic device (520), identification information of the service, a name of the first external electronic device (520), identification information of the first external electronic device (520), and an information element (IE) related to NAN communication. Information elements related to NAN communication may include a master indication attribute, which is a parameter used to determine whether the first external electronic device (520) will act as a master of the NAN cluster, and / or characteristics of the NAN cluster to which the first external electronic device (520) belongs.

[0171] According to one example, when the first external electronic device (520) receives a publish SDF during the discovery window (903), it may transmit a follow up SDF, which is a message responding to the publish SDF, to the electronic device (510).

[0172] The Follow up SDF may include information of a first external electronic device (520) related to NAN communication. In one example, the information of the first external electronic device (520) related to NAN communication may include at least one of a name of a service activated on the first external electronic device (520), identification information of the service, a name of the first external electronic device (520), identification information of the first external electronic device (520), and an information element (IE) related to NAN communication. The information element related to NAN communication may include a master indication attribute, which is a parameter used to determine whether the first external electronic device (520) will operate as a master of a NAN cluster, and / or a characteristic of a NAN cluster to which the first external electronic device (520) belongs.

[0173] The electronic device (510) may successfully search for the first external electronic device (520) that supports NAN communication when it receives a publish SDF (913) or a follow up SDF from the first external electronic device (520).

[0174] The electronic device (510) can control the communication circuit (610) to automatically perform a connection with the searched electronic device (e.g., the first external electronic device (520)).

[0175] Alternatively, the electronic device (510) may control the communication circuit (610) to establish a connection with the first external electronic device (520) upon receiving a user input for connecting the searched electronic device (e.g., the first external electronic device (520)).

[0176] The processor (620) can control the communication circuit (610) to connect with the first external electronic device (520) through NAN communication based on information included in the publish SDF transmitted by the first external electronic device (520).

[0177] The processor (620) can perform NAN cluster synchronization with the first external electronic device (520) during the process of being connected to the first external electronic device (520) through NAN communication.

[0178] NAN cluster synchronization may include an operation of receiving time clock information of an electronic device representing a NAN cluster (or a master device of the NAN cluster) so that electronic devices included in the NAN cluster (200) transmit and / or receive data on the same channel and / or during the same time. For example, the electronic device (510) may receive a beacon broadcast by a first external electronic device (520) and perform NAN cluster synchronization based on the time clock information of the first external electronic device (520) included in the beacon. The processor (620) may determine that the electronic device (510) will operate as a non-master rather than a master based on a comparison result between a master indication attribute included in a response message transmitted by the first external electronic device (520) and a master indication attribute of the electronic device (510).

[0179] The electronic device (510) can change the characteristics of the discovery window (e.g., the start time, interval, and duration of the discovery window) while performing a series of operations synchronized to a NAN cluster including the first external electronic device (520).

[0180] Referring to FIG. 9, the electronic device (510) can set the characteristics of the discovery window (927) after synchronization to be the same as the discovery window (905) of the first external electronic device (520) by changing the characteristics of the discovery window (925) before synchronization.

[0181] The electronic device (510) can change schedule information for searching for an electronic device supporting NAN communication and an electronic device supporting P2P communication as the characteristics of the discovery window (925) change.

[0182] In one example, the electronic device (510) can change the schedule information (or discovery time (935)) so that the duration of the discovery window (927) after synchronization can be included in the discovery time (935) through the social channel used to perform NAN communication. Referring to FIG. 9, the discovery time (933) before synchronization and the discovery time (935) after synchronization can be different.

[0183] FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E are diagrams illustrating schedule information for waiting for a search through at least one social channel used by an electronic device to perform a search through P2P communication according to one embodiment.

[0184] An electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (510) of FIG. 6) can simultaneously or substantially simultaneously perform a discovery operation of a first external electronic device (e.g., a first external electronic device (520) of FIG. 5) that supports NAN communication and / or a discovery operation of a second external electronic device (e.g., a second external electronic device (530) of FIG. 5) that supports P2P communication. The electronic device (510) can generate (or set, configure) schedule information that enables the electronic device (510) to simultaneously or substantially simultaneously perform the discovery operation of the first external electronic device (520) that supports NAN communication and / or the discovery operation of the second external electronic device (530) that supports P2P communication.

[0185] Alternatively, the electronic device (510) may generate (or set, configure) schedule information for an operation of waiting for reception of a message (or signal) transmitted by a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication (or an operation of causing the first external electronic device (520) and / or the second external electronic device (530) to wait for discovery of the electronic device (510). The schedule information may include a schedule (e.g., a common discovery search schedule (CDSS)) related to simultaneously searching for the first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and the second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication and / or a signal (e.g., a subscribe SDF) related to discovery transmitted by the first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and / or a signal related to discovery transmitted by the second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication. It may include a schedule related to receiving a signal (e.g., a probe request message). The schedule related to the operation of receiving a signal (or message) transmitted by a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication may be referred to as a common discovery listen schedule (CDLS).

[0186] An electronic device (510) can repeatedly perform an operation of transmitting a message (or signal) to search for a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication, and an operation of waiting for reception of a message (or signal) transmitted by the first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and the second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication.

[0187] Hereinafter, an example of setting schedule information for an operation in which an electronic device (510) waits for reception of a message (or signal) transmitted by a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication (or an operation in which the first external electronic device (520) and / or the second external electronic device (530) waits for discovery of the electronic device (510)) is described.

[0188] The electronic device (510) (or processor (e.g., processor (620) of FIG. 6)) can set schedule information for an operation of waiting for reception of a message (or signal) transmitted by a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication based on the performance of the communication circuit (e.g., communication circuit (610) of FIG. 6) and whether the electronic device (510) is connected to another external electronic device (e.g., access point (AP)). The performance of the communication circuit (610) can include performance related to whether the communication circuit (610) can simultaneously transmit and / or receive signals of multiple frequency bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz).

[0189] According to one example, the electronic device (510) (or the processor (620)) may set schedule information to perform an operation of waiting for reception of a message (or signal) transmitted by a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication through a second channel (e.g., the second channel (722) of FIG. 7) when the electronic device (510) is not connected to another external electronic device and the communication circuit (610) cannot simultaneously transmit and / or receive signals of multiple frequency bands (e.g., when the communication circuit (610) is non-RSDB (real simultaneous dual band)).

[0190] Referring to FIG. 10A, the electronic device (510) may set schedule information to wait for reception of a message (or signal) transmitted by a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication in a section other than the discovery window (1001, 1002) and / or transmit a message (1003, 1005) for searching for the first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and for searching for the second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication. The electronic device (510) may set schedule information to transmit or receive a beacon (1004, 1006) related to NAN communication on the discovery window (1001, 1002).

[0191] According to one example, the electronic device (510) (or the processor (620)) may set schedule information to perform an operation of waiting for reception of a message (or signal) transmitted by a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication through a second channel (722) and another channel when the electronic device (510) is not connected to another external electronic device and the communication circuit (610) can simultaneously transmit and / or receive signals of multiple frequency bands (e.g., when the communication circuit (610) is a real simultaneous dual band (RSDB)). The other channel may refer to a channel through which the communication circuit (610) can simultaneously transmit and / or receive signals through the second channel (722).

[0192] Referring to FIG. 10b, the electronic device (510) may set schedule information to wait for reception of a message (or signal) transmitted by a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication in a section other than the discovery window (1001, 1002), transmit a message (1003, 1005) for searching for the first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and for searching for the second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication, and wait for reception of a message (or signal) (1011) transmitted by the first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and the second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication through another channel. The frequency band of the other channel may be different from the frequency band of the second channel (722). The electronic device (510) can set schedule information to transmit or receive a beacon (1004, 1006) related to NAN communication on the discovery window (1001, 1002).

[0193] According to one example, when the electronic device (510) (or the processor (620)) is connected to another external electronic device and the communication circuit (610) cannot simultaneously transmit and / or receive signals of multiple frequency bands (e.g., when the communication circuit (610) is non-RSDB (real simultaneous dual band)), the electronic device (510) may set schedule information to perform an operation of waiting for reception of a message (or signal) transmitted by a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication through a second channel (e.g., the second channel (722) of FIG. 7) during a period other than the time when the electronic device (510) and / or the other external electronic device transmit and / or receive data through another channel.

[0194] Referring to FIG. 10c, the electronic device (510) may set schedule information to wait for reception of a message (or signal) (1034, 1036) transmitted by a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication, or to transmit a message for searching for the first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a message for searching for the second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication, in a period other than a period (1037, 1038) during which the electronic device (510) and / or another external electronic device transmit and / or receive data through another channel. The electronic device (510) can set schedule information to transmit or receive a beacon (1033, 1035) related to NAN communication on the discovery window (1031, 1032).

[0195] According to one example, when the electronic device (510) (or the processor (620)) is connected to another external electronic device and the communication circuit (610) cannot simultaneously transmit and / or receive signals of multiple frequency bands (e.g., when the communication circuit (610) is non-RSDB (real simultaneous dual band)), the electronic device (510) (or the processor (620)) performs an operation of waiting for reception of a message (or signal) transmitted by a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication through a second channel (e.g., the second channel (722) of FIG. 7) in a period other than the time when the electronic device (510) and / or the other external electronic device transmit and / or receive data through the other channel, and performs an operation of waiting for reception of a message (or signal) transmitted by the first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and the second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication through the other channel. The schedule information can be set to wait for the reception of the signal (510) while the electronic device (510) and / or other external electronic devices transmit and / or receive data through other channels.

[0196] Referring to FIG. 10d, the electronic device (510) may set schedule information to wait for reception of a message (or signal) (1034, 1036) transmitted by a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication in a period other than a period (1037, 1038) during which the electronic device (510) and / or another external electronic device transmit and / or receive data through another channel, or to transmit a message for searching for the first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a message for searching for the second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication. The electronic device (510) may set schedule information to wait for reception of a message (or signal) (1041, 1043) transmitted by a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication through a different channel and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication during a time (1037, 1038) during which the electronic device (510) and / or the other external electronic device transmit and / or receive data through a different channel. The electronic device (510) may set schedule information to transmit or receive a beacon (1033, 1035) related to NAN communication on a discovery window (1031, 1032).

[0197] According to one example, the electronic device (510) (or the processor (620)) may set schedule information to perform an operation of waiting for reception of a message (or signal) transmitted by a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication through a second channel (722) and another channel when the electronic device (510) is connected to another external electronic device and the communication circuit (610) can simultaneously transmit and / or receive signals of multiple frequency bands (e.g., when the communication circuit (610) is a real simultaneous dual band (RSDB)). The other channel may refer to a channel through which the communication circuit (610) can simultaneously transmit and / or receive signals through the second channel (722). Another channel may be a channel used to exchange messages related to connections with external electronic devices other than the first external electronic device (520) and the second external electronic device (530).

[0198] Referring to FIG. 10e, the electronic device (510) may set schedule information to wait for reception of a message (or signal) transmitted by a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication in a section other than a discovery window (1051, 1052), transmit a message (1053, 1055) for searching for the first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and for searching for the second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication, and wait for reception of a message (or signal) (1061) transmitted by the first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and the second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication through another channel. The electronic device (510) can set schedule information to transmit or receive a beacon (1054, 1056) related to NAN communication on the discovery window (1051, 1052).

[0199] FIG. 11 is an operational flowchart (1100) illustrating an operating method of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0200] An electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (510) of FIG. 6) may, in operation 1110, search for a first external electronic device (e.g., a first external electronic device (520) of FIG. 5) supporting NAN communication and / or a second external electronic device (e.g., a second external electronic device (530) of FIG. 5) supporting P2P communication, based on schedule information for searching for the first external electronic device (520) and / or the second external electronic device (530) through at least one social channel.

[0201] The electronic device (510) can control the communication circuit (610) so that the discovery operation of the first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and / or the discovery operation of the second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication can be performed simultaneously or substantially simultaneously. The electronic device (510) can control the communication circuit (610) so as to activate both the interface of NAN communication implemented as a hardware and / or software component of the communication circuit (610) and the interface of P2P communication implemented as a hardware and / or software component of the communication circuit (610). The interface of NAN communication and the interface of P2P communication can be activated simultaneously or sequentially.

[0202] The electronic device (510) can control the communication circuit (610) to perform an operation of searching for a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication through at least one social channel (e.g., channel 1, channel 6, channel 11) used to perform search through P2P communication and / or at least one channel used to transmit and / or receive data, by activating an interface for NAN communication and an interface for P2P communication.

[0203] The electronic device (510) may perform an operation of searching for a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication according to (or based on) schedule information related to an operation of searching for a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication. The schedule information may include a schedule related to simultaneously searching for the first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and the second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication, and the schedule related to simultaneously searching for the first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and the second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication may be referred to as a common discovery search schedule (CDSS).

[0204] The schedule information may be configured (or set) to include a first period (or multi-channel schedule period (MCSP)) that refers to a period during which the electronic device (510) or the communication circuit (610) of the electronic device (510) performs a search for a first external electronic device (520) that supports NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) that supports P2P communication through a plurality of channels that can be supported, and a second period (or social-channel schedule period (SCSP)) that refers to a period during which the first external electronic device (520) that supports NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) that supports P2P communication are performed through at least one social channel used to perform the search via P2P communication. The channels corresponding to the first period may include channels excluding at least one social channel used to perform a search via P2P communication among a plurality of channels that the electronic device (510) or the communication circuit (610) of the electronic device (510) can support. The schedule information may enable the electronic device (510) to perform a search for a first external electronic device (520) that supports NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) that supports P2P communication through a plurality of channels that the electronic device (510) or the communication circuit (610) of the electronic device (510) can support during the first period, and may enable the electronic device (520) to perform a search for the first external electronic device (520) that supports NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) that supports P2P communication through at least one social channel used to perform a search via P2P communication during the second period.

[0205] The electronic device (510) can repeatedly perform an operation of searching for a first external electronic device (520) that supports NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) that supports P2P communication through a plurality of channels that the electronic device (510) or a communication circuit (610) of the electronic device (510) can support, and an operation of searching for the first external electronic device (520) that supports NAN communication and the second external electronic device (530) that supports P2P communication through at least one social channel used to perform the search through P2P communication.

[0206] The schedule information may be configured to include a search order through at least one social channel used to perform search via P2P communication. The search order may include the order (or sequence) of channels used for search.

[0207] According to one example, when at least one social channel used to perform a search via P2P communication includes a first channel (e.g., channel 1), a second channel (e.g., channel 6), and / or a third channel (e.g., channel 11), the search order included in the schedule information may be set to search for a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication via the first channel, search for the first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication via the second channel, and search for the first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication via the third channel. The order described above is merely an example for description and may be set in various ways.

[0208] The electronic device (510) may, when setting the search order included in the schedule information, set the number of searches through the social channel (e.g., the second channel) used for performing NAN communication among at least one social channel used for performing search through P2P communication to be greater than the number of searches through other social channels. The number of social channels used for performing NAN communication (e.g., 1 channel as channel 6) may be smaller than the number of social channels used for searching through P2P communication (e.g., 3 channels as channels 1, 6, and 11), and as the number of social channels increases, the probability of successful search may increase. Accordingly, the electronic device (510) may increase the probability of successful search of the first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication by setting the number of searches through the social channel used for performing NAN communication to be greater than the number of searches through other social channels.

[0209] According to one example, the electronic device (510) may be configured to search for a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication through a first channel, search for a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication through a second channel, search for a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication through a third channel, and search for a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication through a second channel, in setting a search order included in the schedule information.

[0210] The electronic device (510) may search for the first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and / or the second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication through at least one social channel based on schedule information for searching for the first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and / or the second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication through at least one social channel used for searching for the first external electronic device (520) and / or the second external electronic device (530) through at least one social channel.

[0211] The operation of discovering the first external electronic device (520) and / or the second external electronic device (530) through at least one social channel may include an operation of transmitting (or broadcasting) a service discovery frame (SDF) (e.g., publish), which is a message for discovering an electronic device supporting NAN communication (e.g., the first external electronic device (520)), and / or an operation of transmitting (or broadcasting) a probe request message, which is a message for discovering an electronic device supporting P2P communication (e.g., the second external electronic device (530)).

[0212] The electronic device (510) may, in operation 1120, search for the first external electronic device (520) and / or the second external electronic device (530) through at least one social channel (e.g., the second channel (722) of FIG. 7) used to perform NAN communication among the social channels.

[0213] The electronic device (510) may set a search time through a social channel used for performing NAN communication so that the duration of a discovery window (DW) of a NAN cluster to which the electronic device (510) belongs can be included in the search time through a social channel used for performing NAN communication. The frequency bands of the social channel used for performing NAN communication and the social channel used for searching through P2P communication may be the same (e.g., 2.4 GHz), and the communication circuit (610) may not simultaneously perform an operation of transmitting and / or receiving data through the social channel used for performing NAN communication and an operation of transmitting and / or receiving data through the social channel used for searching through P2P communication. In this case, the communication circuit (610) may not be able to simultaneously perform data transmission and / or reception operations in the discovery window (DW) of the NAN cluster to which the electronic device (510) belongs and data transmission and / or reception operations through the social channel used for exploration through P2P communication, and the quality of the NAN communication may deteriorate during the exploration period through P2P communication of the electronic device (510). Therefore, the electronic device (510) may set the exploration time through the social channel used for performing NAN communication so that the duration of the discovery window (DW) of the NAN cluster to which the electronic device (510) belongs can be included in the exploration time through the social channel used for performing NAN communication, thereby minimizing the impact of the NAN communication due to the exploration operation of the first external electronic device (520) and / or the second external electronic device (530).

[0214] The electronic device (510) can search for the first external electronic device (520) and / or the second external electronic device (530) during a time excluding a discovery window set for the NAN cluster to which the electronic device (510) belongs during a search time through a social channel (e.g., a second channel) used to perform NAN communication.

[0215] The operation of discovering the first external electronic device (520) and / or the second external electronic device (530) through the social channel used to perform NAN communication may include an operation of transmitting (or broadcasting) a service discovery frame (SDF) (e.g., publish), which is a message for discovering an electronic device supporting NAN communication (e.g., the first external electronic device (520)), and / or an operation of transmitting (or broadcasting) a probe request message, which is a message for discovering an electronic device supporting P2P communication (e.g., the second external electronic device (530)).

[0216] An SDF, which is a message for searching for an electronic device supporting NAN communication, may refer to a subscribe SDF. The subscribe SDF may include information of an electronic device (510) related to NAN communication. According to one example, the information of an electronic device (510) related to NAN communication may include at least one of a name of a service activated on the electronic device (510), identification information of the service, a name of the electronic device (510), identification information of the electronic device (510), and an information element (IE) related to NAN communication. The information element related to NAN communication may include a master indication attribute, which is a parameter used to determine whether the electronic device (510) will operate as a master of a NAN cluster, and / or a characteristic of a NAN cluster to which the electronic device (510) belongs.

[0217] The first external electronic device (520) that receives the subscribe SDF can transmit a publish SDF message responding to the subscribe SDF to the electronic device (510).

[0218] The Publish SDF may include information of a first external electronic device (520) related to NAN communication. In one example, the information of the first external electronic device (520) related to NAN communication may include at least one of a name of a service activated on the first external electronic device (520), identification information of the service, a name of the first external electronic device (520), identification information of the first external electronic device (520), and an information element (IE) related to NAN communication. The information element related to NAN communication may include a master indication attribute, which is a parameter used to determine whether the first external electronic device (520) will operate as a master of a NAN cluster, and / or a characteristic of a NAN cluster to which the first external electronic device (520) belongs.

[0219] The electronic device (510) can successfully search for an electronic device supporting NAN communication when it receives a publish SDF from a first external electronic device (520).

[0220] A message for searching for an electronic device supporting P2P communication may be implemented as a probe request message, and the probe request message may include information of an electronic device (510) related to P2P communication. According to one example, the information of an electronic device (510) related to P2P communication may include at least one of a name of a service activated on the electronic device (510), identification information of the service, a name of the electronic device (510), identification information of the electronic device (510), and an information element (IE) related to P2P communication. The information element related to P2P communication may include a GO (group owner) intent used to determine whether the electronic device (510) will act as an owner of a P2P group and / or a characteristic of a P2P group to which the electronic device (510) belongs.

[0221] The second external electronic device (530) that receives the probe request message can transmit a probe response message corresponding to the probe request message to the electronic device (510).

[0222] The probe response message may include information of a second external electronic device (530) related to P2P communication. In one example, the information of the second external electronic device (530) related to P2P communication may include at least one of a name of a service activated on the second external electronic device (530), identification information of the service, a name of the second external electronic device (530), identification information of the second external electronic device (530), and an information element (IE) related to P2P communication. The information element related to P2P communication may include a GO (group owner) intent used to determine whether the second external electronic device (530) will act as an owner of a P2P group and / or a characteristic of a P2P group to which the second external electronic device (530) belongs.

[0223] The electronic device (510) may succeed in searching for an electronic device supporting NAN communication when it receives a probe response message from a second external electronic device (530).

[0224] As messages exchanged in the process of searching for a second external electronic device (530), a probe request message and / or a probe response message are described as examples, but the present invention may not be limited thereto. According to one example, the electronic device (510) may transmit a service discovery frame (e.g., subscribe SDF) to search for a second external electronic device (530), and the second external electronic device (530) may transmit a service discovery frame (e.g., publish SDF) to the electronic device (510) as a response message.

[0225] The electronic device (510) can provide information about the searched electronic devices (e.g., the first external electronic device (520) and the second external electronic device (530)) to the user. According to one example, the electronic device (510) can display information about the searched electronic devices on a display of the electronic device (510) (e.g., the display module (160) of FIG. 1).

[0226] The electronic device (510) can control the communication circuit (610) to automatically perform a connection with the searched electronic devices (e.g., the first external electronic device (520) and the second external electronic device (530)).

[0227] Alternatively, the electronic device (510) may control the communication circuit (610) to perform a connection with the selected external electronic device upon receiving a user input for selecting at least one external electronic device among the searched electronic devices (e.g., the first external electronic device (520) and the second external electronic device (530)).

[0228] The electronic device (510) can control the communication circuit (610) to connect with the first external electronic device (520) through NAN communication based on information included in the publish SDF transmitted by the first external electronic device (520). The electronic device (510) can control the communication circuit (610) to connect with the second external electronic device (530) through P2P communication based on information included in the probe response message transmitted by the second external electronic device (530).

[0229] The electronic device (510) can perform NAN cluster synchronization with the first external electronic device (520) during the process of being connected to the first external electronic device (520) through NAN communication.

[0230] NAN cluster synchronization may include an operation of receiving time clock information of an electronic device representing a NAN cluster (or a master device of the NAN cluster) so that electronic devices included in the NAN cluster (200) transmit and / or receive data on the same channel and / or during the same time. For example, the electronic device (510) may receive a beacon broadcast by a first external electronic device (520) and perform NAN cluster synchronization based on the time clock information of the first external electronic device (520) included in the beacon. The electronic device (510) may determine to operate as a non-master rather than a master based on a comparison result between a master indication attribute included in a response message transmitted by the first external electronic device (520) and a master indication attribute of the electronic device (510). The electronic device (510) may change the characteristics of a discovery window (e.g., the start time, interval, and / or duration of the discovery window) while performing a series of operations synchronized to a NAN cluster including a first external electronic device (520). As the characteristics of the discovery window change, the electronic device (510) may change schedule information for searching for electronic devices supporting NAN communication and electronic devices supporting P2P communication. In one example, the electronic device (510) may change the schedule information so that the duration of the changed discovery window can be included in the search time through a social channel used to perform NAN communication.

[0231] An electronic device (510) according to an example may include a communication circuit (610) that supports NAN (neighbor awareness network) communication and P2P communication different from the NAN communication. The electronic device (510) may include a processor (620). The electronic device (510) may include a memory. The memory may store instructions for searching for the first external electronic device (520) supporting the NAN communication and the second external electronic device (530) supporting the P2P communication through at least one channel including at least one social channel (721, 722, 723) used by the electronic device (510) to perform the search through the P2P communication, based on schedule information, when executed by the processor (620), to search for the first external electronic device (520) and / or the second external electronic device (530) through the at least one social channel (721, 722, 723). The above memory may store instructions for searching for the first external electronic device (520) and / or the second external electronic device (530) through a social channel (722) used to perform the NAN communication among the at least one social channel (721, 722, 723) based on the schedule information.

[0232] In an electronic device (510) according to an example, the schedule information may be set to include an order of navigation through at least one social channel (721, 722, 723).

[0233] In an electronic device (510) according to an example, the schedule information may be set such that the number of searches through the social channel (722) used to perform the NAN communication is greater than the number of searches through the at least one social channel (721, 723).

[0234] In an electronic device (510) according to an example, the schedule information may be set such that the search time through the social channel (722) used to perform the NAN communication is longer than the search time through at least one social channel (721, 723).

[0235] In an electronic device (510) according to an example, the schedule information may be set such that the search time through the social channel (722) used to perform the NAN communication includes the duration of a discovery window set in a NAN cluster including the electronic device.

[0236] In an electronic device (510) according to an example, the memory may be further configured to store instructions for searching for the first external electronic device (520) and the second external electronic device (530) during a time excluding a discovery window set for a NAN cluster including the electronic device during a search time through a social channel (722) used to perform the NAN communication.

[0237] In an electronic device (510) according to an example, the memory may be further configured to store an instruction for transmitting a service discovery frame for searching for the first external electronic device (520) and / or transmitting a probe request message for searching for the second external electronic device (530) during a time excluding a discovery window set for a NAN cluster including the electronic device during a search time through a social channel (722) used to perform the NAN communication.

[0238] In an electronic device (510) according to an example, the memory may further store instructions for configuring a NAN cluster including the first external electronic device (520) and the electronic device upon successful discovery of the first external electronic device (520). The memory may further store instructions for changing the schedule information when characteristics of a discovery window change according to the configuration of the NAN cluster.

[0239] In an electronic device (510) according to an example, the memory may be further configured to store an instruction for changing the schedule information such that the time for discovering the first external electronic device (520) and / or the second external electronic device (530) through the social channel (722) used to perform the NAN communication includes a duration of the discovery window.

[0240] In an electronic device (510) according to an example, the communication circuit (610) may be further configured to store instructions for searching for the first external electronic device (520) and the second external electronic device (530) through at least one channel supported by the communication circuit (610).

[0241] According to an example, a method of operating an electronic device (510) may include an operation of searching for a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication through at least one or more social channels (721, 722, 723) that are used to perform a search through P2P communication, based on schedule information for searching for the first external electronic device (520) and / or the second external electronic device (530) through the at least one or more social channels (721, 722, 723). The method of operating an electronic device (510) may include an operation of searching for the first external electronic device (520) and / or the second external electronic device (530) through the at least one or more social channels (722) that are used to perform the NAN communication among the at least one or more social channels, based on the schedule information.

[0242] In an operating method of an electronic device (510) according to an example, the schedule information may be set to include an order of navigation through at least one social channel (721, 722, 723).

[0243] In an operating method of an electronic device (510) according to an example, the schedule information may be set so that the number of searches through the social channel (722) used to perform the NAN communication is greater than the number of searches through the at least one social channel (721, 722, 723).

[0244] In an operating method of an electronic device (510) according to an example, the schedule information may be set such that a search time through a social channel (722) used to perform the NAN communication is longer than a search time through at least one social channel (721, 722, 723).

[0245] In an operating method of an electronic device (510) according to an example, the schedule information may be set such that a search time through a social channel (722) used to perform the NAN communication includes a duration of a discovery window set in a NAN cluster including the electronic device.

[0246] In an operating method of an electronic device (510) according to an example, an operation of searching for the first external electronic device (520) and / or the second external electronic device (530) through a social channel (722) used to perform the NAN communication may include an operation of searching for the first external electronic device (520) and the second external electronic device (530) during a time excluding a discovery window set for a NAN cluster including the electronic device during a search time through the social channel (722) used to perform the NAN communication.

[0247] In an operating method of an electronic device (510) according to an example, an operation of searching for the first external electronic device (520) and / or the second external electronic device (530) through a social channel used to perform the NAN communication may include an operation of transmitting a service discovery frame for searching for the first external electronic device (520) and / or a probe request message for searching for the second external electronic device (530) during a time excluding a discovery window set for a NAN cluster including the electronic device during a search time through the social channel (722) used to perform the NAN communication.

[0248] According to an example, the method of operating the electronic device (510) may further include an operation of configuring a NAN cluster including the first external electronic device (520) and the electronic device, upon successful discovery of the first external electronic device (520). The method of operating the electronic device (510) may further include an operation of changing the schedule information when the characteristics of the discovery window are changed according to the configuration of the NAN cluster.

[0249] In an operating method of an electronic device (510) according to an example, the operation of changing the schedule information may include an operation of changing the schedule information so that a time for searching for the first external electronic device (520) and / or the second external electronic device (530) through a social channel (722) used to perform the NAN communication includes a duration of the discovery window.

[0250] The method of operating the electronic device (510) according to one example may further include an operation of searching for the first external electronic device (520) and the second external electronic device (530) through at least one channel supported by the communication circuit (610).

[0251] Electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. 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. Electronic devices according to the embodiments of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0252] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, 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” each include all possible combinations of the items listed together in that phrase. Terms such as “first,” “second,” or “first” or “second” may be used simply to distinguish the corresponding component from other corresponding components and do not limit the corresponding components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being “coupled” or “connected” to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicatively,” it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0253] The term "module" as used in this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0254] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more commands stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (136) or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)) may call at least one command among the one or more commands stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one command called. The one or more commands may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0255] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between sellers and buyers as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or may be provided through an application store (e.g., Play Store). TM ) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones), online distribution (e.g., downloading or uploading). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily created in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0256] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include a single or multiple entities. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. In an electronic device (510), A communication circuit (610) supporting NAN (neighbor awareness network) communication and P2P communication other than the NAN communication; Processor (620); and Contains memory, The above memory, when executed by the processor, causes the electronic device to: Based on schedule information for searching for a first external electronic device (520) supporting the NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting the P2P communication through at least one channel including at least one social channel (721, 722, 723) used to perform searching through the P2P communication, searching for the first external electronic device (520) and / or the second external electronic device (530) through the at least one social channel (721, 722, 723), An electronic device storing instructions for searching for the first external electronic device (520) and / or the second external electronic device (530) through a social channel (722) used to perform the NAN communication among the at least one social channel (721, 722, 723) based on the schedule information.

2. In paragraph 1, The above schedule information is An electronic device configured to include a sequence of navigation through at least one social channel (721, 722, 723).

3. In paragraphs 1 and 2, The above schedule information is An electronic device in which the number of searches through a social channel (722) used to perform the above NAN communication is set to be greater than the number of searches through at least one social channel (721, 723).

4. In clauses 1 to 3, The above schedule information is An electronic device in which a search time through a social channel (722) used to perform the above NAN communication is set longer than a search time through at least one social channel (721, 723).

5. In clauses 1 to 4, The above schedule information is An electronic device in which a search time through a social channel (722) used to perform the above NAN communication is set to include a duration of a discovery window set in a NAN cluster including the electronic device.

6. In clauses 1 to 5, The above memory An electronic device further configured to store instructions for searching for the first external electronic device (520) and the second external electronic device (530) during a time excluding a discovery window set for a NAN cluster including the electronic device during a search time through a social channel (722) used to perform the NAN communication.

7. In clauses 1 to 6, The above memory An electronic device further configured to store an instruction for transmitting a service discovery frame for searching for the first external electronic device (520) and / or transmitting a probe request message for searching for the second external electronic device (530) during a time excluding a discovery window set for a NAN cluster including the electronic device during a search time through a social channel (722) used to perform the NAN communication.

8. In clauses 1 to 7, The above memory Upon successful exploration of the first external electronic device (520), a NAN cluster including the first external electronic device (520) and the electronic device is configured, An electronic device configured to further store an instruction for changing the schedule information when the characteristics of the discovery window change according to the configuration of the above NAN cluster.

9. In clauses 1 to 8, The above memory An electronic device further configured to store an instruction for changing the schedule information so that the time for searching for the first external electronic device (520) and / or the second external electronic device (530) through the social channel (722) used to perform the NAN communication includes a duration of the discovery window.

10. In clauses 1 to 9, The above memory An electronic device further configured to store instructions for searching for the first external electronic device (520) and the second external electronic device (530) through at least one channel supported by the communication circuit (610).

11. In the method of operating an electronic device, An operation of searching for a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication through at least one or more social channels (721, 722, 723) based on schedule information for searching for a first external electronic device (520) supporting NAN communication and a second external electronic device (530) supporting P2P communication through at least one or more social channels (721, 722, 723); and An operating method of an electronic device, comprising an operation of searching for the first external electronic device (520) and / or the second external electronic device (530) through a social channel (722) used to perform the NAN communication among the at least one social channel based on the schedule information.

12. In paragraph 11, The above schedule information is A method of operating an electronic device, wherein the method comprises: a sequence of navigation through at least one social channel (721, 722, 723).

13. In clauses 11 and 12, The above schedule information is An operating method of an electronic device, wherein the number of searches through a social channel (722) used to perform the above NAN communication is set to be greater than the number of searches through at least one social channel (721, 722, 723).

14. In clauses 11 to 13, The above schedule information is An operating method of an electronic device in which a search time through a social channel (722) used to perform the above NAN communication is set longer than a search time through at least one social channel (721, 722, 723).

15. In clauses 11 to 14, The above schedule information is An operating method of an electronic device, wherein a search time through a social channel (722) used to perform the above NAN communication is set to include a duration of a discovery window set in a NAN cluster including the electronic device.

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