Device for connection with external device, and operating method thereof

Abstract

An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a memory, a communication unit and a processor connected to the memory and the communication unit, wherein the processor receives a connection packet from an external electronic device through the communication unit, identifies connection management data of the external electronic device, and responds to the identification that the connection management data of a first external electronic device includes a predetermined value, so as to increase the connection priority of the external electronic device, the connection management data of the external electronic device has a predetermined number of bits, and the bits of the connection management data can be determined on the basis of whether a connection packet is received from the external electronic device at a plurality of time intervals.

Description

Device and method of operation for connection with external devices

[0001] Embodiments disclosed in this document relate to an electronic device for connection with an external device and a method of operating the electronic device.

[0002] With the advancement of Internet of Things (IoT) technology, IoT devices (e.g., smart TVs, wireless video transmitters / receivers, game consoles, etc.) can be connected to each other and controlled by remote control devices (e.g., smartphones, remote controls, etc.). IoT devices can be connected via wires or can be interconnected using short-range wireless communication technologies such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. As technology for wireless connection between IoT devices advances, the number of devices that can connect to a single device has increased. Accordingly, technology that enables electronic devices to search for target devices to connect to and determine the priority of connectable devices may be provided.

[0003] To connect an electronic device (e.g., a TV) to an external electronic device (e.g., a sound output device), the electronic device can search for external electronic devices located adjacent to the electronic device, select the external electronic device to be connected, and perform a series of procedures. To identify connectable external electronic devices, the electronic device can use factors such as the distance between the devices, signal strength, and connection history. However, each must operate according to standardized specifications and may require user input for connection.

[0004] Based on the discussion described above, the present disclosure provides a device and method for supporting device connection using a separate self-packet configuration that is not dependent on a protocol.

[0005] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a memory including at least one storage medium storing instructions, a communication unit including a communication circuit, a processor connected to the memory and the communication unit and including a processing circuit, wherein the processor is configured to receive a connection packet from an external electronic device through the communication unit, identify connection management data of the external electronic device, and increase a connection priority of the external electronic device in response to identifying that the connection management data of the first external electronic device includes a predetermined value, wherein the connection management data of the external electronic device is composed of a predetermined number of bits, and the bits of the connection management data can be determined based on whether the connection packet is received from the external electronic device during the plurality of time periods.

[0006] In one embodiment, the connection packet may include a probe request frame, and the probe request frame may include an identifier of a network to which the external electronic device is connected.

[0007] In one embodiment, the values ​​corresponding to the plurality of time periods may have a value of 0 or 1, a time period in which a connection packet is received from the external electronic device may have a value of 1, and a time period in which a connection packet is not received from the external electronic device may have a value of 0.

[0008] In one embodiment, the processor may increase a connection priority of the external electronic device when the connection management data includes a first value, and may transmit a connection request to the external electronic device when the connection management data includes a second value.

[0009] In one embodiment, the processor may transmit a connection request to the external electronic device in response to identifying that the priority of the external electronic device is greater than or equal to a threshold value.

[0010] In one embodiment, the processor may, in response to identifying that the external electronic device and the network to which the electronic device is connected are the same, transmit a connection request to the external electronic device.

[0011] In one embodiment, the processor may display a user interface for connecting the external electronic device and the electronic device when the connection priority of the external electronic device is greater than or equal to a threshold value.

[0012] In one embodiment, the electronic device is configured to generate pattern information of the external electronic device based on the connection management data and determine whether the pattern information includes the predetermined value, wherein the connection management data may be in the form of a binary number and the pattern information may be in the form of a hexadecimal number.

[0013] In one embodiment, the processor may delete the connection management data from the memory when a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the connection packet was received.

[0014] In one embodiment, the processor may be configured to: the probe request frame includes a clock value of the external electronic device; and based on the clock value of the external electronic device, the processor may synchronize the clock value of the electronic device for communication between the electronic device and the external electronic device.

[0015] An operating method of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes an operation of receiving a connection packet from an external electronic device, an operation of identifying connection management data of the external electronic device, and an operation of increasing a connection priority of the external electronic device in response to identifying that probe storage data of the first external electronic device includes a predetermined value, wherein data regarding a connection pattern of the external electronic device includes a predetermined number of bits, and the bits of the connection management data can be determined based on whether the connection packet is received from the external electronic device during the plurality of time periods.

[0016] In one embodiment, the connection packet may include a probe request frame, and the probe request frame may include an identifier of a network to which the external electronic device is connected.

[0017] In one embodiment, the values ​​corresponding to the plurality of time periods may have a value of 0 or 1, a time period in which a connection packet is received from the external electronic device may have a value of 1, and a time period in which a connection packet is not received from the external electronic device may have a value of 0.

[0018] In one embodiment, the operating method of the electronic device may include an operation of increasing a connection priority of the external electronic device when the connection management data includes a first value, and an operation of transmitting a connection request to the external electronic device when the connection management data includes a second value.

[0019] In one embodiment, a method of operating an electronic device may include, in response to identifying that a priority of the external electronic device is greater than or equal to a threshold value, transmitting a connection request to the external electronic device.

[0020] In one embodiment, a method of operating an electronic device may include, in response to identifying that the external electronic device and a network to which the electronic device is connected are the same, transmitting a probe response frame to the external electronic device.

[0021] In one embodiment, the operating method of the electronic device may include an operation of displaying a user interface for connecting the electronic device with the external electronic device when the connection priority of the external electronic device is greater than or equal to a threshold value.

[0022] An operating method of an electronic device according to one embodiment includes an operation of generating pattern information of the external electronic device based on the connection management data, and an operation of determining whether the pattern information includes the predetermined value, wherein the connection management data may be in the form of a binary number, and the pattern information may be in the form of a hexadecimal number.

[0023] In one embodiment, the method of operating the electronic device may include deleting the connection management data from the memory when a predetermined time elapses after the connection packet is received.

[0024] In one embodiment, the probe request frame may synchronize a clock value of the electronic device for communication between the electronic device and the external electronic device based on a clock value of the external electronic device.

[0025] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide the effect of enabling easy connection by utilizing a probe request frame for connection between an electronic device and an external electronic device.

[0026] In addition, it provides the effect of enabling efficient connection between an electronic device and an external electronic device by managing the connection priority of the external electronic device based on connection management data regarding connection packets transmitted by the external electronic device.

[0027] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned in the various embodiments, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates a detailed block configuration of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0030] Figure 3 illustrates an example of connection management data according to one embodiment.

[0031] Figure 4 illustrates an operational flow of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0032] Figure 5 illustrates an operational flow of an external electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 6 illustrates a signaling flow of an electronic device and an external electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0034] In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components.

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components. Furthermore, in the drawings and related descriptions, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0036] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment. Furthermore, the electronic device (100) may be a wearable terminal, such as a watch or glasses, capable of performing various computing functions, such as video viewing and communication. The electronic device (100) may be a terminal of various forms without limitation to the above-described embodiments.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the memory (120) is a storage medium used by the electronic device (100) and can store data such as at least one command (121) or setting information corresponding to at least one program. The program can include an operating system (OS) program and various application programs.

[0038] In one embodiment, the memory (120) may store pairing information of an external electronic device positioned adjacent to the electronic device (100). In one embodiment, the pairing information may include device information of the external electronic device, information about other external electronic devices or remote control devices paired with the external electronic device, information about a method by which the external electronic device and the other external electronic devices or remote control devices are paired (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi), information about a pairing history between the external electronic device and the other external electronic devices or remote control devices, etc.

[0039] In one embodiment, the memory (120) may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., an SD or XD memory, etc.), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), a programmable ROM (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the video input unit (130) can receive video and video information through a tuner (not shown), an input / output unit (not shown), or a communication unit (150). The video input unit (130) can include at least one of the tuner and the input / output unit. The tuner can select and tune only the frequency of a broadcast channel to be received by the electronic device (100) among many radio wave components through amplification, mixing, resonance, etc. of a broadcast signal received wirelessly or wiredly. The broadcast signal can include video, audio, and additional data (e.g., an Electronic Program Guide (EPG)). The tuner can receive real-time broadcast channels (or real-time viewing images) from various broadcast sources such as terrestrial broadcasting, cable broadcasting, satellite broadcasting, and Internet broadcasting. The tuner can be implemented as an integrated unit with the electronic device (100) or as a separate tuner electrically connected to the electronic device (100). The input / output unit may include at least one of an HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) input port, a component input jack, a PC input port, and a USB input jack, which can receive images and image information from an external device of the electronic device (100) under the control of the processor (110). It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the input / output unit may be added, deleted, and / or changed depending on the performance and structure of the electronic device (100).

[0041] According to one embodiment, the display (140) may perform functions for outputting information in the form of numbers, characters, images, and / or graphics. The display (140) may include at least one hardware module for outputting. The at least one hardware module may include, for example, at least one of a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), a Light Emitting Diode (LED), a Light Emitting Polymer Display (LPD), an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED), an Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode (AMOLED), or a Flexible LED (FLED). The display (140) may display a screen corresponding to data received from the processor (110). The display (140) may be referred to as an “output unit,” a “display unit,” or other terms having equivalent technical meanings thereto. The “screen” may include an image displayed on the display of an electronic device. The image may be referred to by terms such as a frame. Various types of objects such as icons, text, photos, videos, widgets, etc. may be displayed on the screen.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (150) may provide a wired / wireless communication interface that enables communication with an external device. The communication unit (150) may include at least one of a wired Ethernet, a wireless LAN communication unit, and a short-range communication unit. The wireless LAN communication unit may include, for example, Wi-Fi, and may support the wireless LAN standard (IEEE802.11x) of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The wireless LAN communication unit may be wirelessly connected to an AP (Access Point) under the control of the processor (110). The AP may include a device that enables devices to be connected using a related standard using Wi-Fi in a computer network. The short-range communication unit may wirelessly perform short-range communication with an external device under the control of the processor (110). Short-range communication may include Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra Wide Band (UWB), and Near Field Communication (NFC). The above external devices may include server devices that provide video services, etc., and mobile terminals (e.g., phones, tablets, etc.).

[0043] According to one embodiment, the processor (110) may execute at least one instruction (121) stored in the memory (120) to perform calculations or data processing related to control and / or communication of at least one other component of the electronic device (100). The processor (110) may include at least one of a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a micro controller unit (MCU), a sensor hub, a supplementary processor, a communication processor, an application processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and may have multiple cores.

[0044] In one embodiment, the processor (110) may control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (100) connected to the processor (110), for example, by executing software, and may perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or calculation, the processor (110) may store commands or data received from other components in a volatile memory, process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory, and store result data in a non-volatile memory. According to one embodiment, the processor (110) may include a main processor (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (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 therewith. For example, when the electronic device (100) includes a main processor and an auxiliary processor, the auxiliary processor may be configured to use lower power than the main processor or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor may be implemented separately from the main processor or as part of it.

[0045] In one embodiment, the processor (110) may obtain image frame data from at least one of the memory (120), the image input unit (130), or the communication unit (150). The processor (110) may receive the image frame data from at least one of the memory (120), the image input unit (130), or the communication unit (150). The image frame data may include data regarding frames constituting an image. For example, the image frame data may be identified from the memory (120) (e.g., a recorded and stored image). For example, the image frame data may include data obtained from the communication unit (150) or the image input unit (130) (e.g., a real-time streaming image).

[0046] FIG. 2 illustrates a detailed block configuration of an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 illustrates an example of connection management data according to one embodiment. The electronic device (200) of FIGS. 2 and 3 may correspond to the electronic device (100) of FIG. 1.

[0047] In one embodiment, the external electronic device may transmit a connection packet (e.g., a probe request frame) to the electronic device.

[0048] In one embodiment, the external electronic device may be positioned around the electronic device and may include a device capable of communicating data with the electronic device. For example, the external electronic device may include a device (e.g., a speaker) for outputting information transmitted by the electronic device. For example, if the electronic device is a PC, the external electronic device may include devices such as a monitor, a keyboard, a mouse, and a printer. For example, if the electronic device is a smartphone, the external electronic device may include a television. For example, if the electronic device is a TV, the external electronic device may include a smartphone.

[0049] In one embodiment, an electronic device and an external electronic device can transmit and receive probe requests and responses. For example, in the IEEE standard, probe request and response frames that the external electronic device and the electronic device mutually transmit and receive can be used for discovery (e.g., packet discovery) between the electronic device and the external electronic device. After the external electronic device and the electronic device complete the mutual discovery procedure through the probe request and response, the electronic device and the external electronic device perform a process for connection (e.g., connection request, connection response, authentication, etc.), and after the process is completed, the electronic device and the external electronic device can communicate data with each other. Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method for using the probe request frame, which is conventionally used for discovery between an electronic device and an external electronic device, without defining a separate signal different from a protocol for connection between an electronic device and an external electronic device, and for allowing the electronic device to identify connection management data based on the reception aspect of the probe request frame and manage the connection with the external electronic device based thereon.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a storage unit (210), a sensing unit (220), a communication unit (230), and a display unit (240).

[0051] In one embodiment, the storage (210) may store connection management data. The storage (210) may correspond to the memory (120).

[0052] In one embodiment, the connection management data may include data identified based on a connection packet that the electronic device receives from an external electronic device.

[0053] In one embodiment, the connection packet may include a probe request frame. The probe request frame may include a frame for discovery between IoT devices. The probe request frame may include a frame received from an external electronic device according to a predetermined protocol. The protocol may include, for example, an Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) standard.

[0054] In one embodiment, the connection packet may include a signal transmitted in advance when an external electronic device requests a connection to the electronic device.

[0055] In one embodiment, the electronic device may update connection management data in response to receiving a connection packet. If a connection packet is received in the current time interval, the value for the current time interval may be determined as 1. If no connection packet is received in the current time interval, the value for the current time interval may be determined as 0.

[0056] In one embodiment, connection management data may be identified based on values ​​determined for multiple time intervals. The number of multiple time intervals may correspond to the number of bits constituting the connection management data.

[0057] In one embodiment, the values ​​corresponding to the multiple time periods may be determined based on whether a connection packet is received from an external electronic device during the multiple time periods. For example, among the multiple time periods, a time period in which a connection packet is received from an external electronic device may have a value of 1, and a time period in which a connection packet is not received from an external electronic device may have a value of 0.

[0058] In one embodiment, connection management data may be stored in the storage unit (210) for each external electronic device. For example, the storage unit (210) of the electronic device (200) may store connection management data for a first external electronic device, connection management data for a second external electronic device, and connection management data for a third external electronic device, respectively.

[0059] In one embodiment, the connection management data may consist of a predetermined number of bits. For example, the connection management data may consist of 8 bits. In this case, the connection management data may be identified based on values ​​for 8 time intervals, starting from the time interval prior to the current time interval.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 3, it can be seen that in the time period (302) including the present, the electronic device (200) has received a connection packet from the third external electronic device, and has not yet received a connection packet from the first external electronic device and the second external electronic device.

[0061] In one embodiment, the storage unit (210) may include a greater number of storage spaces than a predetermined number. For example, referring to FIG. 3, the connection management data may be 8 bits long, but the number of storage areas included in the storage unit (210) may include n areas, which is greater than 8.

[0062] In one embodiment, the plurality of time intervals may each correspond to a predetermined number of bits.

[0063] In one embodiment, the connection management data may be in binary form. For example, the connection management data may include data consisting of eight bits.

[0064] In one embodiment, the electronic device may transmit a probe response frame in response to receiving a probe request frame from an external electronic device.

[0065] In one embodiment, the storage unit (210) may take the form of a data buffer. For example, the storage unit (210) may include a predetermined number of storage areas. Values ​​may be sequentially assigned to the predetermined number of storage areas. When the predetermined number of storage areas are all filled, new values ​​may be overwritten in the first filled storage area.

[0066] In one embodiment, the storage unit (210) may store information regarding a connection packet and the time at which the connection packet was received. Based on the information regarding the connection packet and the time at which the connection packet was received, the electronic device may identify connection management data.

[0067] In one embodiment, the communication unit (230) can receive connection packets from external electronic devices.

[0068] In one embodiment, the communication unit (230) can transmit a probe response frame to an external electronic device.

[0069] In one embodiment, the communication unit (230) can transmit and receive data for connection with external electronic devices.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 3, the electronic device (200) can receive a connection packet from a third external electronic device in a time period (302) that includes a current time point. The electronic device (200) can receive a connection packet from a first external electronic device in a time period (304) that is a time period previous to the time period (302). The electronic device (200) can receive a connection packet from a third external electronic device in a time period (306) that is a time period previous to the time period (304). The electronic device (200) can receive connection packets from the first external electronic device and the third external electronic device in a time period (308) that is a time period previous to the time period (306). The electronic device (200) can receive connection packets from the second external electronic device and the third external electronic device in a time period (310) that is a time period previous to the time period (308). The electronic device (200) can receive a connection packet from a first external electronic device in a time period (312) that is a time period preceding the time period (310). The electronic device (200) can receive a connection packet from a second external electronic device in a time period (314) that is a time period preceding the time period (312). The electronic device (200) can receive a connection packet from the first external electronic device in a time period (316) that is a time period preceding the time period (314). The electronic device (200) can receive a connection packet from the second external electronic device in a time period (318) that is a time period preceding the time period (316). The electronic device (200) can receive a connection packet from the first external electronic device in a time period (320) that is a time period preceding the time period (318). Additionally, the electronic device (200) may not receive a connection packet from any external electronic device in the time period (322), which is the nth previous time period from the current time period. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the storage unit (210) of the electronic device (200) may store connection packets received by each external electronic device for each time period, and may identify connection management data based on the received connection packets.

[0071] In one embodiment, the sensing unit (220) can identify connection management data. The sensing unit (220) of the electronic device (200) can identify connection management data. In the following description, the connection management data is described as having a length of 8 bits as an example, but the embodiments of the present disclosure can be equally applied to connection management data having a length other than 8 bits.

[0072] In one embodiment, the electronic device may identify the connection management data of the first external electronic device as “10101010.” The electronic device (200) may determine a value for a time period in which a connection packet is received from the first external electronic device as 1, and may determine a value for a time period in which a connection packet is not received as 0. Accordingly, among the eight time periods from the current time period (302), the value for the time periods (304, 308, 312, 316) in which a connection packet is received may be determined as 1, and the value for the time periods (306, 310, 314, 318) in which a connection packet is not received may be determined as 0. Accordingly, “10101010,” which is a value obtained by listing the values ​​for a plurality of time periods in the order of the time periods, may be identified as the connection management data. This example lists the values ​​in chronological order, but this is just an example, and the values ​​can also be listed in reverse chronological order.

[0073] In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may identify the value of the connection management data of the second external electronic device as “00010101”. The electronic device (200) may determine the value for the time periods (310, 314, 318), which are time periods in which a connection packet is received, among the eight time periods starting from the current time period (302), as 1, and may determine the value for the time periods (304, 306, 308, 312, 316), which are time periods in which a connection packet is not received, as 0. Accordingly, “00010101”, which is a value obtained by listing the values ​​for multiple time periods in the order of the time periods, may be identified as the connection management data.

[0074] In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may identify the value of the connection management data of the third external electronic device as “01110000”. The electronic device (200) may determine the value for the time periods (306, 308, 310) in which a connection packet is received among eight time periods starting from the current time period (302) as 1, and may determine the value for the time periods (304, 312, 314, 316, 318) in which a connection packet is not received as 0. Accordingly, “01110000”, which is a value obtained by listing the values ​​for multiple time periods in the order of the time periods, may be identified as the connection management data.

[0075] In one embodiment, the detection unit (220) may determine whether the connection management data includes a predetermined value. For example, if the predetermined value is “10101010,” the connection management data of the first external electronic device may be determined to include the predetermined value, but the second external electronic device and the third external electronic device may be determined to not include the predetermined value.

[0076] In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may perform different operations for connection with an external electronic device depending on a predetermined value. For example, if the connection management data has a first value, the electronic device (200) may increase the connection priority of the corresponding external electronic device. For example, if the connection management data has a second value, the electronic device (200) may increase the connection priority of the corresponding external electronic device and display a user interface for performing connection with the corresponding external electronic device. For example, if the connection management data has a third value, the electronic device (200) may increase the connection priority of the corresponding external electronic device and transmit a signal for connection with the corresponding external electronic device to the corresponding external electronic device. The first value, the second value, and the third value may be values ​​that are predetermined according to a user's settings or other conditions. The first value, the second value, and the third value may be values ​​that are shared in advance between the electronic device (200) and the external electronic devices.

[0077] In one embodiment, the detection unit (220) can convert connection management data composed of binary numbers into hexadecimal numbers. For example, connection management data for a first external electronic device, “10101010,” can be converted to hexadecimal to generate a value such as “AA.” For example, connection management data “00010101” for a second external electronic device can be changed to “”. For example, connection management data “01110000” for a third external electronic device can be changed to “70.”

[0078] In one embodiment, the detection unit (220) may convert connection management data into hexadecimal and then determine whether the converted value has a predetermined value. For example, if “” is a predetermined value for device connection, a process for device connection may be initiated for the first external electronic device.

[0079] In one embodiment, the detection unit (220) may perform an event for device connection if it determines that the connection management data has a predetermined value. The event for device connection may include increasing the connection priority of the external electronic device, displaying a user interface for connection of the external electronic device, and initiating signaling for connection of the external electronic device.

[0080] In one embodiment, the display unit (240) may display information indicating that an event for device connection of an external electronic device has occurred.

[0081] In one embodiment, the display unit (240) may include a user interface including a list of connectable devices. The list of connectable devices may be displayed according to the priority of each device.

[0082] In one embodiment, when identifying a user input for connection with the external electronic device through the user interface, the electronic device (200) may initiate signaling for connection with the external electronic device.

[0083] FIG. 4 illustrates an operational flow of an electronic device according to one embodiment. The electronic device of FIG. 4 may include a device corresponding to the electronic device (100) of FIG. 1 and the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2. The external electronic device of FIG. 4 may include a device corresponding to the external electronic devices of FIGS. 2 and 3. In the description of FIG. 4, any content that overlaps with the descriptions of FIGS. 2 and 3 may be omitted.

[0084] According to one embodiment, in operation 410, the electronic device may receive a connection packet from an external electronic device.

[0085] In one embodiment, the connection packet may include a probe request frame. The probe request frame may include a frame corresponding to a probe request frame defined in IEEE 802.11.

[0086] In one embodiment, the connection packet may include information about a network to which the electronic device and the external electronic device are connected.

[0087] In one embodiment, the connection packet may include identification information of the external electronic device.

[0088] In one embodiment, the connection packet may include signals transmitted from an external electronic device in a unicast, multicast, and broadcast manner.

[0089] In one embodiment, the electronic device may receive a probe request frame using Wi-Fi Direct technology. Wi-Fi Direct may include technology for establishing connections between devices without going through a wireless access point (AP).

[0090] In one embodiment, the electronic device may, in response to receiving a probe request frame from the external electronic device, transmit a probe response frame to the external electronic device.

[0091] In one embodiment, the electronic device may store a connection packet received from an external electronic device in response to receiving the connection packet. The electronic device may store the connection packet in a storage area corresponding to the time period corresponding to the current point in time at which the connection packet was received. For example, the connection packet may be stored in the storage area (302) of FIG. 3.

[0092] In one embodiment, the electronic device may, in response to receiving a connection packet from an external electronic device, store information about the received connection packet, the sender of the connection packet, and the time of reception of the connection packet.

[0093] According to one embodiment, in operation 420, the electronic device may identify connection management data of an external electronic device. The connection management data may include data corresponding to the connection management data of FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0094] In one embodiment, the connection management data may include data identified based on a connection packet that the electronic device receives from an external electronic device.

[0095] In one embodiment, the connection packet may include a probe request frame. The probe request frame may include a frame for discovery between IoT devices. The probe request frame may include a frame received from an external electronic device according to a predetermined protocol. The protocol may include, for example, an Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) standard.

[0096] In one embodiment, the connection packet may include a signal transmitted in advance when an external electronic device requests a connection to the electronic device.

[0097] In one embodiment, the electronic device may update connection management data in response to receiving a connection packet. If a connection packet is received in the current time interval, the value for the current time interval may be determined as 1. If no connection packet is received in the current time interval, the value for the current time interval may be determined as 0.

[0098] In one embodiment, connection management data may be identified based on values ​​determined for multiple time intervals. The number of multiple time intervals may correspond to the number of bits constituting the connection management data.

[0099] In one embodiment, the values ​​corresponding to the multiple time periods may be determined based on whether a connection packet is received from an external electronic device during the multiple time periods. For example, among the multiple time periods, a time period in which a connection packet is received from an external electronic device may have a value of 1, and a time period in which a connection packet is not received from an external electronic device may have a value of 0.

[0100] In one embodiment, connection management data may be stored for each external electronic device. For example, the electronic device may store connection management data for a first external electronic device, connection management data for a second external electronic device, and connection management data for a third external electronic device, respectively.

[0101] In one embodiment, the connection management data may consist of a predetermined number of bits. For example, the connection management data may consist of 8 bits. In this case, the connection management data may be identified based on values ​​for 8 time intervals, starting from the time interval prior to the current time interval.

[0102] In one embodiment, the electronic device may include a greater number of storage spaces than a predetermined number. For example, referring to FIG. 3, the connection management data may be 8 bits long, but the number of storage spaces included in the electronic device may include n spaces, which is greater than 8.

[0103] In one embodiment, the plurality of time intervals may each correspond to a predetermined number of bits.

[0104] In one embodiment, the connection management data may be in binary form. For example, the connection management data may include data consisting of eight bits.

[0105] In one embodiment, the electronic device may identify connection management data in response to receiving a connection packet from an external electronic device.

[0106] In one embodiment, the electronic device may identify connection management data at predetermined intervals.

[0107] In one embodiment, the electronic device may identify connection management data at the end of each time period (e.g., the time periods of FIG. 3).

[0108] In one embodiment, the connection management data may be stored in a memory or storage of the electronic device.

[0109] According to one embodiment, at operation 430, the electronic device may determine whether the connection management data includes a predetermined value. The electronic device may determine whether the connection management data of the external electronic device includes a predetermined value.

[0110] In one embodiment, depending on a predetermined value, the electronic device may perform different operations for connection with an external electronic device. For example, if the connection management data has a first value, the electronic device may increase the connection priority of the external electronic device. For example, if the connection management data has a second value, the electronic device may increase the connection priority of the external electronic device and display a user interface for performing a connection with the external electronic device. For example, if the connection management data has a third value, the electronic device may increase the connection priority of the external electronic device and transmit a signal for connection with the external electronic device to the external electronic device. The first value, the second value, and the third value may be values ​​predetermined according to a user's settings or other conditions. The first value, the second value, and the third value may be values ​​that are shared in advance between the electronic device and the external electronic devices.

[0111] In one embodiment, the electronic device may convert binary connection management data into hexadecimal and then determine whether the converted data contains a predetermined value.

[0112] In one embodiment, the electronic device may generate pattern information of the external electronic device based on connection management data. The electronic device may determine whether the pattern information includes the predetermined value. The operation of the electronic device generating the pattern information of the external electronic device based on the connection management data may include converting the connection management data in binary form into data in hexadecimal form.

[0113] According to one embodiment, in operation 440, if it is determined that the connection management data includes a predetermined value, the electronic device may increase a connection priority of the external electronic device.

[0114] In one embodiment, an external electronic device may have a connection priority value. The electronic device may increase the connection priority value of the external electronic device by a predetermined value to increase the connection priority of the external electronic device.

[0115] In one embodiment, if it is determined that the connection management data includes a predetermined value, the electronic device may display a user interface for connecting an external electronic device. The user interface for connecting an external electronic device may include a list of a plurality of external electronic devices connectable to the electronic device. The plurality of external electronic devices connectable to the electronic device may be displayed according to their respective priorities. If a user input for selecting one of the plurality of external electronic devices is identified through the user interface, the electronic device may initiate a sequence for connecting to the selected external electronic device. In other words, the electronic device may transmit a connection request (e.g., a Bluetooth pairing request) to the selected external electronic device. The user interface may include information notifying that an event for device connection has occurred.

[0116] In one embodiment, if the connection management data is determined to contain a predetermined value, the electronic device can immediately initiate a connection sequence for the external electronic device. For example, if the priority value of the external electronic device is greater than or equal to a threshold value, the external electronic device can immediately perform a signaling for connection without separately identifying user input through the user interface.

[0117] In one embodiment, in response to identifying that the priority of the external electronic device is greater than or equal to a threshold value, the electronic device may transmit a connection request to the external electronic device.

[0118] In one embodiment, the electronic device may transmit a connection request to the external electronic device when the electronic device identifies that the network to which the external electronic device is connected is the same as the network to which the electronic device is connected and has increased connection priority.

[0119] In one embodiment, when the connection priority of the external electronic device is greater than or equal to a threshold value, the electronic device may display a user interface for connecting the external electronic device to the electronic device.

[0120] In one embodiment, the electronic device may delete the connection management data from memory after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the connection packet was received. To manage the connection priority of external electronic devices by periodically updating the connection management data, the electronic device may delete all or part of the connection management data at predetermined intervals.

[0121] In one embodiment, the connection packet may include a clock value of the external electronic device. The electronic device may identify the clock value of the external electronic device through the connection packet and perform synchronization for data communication with the external electronic device based on the clock value of the external electronic device.

[0122] FIG. 5 illustrates an operational flow of an external electronic device according to one embodiment. The external electronic device of FIG. 5 may include a device corresponding to the external electronic devices of FIGS. 2 to 4. The electronic device of FIG. 5 may include a device corresponding to the electronic device (100) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2, and the electronic devices of FIGS. 3 and 4. In the description of FIG. 5, description of any content that overlaps with that described in FIGS. 1 to 5 may be omitted.

[0123] According to one embodiment, in operation 510, the external electronic device may transmit a probe request frame to another electronic device based on a predetermined rule.

[0124] In one embodiment, an external electronic device can identify that the external electronic device is powered on. Thereafter, the external electronic device can identify a request for connection with another device (e.g., user input, etc.). The external electronic device can determine whether a device of the same IoT platform exists. If the external electronic device determines that a device using the same IoT platform exists, the external electronic device can transmit a connection packet (e.g., a probe request frame) to the device (in this case, the electronic device) according to a predetermined rule. If the external electronic device determines that a device using the same IoT platform does not exist, the external electronic device can transmit a connection request to the electronic device. An IoT platform is a technology that supports the development and operation of various services by connecting IoT devices, sensors, and user devices. IoT devices using the same IoT platform may exist for each manufacturer of electronic products. The following description takes as an example a case where an electronic device and an external electronic device use the same IoT platform; however, embodiments of the present disclosure can be equally applied if information regarding connection management data is shared in advance between the electronic device and the external electronic device.

[0125] In one embodiment, the external electronic device may transmit a probe request in a manner corresponding to the manner in which the external electronic device transmits a connection packet to the electronic device in FIGS. 2 through 4.

[0126] In one embodiment, the external electronic device may transmit the probe request in a unicast, multicast, or broadcast manner.

[0127] In one embodiment, the external electronic device may transmit connection packets at predetermined time intervals so that an electronic device receiving the connection packets can identify a predetermined value.

[0128] According to one embodiment, in operation 520, the external electronic device may receive a probe response frame. The probe response frame may include a signal that the electronic device transmits to the external electronic device in response to receiving the probe request frame.

[0129] In one embodiment, the external electronic device may receive a connection request signal from the electronic device.

[0130] FIG. 6 illustrates a signaling flow of an electronic device (601) and an external electronic device (602) according to one embodiment. The electronic device (601) of FIG. 6 may include devices corresponding to the electronic device (100) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2, and the electronic devices of FIGS. 3 to 5. The external electronic device (602) of FIG. 6 may include devices corresponding to the external electronic device of FIG. 2 and the external electronic devices of FIGS. 3 to 5.

[0131] According to one embodiment, in operation 610, the external electronic device (602) may transmit a probe request frame to the electronic device (601). The probe request frame transmitted by the external electronic device (602) to the electronic device (601) may correspond to the connection packet transmitted by the external electronic device to the electronic device in FIGS. 2 to 5 .

[0132] In one embodiment, the external electronic device (602) may transmit a number of probe request frames (n) corresponding to the length of the connection management data. For example, if the connection management data consists of 8 bits, the external electronic device (602) may transmit the probe request frame 8 times.

[0133] In one embodiment, the external electronic device (602) may transmit a probe request frame to the electronic device (601) at a time interval corresponding to a predetermined value. For example, referring to FIG. 3, if the predetermined value is “10101010,” the external electronic device (602) may transmit a connection packet at time intervals (304, 308, 312, 316) and may not transmit a connection packet at time intervals (306, 310, 314, 318). Accordingly, the electronic device (601) may identify the external electronic device (602) as the external electronic device where a connection event has occurred.

[0134] According to one embodiment, in operation 620, the electronic device (601) may identify connection management data. Operation 620 may include all of the operation contents according to operation 420 of FIG. 4.

[0135] In one embodiment, the connection management data may include data identified based on a connection packet that the electronic device receives from an external electronic device.

[0136] In one embodiment, the connection packet may include a probe request frame. The probe request frame may include a frame for discovery between IoT devices. The probe request frame may include a frame received from an external electronic device according to a predetermined protocol. The protocol may include, for example, an Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) standard.

[0137] In one embodiment, the connection packet may include a signal transmitted in advance when an external electronic device requests a connection to the electronic device.

[0138] In one embodiment, the electronic device may update connection management data in response to receiving a connection packet. If a connection packet is received in the current time interval, the value for the current time interval may be determined as 1. If no connection packet is received in the current time interval, the value for the current time interval may be determined as 0.

[0139] In one embodiment, connection management data may be identified based on values ​​determined for multiple time intervals. The number of multiple time intervals may correspond to the number of bits constituting the connection management data.

[0140] In one embodiment, the values ​​corresponding to the multiple time periods may be determined based on whether a connection packet is received from an external electronic device during the multiple time periods. For example, among the multiple time periods, a time period in which a connection packet is received from an external electronic device may have a value of 1, and a time period in which a connection packet is not received from an external electronic device may have a value of 0.

[0141] In one embodiment, connection management data may be stored for each external electronic device. For example, the electronic device may store connection management data for a first external electronic device, connection management data for a second external electronic device, and connection management data for a third external electronic device, respectively.

[0142] In one embodiment, the connection management data may consist of a predetermined number of bits. For example, the connection management data may consist of 8 bits. In this case, the connection management data may be identified based on values ​​for 8 time intervals, starting from the time interval prior to the current time interval.

[0143] In one embodiment, the electronic device may include a greater number of storage spaces than a predetermined number. For example, referring to FIG. 3, the connection management data may be 8 bits long, but the number of storage spaces included in the electronic device may include n spaces, which is greater than 8.

[0144] In one embodiment, the plurality of time intervals may each correspond to a predetermined number of bits.

[0145] In one embodiment, the connection management data may be in binary form. For example, the connection management data may include data consisting of eight bits.

[0146] In one embodiment, the electronic device may identify connection management data in response to receiving a connection packet from an external electronic device.

[0147] In one embodiment, the electronic device may identify connection management data at predetermined intervals.

[0148] In one embodiment, the electronic device may identify connection management data at the end of each time period (e.g., the time periods of FIG. 3).

[0149] In one embodiment, the connection management data may be stored in a memory or storage of the electronic device.

[0150] According to one embodiment, in operation 630, the electronic device (601) may identify that the connection management data includes a predetermined value. The operation content according to operation 630 may include all of the operation content according to operation 430 of FIG. 4.

[0151] In one embodiment, depending on a predetermined value, the electronic device may perform different operations for connection with an external electronic device. For example, if the connection management data has a first value, the electronic device may increase the connection priority of the external electronic device. For example, if the connection management data has a second value, the electronic device may increase the connection priority of the external electronic device and display a user interface for performing a connection with the external electronic device. For example, if the connection management data has a third value, the electronic device may increase the connection priority of the external electronic device and transmit a signal for connection with the external electronic device to the external electronic device. The first value, the second value, and the third value may be values ​​predetermined according to a user's settings or other conditions. The first value, the second value, and the third value may be values ​​that are shared in advance between the electronic device and the external electronic devices.

[0152] In one embodiment, the electronic device may convert binary connection management data into hexadecimal and then determine whether the converted data contains a predetermined value.

[0153] In one embodiment, the electronic device may generate pattern information of the external electronic device based on connection management data. The electronic device may determine whether the pattern information includes the predetermined value. The operation of the electronic device generating the pattern information of the external electronic device based on the connection management data may include converting the connection management data in binary form into data in hexadecimal form.

[0154] According to one embodiment, in operation 640, the electronic device (601) may transmit a probe response frame to the external electronic device (602). The probe response frame may include a signal that the electronic device (601) transmits to the external electronic device (602) corresponding to the probe request frame.

[0155] According to one embodiment, in operation 650, the electronic device (601) may increase the priority of the external electronic device (602). Operation 650 may include all of the operation contents according to operation 440 of FIG. 4.

[0156] In one embodiment, an external electronic device may have a connection priority value. The electronic device may increase the connection priority value of the external electronic device by a predetermined value to increase the connection priority of the external electronic device.

[0157] According to one embodiment, at operation 660, the electronic device (601) may display a user interface for connection of an external electronic device (602).

[0158] According to one embodiment, in operation 670, the electronic device (601) may transmit a connection request to an external electronic device (602).

[0159] In one embodiment, if it is determined that the connection management data includes a predetermined value, the electronic device may display a user interface for connecting an external electronic device. The user interface for connecting an external electronic device may include a list of a plurality of external electronic devices connectable to the electronic device. The plurality of external electronic devices connectable to the electronic device may be displayed according to their respective priorities. If a user input for selecting one of the plurality of external electronic devices is identified through the user interface, the electronic device may initiate a sequence for connecting to the selected external electronic device. In other words, the electronic device may transmit a connection request (e.g., a Bluetooth pairing request) to the selected external electronic device. The user interface may include information notifying that an event for device connection has occurred.

[0160] In one embodiment, if the connection management data is determined to contain a predetermined value, the electronic device can immediately initiate a connection sequence for the external electronic device. For example, if the priority value of the external electronic device is greater than or equal to a threshold value, the external electronic device can immediately perform a signaling for connection without separately identifying user input through the user interface.

[0161] In one embodiment, in response to identifying that the priority of the external electronic device is greater than or equal to a threshold value, the electronic device may transmit a connection request to the external electronic device.

[0162] In one embodiment, the electronic device may transmit a connection request to the external electronic device when the electronic device identifies that the network to which the external electronic device is connected is the same as the network to which the electronic device is connected and has increased connection priority.

[0163] In one embodiment, when the connection priority of the external electronic device is greater than or equal to a threshold value, the electronic device may display a user interface for connecting the external electronic device to the electronic device.

[0164] In one embodiment, the electronic device may delete the connection management data from memory after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the connection packet was received. To manage the connection priority of external electronic devices by periodically updating the connection management data, the electronic device may delete all or part of the connection management data at predetermined intervals.

[0165] In one embodiment, the connection packet may include a clock value of the external electronic device. The electronic device may identify the clock value of the external electronic device through the connection packet and perform synchronization for data communication with the external electronic device based on the clock value of the external electronic device.

[0166] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a memory, a communication unit, and a processor connected to the memory and the communication unit, wherein the processor is configured to receive a connection packet from an external electronic device through the communication unit, identify connection management data of the external electronic device, and increase a connection priority of the external electronic device in response to identifying that the connection management data of the first external electronic device includes a predetermined value, wherein the connection management data of the external electronic device is composed of a predetermined number of bits, and the bits of the connection management data can be determined based on whether the connection packet is received from the external electronic device during the plurality of time periods.

[0167] In one embodiment, the connection packet may include a probe request frame, and the probe request frame may include an identifier of a network to which the external electronic device is connected.

[0168] In one embodiment, the values ​​corresponding to the plurality of time periods may have a value of 0 or 1, a time period in which a connection packet is received from the external electronic device may have a value of 1, and a time period in which a connection packet is not received from the external electronic device may have a value of 0.

[0169] In one embodiment, the processor may increase a connection priority of the external electronic device when the connection management data includes a first value, and may transmit a connection request to the external electronic device when the connection management data includes a second value.

[0170] In one embodiment, the processor may transmit a connection request to the external electronic device in response to identifying that the priority of the external electronic device is greater than or equal to a threshold value.

[0171] In one embodiment, the processor may, in response to identifying that the external electronic device and the network to which the electronic device is connected are the same, transmit a connection request to the external electronic device.

[0172] In one embodiment, the processor may display a user interface for connecting the external electronic device and the electronic device when the connection priority of the external electronic device is greater than or equal to a threshold value.

[0173] In one embodiment, the electronic device is configured to generate pattern information of the external electronic device based on the connection management data and determine whether the pattern information includes the predetermined value, wherein the connection management data may be in the form of a binary number and the pattern information may be in the form of a hexadecimal number.

[0174] In one embodiment, the processor may delete the connection management data from the memory when a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the connection packet was received.

[0175] In one embodiment, the processor may be configured to: the probe request frame includes a clock value of the external electronic device; and based on the clock value of the external electronic device, the processor may synchronize the clock value of the electronic device for communication between the electronic device and the external electronic device.

[0176] An operating method of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes an operation of receiving a connection packet from an external electronic device, an operation of identifying connection management data of the external electronic device, and an operation of increasing a connection priority of the external electronic device in response to identifying that probe storage data of the first external electronic device includes a predetermined value, wherein data regarding a connection pattern of the external electronic device includes a predetermined number of bits, and the bits of the connection management data can be determined based on whether the connection packet is received from the external electronic device during the plurality of time periods.

[0177] In one embodiment, the connection packet may include a probe request frame, and the probe request frame may include an identifier of a network to which the external electronic device is connected.

[0178] In one embodiment, the values ​​corresponding to the plurality of time periods may have a value of 0 or 1, a time period in which a connection packet is received from the external electronic device may have a value of 1, and a time period in which a connection packet is not received from the external electronic device may have a value of 0.

[0179] In one embodiment, the operating method of the electronic device may include an operation of increasing a connection priority of the external electronic device when the connection management data includes a first value, and an operation of transmitting a connection request to the external electronic device when the connection management data includes a second value.

[0180] In one embodiment, a method of operating an electronic device may include, in response to identifying that a priority of the external electronic device is greater than or equal to a threshold value, transmitting a connection request to the external electronic device.

[0181] In one embodiment, a method of operating an electronic device may include, in response to identifying that the external electronic device and a network to which the electronic device is connected are the same, transmitting a probe response frame to the external electronic device.

[0182] In one embodiment, the operating method of the electronic device may include an operation of displaying a user interface for connecting the electronic device with the external electronic device when the connection priority of the external electronic device is greater than or equal to a threshold value.

[0183] An operating method of an electronic device according to one embodiment includes an operation of generating pattern information of the external electronic device based on the connection management data, and an operation of determining whether the pattern information includes the predetermined value, wherein the connection management data may be in the form of a binary number, and the pattern information may be in the form of a hexadecimal number.

[0184] In one embodiment, the method of operating the electronic device may include deleting the connection management data from the memory when a predetermined time elapses after the connection packet is received.

[0185] In one embodiment, the probe request frame may synchronize a clock value of the electronic device for communication between the electronic device and the external electronic device based on a clock value of the external electronic device.

[0186] Electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, display devices, 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.

[0187] 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. For example, a component expressed in the singular should be understood to include a concept including plural components unless the context clearly indicates only the singular. It should be understood that the term "and / or" used in this document encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the listed items. The terms "comprise," "have," "consist of," and the like used in this disclosure are intended to specify only the presence of a feature, component, part, or combination thereof described in this disclosure, and the use of such terms does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, components, parts, or combinations thereof. 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" can each include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first", "second", or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish the corresponding element from other corresponding elements and do not limit the corresponding elements in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0188] The terms "part" or "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include units implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. The "part" or "module" may be an integrally formed component or a minimum unit or part of the component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, the "part" or "module" may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0189] The term "if" as used in various embodiments of this document may be interpreted to mean "when," "when," "in response to determining," or "in response to detecting," depending on the context. Similarly, "if it is determined that" or "if this is detected" may be interpreted to mean "upon determining," "in response to determining," "upon detecting," or "in response to detecting," depending on the context.

[0190] The program executed by the server device (200) described in this document may be implemented as hardware components, software components, and / or a combination of hardware components and software components. The program may be executed by any system capable of executing computer-readable instructions.

[0191] Software may include a computer program, code, instructions, or a combination of one or more of these, which can configure a processing device to perform a desired operation or command the processing device, either independently or collectively. Software may be implemented as a computer program including instructions stored on a computer-readable storage medium. Examples of the computer-readable storage medium include magnetic storage media (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), floppy disks, hard disks, etc.) and optical reading media (e.g., CD-ROMs, digital versatile discs (DVDs)). The computer-readable storage medium may be distributed across network-connected computer systems so that the computer-readable code can be stored and executed in a distributed manner. Computer programs can be distributed online (e.g., by download or upload) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0192] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. 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 electronic devices, A memory comprising at least one storage medium storing instructions; A communication unit including a communication circuit; and A processor connected to the above memory and the above communication unit, and including a processing circuit, The above processor: Receives a connection packet from an external electronic device through the above communication unit, Identify the connection management data of the above external electronic device, In response to identifying that the connection management data of the first external electronic device includes a predetermined value, the connection priority of the external electronic device is configured to increase; The connection management data of the above external electronic device is composed of a predetermined number of bits, A device wherein the bits of the above connection management data are determined based on whether the connection packet is received from the external electronic device during the plurality of time periods.

2. In claim 1, The above connection packet includes a probe request frame, The above probe request frame comprises an identifier of a network to which the external electronic device is connected.

3. In claim 1, The values ​​corresponding to the above multiple time intervals have a value of 0 or 1, The time period during which a connection packet is received from the above external electronic device has a value of 1, A device in which a time period during which no connection packet is received from the external electronic device has a value of 0.

4. In claim 1, The above processor: If the above connection management data includes the first value, increase the connection priority of the external electronic device, A device configured to transmit a connection request to the external electronic device when the connection management data includes a second value.

5. In claim 1, The above processor: A device configured to transmit a connection request to the external electronic device in response to identifying that the priority of the external electronic device is greater than or equal to a threshold value.

6. In claim 2, A device configured to transmit a connection request to the external electronic device in response to identifying that the external electronic device and the network to which the electronic device is connected are the same.

7. In claim 1, The above processor: A device configured to display a user interface for connecting the external electronic device and the electronic device when the connection priority of the external electronic device is equal to or higher than a threshold value.

8. In claim 7, The above processor: Generate pattern information of the external electronic device based on the above connection management data, configured to determine whether the above pattern information includes the above predetermined value; The above connection management data is in binary form, The above pattern information is in the form of hexadecimal, device.

9. In claim 1, The above processor: A device configured to delete the connection management data from the memory when a predetermined time elapses after the connection packet is received.

10. In claim 2, The above processor: The above probe request frame includes a clock value of the external electronic device, A device configured to synchronize a clock value of the electronic device for communication between the electronic device and the external electronic device based on a clock value of the external electronic device.

11. In the method of operating an electronic device, An action of receiving a connection packet from an external electronic device; An action to identify connection management data of the above external electronic device; In response to identifying that the probe storage data of the first external electronic device includes a predetermined value, an operation for increasing a connection priority of the external electronic device; Data regarding the connection pattern of the external electronic device includes a predetermined number of bits, A method wherein the bits of the above connection management data are determined based on whether the connection packet is received from the external electronic device during the plurality of time periods.

12. In claim 11, The above connection packet includes a probe request frame, A method wherein the probe request frame includes an identifier of a network to which the external electronic device is connected.

13. In claim 11, The values ​​corresponding to the above multiple time intervals have a value of 0 or 1, The time period during which a connection packet is received from the above external electronic device has a value of 1, A method wherein a time period during which no connection packet is received from the external electronic device has a value of 0.

14. In claim 11, An operation for increasing the connection priority of the external electronic device when the above connection management data includes a first value; A method comprising the action of transmitting a connection request to the external electronic device when the connection management data includes a second value.

15. In claim 11, A method comprising: in response to identifying that a priority of the external electronic device is greater than or equal to a threshold value, transmitting a connection request to the external electronic device.

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