Electronic device for carrying out short-range wireless communication with plurality of external electronic devices, and operating method of electronic device

Abstract

This electronic device may: transmit, through short-range wireless communication, first data to a first external electronic device included in a first group including the electronic device and the first external electronic device and / or receive, through short-range wireless communication, second data from a second external electronic device included in a second group including the electronic device and the second external electronic device; detect activation of a service performable by a third external electronic device and the electronic device; determine, on the basis of performance information of a communication circuit and characteristics of the service, whether to join a third group generated by the third external electronic device; and on the basis of determining to join the third group, join the third group while the state of being included in the first group and the second group is maintained.

Description

An electronic device that performs short-range wireless communication with multiple external electronic devices and a method of operation of the electronic device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device and a method of operating the electronic device, and more specifically to an electronic device that performs short-range wireless communication with a plurality of external electronic devices.

[0002] Speed ​​improvements have been implemented for wireless communication that electronic devices can use. Among the wireless communications supported by recent electronic devices, IEEE 802.11 WLAN (or Wi-Fi) is a standard for implementing high-speed wireless connections on various electronic devices. While the first implemented Wi-Fi could support transmission speeds of up to 1 to 9 Mbps, Wi-Fi 6 technology (or IEEE 802.11ax) can support transmission speeds of up to approximately 10 Gbps.

[0003] The electronic device can support various services using relatively large data (e.g., UHD quality video streaming service, AR (augmented reality) service, VR (virtual reality) service, or MR (mixed reality) service) through wireless communication that supports high transmission speeds, and can also support various other services.

[0004] An electronic device can be connected to an external electronic device via short-range wireless communication without passing through an access point (AP) defined in IEEE 802.11. The external electronic device and the electronic device can transmit and / or receive data through a direct connection between devices (device to device (D2D)) without passing through an AP.

[0005] An electronic device can be connected to multiple external electronic devices without passing through an AP, and can transmit and / or receive data. An electronic device can transmit and / or receive data to multiple external electronic devices without passing through an AP via Wi-Fi Direct technology. Wi-Fi Direct defines a group comprising at least two electronic devices for communication between devices, and defines a GO (group owner) that controls the group and a GC (group client) that joins the group to transmit and / or receive data.

[0006] Manufacturers of electronic devices that support Wi-Fi Direct set the electronic device that transmits data to the electronic device included in the group as GO, and the electronic device that receives data as GC.

[0007] When an electronic device transmits data to a first external electronic device via Wi-Fi Direct, a service or operation using short-range wireless communication may be configured so that the electronic device and the first external electronic device are included in one group. The electronic device transmitting the data may operate as a GO (group owner) within the group, and the first external electronic device receiving the data may operate as a GC (group client) within the group.

[0008] While the electronic device is transmitting data to the first external electronic device, it may receive a request to receive data from the second external electronic device. The electronic device may join another group in which the second external electronic device acts as a GO. The electronic device may act as a GC for another group.

[0009] If the electronic device supports dual P2P mode, which is a mode for performing communication between two external electronic devices, the electronic device may be included in up to two groups in terms of implementation. When the electronic device receives a request to receive data from a third external electronic device, a situation may occur where it cannot join the group created by the third external electronic device. In order to transmit data to the electronic device, the third external electronic device may join another group in which the second external electronic device transmitting data to the electronic device acts as the GO, and transmit data to the electronic device. However, the second external electronic device transmitting data to the electronic device may disband the group after completing data transmission, and a situation may occur where the third external electronic device is unable to transmit data to the electronic device due to the disbandment of the group.

[0010] The technical problems to be solved in this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs from the description below.

[0011] An electronic device according to one example may include a communication circuit that supports short-range wireless communication. The electronic device may include a memory that stores at least one computer program. The electronic device may include at least one processor. The at least one computer program may include instructions that, when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to transmit data via the short-range wireless communication to the first external electronic device included in a first group including the electronic device and a first external electronic device, and / or receive data via the short-range wireless communication from the second external electronic device included in a second group including the electronic device and a second external electronic device. The instructions may, when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to detect the activation of a third external electronic device and a service that the electronic device can perform. When the above instruction is executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device may determine whether to join a third group created by the third external electronic device based on performance information of the communication circuit and characteristics of the service. When the above instruction is executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device may join the third group based on the decision to join the third group, while the electronic device maintains a state of being included in the first group and the second group.

[0012] According to one example, in a recording medium storing at least one program comprising instructions that cause the electronic device to perform operations when executed individually or collectively by at least one processor of the electronic device, the instructions may cause the electronic device to transmit data to the first external electronic device included in a first group including the electronic device and a first external electronic device and / or receive data from the second external electronic device included in a second group including the electronic device and a second external electronic device when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor. The instructions may cause the electronic device to detect the activation of a third external electronic device and a service that the electronic device can perform when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor. The instructions may cause the electronic device to determine whether to join a third group created by the third external electronic device based on performance information of the communication circuit and characteristics of the service when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor. The above instructions may cause the electronic device to join the third group while maintaining a state of being included in the first group and the second group, based on the decision to join the third group, when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor.

[0013] A method of operation of an electronic device according to one example may include an operation of transmitting data to a first external electronic device included in a first group comprising the electronic device and a first external electronic device, and / or receiving data to a second external electronic device included in a second group comprising the electronic device and a second external electronic device. A method of operation of an electronic device may include an operation of detecting the activation of a third external electronic device and a service that the electronic device can perform. A method of operation of an electronic device may include an operation of determining whether to join a third group that the third external electronic device will create, based on performance information of the communication circuit and characteristics of the service. A method of operation of an electronic device may include an operation of joining the third group while the electronic device maintains a state of being included in the first group and the second group, based on the decision to join the third group.

[0014] According to various embodiments of the present invention, an electronic device and a method of operation of the electronic device may determine whether to join a third group created by a third external electronic device based on the characteristics of the service and performance information of the communication circuit when the electronic device detects the activation of a third external electronic device and a service performed by the electronic device while the electronic device is operating as a GO of a first group and as a GC of a second group. The electronic device may decide to join the third group when the electronic device and the third external electronic device can be connected via short-range wireless communication and the third external electronic device performs a service of transmitting data to the electronic device. The third group may be maintained regardless of the dissolution of the first and second groups. Accordingly, the electronic device can reliably receive data from the third external electronic device.

[0015] The effects obtainable from the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 2a is a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device, according to one embodiment, performs short-range wireless communication with a first external electronic device and a second external electronic device.

[0018] FIG. 2b is a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device according to one embodiment is connected to a third external electronic device via short-range wireless communication while performing short-range wireless communication with a first external electronic device and a second external electronic device.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 4a is a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device according to one embodiment performs short-range wireless communication with a first external electronic device and a second external electronic device.

[0021] FIG. 4b is a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device according to one embodiment performs short-range wireless communication with a first external electronic device, a second external electronic device, and a third external electronic device.

[0022] FIG. 4c is a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device according to one embodiment performs short-range wireless communication with a first external electronic device, a second external electronic device, and a third external electronic device.

[0023] FIG. 4d is a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device according to one embodiment performs short-range wireless communication with a first external electronic device, a second external electronic device, a third external electronic device, and a fourth external electronic device.

[0024] FIG. 4e is a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device according to one embodiment performs short-range wireless communication with a first external electronic device and a fifth external electronic device.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device according to one embodiment determines whether to join a third group based on performance information of a communication circuit and characteristics of a service performed with a third external electronic device.

[0026] FIGS. 6a and 6b are drawings illustrating an example in which an electronic device according to one embodiment performs short-range wireless communication.

[0027] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation method of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary electronic device (100) capable of performing the operations described in this document.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, the electronic device (100) may be one of various forms of electronic devices, such as a notebook (190), smartphones (191) having various form factors (e.g., a bar-type smartphone (191-1), a foldable-type smartphone (191-2), or a sliderable (or rollable)-type smartphone (191-3)), a tablet (192), a cellular phone (not shown), and other similar computing devices (not shown). The components, their relationships, and their functions illustrated in FIG. 1 are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the implementations described or claimed herein. The electronic device (100) may be referred to as a mobile device, a user device, a multifunction device, a portable device, or a server.

[0030] The electronic device (100) may include components comprising at least one processor (110) (hereinafter referred to as processor (110)), at least one memory (120) (hereinafter referred to as memory (120))11, at least one display (140) (hereinafter referred to as display (140)), at least one image sensor (150) (hereinafter referred to as image sensor (150)), at least one communication circuit (160) (hereinafter referred to as communication circuit (160)), and / or at least one sensor (170) (hereinafter referred to as sensor (170)). The components are merely exemplary. For example, the electronic device (100) may include other components (e.g., power management integrated circuitry (PMIC), audio processing circuit, antenna, rechargeable battery, or input / output interface). For example, some components may be omitted from the electronic device (100). For example, some components may be integrated into a single component.

[0031] The processor (110) may be implemented as one or more IC (integrated circuit (or circuitry)) chips and may perform various data processing operations. The processor (110) may include at least one electrical circuit and may process instructions (or programs, data, etc.) stored in memory (120) individually or collectively in a distributed manner. The processor (110) may include a processor assembly comprising one or more processing circuits. The processor (110) may include any processing circuit that is operative to control the performance and operations of one or more components of the electronic device (100) (e.g., memory (120), display (140), image sensor (150), communication circuit (160), and / or sensor (170)). For example, the processor (110) (e.g., application processor (AP)) may be implemented as a system on chip (SoC) (e.g., a single chip or chipset). For example, the processor (110) may be implemented with a plurality of cores (or at least one core circuit), a plurality of chips, or a plurality of chipsets. For example, the processor (110) may include one or more processing circuits. For example, the processor (110) may include one or more processing circuits configured to perform the various functions of the present disclosure individually and / or collectively. As an example without limitation, at least a portion of the processor (110) may be included in a first chip of the electronic device (100), and at least another portion of the processor (110) may be included in a second chip of the electronic device (100) different from the first chip of the electronic device (100).

[0032] For example, the processor (110) may include a central processing unit (111), a graphics processing unit (112), a neural processing unit (113), an image signal processor (114), a display controller (115), a memory controller (116), a storage controller (117), a communication processor (118), and / or a sensor interface (119). These components of the processor (110) are merely exemplary. For example, the processor (110) may include other components. For example, some components of the processor (110) may be omitted from the processor (110). For example, some components of the processor (110) may be included as separate components of the electronic device (100) outside of the processor (110). For example, some components of the processor (110) (e.g., memory controller (116)) may be included in other components (e.g., at least part of memory (120), an interface (e.g. available for connection to at least one component of the electronic device (100)), a display (140) and / or an image sensor (150)).

[0033] The processor (110) may cause other components of the electronic device (100) to perform various operations by executing instructions stored in memory (120). The CPU (111) (or central processing circuit) may be configured to control the components of the processor (110) based on the execution of instructions stored in memory (120) (e.g., volatile memory (121) and / or non-volatile memory (122)). The GPU (112) (or graphics processing circuit) may be configured to execute parallel operations (e.g., rendering). The NPU (113) (or neural processing circuit, or AI (artificial intelligence) chip) may be configured to execute operations for an artificial intelligence model (e.g., convolution computation). An ISP (114) (or image signal processing circuit) may be configured to process a raw image acquired through an image sensor (150) into a format suitable for a component within the electronic device (100) or a component of the processor (110). A display controller (115) (or display control circuit, or DPU (display processing unit)) may be configured to process an image acquired from a CPU (111), GPU (112), ISP (114), or memory (120) (e.g., volatile memory (121)) into a format suitable for a display (140). A memory controller (116) (or memory control circuit) may be configured to control reading data from the volatile memory (121) and writing data to the volatile memory (121). A storage controller (117) (or storage control circuit) may be configured to control reading data from the non-volatile memory (122) and writing data to the non-volatile memory (122).The CP (118) (communication processing circuit) may be configured to process data obtained from a component of the processor (110) into a format suitable for transmitting to another electronic device via the communication circuit (160), or to process data obtained from another electronic device via the communication circuit (160) into a format suitable for processing by the component of the processor (110). For example, the communication circuit (160) may include one or more communication circuits. The sensor interface (119) (or sensing data processing circuit, sensor hub) may be configured to process data regarding the state of the electronic device (100) and / or the state around the electronic device (100), obtained through the sensor (170), into a format suitable for the component of the processor (110).

[0034] Memory (120) may include one or more storage media (or one or more storage devices). For example, memory (120) may include a memory assembly comprising one or more storage media. For example, the one or more storage media may include a hard drive, a permanent memory such as flash memory, read-only memory (ROM) (e.g., non-volatile memory (122)), a semi-permanent memory such as random access memory (RAM) (e.g., volatile memory (121)), any other suitable type of storage (or storage assembly), or any combination thereof. Memory (120) may include a cache memory, which is one or more different types of memory used to temporarily store data for a function or feature of the electronic device (100). As an example not limited to, the cache memory may be included within the processor (110). The memory (120) may be fixedly embedded within the electronic device (100) or incorporated into one or more suitable types of components (e.g., a SIM (subscriber identity module) card and / or an SD (secure digital) card) that can be repeatedly inserted into and removed from the electronic device (100).

[0035] For example, memory (120) may store one or more software applications, such as operating system (or system) software applications, firmware software applications, driver software applications, plugin (e.g., add-in, add-on, and / or applet) software applications, and / or any other suitable software applications. For example, the one or more software applications may include instructions executable by the processor (110). For example, memory (120) may store instructions that can be called by an application programming interface (API). For example, memory (120) may store instructions within a library.

[0036] FIG. 2a is a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device, according to one embodiment, performs short-range wireless communication with a first external electronic device and a second external electronic device.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 2a, the wireless LAN system (200) may include an electronic device (210) (e.g., the electronic device (100) of FIG. 1), a first external electronic device (220), and / or a second external electronic device (230). For example, the first external electronic device (220) and / or the second external electronic device (230) may include the same components as the electronic device (100) of FIG. 1. An external electronic device may refer to an electronic device different from the electronic device (100).

[0038] The electronic device (210) can perform short-range wireless communication with the first external electronic device (220) and / or the second external electronic device (230) via short-range wireless communication. Short-range wireless communication may include Wi-Fi as defined in IEEE 802.11. The electronic device (210) can be connected to the first external electronic device (220) and / or the second external electronic device (230) via short-range wireless communication without passing through a separate entity (e.g., an access point (AP) as defined in IEEE 802.11).

[0039] The electronic device (210) and the first external electronic device (220) can perform device-to-device communication (D2D communication) using short-range wireless communication without passing through an AP. The electronic device (210) and the first external electronic device (220) can create at least one group (e.g., a first group (201) or a first device group (201)) for performing short-range wireless communication. The electronic device (210) and the first external electronic device (220) included in the first group (201) can perform either the role of a GO (group owner), which is the role of managing the group, or a GC (group client), which performs short-range wireless communication within the group based on the control of the GO, through negotiation.

[0040] According to one example, the electronic device (210) and the first external electronic device (220) may perform a GO negotiation as a procedure for establishing (or creating) the first group (201). Based on the GO negotiation, either the electronic device (210) or the first external electronic device (220) may act as the GO, and the other device may act as the GC.

[0041] According to one example, the electronic device (210) and the first external electronic device (220) do not perform GO negotiation, and the device that created the group (e.g., electronic device (210)) may perform the role of GO. The mode in which the device that created the group performs the role of GO may be referred to as the Autonomous GO mode.

[0042] According to one example, an electronic device (210) and a first external electronic device (220) can perform a data (or file) sharing service using short-range wireless communication. When the electronic device (210) transmits data to the first external electronic device (220) and the first external electronic device (220) receives data from the electronic device (210), the electronic device (210) can operate as a GO and the first external electronic device (220) can operate as a GC. As the data transmission is completed, the electronic device (210) can disband the first group (201).

[0043] The electronic device (210) and the second external electronic device (230) can perform device-to-device communication (D2D communication) using short-range wireless communication without passing through an AP. The electronic device (210) and the second external electronic device (230) can create at least one group (e.g., a second group (202) or a second device group (202)) for performing short-range wireless communication. The electronic device (210) and the second external electronic device (230) included in the second group (202) can perform either the role of a GO (group owner), which is the role of managing the group, or a GC (group client), which performs short-range wireless communication within the group based on the control of the GO, through negotiation.

[0044] According to one example, the electronic device (210) and the second external electronic device (230) may perform a GO negotiation as a procedure for establishing (or creating) the second group (202). Based on the GO negotiation, either the electronic device (210) or the second external electronic device (230) may act as the GO, and the other device may act as the GC.

[0045] According to one example, the electronic device (210) and the second external electronic device (230) do not perform GO negotiation, and the device that created the group (e.g., the second external electronic device (230)) may perform the role of GO. The mode in which the device that created the group performs the role of GO may be referred to as the Autonomous GO mode.

[0046] According to one example, the electronic device (210) and the second external electronic device (230) can perform a data (or file) sharing service using short-range wireless communication. When the electronic device (210) receives data from the second external electronic device (230) and the second external electronic device (230) transmits data to the electronic device (210), the electronic device (210) can operate as a GC and the second external electronic device (230) can operate as a GO. The second external electronic device (230) can disband the second group (202) as the data transmission is completed.

[0047] An electronic device (210) that supports inter-device communication for short-range wireless communication, a first external electronic device (220), and / or a second external electronic device (230) can create up to two groups. When the electronic device (210) needs to perform short-range wireless communication with another external electronic device, the first external electronic device (220), the second external electronic device (230), and the other external electronic device, the other external electronic device must join one of the two groups already created in order to perform short-range wireless communication with the other external electronic device.

[0048] FIG. 2b is a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device according to one embodiment is connected to a third external electronic device via short-range wireless communication while performing short-range wireless communication with a first external electronic device and a second external electronic device.

[0049] The electronic device (210) and the first external electronic device (220) may be included in the first group (201) and may perform short-range wireless communication. According to one example, the electronic device (210) may transmit data to the first external electronic device (220) and may act as the GO (group owner) of the first group (201). The first external electronic device (220) may receive data from the electronic device (210) and may act as the GC (group client) of the first group (201).

[0050] The electronic device (210) and the second external electronic device (230) may be included in the second group (202) and may perform short-range wireless communication. According to one example, the electronic device (210) may receive data from the second external electronic device (230) and may operate as a group client (GC) of the second group (202). The second external electronic device (230) may transmit data to the electronic device (210) and may operate as a group owner (GO) of the second group (202).

[0051] The electronic device (210) can detect the activation of a service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and a third external electronic device (240). According to one example, the service using short-range wireless communication may include at least one service among a content (or, data, file) sharing service or a multi-device environment (MDE) support service. The third external electronic device (240) can transmit a connection request message to the electronic device (210) to transmit data to the electronic device (210), and the electronic device (210) can detect the activation of a service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the third external electronic device (240) as it receives the connection request message in various ways (e.g., short-range wireless communication or short-range wireless communication other than short-range wireless communication (out-of-band, OOB)).

[0052] According to one example, the electronic device (210) may be operating as a GO of the first group (201) and a GC of the second group (202), and may be in a state where it is difficult to create or join any further groups in terms of implementation. The third external electronic device (240) may join the second group (202) where the electronic device (210) is operating as a GC. To join the second group (202), the third external electronic device (240) may perform a series of operations with the second external electronic device (230) which is operating as a GO of the second group (202). The third external electronic device (240) receives a signal (e.g., a beacon signal) transmitted by the second external electronic device (230) which operates as the GO of the second group (202), and can confirm that the electronic device (210) is operating as the GC of the second group (202) based on the information of the electronic device (210) included in the signal. The third external electronic device (240) can join the second group (202) to transmit data to the electronic device (210). According to another example, the third external electronic device (240) can confirm that the electronic device (210) is operating as the GC of the second group (202) using various protocols (e.g., uPnP (universal plug and play) or MDNS (multicast domain name service)).

[0053] The electronic device (210) and the third external electronic device (240) can perform short-range wireless communication through a frequency band (or channel) set in the second group (202) while operating as a GC of the second group (202). However, the second external electronic device (230) may find it difficult to determine whether communication is being performed between entities (e.g., the electronic device (210) and the third external electronic device (240)) operating as a GC of the second group (202). The second external electronic device (230) may disband the second group (202) as data transmission to the electronic device (210) is completed (e.g., when data transmission from the second external electronic device (230) to the electronic device (210) is completed and / or before or during data transmission from the third external electronic device (240) to the electronic device (210). The electronic device (210) and the second external electronic device (230) may stop performing short-range wireless communication as the second group (202) is disbanded. As a result, the third external electronic device (240) may not be able to perform data transmission to the electronic device (210) within the second group (202).

[0054] The above phenomenon may occur because the electronic device (210) is implemented to create and / or join up to two groups. Below, examples of preventing the above phenomenon by the electronic device (210) joining a third group created by the third external electronic device (240) based on the performance information of the communication circuit of the electronic device (210) and / or the characteristics of the service performed by the electronic device (210) and the third external electronic device (240) are described.

[0055] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0056] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (210) (e.g., electronic device (100) of FIG. 1) may include a communication circuit (310) (e.g., communication circuit (160) of FIG. 1), a processor (320) (e.g., processor (110) of FIG. 1) and / or a memory (330) (e.g., memory (120) of FIG. 1).

[0057] The communication circuit (310) may be a communication circuit that supports short-range wireless communication. The short-range wireless communication may include various short-range wireless communications that the electronic device (210) can support. For example, the short-range wireless communication may be Wi-Fi.

[0058] The communication circuit (310) may include various circuit structures used for modulating and / or demodulating a signal within the electronic device (210). For example, the communication circuit (310) may modulate a baseband signal into a radio frequency (RF) band signal to output it through an antenna (not shown), or demodulate an RF band signal received through the antenna into a baseband signal and transmit it to a processor (320).

[0059] The processor (320) is electrically or operationally connected to the communication circuit (310) and can control the communication circuit (310). The processor (320) may include at least one processor, and at least one processor may perform the following operations individually or collectively.

[0060] The memory (330) can store instructions that can be executed by the processor (320). The operation of the processor (320) described below (e.g., one or more operations performed by the electronic device described herein) can be performed according to the execution of the instructions stored in the memory (330).

[0061] The processor (320) can detect (or confirm, determine, sense) the activation of a service (or, operation, procedure) using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the first external electronic device (e.g., the first external electronic device (220) of FIG. 2A). The service using short-range wireless communication may include a service in which the electronic device (210) and the first external electronic device (220) transmit and / or receive data through inter-device communication (e.g., an operation in which the electronic device (210) transmits data to the first external electronic device (220) and / or receives data from the first external electronic device (220). For example, inter-device communication between the electronic device (210) and the first external electronic device (220) may include Wi-Fi Direct.

[0062] The processor (320) can control the communication circuit (310) to perform a connection using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the first external electronic device (220) as it detects a service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the first external electronic device (220). When the electronic device (210) transmits data (or, file, content) to the first external electronic device (220), the processor (320) can create or establish a first group (e.g., the first group (201) of FIG. 2a) including the electronic device (210) so that the electronic device (210) acts as a GO (group owner). After creating the first group (201), the processor (320) can control (e.g., instruct or facilitate) the first external electronic device (220) to join the first group (201). The first external electronic device (220) can operate as a GC (group client) of the first group (201).

[0063] The processor (320) can detect (or confirm, determine, sense) the activation of a service (or, operation, procedure) using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and a second external electronic device (e.g., the second external electronic device (230) of FIG. 2a). The service using short-range wireless communication may include a service in which the electronic device (210) and the second external electronic device (230) transmit and / or receive data through inter-device communication. For example, an operation in which the electronic device (210) transmits data to the second external electronic device (230) and / or receives data from the second external electronic device (230). The service may be of the same type as the service between the electronic device (210) and the first external electronic device (230), or may be of a different type. Inter-device communication between the electronic device (210) and the second external electronic device (230) may include Wi-Fi Direct.

[0064] The processor (320) can control the communication circuit (310) to perform a connection using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the second external electronic device (230) as it detects a service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the second external electronic device (230). The processor (320) can perform joining to a second group (e.g., the second group (202) of FIG. 2a) created by the second external electronic device (230) when the electronic device (210) receives data (or, file, content) from the second external electronic device (230). When the electronic device (210) receives data from the second external electronic device (230), the electronic device (210) can operate as a GC, and the second external electronic device (230) can operate as a GO.

[0065] There is no restriction on the order in which the electronic device (210) creates the first group (201) and the electronic device (210) joins the second group (202). The electronic device (210) may create the first group (201) and then join the second group (202), and the electronic device (210) may create the first group (201) after joining the second group (202). The electronic device (210) may be included in both the first group (201) and the second group (202) and may operate as the GO of the first group (201) and the GC of the second group (202).

[0066] The processor (320) can control the communication circuit (310) so that the electronic device (210) transmits data to a first external electronic device (220) included in a first group (201) and / or the electronic device (210) receives data from a second external electronic device (230) included in a second group (202). In various examples, the electronic device (210) may transmit data to the first external electronic device (220) and the second external electronic device (230), and in other examples, the electronic device (210) may receive data from the first external electronic device (220) and the second external electronic device (230).

[0067] The processor (320) can detect (or confirm, determine, sense) the activation of a third external electronic device (e.g., the third external electronic device (240) of FIG. 2b) and a service (e.g., operation, procedure) performed by the electronic device (210) while the electronic device (210) transmits data to a first external electronic device (220) included in a first group (201) and / or receives data from a second external electronic device (230) included in a second group (202) (e.g., while the first group (01) and the second group (202) are established).

[0068] The service performed by the third external electronic device (240) and the electronic device (210) may include the service performed by the electronic device (210) and the third external electronic device (240) using short-range wireless communication. The service performed by the electronic device (210) and the third external electronic device (240) using short-range wireless communication may refer to a service that uses data transmitted / received through a channel connected via.

[0069] The processor (320) can detect the activation of a service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the third external electronic device (240). According to one example, the service using short-range wireless communication may include at least one service among a content (or, data, file) sharing service and a multi-device environment (MDE) support service. The third external electronic device (240) may, for example, transmit a connection request message to the electronic device (210) to transmit data to the electronic device (210) based, for example, at least in part, on the activation of the service, and the electronic device (210) may detect the activation of a service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the third external electronic device (240) as it receives the connection request message in various ways (e.g., short-range wireless communication or short-range wireless communication other than short-range wireless communication (out-of-band, OOB)).

[0070] The processor (320) can detect the activation of a service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the third external electronic device (240), and thus confirm (or determine, detect) the performance information of the communication circuit (310) and the characteristics of the service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and / or the third external electronic device (240).

[0071] Performance information of the communication circuit (310) may include the maximum number of external electronic devices (e.g., a first external electronic device (220), a second external electronic device (230) and / or a third external electronic device (240)) that can be connected via short-range wireless communication with the electronic device (210) supported by the communication circuit (310). For example, the performance information of the communication circuit (310) may be considered as the maximum number of connectable external electronic devices associated with the communication circuit (310).

[0072] According to one example, if the number of external electronic devices that can be connected to the electronic device (210) via short-range wireless communication supported by the communication circuit (310) is eight, the third external electronic device (240) may be connected to the electronic device (210) via short-range wireless communication. This is because, since the electronic device (210) is connected to the first external electronic device (220) and the second external electronic device (230), there may be capacity / capability for connecting to additional external electronic devices.

[0073] According to another example, if the number of external electronic devices that can be connected to the electronic device (210) via short-range wireless communication supported by the communication circuit (310) is two, the third external electronic device (240) may not be connected to the electronic device (210) via short-range wireless communication. This is because the electronic device (210) is already connected to the first external electronic device (220) and the second external electronic device (230).

[0074] The processor (320) can control the communication circuit (310) to check the number of external electronic devices (e.g., a first external electronic device (220) and a second external electronic device (230)) connected to the electronic device (210) via short-range wireless communication at set intervals, and to broadcast a message containing information indicating the number of external electronic devices that can be connected to the electronic device (210). For example, optionally periodically (e.g., based on a set or predetermined period), the electronic device (310) can broadcast a message indicating the number of external electronic devices that can be connected to the electronic device (210) (e.g., the number that can still be connected based on the number currently connected and the maximum number of external electronic devices that can be connected). In various examples, when an electronic device (210) is queried (i.e., requested) for the number of external electronic devices that can be connected to the electronic device (210) or the information thereof (e.g., by another external electronic device), the electronic device (210) may respond including the information thereof or the number of external electronic devices that can be connected to the electronic device (210) (e.g., via unicast).

[0075] The characteristics of a service using short-range wireless communication between an electronic device (210) and a third external electronic device (240) may include an operation mode (or communication mode, communication type) for the electronic device (210) to perform a service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the third external electronic device (240). The operation mode for the electronic device (210) to perform a service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the third external electronic device (240) may include a data transmission mode and / or a data reception mode.

[0076] According to one example, the electronic device (210) may operate in a data transmission mode when transmitting data (or content, file) to a third external electronic device (240), and may operate in a data reception mode when receiving data (or content, file) from the third external electronic device (240).

[0077] The processor (320) may determine (or confirm, select) whether to join a third group (e.g., the third group in FIG. 2b) to be created by the third external electronic device (240) or a third group previously created by the third external electronic device (240), based on performance information of the communication circuit (310) and characteristics of the service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the third external electronic device (240). In various examples, the determination may be based on performance information and optionally characteristics of the service.

[0078] According to one example, the processor (320) may decide to join the third group based on confirming that a short-range wireless communication connection between the third external electronic device (240) and the electronic device (210) is possible based on performance information of the communication circuit (310), and based on confirming that it operates in a data receiving mode to receive data (or content, file) from the third external electronic device (240) based on the characteristics of the service.

[0079] According to one example, the processor (320) may decide to join the third group based on confirming, based on performance information of the communication circuit (310), that the number of external electronic devices connected to the electronic device (210) via short-range wireless communication is less than the maximum number of connectable external electronic devices supported by the communication circuit (310), and based on the characteristics of the service, that it operates in a data receiving mode to receive data (or content, file) from the third external electronic device (240).

[0080] The third group is a group (e.g., a device group) in which the third external electronic device (240) acts as the GO (group owner), and may be a group that is not dissolved even if the group containing the electronic device (210) (e.g., the second group (202)) is dissolved as another external electronic device (e.g., the second external electronic device (230) included in the second group (202)) completes the transmission of data to the electronic device (210). Accordingly, the electronic device (210) can receive or smoothly receive data transmitted by the third external electronic device (240) by joining the third group created by the third external electronic device (240) that transmits data to the electronic device (210).

[0081] The processor (320) may perform a series of operations for joining the third group with the third external electronic device (240) as it decides to join the third group. According to one example, the processor (320) may receive information of the third group (e.g., frequency band, channel information, and / or identification information of the third group) from the third external electronic device (240) and may join the third group based on the information of the third group received from the third external electronic device (240). After joining the third group, the processor (320) may receive data (or content, file) from the third external electronic device (240) included in the third group.

[0082] The processor (320) may maintain the state in which the electronic device (210) is included in the first group (201) and the second group (202) when performing the joining of the third group. According to one example, the electronic device (210) may operate as a GO of the first group (201), as a GC of the second group (202), and as a GC of the third group.

[0083] According to one example, the processor (320) may decide not to join the third group if, based on performance information of the communication circuit (310), it determines that the number of external electronic devices connected to the electronic device (210) via short-range wireless communication is the maximum number of connectable external electronic devices supported by the communication circuit (310). This is because if the number of external electronic devices connected to the electronic device (210) via short-range wireless communication is the maximum number of connectable external electronic devices supported by the communication circuit (310), the electronic device (210) cannot be connected to the third external electronic device (240) via short-range wireless communication. As the processor (320) decides not to join the third group, it may provide information indicating not to join the third group. According to one example, the processor (320) may control the communication circuit (310) to transmit information indicating not to join the third group to the third external electronic device (240). Alternatively, the processor (320) may control an entity supporting other short-range wireless communication (e.g., another communication circuit (not shown)) to transmit information indicating that it does not join the third group to the third external electronic device (240) via other short-range wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth). The third external electronic device (240) receives a message containing information indicating the number of external electronic devices that can be connected to the electronic device (210) transmitted by the electronic device (210), and if it determines, based on the information indicating the number of external electronic devices that can be connected to the electronic device (210) that the electronic device (210) can be connected to the third external electronic device (240) (e.g., the connection between the electronic device (210) and the external electronic device of the first group (201) and / or the external electronic device of the second group (202) is disconnected), it may attempt to reconnect with the electronic device (210) via short-range wireless communication.For example, the third external electronic device (240) can identify that the connection between the electronic device (210) and the first external electronic device (220) and / or the second external electronic device (230) has been disconnected, and based on this, attempt to reconnect to the electronic device (210).

[0084] According to one example, the processor (320) can determine, based on the characteristics of the service, that the electronic device (210) operates in a data transmission mode that transmits data to a third external electronic device (240). Based on the determination that the electronic device (210) operates in a data transmission mode that transmits data to a third external electronic device (240), the processor (320) may decide not to join the third group. For example, if the service involves (or is based on) transmitting data to the third external electronic device (240), the electronic device may not join the third group or may reject the third external electronic device (240).

[0085] The electronic device (210) may operate as the GO (group owner) of the first group (201) to transmit data to the first external electronic device (220). The processor (320) may allow the third external electronic device (240) to join the first group (201) without joining the third group, based on confirming that the electronic device (210) operates in a data transmission mode to transmit data to the third external electronic device (240). For example, the electronic device (210) may support or facilitate the third external electronic device (240) joining the first group (201). As the third external electronic device (240) joins the first group (201), it may operate as the GC (group client) of the first group (201) and receive data from the electronic device (210) through the frequency band allocated to the first group (201). The electronic device (210) can maintain the first group (201) before data transmission to external electronic devices (e.g., the first external electronic device (220) and / or the third external electronic device (240)) that operate as GC is completed (or, the first group (201) may not be disbanded). Thus, a connection via short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the third external electronic device (240) can be maintained.

[0086] The example described above is an example in which the electronic device (210) is included in a first group (201), a second group (202), and / or a third group. However, the electronic device (210) according to the present disclosure may be included in more groups based on the performance of the communication circuit (310).

[0087] The processor (320) can detect the activation of a new external electronic device (e.g., a fourth external electronic device (not shown)) and a service performed by the electronic device (210) when the electronic device (210) is included in all of the first group (201), the second group (202) and / or the third group.

[0088] The processor (320) may determine whether to join a fourth group created by (or created by) the fourth external electronic device based on performance information of the communication circuit (310) and the characteristics of the service performed between the fourth external electronic device and the electronic device (210). For example, the case of activation of a service performed by a new external electronic device (e.g., the fourth external electronic device) may be treated similarly to the case of activation of a service performed by the third external electronic device (240), that is, it may be processed according to any example, embodiment, etc. described above.

[0089] The performance information of the communication circuit (310) may include the maximum number of external electronic devices (e.g., a first external electronic device (220), a second external electronic device (230) and / or a third external electronic device (240)) that can be connected via short-range wireless communication with the electronic device (210) supported by the communication circuit (310).

[0090] The characteristics of a service using short-range wireless communication between an electronic device (210) and a fourth external electronic device may include an operation mode for the electronic device (210) to perform a service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the fourth external electronic device. The operation mode for the electronic device (210) to perform a service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the fourth external electronic device may include a data transmission mode and / or a data reception mode.

[0091] According to one example, the processor (320) can determine to join the fourth group based on confirming, based on performance information of the communication circuit (310), that a short-range wireless communication connection between the fourth external electronic device and the electronic device (210) is possible, and based on the characteristics of the service, that the electronic device (210) operates in a data receiving mode to receive data (or content, file) from the fourth external electronic device.

[0092] The fourth group is a group in which the fourth external electronic device acts as the GO (group owner), and may be a group that is not dissolved even if the group containing the electronic device (210) (e.g., the second external electronic device (230) included in the second group (202)) is dissolved as another external electronic device (e.g., the second external electronic device (210)) completes the transmission of data to the electronic device (210). Accordingly, the electronic device (210) can smoothly receive data transmitted by the fourth external electronic device by joining the fourth group created by the fourth external electronic device that transmits data to the electronic device (210).

[0093] The processor (320) may perform a series of operations for joining the fourth group with the fourth external electronic device as it decides to join the fourth group. According to one example, the processor (320) may receive information of the fourth group (e.g., frequency band, channel information of the fourth group and / or identification information of the fourth group) from the fourth external electronic device and may join the fourth group based on the information of the fourth group received from the fourth external electronic device. After joining the fourth group, the processor (320) may receive data (or content, file) from the fourth external electronic device included in the fourth group.

[0094] The processor (320) may maintain a state in which the electronic device (210) is included in the first group (201), the second group (202), and the third group when performing the joining of the fourth group. According to one example, the electronic device (210) may operate as a GO of the first group (201), as a GC of the second group (202), as a GC of the third group, and as a GC of the fourth group.

[0095] Referring to the examples described above, it is assumed that the entity transmitting data (or, file, content) operates as one group of GOs and the entity receiving data (or, file, content) operates as one group of GCs, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. According to one example, the entity transmitting data (or, file, content) may operate as one group of GCs, and the entity receiving data (or, file, content) may operate as one group of GOs.

[0096] FIG. 4a is a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device according to one embodiment performs short-range wireless communication with a first external electronic device and a second external electronic device.

[0097] The electronic device (210) can detect the activation of a service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the first external electronic device (220). The service using short-range wireless communication may include a service in which the electronic device (210) and the first external electronic device (220) transmit and / or receive data through inter-device communication. The inter-device communication between the electronic device (210) and the first external electronic device (220) may include Wi-Fi Direct.

[0098] The electronic device (210) can control the communication circuit (310) to perform a connection using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the first external electronic device (220) upon detecting (or based on detecting) a service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the first external electronic device (220). The electronic device (210) can create a first group (201) including the electronic device (210) so that the electronic device (210) acts as a GO (group owner) when the electronic device (210) transmits data (or, file, content) to the first external electronic device (220). After creating the first group (201), the electronic device (210) can control the first external electronic device (220) to join the first group (201). The first external electronic device (220) can operate as a GC (group client) of the first group (201).

[0099] The electronic device (210) can detect the activation of a service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and a second external electronic device (230). The service using short-range wireless communication may include a service in which the electronic device (210) and the second external electronic device (230) transmit and / or receive data through inter-device communication. The inter-device communication between the electronic device (210) and the second external electronic device (230) may include Wi-Fi Direct.

[0100] The electronic device (210) can control the communication circuit (310) to perform a connection using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the second external electronic device (230) by detecting (or based on) a service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the second external electronic device (230). When the electronic device (210) receives data (or files, content) from the second external electronic device (230), the electronic device (210) can perform joining to a second group (e.g., the second group (202) of FIG. 2a) created by the second external electronic device (230). When the electronic device (210) receives data from the second external electronic device (230), the electronic device (210) can operate as a GC, and the second external electronic device (230) can operate as a GO.

[0101] There is no restriction on the order in which the electronic device (210) creates the first group (201) and the electronic device (210) joins the second group (202). The electronic device (210) may create the first group (201) and then join the second group (202), and the electronic device (210) may create the first group (201) after joining the second group (202). The electronic device (210) may be included in both the first group (201) and the second group (202) and may operate as the GO of the first group (201) and the GC of the second group.

[0102] The electronic device (210) can control the communication circuit (310) so that the electronic device (210) transmits data to a first external electronic device (220) included in a first group (201) and / or the electronic device (210) receives data from a second external electronic device (230) included in a second group (202).

[0103] FIG. 4b is a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device according to one embodiment performs short-range wireless communication with a first external electronic device, a second external electronic device, and a third external electronic device.

[0104] The electronic device (210) can detect the activation of a service performed by the third external electronic device (240) and the electronic device (210) while the electronic device (210) transmits data to a first external electronic device (220) included in a first group (201) and / or receives data from a second external electronic device (230) included in a second group (202).

[0105] The service performed by the third external electronic device (240) and the electronic device (210) may include the service performed by the electronic device (210) and the third external electronic device (240) using short-range wireless communication. The service performed by the electronic device (210) and the third external electronic device (240) using short-range wireless communication may refer to a service that uses data transmitted / received through a channel connected via.

[0106] The electronic device (210) can detect the activation of a service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and a third external electronic device (240). According to one example, the service using short-range wireless communication may include at least one service among a content (or data, file) sharing service and a multi-device environment (MDE) support service. The third external electronic device (240) can transmit a connection request message to the electronic device (210) to transmit data to the electronic device (210), and the electronic device (210) can detect the activation of a service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the third external electronic device (240) as it receives the connection request message in various ways (e.g., short-range wireless communication or short-range wireless communication other than short-range wireless communication (out-of-band, OOB)).

[0107] The electronic device (210) can detect the activation of a service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and a third external electronic device (240), and thus can verify the performance information of the communication circuit (310) and the characteristics of the service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the third external electronic device (240).

[0108] The performance information of the communication circuit (310) may include the maximum number of external electronic devices (e.g., a first external electronic device (220), a second external electronic device (230) and / or a third external electronic device (240)) that can be connected via short-range wireless communication with the electronic device (210) supported by the communication circuit (310).

[0109] According to one example, if the number of external electronic devices that can be connected via short-range wireless communication with the electronic device (210), supported by the communication circuit (310), is eight, a third external electronic device (240) may be connected via short-range wireless communication with the electronic device (210).

[0110] According to another example, if the number of external electronic devices that can be connected to the electronic device (210) via short-range wireless communication supported by the communication circuit (310) is two, the third external electronic device (240) may not be able to be connected to the electronic device (210) via short-range wireless communication.

[0111] The electronic device (210) can control the communication circuit (310) to check the number of external electronic devices (e.g., a first external electronic device (220) and a second external electronic device (230)) connected to the electronic device (210) via short-range wireless communication at set intervals, and to broadcast a message including information indicating the number of external electronic devices that can be connected to the electronic device (210).

[0112] The characteristics of a service using short-range wireless communication between an electronic device (210) and a third external electronic device (240) may include an operation mode for the electronic device (210) to perform a service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the third external electronic device (240). The operation mode for the electronic device (210) to perform a service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the third external electronic device (240) may include a data transmission mode and / or a data reception mode.

[0113] According to one example, the electronic device (210) may operate in a data transmission mode when transmitting data (or content, file) to a third external electronic device (240), and may operate in a data reception mode when receiving data (or content, file) from the third external electronic device (240).

[0114] The electronic device (210) can determine whether to join the third group (203) that the third external electronic device (240) will create or the third group (203) that the third external electronic device (240) has already created, based on performance information of the communication circuit (310) and the characteristics of the service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the third external electronic device (240).

[0115] According to one example, the electronic device (210) may decide to join the third group (203) based on confirming that a short-range wireless communication connection between the third external electronic device (240) and the electronic device (210) is possible based on performance information of the communication circuit (310), and based on confirming that it operates in a data receiving mode to receive data (or content, file) from the third external electronic device (240) based on the characteristics of the service.

[0116] According to one example, the electronic device (210) may decide to join the third group (203) based on confirming, based on performance information of the communication circuit (310), that the number of external electronic devices connected to the electronic device (210) via short-range wireless communication is less than the maximum number of connectable external electronic devices supported by the communication circuit (310), and based on the characteristics of the service, that it operates in a data receiving mode to receive data (or content, file) from the third external electronic device (240).

[0117] As the electronic device (210) decides to join the third group (203), it may perform a series of operations for joining the third external electronic device (240) and the third group (203). According to one example, the electronic device (210) may receive information of the third group (203) (e.g., frequency band, channel information of the third group (203) and / or identification information of the third group (203)) from the third external electronic device (240), and may join the third group (203) based on the information of the third group (203) received from the third external electronic device (240). After joining the third group (203), the electronic device (210) may receive data (or content, files) from the third external electronic device (240) included in the third group (203).

[0118] In performing the joining of the third group (203), the electronic device (210) may maintain a state in which the electronic device (210) is included in the first group (201) and the second group (202). According to one example, the electronic device (210) may operate as a GO of the first group (201), may operate as a GC of the second group (202), and may operate as a GC of the third group (203).

[0119] FIG. 4c is a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device according to one embodiment performs short-range wireless communication with a first external electronic device, a second external electronic device, and a third external electronic device.

[0120] The electronic device (210) can detect the activation of a service performed by the third external electronic device (240) and the electronic device (210) while the electronic device (210) transmits data to a first external electronic device (220) included in a first group (201) and / or receives data from a second external electronic device (230) included in a second group (202).

[0121] The service performed by the third external electronic device (240) and the electronic device (210) may include the service performed by the electronic device (210) and the third external electronic device (240) using short-range wireless communication. The service performed by the electronic device (210) and the third external electronic device (240) using short-range wireless communication may refer to a service that uses data transmitted / received through a channel connected via.

[0122] The electronic device (210) can detect the activation of a service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and a third external electronic device (240). According to one example, the service using short-range wireless communication may include at least one service among a content (or data, file) sharing service and a multi-device environment (MDE) support service. The third external electronic device (240) can transmit a connection request message to the electronic device (210) to transmit data to the electronic device (210), and the electronic device (210) can detect the activation of a service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the third external electronic device (240) as it receives the connection request message in various ways (e.g., short-range wireless communication or short-range wireless communication other than short-range wireless communication (out-of-band, OOB)).

[0123] The electronic device (210) can detect the activation of a service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and a third external electronic device (240), and thus can verify the performance information of the communication circuit (310) and the characteristics of the service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the third external electronic device (240).

[0124] The performance information of the communication circuit (310) may include the maximum number of external electronic devices (e.g., a first external electronic device (220), a second external electronic device (230) and / or a third external electronic device (240)) that can be connected via short-range wireless communication with the electronic device (210) supported by the communication circuit (310).

[0125] According to one example, if the number of external electronic devices that can be connected via short-range wireless communication with the electronic device (210), supported by the communication circuit (310), is eight, a third external electronic device (240) may be connected via short-range wireless communication with the electronic device (210).

[0126] According to another example, if the number of external electronic devices that can be connected to the electronic device (210) via short-range wireless communication supported by the communication circuit (310) is two, the third external electronic device (240) may not be able to be connected to the electronic device (210) via short-range wireless communication.

[0127] The electronic device (210) can control the communication circuit (310) to check the number of external electronic devices (e.g., a first external electronic device (220) and a second external electronic device (230)) connected to the electronic device (210) via short-range wireless communication at set intervals, and to broadcast a message including information indicating the number of external electronic devices that can be connected to the electronic device (210).

[0128] The characteristics of a service using short-range wireless communication between an electronic device (210) and a third external electronic device (240) may include an operation mode for the electronic device (210) to perform a service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the third external electronic device (240). The operation mode for the electronic device (210) to perform a service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the third external electronic device (240) may include a data transmission mode and / or a data reception mode.

[0129] According to one example, the electronic device (210) may operate in a data transmission mode when transmitting data (or content, file) to a third external electronic device (240), and may operate in a data reception mode when receiving data (or content, file) from the third external electronic device (240).

[0130] The electronic device (210) can determine whether to join the third group (203) that the third external electronic device (240) will create or the third group that the third external electronic device (240) has previously created, based on performance information of the communication circuit (310) and characteristics of the service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the third external electronic device (240).

[0131] According to one example, if the electronic device (210) determines, based on performance information of the communication circuit (310), that the number of external electronic devices connected to the electronic device (210) via short-range wireless communication is the maximum number of connectable external electronic devices supported by the communication circuit (310), it may decide not to join the third group. This is because if the number of external electronic devices connected to the electronic device (210) via short-range wireless communication is the maximum number of connectable external electronic devices supported by the communication circuit (310), the electronic device (210) cannot be connected to the third external electronic device (240) via short-range wireless communication.

[0132] The electronic device (210) may provide information indicating not to join the third group as it decides not to join the third group. According to one example, the electronic device (210) may control a communication circuit (310) to transmit information indicating not to join the third group to a third external electronic device (240). Alternatively, the electronic device (210) may control an entity supporting other short-range wireless communication (e.g., another communication circuit (not shown)) to transmit information indicating not to join the third group to the third external electronic device (240) via other short-range wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth). The third external electronic device (240) receives a message containing information indicating the number of external electronic devices that can be connected to the electronic device (210) transmitted by the electronic device (210), and if it confirms, based on the information indicating the number of external electronic devices that can be connected to the electronic device (210) that the electronic device (210) can be connected to the third external electronic device (240) (e.g., the connection between the electronic device (210) and the external electronic device of the first group (201) and / or the external electronic device of the second group (202) is disconnected), it may attempt to reconnect with the electronic device (210) via short-range wireless communication.

[0133] According to one example, the electronic device (210) can determine, based on the characteristics of the service, that the electronic device (210) operates in a data transmission mode to transmit data to a third external electronic device (240). For example, the electronic device (210) can identify that the service that can be performed with the third external electronic device (240) is one of the data transmission (data transmission mode) from the electronic device (210) to the third external electronic device (240). Based on the determination that the electronic device (210) operates in a data transmission mode to transmit data to the third external electronic device (240), the electronic device (210) can decide not to join the third group.

[0134] The electronic device (210) can operate as the GO (group owner) of the first group (201) to transmit data to the first external electronic device (220). The electronic device (210) can allow the third external electronic device (240) to join the first group (201) without joining the third group, based on confirming that the electronic device (210) operates in a data transmission mode to transmit data to the third external electronic device (240). The third external electronic device (240), by joining the first group (201), can operate as the GC (group client) of the first group (201) and can receive data from the electronic device (210) through the frequency band allocated to the first group (201). The electronic device (210) can maintain the first group (201) before data transmission to external electronic devices (e.g., the first external electronic device (220) and / or the third external electronic device (240)) that operate as GC is completed (or, the first group (201) may not be disbanded). Thus, a connection via short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the third external electronic device (240) can be maintained.

[0135] FIG. 4d is a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device according to one embodiment performs short-range wireless communication with a first external electronic device, a second external electronic device, a third external electronic device, and a fourth external electronic device.

[0136] The electronic device (210) can detect the activation of a new external electronic device (e.g., a fourth external electronic device (411)) and a service performed by the electronic device (210) while the electronic device (210) is included in all of the first group (201), the second group (202) and / or the third group (203).

[0137] The electronic device (210) can determine whether to join the fourth group (401) created by the fourth external electronic device (411) (or created by the fourth external electronic device (411)) based on performance information of the communication circuit (310) and the characteristics of the service performed between the fourth external electronic device (411) and the electronic device (210).

[0138] The performance information of the communication circuit (310) may include the maximum number of external electronic devices (e.g., a first external electronic device (220), a second external electronic device (230) and / or a third external electronic device (240)) that can be connected via short-range wireless communication with the electronic device (210) supported by the communication circuit (310).

[0139] The characteristics of a service using short-range wireless communication between an electronic device (210) and a fourth external electronic device (411) may include an operation mode for the electronic device (210) to perform a service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the fourth external electronic device (411). The operation mode for the electronic device (210) to perform a service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the fourth external electronic device (411) may include a data transmission mode and / or a data reception mode.

[0140] According to one example, the electronic device (210) may decide to join the fourth group (401) based on confirming, based on performance information of the communication circuit (310), that a short-range wireless communication connection between the fourth external electronic device (411) and the electronic device (210) is possible, and based on the characteristics of the service, that the electronic device (210) operates in a data receiving mode to receive data (or content, file) from the fourth external electronic device (411).

[0141] As the electronic device (210) decides to join the fourth group (401), it may perform a series of operations for joining the fourth external electronic device (411) and the fourth group (401). According to one example, the electronic device (210) may receive information of the fourth group (401) (e.g., frequency band, channel information of the fourth group (401) and / or identification information of the fourth group (401)) from the fourth external electronic device (411), and may join the fourth group (401) based on the information of the fourth group (401) received from the fourth external electronic device (411). After joining the fourth group (401), the electronic device (210) may receive data (or content, file) from the fourth external electronic device (411) included in the fourth group (401).

[0142] In performing the joining of the fourth group (401), the electronic device (210) may maintain a state in which the electronic device (210) is included in the first group (201), the second group (202), and the third group (203). According to one example, the electronic device (210) may operate as a GO of the first group (201), may operate as a GC of the second group (202), may operate as a GC of the third group (203), and may operate as a GC of the fourth group (401).

[0143] FIG. 4e is a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device according to one embodiment performs short-range wireless communication with a first external electronic device and a fifth external electronic device.

[0144] The electronic device (210) can detect the activation of a service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the first external electronic device (220). The service using short-range wireless communication may include a service in which the electronic device (210) and the first external electronic device (220) transmit and / or receive data through inter-device communication. The inter-device communication between the electronic device (210) and the first external electronic device (220) may include Wi-Fi Direct.

[0145] The electronic device (210) can control the communication circuit (310) to perform a connection using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the first external electronic device (220) upon detecting (or based on detecting) a service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the first external electronic device (220). The electronic device (210) can create a first group (e.g., the first group (201) of FIG. 2a) including the electronic device (210) so that when the electronic device (210) transmits data (or, file, content) to the first external electronic device (220), the electronic device (210) acts as a GO (group owner). After creating the first group (201), the electronic device (210) can control the first external electronic device (220) to join the first group (201). The first external electronic device (220) can operate as a GC (group client) of the first group (201).

[0146] The electronic device (210) can detect the activation of a service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the fifth external electronic device (412). The service using short-range wireless communication may include a service in which the electronic device (210) and the fifth external electronic device (412) transmit and / or receive data through inter-device communication. The inter-device communication between the electronic device (210) and the fifth external electronic device (412) may include Wi-Fi Direct.

[0147] The electronic device (210) can detect the activation of a service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the fifth external electronic device (412), and thus can determine the performance information of the communication circuit (310) and the characteristics of the service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the fifth external electronic device (412). For example, if the electronic device (210) is connected only to a single external electronic device (e.g., the first external electronic device (220)) or is included only in a single group (e.g., the first group (210)), the electronic device (210) can determine whether to connect with the fifth external electronic device (412), whether to form a group, or whether to join a group by using the identified capability information of the communication circuit (310) and the characteristics of the service.

[0148] The performance information of the communication circuit (310) may include the maximum number of external electronic devices (e.g., the first external electronic device (220), the second external electronic device (230), the third external electronic device (240) and / or the fourth external electronic device (411) of FIG. 4d) that can be connected via short-range wireless communication with the electronic device (210) supported by the communication circuit (310).

[0149] The performance information of the communication circuit (310) may include information on a combination of frequency bands that can simultaneously transmit and / or receive a signal. For example, the communication circuit (310) may simultaneously support the transmission / reception of a signal through a first frequency band and the transmission / reception of a signal through a second frequency band, and the performance information of the communication circuit (310) may include information on a combination of frequency bands that can simultaneously transmit / receive a signal (e.g., a first frequency band and a second frequency band).

[0150] The electronic device (210) can control the communication circuit (310) to check the number of external electronic devices (e.g., a first external electronic device (220) and a second external electronic device (230)) connected to the electronic device (210) via short-range wireless communication at set intervals, and to broadcast a message including information indicating the number of external electronic devices that can be connected to the electronic device (210).

[0151] The characteristics of a service using short-range wireless communication between an electronic device (210) and a fifth external electronic device (412) may include an operation mode for the electronic device (210) to perform a service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the fifth external electronic device (412). The operation mode for the electronic device (210) to perform a service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the fifth external electronic device (412) may include a data transmission mode and / or a data reception mode.

[0152] According to one example, the electronic device (210) may operate in a data transmission mode when transmitting data (or content, file) to the fifth external electronic device (412), and may operate in a data reception mode when receiving data (or content, file) from the fifth external electronic device (412).

[0153] The electronic device (210) can determine whether to join the fifth group (402) that the fifth external electronic device (412) will create or the fifth group (402) that the fifth external electronic device (412) has already created, based on performance information of the communication circuit (310) and characteristics of the service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the fifth external electronic device (412).

[0154] According to one example, the electronic device (210) may decide to join the fifth group based on confirming that a short-range wireless communication connection between the fifth external electronic device (412) and the electronic device (210) is possible based on performance information of the communication circuit (310), and based on confirming that it operates in a data receiving mode to receive data (or content, file) from the fifth external electronic device (412) based on the characteristics of the service.

[0155] According to another example, the electronic device (210) may confirm (or detect, determine) based on performance information of the communication circuit (310) that the communication circuit (310) supports the transmission and / or reception of a signal through a frequency band (e.g., a first frequency band) used for communication of an external electronic device included in the first group (201) and the transmission and / or reception of a signal through a frequency band (e.g., a second frequency band) used for communication of an external electronic device included in the fifth group (402). The electronic device (210) may decide to join the fifth group (402) if the communication circuit (310) supports the transmission and / or reception of a signal through a frequency band (e.g., a first frequency band) used for communication of an external electronic device included in the first group (201) and the transmission and / or reception of a signal through a frequency band (e.g., a second frequency band) used for communication of an external electronic device included in the fifth group (402). In one embodiment, if the communication circuit (310) supports (or can support) the transmission and / or reception of a signal through a frequency band (e.g., a second frequency band) used for communication of an external electronic device belonging to the fifth group (402), the electronic device (210) may decide to join the fifth group (402).

[0156] The second frequency band may be a higher frequency band (or a frequency band having a larger bandwidth) than the first frequency band, and the electronic device (210) may transmit data to the fifth external electronic device (412) to have a higher transmission speed than the speed at which data is transmitted to the first external electronic device (220).

[0157] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example (500) in which an electronic device according to one embodiment determines whether to join a third group based on performance information of a communication circuit and characteristics of a service performed with a third external electronic device.

[0158] An electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (210) of FIG. 3) can execute a service using Wi-Fi Direct in operation 501.

[0159] A service utilizing Wi-Fi direct may refer to a service utilizing inter-device communication (e.g., Wi-Fi direct) between an electronic device (210) and an external electronic device (e.g., the first external electronic device (220) and the second external electronic device (230) of FIG. 2a, the third external electronic device (240) of FIG. 2b, the fourth external electronic device (411) of FIG. 4d and / or the fifth external electronic device (412) of FIG. 4e). For example, a service utilizing Wi-Fi direct may refer to a data (or content, file) sharing service or a multi-device environment support service between the electronic device (210) and the external electronic devices (220, 230, 240, 411, 412).

[0160] The electronic device (210) can check the number of external electronic devices connected to the electronic device (210) via short-range wireless communication and / or the maximum number of external electronic devices that can be connected to the electronic device (210) at set intervals as it executes a service using Wi-Fi Direct. The electronic device (210) can control the communication circuit (310) to broadcast a message containing information indicating the number of external electronic devices that can be connected to the electronic device (210). The number of external electronic devices that can be connected to the electronic device (210) can be determined based on the difference between the maximum number of external electronic devices that can be connected to the electronic device (210) and the number of external electronic devices connected via short-range wireless communication. The message containing information indicating the number of external electronic devices that can be connected to the electronic device (210) may be broadcast via a communication method other than short-range wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth).

[0161] The electronic device (210) can discover (or search, discover, identify, detect) external electronic devices that can be connected via Wi-Fi Direct (e.g., a first external electronic device (220) and / or a second external electronic device (230)) while running a service that uses Wi-Fi Direct. The electronic device (210) can discover external electronic devices and create and / or join a group with the discovered external electronic devices.

[0162] The electronic device (210) can control the communication circuit (310) to perform a Wi-Fi Direct connection between the electronic device (210) and the first external electronic device (220) by detecting (or based on) a service using Wi-Fi Direct between the electronic device (210) and the first external electronic device (220). The electronic device (210) can create a first group (e.g., the first group (201) of FIG. 2a) including the electronic device (210) so that when the electronic device (210) transmits data (or, file, content) to the first external electronic device (220), the electronic device (210) acts as a GO (group owner). After creating the first group (201), the electronic device (210) can control the first external electronic device (220) to join the first group (201). The first external electronic device (220) can operate as a GC (group client) of the first group (201).

[0163] The electronic device (210) can detect the activation of a service using Wi-Fi direct between the electronic device (210) and a second external electronic device (e.g., the second external electronic device (230) of FIG. 2a).

[0164] The electronic device (210) may control the communication circuit (310) to perform a Wi-Fi Direct connection between the electronic device (210) and the second external electronic device (230) upon detecting (or based on) the activation of a service using Wi-Fi Direct between the electronic device (210) and the second external electronic device (230). When the electronic device (210) receives data (or files, content) from the second external electronic device (230), the electronic device (210) may join a second group (e.g., the second group (202) of FIG. 2a) created by the second external electronic device (230). When the electronic device (210) receives data from the second external electronic device (230), the electronic device (210) may act as a GC, and the second external electronic device (230) may act as a GO.

[0165] The electronic device (210) can control the communication circuit (310) to check the number of external electronic devices (e.g., a first external electronic device (220) and a second external electronic device (230)) connected to the electronic device (210) via short-range wireless communication at set intervals, and to broadcast a message including information indicating the number of external electronic devices that can be connected to the electronic device (210).

[0166] The electronic device (210) can detect the activation of a service performed by the electronic device (210) and a third external electronic device (e.g., the third external electronic device (240) of FIG. 2b) while the electronic device (210) transmits data to a first external electronic device (220) included in a first group (201) and / or receives data from a second external electronic device (230) included in a second group (202).

[0167] The service performed by the third external electronic device (240) and the electronic device (210) may include the service performed by the electronic device (210) and the third external electronic device (240) using Wi-Fi direct.

[0168] In operation 502, the electronic device (210) can check whether the number of external electronic devices connected to the electronic device is equal to the maximum number of external electronic devices that can be connected to the electronic device (210).

[0169] The electronic device (210) may not perform a connection with the third external electronic device (240) if the number of external electronic devices connected to the electronic device is equal to the maximum number of external electronic devices that can be connected to the electronic device (210) (Operation 502-Y). For example, the third external electronic device (240) may be connected to the electronic device (210) after the connection between the electronic device (210) and other external electronic devices (e.g., the first external electronic device (220) and / or the second external electronic device (230)) is disconnected.

[0170] The electronic device (210) can determine the characteristics of the service to be executed between the third external electronic device (240) and the electronic device (210) in operation 503 if the number of external electronic devices connected to the electronic device is not equal to the maximum number of external electronic devices that can be connected to the electronic device (210) (operation 502-N).

[0171] The characteristics of a service using short-range wireless communication between an electronic device (210) and a third external electronic device (240) may include an operation mode for the electronic device (210) to perform a service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the third external electronic device (240). The operation mode for the electronic device (210) to perform a service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the third external electronic device (240) may include a data transmission mode and / or a data reception mode.

[0172] According to one example, the electronic device (210) may operate in a data transmission mode when transmitting data (or content, file) to a third external electronic device (240), and may operate in a data reception mode when receiving data (or content, file) from the third external electronic device (240).

[0173] The electronic device (210) can determine, based on the characteristics of the service in operation 504, whether the service to be executed between the third external electronic device (240) and the electronic device (210) is a service in which the electronic device (210) transmits data to the third external electronic device (240).

[0174] The electronic device (210) can set up (or instruct, support, facilitate) a service to operate the external electronic device (e.g., the third external electronic device (240)) as a GC (e.g., the GC of the first group) based on confirming (operation 504-Y) that, in operation 505, the service to be executed between the third external electronic device (240) and the electronic device (210) is a service in which the electronic device (210) transmits data to the third external electronic device (240).

[0175] According to one example, the electronic device (210) can determine, based on the characteristics of the service, that the electronic device (210) operates in a data transmission mode to transmit data to a third external electronic device (240). Based on the determination that the electronic device (210) operates in a data transmission mode to transmit data to a third external electronic device (240), the electronic device (210) can decide not to join the third group.

[0176] The electronic device (210) can operate as the GO (group owner) of the first group (201) to transmit data to the first external electronic device (220). The electronic device (210) can allow the third external electronic device (240) to join the first group (201) without joining the third group, based on confirming that the electronic device (210) operates in a data transmission mode to transmit data to the third external electronic device (240). The third external electronic device (240), by joining the first group (201), can operate as the GC (group client) of the first group (201) and can receive data from the electronic device (210) through the frequency band allocated to the first group (201). The electronic device (210) can maintain the first group (201) before data transmission to external electronic devices (e.g., the first external electronic device (220) and / or the third external electronic device (240)) that operate as GC is completed (or, the first group (201) may not be disbanded). Thus, a connection via short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the third external electronic device (240) can be maintained.

[0177] The electronic device (210) can set up a service to have the electronic device (210) join a group (e.g., the third group (e.g., the third group (203) in FIG. 6b)) created by the external electronic device (e.g., the third external electronic device (240)) based on confirming in operation 506 that the electronic device (210) is not a service that transmits data to the third external electronic device (240) (operation 504-N).

[0178] According to one example, the electronic device (210) may decide to join the third group based on confirming that a short-range wireless communication connection between the third external electronic device (240) and the electronic device (210) is possible based on performance information of the communication circuit (310), and based on confirming that it operates in a data receiving mode to receive data (or content, file) from the third external electronic device (240) based on the characteristics of the service.

[0179] According to one example, the electronic device (210) may decide to join a third group based on confirming, based on performance information of the communication circuit (310), that the number of external electronic devices connected to the electronic device (210) via short-range wireless communication is less than the maximum number of connectable external electronic devices supported by the communication circuit (310), and based on the characteristics of the service, that it operates in a data receiving mode to receive data (or content, file) from a third external electronic device (240).

[0180] The third group is a group in which the third external electronic device (240) acts as the GO (group owner), and may be a group that is not dissolved even if the group containing the electronic device (210) (e.g., the second external electronic device (230) included in the second group (202)) is dissolved as another external electronic device (e.g., the second external electronic device (210)) completes the transmission of data to the electronic device (210). Accordingly, the electronic device (210) can smoothly receive data transmitted by the third external electronic device (240) by joining the third group created by the third external electronic device (240) that transmits data to the electronic device (210).

[0181] As the electronic device (210) decides to join the third group, it may perform a series of operations with the third external electronic device (240) for joining the third group. According to one example, the electronic device (210) may receive information of the third group (e.g., frequency band, channel information of the third group and / or identification information of the third group) from the third external electronic device (240) and may join the third group based on the information of the third group received from the third external electronic device (240). After joining the third group, the electronic device (210) may receive data (or content, files) from the third external electronic device (240) included in the third group.

[0182] In performing the joining of the third group, the electronic device (210) may maintain a state in which the electronic device (210) is included in the first group (201) and the second group (202). According to one example, the electronic device (210) may operate as a GO of the first group (201), as a GC of the second group (202), and as a GC of the third group.

[0183] FIGS. 6a and FIGS. 6b are drawings illustrating an example (600) in which an electronic device according to one embodiment performs short-range wireless communication.

[0184] An electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (210) of FIG. 3) can activate a mode to search for external electronic devices (e.g., the first external electronic device (220) of FIG. 2a, the second external electronic device (230), the third external electronic device (240) of FIG. 2b, the fourth external electronic device (411) of FIG. 6c, and the fifth external electronic device (412) of FIG. 6d) in operation 601.

[0185] The electronic device (210) may search for the external electronic device (220, 230, 240, 411, 412) by enabling short-range wireless communication (e.g., Wi-Fi) and receiving a signal broadcast by the external electronic device (220, 230, 240, 411, 412). Alternatively, the electronic device (210) may search for the external electronic device (220, 230, 240, 411, 412) by receiving a signal broadcast by the external electronic device (220, 230, 240, 411, 412) through a communication method other than short-range wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth). For example, the electronic device (210) can search for one or more external electronic devices.

[0186] The electronic device (210) can check the number of connectable external electronic devices in operation 602.

[0187] The maximum number of external electronic devices that can be connected to the electronic device (210) may be limited by the performance constraints of the communication circuit (e.g., the communication circuit (310) of FIG. 3). The electronic device (210) may determine the maximum number of external electronic devices that can be connected to the electronic device (210) based on the performance information of the communication circuit (310).

[0188] The electronic device (210) can determine (or verify) the number of external electronic devices that can be connected as the difference between the maximum number of external electronic devices that can be connected to the electronic device (210) and the number of external electronic devices connected to the electronic device (210) via short-range wireless communication.

[0189] The electronic device (210) may broadcast a search message containing information indicating the number of external electronic devices that can be connected in operation 603. For example, the electronic device (210) may broadcast an instruction regarding how many devices are connected to the electronic device (210).

[0190] The electronic device (210) can broadcast a search message containing information indicating the number of external electronic devices that can be connected via short-range wireless communication. The electronic device (210) can broadcast a search message containing information indicating the number of external electronic devices that can be connected via short-range wireless communication via wireless communication other than short-range wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth).

[0191] An external electronic device that wishes to be connected to the electronic device (210) can be connected to the electronic device (210) via short-range wireless communication upon receiving a search message broadcast by the electronic device (210).

[0192] The electronic device (210) can check whether the data transmission mode is activated in operation 604.

[0193] The electronic device (210), when connected to an external electronic device, may operate in at least one of a data transmission mode for transmitting data to an external electronic device or a data reception mode for receiving data from an external electronic device. The electronic device (210) may operate in a data transmission mode for transmitting data to at least one external electronic device (e.g., a first external electronic device (220)) and in a data reception mode for receiving data from at least one external electronic device (e.g., a second external electronic device (230) and / or a third external electronic device (240)). The electronic device (210) may perform the data transmission mode and the data reception mode simultaneously.

[0194] The electronic device (210) can determine whether the number of external electronic devices connected to the electronic device (210) is equal to the maximum number of external electronic devices to which the electronic device (210) can be connected when the data transmission mode is activated in operation 605 (operation 604-yes).

[0195] The electronic device (210) can transmit information indicating that the connection has failed to the external electronic device (220, 230, 240, 411, 412) as it confirms in operation 606 that the number of external electronic devices that can be connected to the electronic device (210) is the maximum number (operation 605-Yes).

[0196] The electronic device (210) can check whether the electronic device (210) operates as GO in operation 607.

[0197] The electronic device (210) may operate as the GO of a group (e.g., a first group (201)) created by the electronic device (210). Alternatively, the electronic device (210) may operate as the GO of a group created by an external electronic device other than the electronic device (210) (e.g., a first external electronic device (220)), through negotiation between the electronic device (210) and the other external electronic device (e.g., the first external electronic device (220)).

[0198] The electronic device (210) can activate Autonomous GO mode based on confirming in operation 608 that the electronic device (210) is not operating as GO (operation 607-No).

[0199] The electronic device (210) can create a group (e.g., a first group (201)) that the electronic device (210) operates as a GO by activating the Autonomous GO mode.

[0200] The electronic device (210) can set up (or instruct, set up, support) short-range wireless communication to enable an external electronic device (e.g., the first external electronic device (220)) to operate as a GC, based on confirming in operation 609 that the electronic device (210) operates as a GO (operation 607-Yes).

[0201] The electronic device (210) can disconnect the connection with the external electronic device (e.g., the first external electronic device (220)) whose service has been terminated in operation 610.

[0202] The electronic device (210) can disconnect from the external electronic device whose service has been terminated (e.g., the first external electronic device (220)) and change (or update) the number of connectable external electronic devices. According to one example, the electronic device (210) can disconnect from the external electronic device whose service has been terminated (e.g., the first external electronic device (220)) and change the number of connectable external electronic devices to a value of one more than the number of connectable external electronic devices.

[0203] The electronic device (210) can determine, in operation 611, whether there is an external electronic device receiving data from the electronic device (210). For example, the electronic device (210) can identify in operation (611) whether there is an external electronic device receiving data from the electronic device (210) within a group (e.g., a first group (201)).

[0204] The electronic device (210) can maintain a first group if there is an external electronic device that receives data from the electronic device (210) (Operation 611-Yes).

[0205] The electronic device (210) may disable the data transmission mode in operation 612 if there is no external electronic device receiving data from the electronic device (210) (operation 611-No).

[0206] The electronic device (210) can disable the data transmission mode and dismantle the first group.

[0207] The electronic device (210) can check the activation of the data reception mode when the data transmission mode is not activated in operation 613 (operation 604-N).

[0208] The electronic device (210), when connected to an external electronic device, may operate in at least one of a data transmission mode for transmitting data to an external electronic device or a data reception mode for receiving data from an external electronic device. The electronic device (210) may operate in a data transmission mode for transmitting data to at least one external electronic device (e.g., a first external electronic device (220)) and in a data reception mode for receiving data from at least one external electronic device (e.g., a second external electronic device (230) and / or a third external electronic device (240)). The electronic device (210) may perform the data transmission mode and the data reception mode simultaneously.

[0209] In operation 614, the electronic device (210) can determine whether the number of external electronic devices connected to the electronic device (210) is equal to the maximum number of external electronic devices to which the electronic device (210) can be connected.

[0210] The electronic device (210) can transmit information indicating that the connection has failed to the external electronic device (220, 230, 240, 411, 412) upon confirming that the number of external electronic devices connectable to the electronic device (210) is the maximum number (operation 614-Yes). For example, the electronic device (210) can perform operation 606.

[0211] The electronic device (210) can join a group created by an external electronic device (e.g., a second external electronic device (230) and / or a third external electronic device (240)) as a GC and perform a service based on operation 615, where the number of external electronic devices connected to the electronic device (210) is not equal to (or is smaller than) the maximum number of external electronic devices to which the electronic device (210) can be connected (operation 614-N).

[0212] The electronic device (210) can disconnect from the external electronic device (e.g., the second external electronic device (230) and / or the third external electronic device (240)) after the service has been completed in operation 616.

[0213] The electronic device (210) can disconnect from an external electronic device whose service has been terminated (e.g., a second external electronic device (230) and / or a third external electronic device (240)) and change (or update) the number of connectable external electronic devices. According to one example, the electronic device (210) can disconnect from an external electronic device whose service has been terminated (e.g., a second external electronic device (230) and / or a third external electronic device (240)) and change the number of connectable external electronic devices to the sum of the number of disconnected external electronic devices and the number of existing connectable external electronic devices.

[0214] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operation (700) of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0215] An electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (210) of FIG. 3) can, in operation 710, transmit data to a first external electronic device (e.g., the first external electronic device (220) of FIG. 2a) included in a first group (e.g., the first group (201) of FIG. 2a) and / or receive data from a second external electronic device (e.g., the second external electronic device (230) of FIG. 2a) included in a second group (e.g., the second group (202) of FIG. 2a).

[0216] The electronic device (210) can detect the activation of a service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and a first external electronic device (e.g., the first external electronic device (220) of FIG. 2a). The service using short-range wireless communication may include a service in which the electronic device (210) and the first external electronic device (220) transmit and / or receive data through inter-device communication. The inter-device communication between the electronic device (210) and the first external electronic device (220) may include Wi-Fi Direct.

[0217] The electronic device (210) can control the communication circuit (310) to perform a connection using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the first external electronic device (220) upon detecting (or based on detecting) a service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the first external electronic device (220). The electronic device (210) can create a first group (e.g., the first group (201) of FIG. 2a) including the electronic device (210) so that when the electronic device (210) transmits data (or, file, content) to the first external electronic device (220), the electronic device (210) acts as a GO (group owner). After creating the first group (201), the electronic device (210) can control the first external electronic device (220) to join the first group (201). The first external electronic device (220) can operate as a GC (group client) of the first group (201).

[0218] The electronic device (210) can detect the activation of a service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and a second external electronic device (e.g., the second external electronic device (230) of FIG. 2a). The service using short-range wireless communication may include a service in which the electronic device (210) and the second external electronic device (230) transmit and / or receive data through inter-device communication. The inter-device communication between the electronic device (210) and the second external electronic device (230) may include Wi-Fi Direct.

[0219] The electronic device (210) can control the communication circuit (310) to perform a connection using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the second external electronic device (230) by detecting (or based on) a service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the second external electronic device (230). When the electronic device (210) receives data (or files, content) from the second external electronic device (230), the electronic device (210) can perform joining to a second group (e.g., the second group (202) of FIG. 2a) created by the second external electronic device (230). When the electronic device (210) receives data from the second external electronic device (230), the electronic device (210) can operate as a GC, and the second external electronic device (230) can operate as a GO.

[0220] There is no restriction on the order in which the electronic device (210) creates the first group (201) and the electronic device (210) joins the second group (202). The electronic device (210) may create the first group (201) and then join the second group (202), and the electronic device (210) may create the first group (201) after joining the second group (202). The electronic device (210) may be included in both the first group (201) and the second group (202) and may operate as the GO of the first group (201) and the GC of the second group.

[0221] The electronic device (210) can control the communication circuit (310) so that the electronic device (210) transmits data to a first external electronic device (220) included in a first group (201) and / or the electronic device (210) receives data from a second external electronic device (230) included in a second group (202).

[0222] The electronic device (210) can detect, in operation 720, the activation of a third external electronic device (e.g., the third external electronic device (240) of FIG. 2b) and a service performed by the electronic device (210).

[0223] The electronic device (210) can detect the activation of a service performed by the electronic device (210) and a third external electronic device (e.g., the third external electronic device (240) of FIG. 2b) while the electronic device (210) transmits data to a first external electronic device (220) included in a first group (201) and / or receives data from a second external electronic device (230) included in a second group (202).

[0224] The service performed by the third external electronic device (240) and the electronic device (210) may include the service performed by the electronic device (210) and the third external electronic device (240) using short-range wireless communication. The service performed by the electronic device (210) and the third external electronic device (240) using short-range wireless communication may refer to a service that uses data transmitted / received through a channel connected via.

[0225] The electronic device (210) can detect the activation of a service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and a third external electronic device (240). According to one example, the service using short-range wireless communication may include at least one service among a content (or data, file) sharing service and a multi-device environment (MDE) support service. The third external electronic device (240) can transmit a connection request message to the electronic device (210) to transmit data to the electronic device (210), and the electronic device (210) can detect the activation of a service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the third external electronic device (240) as it receives the connection request message in various ways (e.g., short-range wireless communication or short-range wireless communication other than short-range wireless communication (out-of-band, OOB)).

[0226] The electronic device (210) can determine whether to join a third group (e.g., the third group (203) of FIG. 4b) that a third external electronic device (240) will create, based on performance information of the communication circuit (e.g., the communication circuit (310) of FIG. 3) and characteristics of the service in operation 730.

[0227] The electronic device (210) can detect the activation of a service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and a third external electronic device (240), and thus can verify the performance information of the communication circuit (310) and the characteristics of the service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the third external electronic device (240).

[0228] The performance information of the communication circuit (310) may include the maximum number of external electronic devices (e.g., a first external electronic device (220), a second external electronic device (230) and / or a third external electronic device (240)) that can be connected via short-range wireless communication with the electronic device (210) supported by the communication circuit (310).

[0229] According to one example, if the number of external electronic devices that can be connected via short-range wireless communication with the electronic device (210), supported by the communication circuit (310), is eight, a third external electronic device (240) may be connected via short-range wireless communication with the electronic device (210).

[0230] According to another example, if the number of external electronic devices that can be connected to the electronic device (210) via short-range wireless communication supported by the communication circuit (310) is two, the third external electronic device (240) may not be able to be connected to the electronic device (210) via short-range wireless communication.

[0231] The electronic device (210) can control the communication circuit (310) to check the number of external electronic devices (e.g., a first external electronic device (220) and a second external electronic device (230)) connected to the electronic device (210) via short-range wireless communication at set intervals, and to broadcast a message including information indicating the number of external electronic devices that can be connected to the electronic device (210).

[0232] The characteristics of a service using short-range wireless communication between an electronic device (210) and a third external electronic device (240) may include an operation mode for the electronic device (210) to perform a service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the third external electronic device (240). The operation mode for the electronic device (210) to perform a service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the third external electronic device (240) may include a data transmission mode and / or a data reception mode.

[0233] According to one example, the electronic device (210) may operate in a data transmission mode when transmitting data (or content, file) to a third external electronic device (240), and may operate in a data reception mode when receiving data (or content, file) from the third external electronic device (240).

[0234] The electronic device (210) can determine whether to join a third group (e.g., the third group in FIG. 2b) that the third external electronic device (240) will create, or a third group that the third external electronic device (240) has already created, based on performance information of the communication circuit (310) and characteristics of the service using short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the third external electronic device (240).

[0235] According to one example, the electronic device (210) may decide to join the third group based on confirming that a short-range wireless communication connection between the third external electronic device (240) and the electronic device (210) is possible based on performance information of the communication circuit (310), and based on confirming that it operates in a data receiving mode to receive data (or content, file) from the third external electronic device (240) based on the characteristics of the service.

[0236] According to one example, the electronic device (210) may decide to join a third group based on confirming, based on performance information of the communication circuit (310), that the number of external electronic devices connected to the electronic device (210) via short-range wireless communication is less than the maximum number of connectable external electronic devices supported by the communication circuit (310), and based on the characteristics of the service, that it operates in a data receiving mode to receive data (or content, file) from a third external electronic device (240).

[0237] The third group is a group in which the third external electronic device (240) acts as the GO (group owner), and may be a group that is not dissolved even if the group containing the electronic device (210) (e.g., the second external electronic device (230) included in the second group (202)) is dissolved as another external electronic device (e.g., the second external electronic device (210)) completes the transmission of data to the electronic device (210). Accordingly, the electronic device (210) can receive data transmitted by the third external electronic device (240) or receive data smoothly by joining the third group created by the third external electronic device (240) that transmits data to the electronic device (210).

[0238] According to one example, if the electronic device (210) determines, based on performance information of the communication circuit (310), that the number of external electronic devices connected to the electronic device (210) via short-range wireless communication is the maximum number of connectable external electronic devices supported by the communication circuit (310), it may decide not to join the third group. This is because if the number of external electronic devices connected to the electronic device (210) via short-range wireless communication is the maximum number of connectable external electronic devices supported by the communication circuit (310), the electronic device (210) cannot be connected to the third external electronic device (240) via short-range wireless communication.

[0239] The electronic device (210) may provide information indicating not to join the third group as it decides not to join the third group. According to one example, the electronic device (210) may control a communication circuit (310) to transmit information indicating not to join the third group to a third external electronic device (240). Alternatively, the electronic device (210) may control an entity supporting other short-range wireless communication (e.g., another communication circuit (not shown)) to transmit information indicating not to join the third group to the third external electronic device (240) via other short-range wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth). The third external electronic device (240) receives a message containing information indicating the number of external electronic devices that can be connected to the electronic device (210) transmitted by the electronic device (210), and if it confirms, based on the information indicating the number of external electronic devices that can be connected to the electronic device (210) that the electronic device (210) can be connected to the third external electronic device (240) (e.g., the connection between the electronic device (210) and the external electronic device of the first group (201) and / or the external electronic device of the second group (202) is disconnected), it may attempt to reconnect with the electronic device (210) via short-range wireless communication.

[0240] According to one example, the electronic device (210) can determine, based on the characteristics of the service, that the electronic device (210) operates in a data transmission mode to transmit data to a third external electronic device (240). Based on the determination that the electronic device (210) operates in a data transmission mode to transmit data to a third external electronic device (240), the electronic device (210) can decide not to join the third group.

[0241] The electronic device (210) can operate as the GO (group owner) of the first group (201) to transmit data to the first external electronic device (220). The electronic device (210) can allow the third external electronic device (240) to join the first group (201) without joining the third group, based on confirming that the electronic device (210) operates in a data transmission mode to transmit data to the third external electronic device (240). The third external electronic device (240), by joining the first group (201), can operate as the GC (group client) of the first group (201) and can receive data from the electronic device (210) through the frequency band allocated to the first group (201). The electronic device (210) can maintain the first group (201) before data transmission to external electronic devices (e.g., the first external electronic device (220) and / or the third external electronic device (240)) that operate as GC is completed (or, the first group (201) may not be disbanded). Thus, a connection via short-range wireless communication between the electronic device (210) and the third external electronic device (240) can be maintained.

[0242] In operation 740, the electronic device (210) can perform joining to the third group (203) while the electronic device (210) remains in the first group (201) and the second group (202).

[0243] As the electronic device (210) decides to join the third group, it may perform a series of operations with the third external electronic device (240) for joining the third group. According to one example, the electronic device (210) may receive information of the third group (e.g., frequency band, channel information of the third group and / or identification information of the third group) from the third external electronic device (240) and may join the third group based on the information of the third group received from the third external electronic device (240). After joining the third group, the electronic device (210) may receive data (or content, files) from the third external electronic device (240) included in the third group.

[0244] In performing the joining of the third group, the electronic device (210) may maintain a state in which the electronic device (210) is included in the first group (201) and the second group (202). According to one example, the electronic device (210) may operate as a GO of the first group (201), as a GC of the second group (202), and as a GC of the third group.

[0245] An electronic device according to one example may include a communication circuit (310) that supports short-range wireless communication. The electronic device may include a memory (330) that stores at least one computer program. The electronic device may include at least one processor (320). The at least one computer program may include instructions that, when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (320), cause the electronic device to transmit data via the short-range wireless communication to the first external electronic device (220) included in a first group (201) including the electronic device and the first external electronic device (220) and / or receive data via the short-range wireless communication from the second external electronic device (230) included in a second group including the electronic device and the second external electronic device (230). The above instruction may cause the electronic device to detect the activation of a third external electronic device (240) and a service performed by the electronic device when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (320). The above instruction may cause the electronic device to determine whether to join a third group (203) created by the third external electronic device (240) based on performance information of the communication circuit (310) and characteristics of the service when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (320). The above instruction may cause the electronic device to join the third group (203) while maintaining a state of being included in the first group (201) and the second group (202) based on the decision to join the third group (203) when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (320).

[0246] In an electronic device according to one example, the performance information of the communication circuit (310) may include information indicating the maximum number of external electronic devices that can be connected to the electronic device via the short-range wireless communication and / or information indicating whether the electronic device can be connected via the short-range wireless communication. When the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (320), the electronic device may decide to join the third group (203) if the number of external electronic devices connected to the electronic device via the short-range wireless communication is less than the maximum number.

[0247] In an electronic device according to one example, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (320), the electronic device may determine not to join the third group (203) when the number of external electronic devices connected to the electronic device via the short-range wireless communication is the maximum number. When the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (320), the electronic device may provide information indicating not to join the third group (203).

[0248] In an electronic device according to one example, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (320), the electronic device may decide to join the third group (203) if the service is a service in which the third external electronic device (240) transmits data to the electronic device.

[0249] In an electronic device according to one example, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (320), the electronic device may decide not to join the third group (203) if the service is a service in which the third external electronic device (240) receives data from the electronic device.

[0250] In an electronic device according to one example, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (320), the third external electronic device (240) may be made to join the first group (201) based on the determination that the electronic device will not join the third group (203).

[0251] In an electronic device according to one example, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (320), the electronic device may be able to broadcast information indicating whether the electronic device is connectable and / or information indicating the number of external electronic devices connectable to the electronic device through the short-range wireless communication and / or a short-range wireless communication other than the short-range wireless communication.

[0252] In an electronic device according to one example, the electronic device may be configured to operate as a GO (group owner) of the first group (201), as a GC (group client) of the second group, and as a GC of the third group (203).

[0253] In an electronic device according to one example, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (320), the electronic device may detect the activation of a fourth external electronic device (411) and a service performed by the electronic device. When the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (320), the electronic device may determine whether to join a fourth group (401) created by the fourth external electronic device (411) based on performance information of the communication circuit (310) and whether the fourth external electronic device (411) performs a service of transmitting data to the electronic device. When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (320), the electronic device may be made to join the fourth group (401) based on the decision to join the fourth group (401), while the electronic device remains in the first group (201), the second group (202), and the third group (203).

[0254] In an electronic device according to one example, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (320), the electronic device may not join the third group (203) if the number of external electronic devices connected to the electronic device via the short-range wireless communication is the maximum number of external electronic devices that can be connected to the electronic device via the short-range wireless communication. When the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (320), the electronic device may join the third group (203) if the connection between the electronic device and another external electronic device included in the first group (201) is disconnected.

[0255] According to one example, in a recording medium storing at least one program comprising instructions that cause the electronic device to perform operations when executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (320) of the electronic device, the instructions may cause the electronic device to transmit data to the first external electronic device (220) included in a first group (201) including the electronic device and the first external electronic device (220) and / or receive data from the second external electronic device (230) included in a second group including the electronic device and the second external electronic device (230). The instructions may cause the electronic device to detect the activation of a third external electronic device (240) and a service performed by the electronic device when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (320). The above instructions may cause the electronic device to decide whether to join the third group (203) created by the third external electronic device (240) based on performance information of the communication circuit (310) and characteristics of the service, when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (320). The above instructions may cause the electronic device to join the third group (203) while maintaining a state of being included in the first group (201) and the second group (202), based on the decision to join the third group (203), when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (320).

[0256] In a recording medium according to one example, the performance information of the communication circuit (310) may include information indicating the maximum number of external electronic devices that can be connected to the electronic device via the short-range wireless communication and / or information indicating whether the electronic device can be connected via the short-range wireless communication. When the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (320), the electronic device may decide to join the third group (203) if the number of external electronic devices connected to the electronic device via the short-range wireless communication is less than the maximum number.

[0257] In a recording medium according to one example, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (320), the electronic device may determine not to join the third group (203) when the number of external electronic devices connected to the electronic device via the short-range wireless communication is the maximum number. When the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (320), the electronic device may provide information indicating not to join the third group (203).

[0258] In a recording medium according to one example, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (320), the electronic device may decide to join the third group (203) if the service is a service in which the third external electronic device (240) transmits data to the electronic device.

[0259] In a recording medium according to one example, the instructions may, when executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (320), cause the electronic device to broadcast information indicating whether it is possible to connect to the electronic device and / or information indicating the number of external electronic devices that can be connected to the electronic device via short-range wireless communication and / or short-range wireless communication other than short-range wireless communication.

[0260] A method of operation of an electronic device according to one example may include an operation of transmitting data to the first external electronic device (220) included in a first group (201) including the electronic device and the first external electronic device (220) and / or receiving data to the second external electronic device (230) included in a second group including the electronic device and the second external electronic device (230). A method of operation of an electronic device may include an operation of detecting the activation of a third external electronic device (240) and a service performed by the electronic device. A method of operation of an electronic device may include an operation of determining whether to join a third group (203) to be created by the third external electronic device (240) based on performance information of the communication circuit (310) and characteristics of the service. A method of operation of an electronic device may include joining the third group (203) based on a decision to join the third group (203), while the electronic device maintains a state of being included in the first group (201) and the second group (202).

[0261] In a method of operation of an electronic device according to one example, the performance information of the communication circuit (310) may include information indicating the maximum number of external electronic devices that can be connected to the electronic device via the short-range wireless communication and / or information indicating whether the electronic device can be connected via the short-range wireless communication. An operation to determine whether to join the third group (203) may include an operation to decide to join the third group (203) when the number of external electronic devices connected to the electronic device via the short-range wireless communication is less than the maximum number.

[0262] In a method of operation of an electronic device according to one example, the operation of determining whether to join the third group (203) may include the operation of determining not to join the third group (203) when the number of external electronic devices connected to the electronic device via the short-range wireless communication is the maximum number. The operation of determining whether to join the third group (203) may include the operation of providing information indicating not to join the third group (203).

[0263] In a method of operation of an electronic device according to one example, the operation of determining whether to join the third group (203) may include the operation of determining to join the third group (203) when the service is a service in which the third external electronic device (240) transmits data to the electronic device.

[0264] In a method of operation of an electronic device according to one example, the method of operation of the electronic device may further include an operation of broadcasting information indicating whether the electronic device is connectable and / or information indicating the number of external electronic devices connectable to the electronic device through short-range wireless communication and / or short-range wireless communication other than short-range wireless communication.

[0265] The present disclosure also includes examples according to the following numbered paragraphs:

[0266] Paragraph 1. An electronic device comprising: a communication circuit configured to support short-range wireless communication; a memory configured to store at least one computer program; and at least one processor, wherein a first group comprises the electronic device and a first external electronic device, and a second group comprises the electronic device and a second external electronic device, and wherein the at least one computer program, when executed alone or collectively by the at least one processor, enables the electronic device: to transmit first data to the first external electronic device through the communication circuit and / or to receive second data from the second external electronic device through the communication circuit; to detect the activation of a service that can be performed by the electronic device and a third external electronic device; and, based on capability information of the communication circuit and characteristics of the service, to determine whether the electronic device joins a third group created by the third external electronic device while maintaining a state of belonging to the first group and the second group.

[0267] Paragraph 2. An electronic device according to Paragraph 1, wherein, when executed alone or collectively by at least one processor, the electronic device: an electronic device that causes the electronic device to join a third group while maintaining a state of belonging to a first group and a second group based on a decision to join a third group.

[0268] Paragraph 3. An electronic device according to Paragraph 1 or Paragraph 2, wherein capability information of the communication circuit comprises information indicating the maximum number of external electronic devices that can be connected to the electronic device via short-range wireless communication and / or information indicating whether the electronic device can be connected via short-range wireless communication.

[0269] Paragraph 4. An electronic device according to Paragraph 3, wherein, when executed alone or collectively by at least one processor, the electronic device: determines to join a third group when the number of external electronic devices connected to the electronic device via near-field wireless communication is less than the maximum number; and / or determines not to join a third group when the number of external electronic devices connected to the electronic device via near-field wireless communication is the maximum number, and transmits information indicating not to join a third group.

[0270] Paragraph 5. An electronic device according to any one of Paragraphs 3 to 4, wherein, when executed alone or collectively by at least one processor, the electronic device: does not join a third group when the number of external electronic devices connected to the electronic device via short-range wireless communication is the maximum number of external electronic devices connectable to the electronic device; and joins a third group when the connection between the electronic device and another external electronic device belonging to a first group is disconnected.

[0271] Paragraph 6. An electronic device according to any one of Paragraphs 1 through 5, wherein, when executed alone or collectively by at least one processor, the electronic device: determines to join a third group if the service is a service in which a third external electronic device transmits data to the electronic device; and / or determines not to join a third group if the service is a service in which a third external electronic device receives data from the electronic device.

[0272] Paragraph 7. An electronic device according to any one of Paragraphs 1 through 6, wherein, when executed alone or collectively by the at least one processor, the third external electronic device joins the first group based on a decision not to join the third group.

[0273] Paragraph 8. An electronic device according to any one of paragraphs 1 through 7, wherein, when executed alone or collectively by at least one processor, the electronic device: causes the electronic device to broadcast, via short-range wireless communication and / or different short-range wireless communication, information indicating whether the electronic device is in a connectable state and / or information indicating the number of external electronic devices connectable to the electronic device.

[0274] Paragraph 9. An electronic device according to any one of Paragraphs 1 through 8, wherein the electronic device operates as a Group Owner (GO) of a first group, operates as a Group Client (GC) of a second group, and is configured to operate as a GC of a third group when joining a third group.

[0275] Paragraph 10. An electronic device according to any one of Paragraphs 1 through 9, wherein, when executed alone or collectively by at least one processor, the electronic device: detects the activation of a fourth external electronic device and a service that can be performed by the electronic device; determines whether to join a fourth group generated by the fourth external electronic device based on capability information of the communication circuit and whether the fourth external electronic device performs a service of transmitting data to the electronic device; and, based on the decision to join the fourth group, causes the electronic device to join the fourth group while maintaining a state of belonging to the first group and the second group.

[0276] Paragraph 11. A method for operating an electronic device, comprising the steps of: transmitting first data to a first external electronic device and / or receiving second data from a second external electronic device through a communication circuit configured to support short-range wireless communication; wherein the first group comprises the electronic device and the first external electronic device, and the second group comprises the electronic device and the second external electronic device; detecting the activation of a service that can be performed by the electronic device and a third external electronic device; and determining whether to join a third group generated by the third external electronic device while maintaining a state of belonging to the first group and the second group based on capability information of the communication circuit and characteristics of the service.

[0277] Paragraph 12. A method according to Paragraph 11, wherein the capability information of the communication circuit comprises information indicating the maximum number of external electronic devices that can be connected to the electronic device via short-range wireless communication and / or information indicating whether the electronic device can be connected via short-range wireless communication.

[0278] Paragraph 13. A method according to Paragraph 12, additionally comprising: a step of deciding to join a third group when the number of external electronic devices connected to the electronic device via near-field wireless communication is less than the maximum number; a step of deciding not to join a third group when the number of external electronic devices connected to the electronic device via near-field wireless communication is the maximum number; a step of deciding to join a third group when the service is a service in which a third external electronic device transmits data to the electronic device; a step of deciding not to join a third group when the service is a service in which a third external electronic device receives data from the electronic device; and / or a step of not joining a third group when the number of external electronic devices connected to the electronic device via near-field wireless communication is the maximum number of external electronic devices connectable to the electronic device, and joining a third group when the connection between the electronic device and another external electronic device belonging to the first group is disconnected.

[0279] Paragraph 14. A method according to any one of paragraphs 11 through 13, additionally comprising: broadcasting, via short-range wireless communication and / or different short-range wireless communication, information indicating whether the electronic device is connectable and / or information indicating the number of external electronic devices connectable to the electronic device.

[0280] Paragraph 15. A recording medium for storing at least one program, wherein the recording medium comprises instructions that cause the electronic device to perform a method according to any one of paragraphs 11 through 14 when the program is executed alone or collectively by a processor of at least one electronic device.

Claims

1. In an electronic device, Communication circuit supporting short-range wireless communication; Memory for storing at least one computer program; and It includes at least one processor, When the above at least one computer program is executed individually or collectively by the above at least one processor, the electronic device, Transmitting first data via short-range wireless communication to the first external electronic device included in the first group including the electronic device and the first external electronic device, and / or receiving second data via short-range wireless communication from the second external electronic device included in the second group including the electronic device and the second external electronic device. Detecting the activation of a third external electronic device and a service that the electronic device can perform, and Based on the performance information of the communication circuit and the characteristics of the service, it is determined whether to join a third group generated by the third external electronic device, and An electronic device comprising instructions for joining the third group while the electronic device maintains a state of being included in the first group and the second group, based on a decision to join the third group.

2. In Paragraph 1, The performance information of the above communication circuit is, An electronic device comprising information indicating the maximum number of external electronic devices that can be connected to the electronic device via the short-range wireless communication and / or information indicating whether the electronic device can be connected via the short-range wireless communication.

3. In paragraphs 1 and 2, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device, If the number of external electronic devices connected to the electronic device via the short-range wireless communication is less than the maximum number, it is decided to join the third group, and / or If the number of external electronic devices connected to the above electronic device via the above short-range wireless communication is the above maximum number, It was decided not to join the aforementioned third group, and An electronic device that transmits information indicating not to join the aforementioned third group.

4. In Paragraph 3, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device, If the number of external electronic devices connected to the electronic device via the short-range wireless communication is the maximum number of external electronic devices that can be connected to the electronic device via the short-range wireless communication, without joining the third group, An electronic device that joins the third group when the connection between another external electronic device included in the first group and the electronic device is disconnected.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 4, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device, If the above service is a service in which the third external electronic device transmits data to the electronic device, it is decided to join the third group, and / or An electronic device that decides not to join the third group when the above service is a service in which the third external electronic device receives data from the electronic device.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 5, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device, An electronic device that causes the third external electronic device to join the first group based on a decision not to join the third group.

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 6, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device, An electronic device that broadcasts information indicating whether it is possible to connect to the electronic device and / or information indicating the number of external electronic devices that can be connected to the electronic device, via the short-range wireless communication and / or a short-range wireless communication other than the short-range wireless communication.

8. In paragraphs 1 through 7, The above electronic device is, An electronic device configured to operate as the GO (group owner) of the first group, as the GC (group client) of the second group, and as the GC of the third group when the electronic device joins the third group.

9. In paragraphs 1 through 8, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device, Detecting the activation of a fourth external electronic device and a service that the electronic device can perform, and Based on performance information of the communication circuit and whether the fourth external electronic device performs a service of transmitting data to the electronic device, it is determined whether to join the fourth group generated by the fourth external electronic device, and An electronic device that, based on a decision to join the fourth group, allows the electronic device to join the fourth group while maintaining a state of being included in the first group, the second group, and the third group.

10. In a method of operating an electronic device, The operation of transmitting data to the first external electronic device included in the first group comprising the electronic device and the first external electronic device, and / or receiving data from the second external electronic device included in the second group comprising the electronic device and the second external electronic device; A third external electronic device and an operation to detect the activation of a service that the electronic device can perform; An operation to determine whether to join a third group generated by the third external electronic device based on performance information of the communication circuit and characteristics of the service; and A method of operation of an electronic device comprising the operation of joining the third group while the electronic device maintains a state of being included in the first group and the second group, based on a decision to join the third group.

11. In Paragraph 10, The performance information of the above communication circuit is, A method of operating an electronic device comprising information indicating the maximum number of external electronic devices that can be connected to the electronic device via the short-range wireless communication and / or information indicating whether the electronic device can be connected via the short-range wireless communication.

12. In paragraphs 10 and 11, The method of operation of the above electronic device If the number of external electronic devices connected to the electronic device via the short-range wireless communication is less than the maximum number, An action of deciding to join the above-mentioned third group; If the number of external electronic devices connected to the above electronic device via the above short-range wireless communication is the above maximum number, An action of deciding not to join the above-mentioned third group; If the above service is a service in which the third external electronic device transmits data to the electronic device, A method of operation of an electronic device including an operation to decide to join the above-mentioned third group.

13. In Paragraphs 10 through 12, The method of operation of the above electronic device A method of operation of an electronic device further comprising the operation of broadcasting information indicating whether the electronic device can be connected and / or information indicating the number of external electronic devices that can be connected to the electronic device via short-range wireless communication and / or short-range wireless communication other than short-range wireless communication.

14. A recording medium storing at least one program comprising instructions that cause the electronic device to perform a method according to any one of claims 10 to 13 when executed alone or collectively by one or more processors of an electronic device.

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