Communication device and method for maintaining a communication function

Abstract

Various embodiments relate to a communication device and method for maintaining a communication function. The communication device is configured to perform determining that there is the communication function executed on the communication device, wherein the communication function comprise at least one of an outgoing communication, an incoming communication, or an ongoing communication; determining that the communication device is to be overheated by predicting whether a device temperature of the communication device is to reach to a temperature threshold after a time frame; and performing a communication function maintaining process for maintaining the communication function.

Description

COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MAINTAINING A COMMUNICATION FUNCTION

[0001] The disclosure relates to a communication device and method for maintaining a communication function.

[0002] An electronic device such as a smartphone or a wearable device is a popular device today. The electronic device may support many convenient functions such as call, remote device, transfer data. However, the electronic device, especially the wearable device, commonly features compact hardware designs. When performing a function in severe condition, the electronic device may generate a great heat and overheat, according to an example embodiment, when performing a function for an extended period of time, or when performing multiple functions or when performing a heavy function that requires more power.

[0003] Overheating may cause the electronic device terminate the ongoing function which may affect a user experience.

[0004] The disclosure provides a communication device and method for maintaining a communication function when detecting an overheating is to be happened, which may protect the communication device and improve a user experience.

[0005] According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided a communication device for maintaining a communication function, comprising: memory storing instructions; and at least one processor, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, cause the communication device to: determine that there is the communication function executed on the communication device, wherein the communication function comprise at least one of an outgoing communication, an incoming communication, or an ongoing communication; determine that the communication device is to be overheated by predicting whether a device temperature of the communication device is to reach to a temperature threshold after a time frame; and perform a communication function maintaining process for maintaining the communication function.

[0006] According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, the predicting whether the device temperature of the communication device is to reach to the temperature threshold after the time frame is based on at least one of an increasing pattern of the device temperature or a logistic regression machine learning model, wherein the time frame comprises a first time frame for preparing the communication function maintaining process and a second time frame for performing the communication function maintaining process.

[0007] According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided a method for maintaining a communication function, comprising: determining that there is the communication function executed on a first device, wherein the communication function comprise at least one of an outgoing communication, an incoming communication, or an ongoing communication; determining that the first device is to be overheated by predicting whether a device temperature of the communication device is to reach to a temperature threshold after a time frame; and performing a communication function maintaining process for maintaining the communication function.

[0008] According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, the predicting whether the device temperature of the first device is to reach to the temperature threshold after the time frame is based on at least one of an increasing pattern of the device temperature or a logistic regression machine learning model, wherein the time frame comprises a first time frame for preparing the communication function maintaining process and a second time frame for performing the communication function maintaining process.

[0009] According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided a computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of a communication device, cause the communication device to perform operations comprising: determining that there is the communication function executed on the communication device, wherein the communication function comprise at least one of an outgoing communication, an incoming communication, or an ongoing communication; determining that the communication device is to be overheated by predicting whether a device temperature of the communication device is to reach to a temperature threshold after a time frame; and performing a communication function maintaining process for maintaining the communication function, wherein the predicting whether the device temperature of the first device is to reach to the temperature threshold after the time frame is based on at least one of an increasing pattern of the device temperature or a logistic regression machine learning model, wherein the time frame comprises a first time frame for preparing the communication function maintaining process and a second time frame for performing the communication function maintaining process. To further clarify the advantages and features of the disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail in the accompanying drawings.

[0010] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and are a part of this disclosure, illustrate various example embodiments and together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles. The same reference numbers may be used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the disclosure will be more apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary electronic device for maintaining a communication function according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device for maintaining a communication function according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device for maintaining a communication function according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a schematic flowchart illustrating an overall concept of a method for maintaining a communication function of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a schematic flowchart of a method for maintaining a communication function according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a schematic flowchart illustrating operation S510 of the method for maintaining a communication function in FIG. 5 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a schematic flowchart illustrating operation S520 of the method for maintaining a communication function in FIG. 5 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating an example of the increasing pattern of the device temperature over time according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 9 is a table showing an example of the increase of the device temperature within the time frame T according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 10 is a schematic flowchart of a logistic regression machine learning model according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 11 is a schematic flowchart of training process of the logistic regression machine learning model according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 12 is a schematic flowchart illustrating operation S530 of the method for maintaining a communication function in FIG. 5 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 13 is a schematic flowchart illustrating an example of operation S540 of the method for maintaining a communication function in FIG. 5 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 14 is a schematic flowchart illustrating operation S550 of the method for maintaining a communication function in FIG. 5, in case the communication function is an outgoing communication according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 15 is a schematic flowchart illustrating operation S550 of the method for maintaining a communication function in FIG. 5, in case the communication function is an incoming communication according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 16 is a schematic flowchart illustrating operation S550 of the method for maintaining a communication function in FIG. 5, in case the communication function is an ongoing communication according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 17 is a schematic flowchart of a method for maintaining a communication function according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 18 is a schematic flowchart of a method for maintaining a communication function according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0029] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagrams herein represent conceptual views of illustrative systems embodying the principles of the disclosure. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flowcharts, flow diagrams, state transition diagrams, pseudo code, and the like represent various processes which may be substantially represented in computer readable medium and executed by a computer or processor, whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown.

[0030] In the disclosure, the word "exemplary" is used herein to refer, for example, to "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the disclosure described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0031] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, various example embodiments are shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in greater detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[0032] Reference throughout this specification to "an aspect," "another aspect" or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment," "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0033] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0034] The terms "have," "may have,", "comprise", "may comprise", "include," and "may include", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps / operations does not include only those steps / operations but may include other steps / operations not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

[0035] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. Also, the various embodiments described herein are not necessarily mutually exclusive, as some embodiments can be combined with one or more other embodiments to form new embodiments. The term "or" as used herein, refers to a non-exclusive or unless otherwise indicated. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein can be practiced and to further enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

[0036] As is traditional in the field, embodiments may be described and illustrated in terms of blocks that carry out a described function or functions. These blocks, which may be referred to herein as units or modules or the like, are physically implemented by analog or digital circuits such as logic gates, integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory circuits, passive electronic components, active electronic components, optical components, hardwired circuits, or the like, and may optionally be driven by firmware and software. Each block of the embodiments may be physically separated into two or more interacting and discrete blocks without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, the blocks of the embodiments may be physically combined into more complex blocks without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0037] As used herein, "at least one of the following: " and "at least one of " and similar wording, where the list of two or more elements are joined by "and" or "or", mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all the elements.

[0038] For example, the terms "A or B," "at least one of A or / and B," or "one or more of A or / and B" as used herein include all possible combinations of items enumerated with them. For example, "A or B," "at least one of A and B," or "at least one of A or B" means (1) including at least one A, (2) including at least one B, or (3) including both at least one A and at least one B.

[0039] The terms such as "first" and "second" as used herein may modify various elements regardless of an order and / or importance of the corresponding elements, and do not limit the corresponding elements. These terms may be used for the purpose of distinguishing one element from another element. For example, a first user device and a second user device may indicate different user devices regardless of the order or importance. For example, a first element may be referred to as a second element without departing from the scope the disclosure, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element.

[0040] The expression "configured to (or set to)" as used herein may be used interchangeably with "suitable for," "having the capacity to," "designed to," " adapted to," "made to," or "capable of" according to a context. The term "configured to (set to)" does not necessarily mean "specifically designed to" in a hardware level. Instead, the expression "apparatus configured to?" may mean that the apparatus is "capable of?" along with other devices or parts in a certain context. For example, "a processor configured to (set to) perform A, B, and C" may mean a dedicated processor (e.g., an embedded processor) for performing a corresponding operation, or a generic-purpose processor (e.g., a CPU or an application processor) capable of performing a corresponding operation by executing one or more software programs stored in a memory device.

[0041] The term "module" as used herein may be defined as, for example, a unit including one of hardware, software, and firmware or two or more combinations thereof. The term "module" may be interchangeably used with, for example, the terms "unit", "logic", "logical block", "component", or "circuit", and the like. The "module" may be a minimum unit of an integrated component or a part thereof. The "module" may be a minimum unit performing one or more functions or a part thereof. The "module" may be mechanically or electronically implemented. For example, the "module" may include at least one of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chip, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or a programmable-logic device, which is well known or will be developed in the future, for performing certain operations.

[0042] It should be understood that a communication device and method for maintaining a communication function in the embodiments of the disclosure may be applied to various communications systems, for example, a global system for mobile communications (GSM), a code division multiple access (CDMA) system, a wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) system, a general packet radio service (GPRS), an internet protocol (IP) multimedia subsystem (IMS) system, a long term evolution (LTE) system, a voice over LTE (VoLTE) system, an LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, an LTE time division duplex (TDD) system, a universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), a worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communications system, a 5th generation (5G) mobile communications system, or a subsequent evolved mobile communications system.

[0043] IMS is a standardized architectural framework for delivering IP multimedia services. Historically, mobile phones have provided voice call services over a circuit-switched-style network, rather than strictly over an IP packet-switched network. Various voice over IP technologies are available on smartphones; IMS provides a standard protocol across vendors. Examples of global standards based on IMS are MMTel which is the basis for voice over LTE (VoLTE), Wi-Fi calling (VoWIFI), video over LTE (ViLTE), short message service / multimedia messaging service (SMS / MMS) over WiFi and LTE, unstructured supplementary service data (USSD) over LTE, and rich communication services (RCS).

[0044] LTE is a standard for wireless broadband communication for mobile devices and data terminals, based on the GSM / EDGE and UMTS / HSPA standards. It improves on those standards' capacity and speed by using a different radio interface and core network improvements. LTE is the upgrade path for carriers with both GSM / UMTS networks and CDMA2000 networks. Because LTE frequencies and bands differ from country to country, only multi-band phones can use LTE in all countries where it is supported.

[0045] VoLTE is an LTE high-speed wireless communication standard for voice calls and SMS using mobile phones and data terminals. VoLTE is based on the IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) architectural framework, with specific profiles for control and media planes of voice service. This facilitates VoLTE on the LTE wireless broadband service defined by GSMA in PRD IR.92. The approach results in the voice service (control and media planes) being delivered as data flows within the LTE data bearer, with no dependency on (or ultimately, requirement for) the circuit-switched voice network to be in the call path.

[0046] The accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand various technical features and it should be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. As such, the disclosure should be construed to extend to any alterations, equivalents, and substitutes in addition to those which are particularly set out in the accompanying drawings. Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are generally only used to distinguish one element from another.

[0047] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary electronic device 101 capable of performing the operations described herein. According to an example embodiment, the electronic device 101 may be configured to implement the methods for maintaining a communication function in FIGS. 4-18. The electronic device 101 may be configured to implement the function of the first device in the methods for maintaining a communication function in FIGS. 4-16 and the communication device in the methods for maintaining a communication function in FIGS. 17 and 18.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 1, the electronic device 101 in the network environment 100 may communicate with at least one of an electronic device 102 via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or an electronic device 104 or a server 108 via a second network 199 (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may communicate with the electronic device 104 via the server 108. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include a processor 120, memory 130, an input module 150, a sound output module 155, a display module 160, an audio module 170, a sensor 176, an interface 177, a connecting terminal 178, a haptic module 179, a camera module 180, a power management module 188, a battery 189, a communication circuit 190, a subscriber identification module (SIM) 196, or an antenna module 197. In an embodiment, at least one (e.g., the connecting terminal 178) of the components may be omitted from the electronic device 101, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, some (e.g., the sensor 176, the camera module 180, or the antenna module 197) of the components may be integrated into a single component (e.g., the display module 160).

[0049] According to an example embodiment, the processor 120 may execute software (e.g., a program 140) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device 101 coupled with the processor 120, and may perform various data processing or computation. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or computation, the processor 120 may store a command or data received from another component (e.g., the sensor 176 or the communication circuit 190) in volatile memory 132, process the command or the data stored in the volatile memory 132, and store resulting data in non-volatile memory 134. According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may include a main processor 121 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)), or an auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that is operable independently from, or in conjunction with, the main processor 121. According to an example embodiment, when the electronic device 101 may include the main processor 121 and the auxiliary processor 123, the auxiliary processor 123 may be configured to use lower power than the main processor 121 or to be specified for a designated function. The auxiliary processor 123 may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the main processor 121.

[0050] The auxiliary processor 123 may control at least some of functions or states related to at least one component (e.g., the display module 160, the sensor 176, or the communication circuit 190) among the components of the electronic device 101, instead of the main processor 121 while the main processor 121 is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor 121 while the main processor 121 is in an active state (e.g., executing an application). According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., the camera module 180 or the communication circuit 190) functionally related to the auxiliary processor 123. According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., the neural processing unit) may include a hardware structure specified for artificial intelligence model processing. The artificial intelligence model may be generated via machine learning. Such learning may be performed, e.g., by the electronic device 101 where the artificial intelligence is performed or via a separate server (e.g., the server 108). Learning algorithms may include, but are not limited to, e.g., supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning. The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers. The artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), deep Q-network or a combination of two or more thereof but is not limited thereto. The artificial intelligence model may, additionally or alternatively, include a software structure other than the hardware structure.

[0051] The memory 130 may store various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor 120 or the sensor 176) of the electronic device 101. According to an example embodiment, the various data may include software (e.g., the program 140) and input data or output data for a command related thereto. The memory 130 may include the volatile memory 132 or the non-volatile memory 134.

[0052] According to an example embodiment, the program 140 may be stored in the memory 130 as software, and may include an operating system (OS) 142, middleware 144, or an application 146.

[0053] The input module 150 may receive a command or data to be used by other component (e.g., the processor 120) of the electronic device 101, from the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device 101. According to an example embodiment, the input module 150 may include a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, keys (e.g., buttons), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0054] The sound output module 155 may output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device 101. According to an example embodiment, the sound output module 155 may include a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as playing multimedia or playing record. The receiver may be used for receiving incoming calls. According to an embodiment, the receiver may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the speaker.

[0055] The display module 160 may visually provide information to the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device 101. According to an example embodiment, the display module 160 may include a display, a hologram device, or a projector and control circuitry to control a corresponding one of the display, hologram device, and projector. According to an embodiment, the display module 160 may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

[0056] The audio module 170 may convert a sound into an electrical signal and vice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio module 170 may obtain the sound via the input module 150, or output the sound via the sound output module 155 or a headphone of an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device 102) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly coupled with the electronic device 101.

[0057] The sensor 176 may detect an operational state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device 101 or an environmental state (e.g., a state of a user) external to the electronic device 101, and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to an example embodiment, the operational state of the electronic device 101 may include at least one of a device temperature, active applications, signal condition, data throughput, battery state, or device configuration etc. According to an example embodiment, the environmental state external to the electronic device 101 may include at least one of an environmental temperature, humidity, light condition or distance to other electronic device, etc. According to an example embodiment, the sensor 176 may include at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometer sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a red, green, blue (RGB) sensor, a biological, or bio, sensor, a temperature / humidity sensor, an illumination sensor, and an ultra violet light (UV) sensor. Additionally / alternately, the sensor 176 may include an electronic nose (E-nose) sensor, an electromyography (EMG) sensor, an electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor, an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor, a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, a heart rate monitor (HRM) sensor, a perspiration sensor, or a fingerprint sensor. The sensor 176 may further include a control circuit for controlling at least one sensor therein. The sensor 176 measures physical quantities or detects an operating state or environmental state of an electronic device, thereby converting the measured or detected information into electrical signals. According to an example embodiment, the device temperature and the environmental temperature may be detected by the temperature sensor.

[0058] The interface 177 may support one or more specified protocols to be used for the electronic device 101 to be coupled with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly. According to an embodiment, the interface 177 may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

[0059] A connecting terminal 178 may include a connector via which the electronic device 101 may be physically connected with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102). According to an embodiment, the connecting terminal 178 may include, for example, a HDMI connector, a USB connector, a SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0060] The haptic module 179 may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., a vibration or motion) or electrical stimulus which may be recognized by a user via his tactile sensation or kinesthetic sensation. According to an embodiment, the haptic module 179 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulator.

[0061] The camera module 180 may capture a still image or moving images. According to an embodiment, the camera module 180 may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0062] The power management module 188 may manage power supplied to the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the power management module 188 may be implemented as at least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0063] The battery 189 may supply power to at least one component of the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the battery 189 may include, for example, a primary cell which is not rechargeable, a secondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell.

[0064] The communication circuit 190 may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102, the electronic device 104, or the server 108) and performing communication via the established communication channel. The communication circuit 190 may include one or more communication processors that are operable independently from the processor 120 (e.g., the application processor (AP)) and supports a direct (e.g., wired) communication or a wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the communication circuit 190 may include a wireless communication circuit 192 (e.g., a cellular communication circuit, a short-range wireless communication circuit, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication circuit) or a wired communication circuit 194 (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication circuit or a power line communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication circuits may communicate with the external electronic device 104 via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range communication network, such as BluetoothTM, wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network 199 (e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN)). These various types of communication circuits may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or may be implemented as multi components (e.g., multi chips) separate from each other. The wireless communication circuit 192 may identify or authenticate the electronic device 101 in a communication network, such as the first network 198 or the second network 199, using subscriber information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module 196.

[0065] The wireless communication circuit 192 may support a 5G network, after a 4G network, and next-generation communication technology, e.g., new radio (NR) access technology. The NR access technology may support enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine type communications (mMTC), or ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC). The wireless communication circuit 192 may support a high-frequency band (e.g., the mmWave band) to achieve, e.g., a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication circuit 192 may support various technologies for securing performance on a high-frequency band, such as, e.g., beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (massive MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication circuit 192 may support various requirements specified in the electronic device 101, an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 104), or a network system (e.g., the second network 199). According to an embodiment, the wireless communication circuit 192 may support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for implementing eMBB, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for implementing mMTC, or U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for each of downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or a round trip of 1 ms or less) for implementing URLLC.

[0066] The antenna module 197 may transmit or receive a signal or power to or from the outside (e.g., the external electronic device). According to an embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include one antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). According to an embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an antenna array). In this case, at least one antenna appropriate for a communication scheme used in a communication network, such as the first network 198 or the second network 199, may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, e.g., the communication circuit 190. The signal or the power may be transmitted or received between the communication circuit 190 and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment, other parts (e.g., radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) than the radiator may be further formed as part of the antenna module 197.

[0067] According to various embodiments, the antenna module 197 may form an mmWave antenna module. According to an embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, a RFIC disposed on a first surface (e.g., the bottom surface) of the printed circuit board, or adjacent to the first surface and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., the mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on a second surface (e.g., the top or a side surface) of the printed circuit board, or adjacent to the second surface and capable of transmitting or receiving signals of the designated high-frequency band.

[0068] At least some of the above-described components may be coupled mutually and communicate signals (e.g., commands or data) therebetween via an inter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., a bus, general purpose input and output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)).

[0069] According to an embodiment, instructions or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 104 via the server 108 coupled with the second network 199. The external electronic devices 102 or 104 each may be a device of the same or a different type from the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, all or some of operations to be executed at the electronic device 101 may be executed at one or more of the external electronic devices 102, 104, or 108. According to an example embodiment, if the electronic device 101 should perform a function or a service automatically, or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device 101, instead of, or in addition to, executing the function or the service, may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or the service. The one or more external electronic devices receiving the request may perform the at least part of the function or the service requested, or an additional function or an additional service related to the request, and transfer an outcome of the performing to the electronic device 101. The electronic device 101 may provide the outcome, with or without further processing of the outcome, as at least part of a reply to the request. According to an example embodiment, to that end, a cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used. The electronic device 101 may provide ultra-low-latency services using, e.g., distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device 104 may include an Internet-of-things (IoT) device. The server 108 may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or a neural network. According to an embodiment, the external electronic device 104 or the server 108 may be included in the second network 199. The electronic device 101 may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology or IoT-related technology.

[0070] Further, the structure of the data used in embodiments of the disclosure may be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium via various means. The computer-readable recording medium may include a storage medium, such as a magnetic storage medium (e.g., a ROM, a floppy disc, or a hard disc) or an optical reading medium (e.g., a CD-ROM or a DVD).

[0071] The electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be one of various types of electronic devices. According to an example embodiment, the electronic devices may include a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic devices are not limited to those described above. According to an example embodiment, the wearable device may include at least one of accessory-type wearable devices (e.g., watches, rings, bracelets, anklets, necklaces, glasses, contact lenses, or head-mounted-devices (HMDs)), fabric or clothing integral wearable devices (e.g., electronic clothes), body-mounted wearable devices (e.g., skin pads or tattoos), or implantable wearable devices (e.g., implantable circuits). A specific type of electronic device may not have one or more components shown in FIG. 1 or further have other components which are not shown in FIG. 1.

[0072] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device for maintaining a communication function according to the disclosure. The communication device 200 may be configured to implement the methods for maintaining a communication function in FIGS. 4-18. The communication device 200 may be configured to implement the function of the first device in the methods for maintaining a communication function in FIGS. 4-16 and the communication device in the methods for maintaining a communication function in FIGS. 17 and 18.

[0073] According to an example embodiment, the communication device 200 (e.g. electronic device 101) for maintaining a communication function may comprise: at least one memory 210 (e.g. memory 130) configured to store one or more instructions; and at least one processor 220 (e.g. processor 120) configured to execute the one or more instructions to cause the communication device to perform the methods for maintaining a communication function in FIGS. 4-18. The processor 220 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include various processing circuitry and / or multiple processors. According to an example embodiment, as used herein, including the claims, the term "processor" may include various processing circuitry, including at least one processor, wherein one or more of at least one processor, individually and / or collectively in a distributed manner, may be configured to perform various functions described herein. As used herein, when "a processor", "at least one processor", and "one or more processors" are described as being configured to perform numerous functions, these terms cover situations, for example and without limitation, in which one processor performs some of recited functions and another processor(s) performs other of recited functions, and also situations in which a single processor may perform all recited functions. Additionally, the at least one processor may include a combination of processors performing various of the recited / disclosed functions, e.g., in a distributed manner. At least one processor may execute program instructions to achieve or perform various functions. The communication device 200 may further comprise a transceiver 230 (e.g. communication circuit 190). The transceiver 230 may be configured to perform communication interaction between the communication device 200 and the other communication device to exchange, for example, control signaling and / or service data. The transceiver 230 may be implemented by using a circuit having a communication transceiver function. Optionally, the communication device 200 may further include a bus, and components of the communication device 200 may be interconnected through the bus.

[0074] According to an example embodiment, the communication device 200 for maintaining a communication function may comprise: at least one memory 210 configured to store one or more instructions; and at least one processor 220 configured to execute the one or more instructions to cause the communication device to perform operations comprising: determining that there is the communication function executed on the communication device 200; determining that the communication device 200 is to be overheated; and performing a communication function maintaining process. The communication function maintaining process may comprise at least one of the following: a first communication function maintaining process, a second communication function maintaining process, or a third communication function maintaining process.

[0075] According to an example embodiment, the communication function may comprise at least one of the following: an outgoing communication, an incoming communication or an ongoing communication.

[0076] According to an example embodiment, the determining that the communication device 200 is to be overheated may comprise: predicting whether a device temperature of the communication device 200 is to reach to a temperature threshold after a time frame T based on at least one of the following: an increasing pattern of the device temperature or a logistic regression machine learning model. The time frame T is defined as a sufficient amount of time for the communication device 200 to perform the communication function maintaining process. According to an example embodiment, the time frame T may comprise a first time frame T' for preparing the communication function maintaining process and a second time frame T'' for performing the communication function maintaining process.

[0077] According to an example embodiment, the predicting whether the device temperature of the communication device 200 is to reach to the temperature threshold after the time frame T based on the increasing pattern of the device temperature may comprise: determining that the device temperature of the communication device 200 constantly increases within the time frame T; determining that factors causing the device temperature of the communication device 200 to increase do not change; and predicting whether the device temperature of the communication device 200 is to reach to the temperature threshold after the time frame T based on an increase of the device temperature within the time frame T.

[0078] According to an example embodiment, the predicting whether the device temperature of the communication device 200 is to reach to the temperature threshold after the time frame T based on the logistic regression machine learning model may comprise: sending state data of the communication device 200 to the logistic regression machine learning model, wherein the state data may comprise at least one of the following: a current temperature of the communication device 200, a current environmental temperature, active applications, signal condition, data throughput, or the time frame T; and inferring, by the logistic regression machine learning model, whether the device temperature is to reach to the temperature threshold after the time frame T based on the state data.

[0079] According to an example embodiment, the logistic regression machine learning model is deployed on a server.

[0080] Alternatively, the logistic regression machine learning model is deployed on the communication device 200.

[0081] The at least one processor 220 may be further configured to execute the one or more instructions to cause the communication device to perform operation of: determining that the communication function is to be terminated due to overheating. After determining that the communication device 200 is to be overheated, the communication device 200 is to enter a termination condition, wherein the termination condition is a cool down mode due to overheating. In the termination condition, the communication function is terminated. In this case, overheating may serve as an indication of the communication function is to be terminated.

[0082] The first communication function maintaining process may comprise: detecting one or more other communication devices; selecting a suitable other communication device from the one or more other communication devices; and transferring the communication function to the suitable other communication device.

[0083] The second communication function maintaining process may comprise: determining that a signal condition of the communication device 200 is lower than a signal threshold Ts; detecting an available non-3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) access; enabling the available non-3GPP access; registering to the available non-3GPP access; and handling over the communication function to the available non-3GPP access.

[0084] The third communication function maintaining process may comprise: scanning all running applications on the communication device 200; determining priorities of the running applications; determining that there is at least one low priority application running, wherein the at least one low priority application has a priority lower than that of the communication function; and terminating the at least one low priority application.

[0085] The first to third communication function maintaining processes may be performed separately. Alternatively, the first to third communication function maintaining processes may be performed in combination for reducing the heat of the communication device more effectively. According to an example embodiment, two of the first to third communication function maintaining processes may be performed concurrently. According to an example embodiment, the first to third communication function maintaining processes may be performed concurrently.

[0086] According to an embodiment, the communication device 200 is configured to perform the first communication function maintaining process. According to an example embodiment, the communication device 200 for maintaining a communication function may comprise at least one memory 210 configured to store one or more instructions; and at least one processor 220 configured to execute the one or more instructions to cause the communication device to perform operations comprising: determining that there is the communication function executed on the communication device 200; determining that the communication device 200 is to be overheated; detecting one or more other communication devices; selecting a suitable other communication device from the one or more other communication devices; and transferring the communication function to the suitable other communication device.

[0087] According to an example embodiment, the communication device 200 and other communication device may be electronic devices. The communication device 200 may comprise at least one of the following: a user equipment (UE), a wearable electronic device, a smart watch, a mobile phone, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, or a television. The other communication device may comprise at least one of the following: a user equipment (UE), a wearable electronic device, a smart watch, a mobile phone, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, or a television. The communication device 200 and other communication device may be electronic devices of the same type. Alternatively, the communication device 200 and other communication device may be electronic devices of the different type.

[0088] The determining that the communication device 200 is to be overheated may comprise: predicting whether a device temperature of the communication device 200 is to reach to a temperature threshold after a time frame T based on at least one of the following: an increasing pattern of the device temperature or a logistic regression machine learning model, wherein the time frame T may comprise the first time frame T' for detecting the one or more other communication devices and selecting the suitable other communication device and the second time frame T'' for transferring the communication function to the suitable other communication device.

[0089] The predicting whether the device temperature of the communication device 200 is to reach to the temperature threshold after the time frame T based on the increasing pattern of the device temperature may comprise: determining that the device temperature of the communication device 200 constantly increases within the time frame T; determining that factors causing the device temperature of the communication device 200 to increase do not change; and predicting whether the device temperature of the communication device 200 is to reach to the temperature threshold after the time frame T based on an increase of the device temperature within the time frame T.

[0090] The predicting whether the device temperature of the communication device 200 is to reach to the temperature threshold after the time frame T based on the logistic regression machine learning model may comprise: sending state data of the communication device 200 to the logistic regression machine learning model, wherein the state data may comprise at least one of the following: a current temperature of the communication device 200, a current environmental temperature, active applications, signal condition, data throughput, or the time frame T; and inferring, by the logistic regression machine learning model, whether the device temperature is to reach to the temperature threshold after the time frame T based on the state data.

[0091] The logistic regression machine learning model is deployed on a server. The server is configured to receive the state data from the communication device 200; infer whether the device temperature is to reach to the temperature threshold after the time frame T based on the state data; and send the result of inferring to the communication device 200.

[0092] Alternatively, the logistic regression machine learning model is deployed on the communication device 200. In this case the logistic regression machine learning model may be implemented in NPU.

[0093] The detecting the one or more other communication devices may comprise: determining the first time frame T' for detecting the one or more other communication devices and selecting the suitable other communication device; scanning to find the one or more other communication devices in proximity to the communication device 200 within the first time frame T'; and receiving device information from the one or more other communication devices, wherein the device information may comprise at least one of the following: a device name, call support capability, a device temperature, a battery state, or a phone number.

[0094] The selecting the suitable other communication device from the one or more other communication devices may comprise: determining one or more selecting conditions, wherein the selecting conditions are: having the call support capability, being the first found device, being connected to the communication device 200, being able to establish a connection to the communication device 200, battery state, signal strength, distance to the communication device, device configuration, or device temperature; and selecting the suitable other communication device from the one or more other communication devices based on the device information received from the one or more other communication devices and the one or more selecting conditions.

[0095] The transferring the communication function to the suitable other communication device may comprise: determining, by the communication device 200, whether the communication function is the outgoing communication, incoming communication or ongoing communication; in response to determining that the communication function is the outgoing communication, performing operations of: sending, by the communication device 200, a phone number of a receiver device of the outgoing communication to the suitable other communication device; requesting, by the communication device 200, the suitable other communication device to make the outgoing communication; and the suitable other communication device makes the outgoing communication to the receiver device; in response to determining that the communication function is the incoming communication, performing operations of: sending, by the communication device 200, a session initiation protocol (SIP) 302 moved temporarily message including a phone number of the suitable other communication device to an IMS server; the IMS server executes a communication deflection (CD) logic and forwards the incoming communication to the suitable other communication device; optionally, the IMS server may further terminate the incoming communication with the communication device 200; in response to determining that the communication function is the ongoing communication, performing operations of: sending, by the communication device 200, a request for transferring the ongoing communication including the device information of the suitable other communication device to a receiver device; the receiver device accepts the request for transferring and makes a call to the suitable other communication device; receiving, by the communication device 200, a notification from the receiver device informing the ongoing communication is connected with suitable other communication device; and disconnecting, by the communication device 200, the ongoing communication with the receiver device.

[0096] According to an embodiment, the communication device 200 is configured to perform the second communication function maintaining process. According to an example embodiment, communication device 200 for maintaining a communication function, may comprise at least one memory 210 configured to store one or more instructions; and at least one processor 220 configured to execute the one or more instructions to cause the communication device to perform operations comprising: determining that there is the communication function executed on a communication device 200; determining that the first device is to be overheated due to the communication device 200 being to enter a cool down mode due to overheating; determining that a signal condition of the communication device 200 is lower than a signal threshold Ts; and handling over the communication function to the available non-3GPP access.

[0097] Before handling over the communication function to the available non-3GPP access, the at least one processor 220 may be further configured to execute the one or more instructions to cause the communication device to perform operation of: detecting an available non-3GPP access; enabling the available non-3GPP access; registering to the available non-3GPP access.

[0098] The operation of determining that the communication device 200 is to be overheated is similar to that of the case where the first communication function maintaining process is performed. The difference is that, in the case of the second communication function maintaining process being performed, the time frame T may comprise the first time frame T' for detecting, enabling and registering to the available non-3GPP access and the second time frame T'' for handling over the communication function to the available non-3GPP access.

[0099] According to an embodiment, the communication device 200 is configured to perform the third communication function maintaining process. According to an example embodiment, communication device 200 for maintaining a communication function may comprise at least one memory 210 configured to store one or more instructions; and at least one processor 220 configured to execute the one or more instructions to cause the communication device to perform operations comprising: determining that there is the communication function executed on a communication device 200; determining that the first device is to be overheated due to the communication device 200 being to enter a cool down mode due to overheating; determining that there is at least one low priority application running, wherein the at least one low priority application has a priority lower than that of the communication function; and terminating the at least one low priority application.

[0100] Before the determining that there is at least one low priority application running, the at least one processor 220 may be further configured to execute the one or more instructions to cause the communication device to perform operation of: scanning all running applications on the communication device 200; and determining priorities of the running applications.

[0101] The operation of determining that the communication device 200 is to be overheated is similar to that of the case where the first communication function maintaining process is performed. The difference is that, in the case of the third communication function maintaining process being performed, the time frame T may comprise the first time frame T' for scanning all running applications, determining priorities of the running applications, and determining the at least one low priority application and the second time frame T'' for terminating the at least one low priority application.

[0102] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device for maintaining a communication function according to the disclosure. The communication device 300 may be configured to implement the methods for maintaining a communication function in FIGS. 4-18. The communication device 300 may be configured to implement the function of the first device in the methods for maintaining a communication function in FIGS. 4-16 and the communication device in the methods for maintaining a communication function in FIGS. 17 and 18.

[0103] According to an example embodiment, the communication device 300 (e.g. the electronic device 101) for maintaining a communication function may comprise a control module 310 (e.g. processor 120), a scan module 320 (e.g. sensor 176) and a transfer module 330 (e.g. communication circuit 190). The control module 310 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include various processing circuitry and / or multiple processors. For example, as used herein, including the claims, the term "control module" may include various processing circuitry, including at least one processor, wherein one or more of at least one processor, individually and / or collectively in a distributed manner, may be configured to perform various functions described herein. As used herein, when "a processor", "at least one processor", and "one or more processors" are described as being configured to perform numerous functions, these terms cover situations, for example and without limitation, in which one processor performs some of recited functions and another processor(s) performs other of recited functions, and also situations in which a single processor may perform all recited functions. Additionally, the at least one processor may include a combination of processors performing various of the recited / disclosed functions, e.g., in a distributed manner. At least one processor may execute program instructions to achieve or perform various functions. The control module 310 is configured to determine that there is the communication function executed on the communication device 300; determine that the communication device 300 is to be overheated; and perform at least one of the following: a first communication function maintaining process, a second communication function maintaining process, or a third communication function maintaining process.

[0104] According to an example embodiment, the communication function may comprise at least one of the following: an outgoing communication, an incoming communication or an ongoing communication.

[0105] According to an example embodiment, the determining that the communication device 300 is to be overheated may comprise: predicting whether a device temperature of the communication device 300 is to reach to a temperature threshold after a time frame T based on at least one of the following: an increasing pattern of the device temperature or a logistic regression machine learning model. The time frame T is defined as a sufficient amount of time for the communication device 300 to perform the communication function maintaining process. According to an example embodiment, the time frame T may comprise a first time frame T' for preparing the communication function maintaining process and a second time frame T'' for performing the communication function maintaining process.

[0106] According to an example embodiment, the predicting whether the device temperature of the communication device 300 is to reach to the temperature threshold after the time frame T based on the increasing pattern of the device temperature may comprise: determining that the device temperature of the communication device 300 constantly increases within the time frame T; determining that factors causing the device temperature of the communication device 300 to increase do not change; and predicting whether the device temperature of the communication device 300 is to reach to the temperature threshold after the time frame T based on an increase of the device temperature within the time frame T.

[0107] According to an example embodiment, the predicting whether the device temperature of the communication device 300 is to reach to the temperature threshold after the time frame T based on the logistic regression machine learning model may comprise: sending state data of the communication device 300 to the logistic regression machine learning model, wherein the state data may comprise at least one of the following: a current temperature of the communication device 300, a current environmental temperature, active applications, signal condition, data throughput, or the time frame T; and inferring, by the logistic regression machine learning model, whether the device temperature is to reach to the temperature threshold after the time frame T based on the state data.

[0108] According to an example embodiment, the logistic regression machine learning model is deployed on a server.

[0109] Alternatively, the logistic regression machine learning model is deployed on the communication device 300.

[0110] The control module 310 may be further configured to determine that the communication function is to be terminated due to overheating. After determining that the communication device 300 is to be overheated, the communication device 300 is to enter a termination condition, wherein the termination condition is a cool down mode due to overheating. In the termination condition, the communication function is terminated. In this case, overheating may serve as an indication of the communication function is to be terminated.

[0111] In the first communication function maintaining process, the scan module 320 is configured to detect one or more other communication devices; the control module 310 is configured to select a suitable other communication device from the one or more other communication devices; and a transfer module 330 is configured to transfer the communication function to the suitable other communication device.

[0112] In the second communication function maintaining process, the control module 310 is configured to determine that a signal condition of the communication device 300 is lower than a signal threshold Ts; the scan module 320 is configured to detect an available non-3GPP access; the control module 310 is configured to enable the available non-3GPP access; register to the available non-3GPP access; and handover the communication function to the available non-3GPP access.

[0113] In the third communication function maintaining process, the scan module 320 is configured to scan all running applications on the communication device 300; the control module 310 is configured to determine priorities of the running applications; determine that there is at least one low priority application running, wherein the at least one low priority application has a priority lower than that of the communication function; and terminate the at least one low priority application.

[0114] The first to third communication function maintaining processes may be performed separately. Alternatively, the first to third communication function maintaining processes may be performed in combination for reducing the heat of the communication device more effectively. According to an example embodiment, two of the first to third communication function maintaining processes may be performed concurrently. According to an example embodiment, the first to third communication function maintaining processes may be performed concurrently.

[0115] According to an embodiment, the communication device 300 is configured to perform the first communication function maintaining process. According to an example embodiment, the communication device 300 for maintaining a communication function, may comprise a control module 310 configured to determine that there is the communication function executed on the communication device 300; determine that the communication device 300 is to be overheated; a scan module 320 configured to detect one or more other communication devices; the control module 310 is configured to select a suitable other communication device from the one or more other communication devices; and a transfer module 330 configured to transfer the communication function to the suitable other communication device.

[0116] According to an example embodiment, the communication device 300 and other communication device may be electronic devices. The communication device 300 may comprise at least one of the following: a user equipment (UE), a wearable electronic device, a smart watch, a mobile phone, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, or a television. The other communication device may comprise at least one of the following: a user equipment (UE), a wearable electronic device, a smart watch, a mobile phone, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, or a television. The communication device 300 and other communication device may be electronic devices of the same type. Alternatively, the communication device 300 and other communication device may be electronic devices of the different type.

[0117] In operation of determining that the communication device 300 is to be overheated, the control module 310 is configured to predict whether a device temperature of the communication device 300 is to reach to a temperature threshold after a time frame T based on at least one of the following: an increasing pattern of the device temperature or a logistic regression machine learning model, wherein the time frame T may comprise the first time frame T' for detecting the one or more other communication devices and selecting the suitable other communication device and the second time frame T'' for transferring the communication function to the suitable other communication device.

[0118] In operation of predicting whether the device temperature of the communication device 300 is to reach to the temperature threshold after the time frame T based on the increasing pattern of the device temperature, the control module 310 is configured to determine that the device temperature of the communication device 300 constantly increases within the time frame T; determine that factors causing the device temperature of the communication device 300 to increase do not change; and predict whether the device temperature of the communication device 300 is to reach to the temperature threshold after the time frame T based on an increase of the device temperature within the time frame T.

[0119] In operation of predicting whether the device temperature of the communication device 300 is to reach to the temperature threshold after the time frame T based on the logistic regression machine learning model, the transfer module 330 is configured to send state data of the communication device 300 to the logistic regression machine learning model, wherein the state data may comprise at least one of the following: a current temperature of the communication device 300, a current environmental temperature, active applications, signal condition, data throughput, or the time frame T; the logistic regression machine learning model is configured to infer whether the device temperature is to reach to the temperature threshold after the time frame T based on the state data.

[0120] The logistic regression machine learning model is deployed on a server. The server is configured to receive the state data from the communication device 300; infer whether the device temperature is to reach to the temperature threshold after the time frame T based on the state data; and send the result of inferring to the communication device 300.

[0121] Alternatively, the logistic regression machine learning model is deployed on the communication device 300. In this case the logistic regression machine learning model may be implemented in NPU.

[0122] In operation of detecting the one or more other communication devices, the control module 310 is configured to determine the first time frame T' for detecting the one or more other communication devices and selecting the suitable other communication device; the scan module 320 is configured to scan so as to find the one or more other communication devices in proximity to the communication device 300 within the first time frame T'; and the control module 310 is configured to receive device information from the one or more other communication devices, wherein the device information may comprise at least one of the following: a device name, call support capability, a device temperature, a battery state, or a phone number.

[0123] In operation of selecting the suitable other communication device from the one or more other communication devices, the control module 310 is configured to determine one or more selecting conditions, wherein the selecting conditions are: having the call support capability, being the first found device, being connected to the communication device 300, being able to establish a connection to the communication device 300, battery state, signal strength, distance to the communication device, device configuration, or device temperature; and select the suitable other communication device from the one or more other communication devices based on the device information received from the one or more other communication devices and the one or more selecting conditions.

[0124] The transferring the communication function to the suitable other communication device may comprise: determining, by the communication device 300, whether the communication function is the outgoing communication, incoming communication or ongoing communication; in response to determining that the communication function is the outgoing communication, performing operations of: sending, by the communication device 300, a phone number of a receiver device of the outgoing communication to the suitable other communication device; requesting, by the communication device 300, the suitable other communication device to make the outgoing communication; and the suitable other communication device makes the outgoing communication to the receiver device; in response to determining that the communication function is the incoming communication, performing operations of: sending, by the communication device 300, a session initiation protocol (SIP) 302 moved temporarily message including a phone number of the suitable other communication device to an IMS server; the IMS server executes a communication deflection (CD) logic and forwards the incoming communication to the suitable other communication device; optionally, the IMS server may further terminate the incoming communication with the communication device 300; in response to determining that the communication function is the ongoing communication, performing operations of: sending, by the communication device 300, a request for transferring the ongoing communication including the device information of the suitable other communication device to a receiver device; the receiver device accepts the request for transferring and makes a call to the suitable other communication device; receiving, by the communication device 300, a notification from the receiver device informing the ongoing communication is connected with suitable other communication device; and disconnecting, by the communication device 300, the ongoing communication with the receiver device.

[0125] According to an embodiment, the communication device 300 is configured to perform the second communication function maintaining process. According to an example embodiment, communication device 300 for maintaining a communication function may comprise a control module 310 configured to determine that there is the communication function executed on a communication device 300; determine that the first device is to be overheated due to the communication device 300 being to enter a cool down mode due to overheating; determine that a signal condition of the communication device 300 is lower than a signal threshold Ts; and a transfer module 330 configured to hand over the communication function to the available non-3GPP access.

[0126] Before handling over the communication function to the available non-3GPP access, the control module 310 may be further configured to detect an available non-3GPP access; enable the available non-3GPP access; register to the available non-3GPP access.

[0127] The operation of determining that the communication device 300 is to be overheated is similar to that of the case where the first communication function maintaining process is performed. The difference is that, in the case of the second communication function maintaining process being performed, the time frame T may comprise the first time frame T' for detecting, enabling and registering to the available non-3GPP access and the second time frame T'' for handling over the communication function to the available non-3GPP access.

[0128] According to an embodiment, the communication device 300 is configured to perform the third communication function maintaining process. According to an example embodiment, communication device 300 for maintaining a communication function may comprise a control module 310 configured to determine that there is the communication function executed on a communication device 300; determine that the first device is to be overheated due to the communication device 300 being to enter a cool down mode due to overheating; determine that there is at least one low priority application running, wherein the at least one low priority application has a priority lower than that of the communication function; and terminate the at least one low priority application.

[0129] Before the determining that there is at least one low priority application running, a scan module 320 may be further configured to scan all running applications on the communication device 200; and the control module 320 may be further configured to determine priorities of the running applications.

[0130] The operation of determining that the communication device 300 is to be overheated is similar to that of the case where the first communication function maintaining process is performed. The difference is that, in the case of the third communication function maintaining process being performed, the time frame T may comprise the first time frame T' for scanning all running applications, determining priorities of the running applications, and determining the at least one low priority application and the second time frame T'' for terminating the at least one low priority application.

[0131] The communication device 300 may further comprise a storage module (memory 130) configured to store one or more instructions, when executed by the control module 310, causing the communication device 300 to perform the above operations.

[0132] In the several embodiments provided in the disclosure, it should be understood that the disclosed system, device, and method may be implemented in other manners. According to an example embodiment, the foregoing device embodiments are merely an example. According to an example embodiment, the module or unit division is merely logical function division. During actual implementation, another division manner may be used. According to an example embodiment, a plurality of units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not performed. In addition, the displayed or discussed mutual couplings or direct couplings or communication connections may be implemented through some interfaces. The indirect couplings or communication connections between the devices or units may be implemented in electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0133] The units described as separate parts may or may not be physically separate, and parts displayed as units may or may not be physical units, may be located in one position, or may be distributed on a plurality of network units. Some or all of the units may be selected based on actual requirements to achieve the objectives of the solutions of the embodiments.

[0134] In addition, functional units in the embodiments of the disclosure may be integrated into one processing unit, or each of the units may exist alone physically, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit may be implemented in a form of hardware, or may be implemented in a form of a software functional unit.

[0135] When the integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software function unit and sold or used as an independent product, the integrated unit may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on such an understanding, the technical solutions of the disclosure essentially, or the part contributing to the current technology, or all or some of the technical solutions may be implemented in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and may include several instructions for instructing a computer device (which may be, for example, a personal computer, a server, or a radio access network device) or a processor to perform all or some of the steps / operations of the methods described in the embodiments of the disclosure. The foregoing storage medium may include any medium or computer storage medium that can store program code, such as a USB flash drive, a removable hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disc.

[0136] Electronic devices according to the embodiments of the disclosure may include at least one of, for example, smart phones, tablet personal computers (PCs), mobile phones, video telephones, electronic book readers, desktop PCs, laptop PCs, netbook computers, workstations, servers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), motion picture experts group (MPEG-1 or MPEG-2) audio layer 3 (MP3) players, mobile medical devices, cameras, or wearable devices. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the wearable devices may include at least one of accessory-type wearable devices (e.g., watches, rings, bracelets, anklets, necklaces, glasses, contact lenses, or head-mounted-devices (HMDs)), fabric or clothing integral wearable devices (e.g., electronic clothes), body-mounted wearable devices (e.g., skin pads or tattoos), or implantable wearable devices (e.g., implantable circuits).

[0137] The electronic devices may be smart home appliances. The smart home appliances may include at least one of, for example, televisions (TVs), digital versatile disk (DVD) players, audios, refrigerators, air conditioners, cleaners, ovens, microwave ovens, washing machines, air cleaners, set-top boxes, home automation control panels, security control panels, TV boxes (e.g., Samsung HomeSyncTM, Apple TVTM, or Google TVTM), game consoles (e.g., XboxTMand PlayStationTM), electronic dictionaries, electronic keys, camcorders, or electronic picture frames.

[0138] The electronic devices may include at least one of various medical devices (e.g., various portable medical measurement devices (such as blood glucose meters, heart rate monitors, blood pressure monitors, or thermometers, and the like), a magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) device, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, a computed tomography (CT) device, scanners, or ultrasonic devices, and the like), navigation devices, global positioning system (GPS) receivers, event data recorders (EDRs), flight data recorders (FDRs), vehicle infotainment devices, electronic equipment for vessels (e.g., navigation systems, gyrocompasses, and the like), avionics, security devices, head units for vehicles, industrial or home robots, automatic teller machines (ATMs), points of sales (POSs) devices, or internet of things (IoT) devices (e.g., light bulbs, various sensors, electric or gas meters, sprinkler devices, fire alarms, thermostats, street lamps, toasters, exercise equipment, hot water tanks, heaters, boilers, and the like).

[0139] The electronic devices may further include at least one of parts of furniture or buildings / structures, electronic boards, electronic signature receiving devices, projectors, or various measuring instruments (such as water meters, electricity meters, gas meters, or wave meters, and the like). The electronic devices may be one or more combinations of the above-mentioned devices. The electronic devices may be flexible electronic devices. Also, the electronic devices are not limited to the above-mentioned devices, and may include new electronic devices according to the development of new technologies.

[0140] Hereinafter, the electronic devices according to various embodiments of the disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The term "user" as used herein may refer to a person who uses an electronic device or may refer to a device (e.g., an artificial intelligence electronic device) which uses an electronic device.

[0141] FIG. 4 is a schematic flowchart illustrating an overall concept of a method for maintaining a communication function. As shown in FIG. 4, the method for maintaining a communication function may comprise operations S410 to S430.

[0142] S410: determining whether there is the communication function executed on a first device.

[0143] According to an example embodiment, the first device may determine whether there is the communication function executed on the first device. The communication function may comprise at least one of the following: an outgoing communication, an incoming communication or an ongoing communication.

[0144] The communication function may be a call service. The call service may comprise at least one of the following: an outgoing call, an incoming call or an ongoing call. In case the communication function is the call service, the outgoing communication may be the outgoing call, the incoming communication may be the incoming call, and the ongoing communication may be the ongoing call.

[0145] The call service may be an IMS call or a circuit switched (CS) call.

[0146] In response to determining that there is the communication function executed on the first device, the method may proceed to operation S420.

[0147] In response to determining that there is no communication function executed on the first device, the method may proceed to end.

[0148] S420: determining whether the first device is to be overheated.

[0149] According to an example embodiment, the first device may determine whether the first device is to be overheated. Overheating is one of reasons causing the communication function to be terminated.

[0150] According to an example embodiment, the method for maintaining the communication function further may comprise: determining that the communication function is to be terminated due to overheating. After determining that the first device is to be overheated, the method for maintaining the communication function may further comprise determining that the first device is to enter a termination condition, wherein the termination condition is a cool down mode due to overheating. In the termination condition, the communication function is terminated. In this case, overheating may serve as an indication of the communication function is to be terminated. In other words, when the first device is overheated, the first device may enter a cool down mode. In this mode, the communication function is terminated.

[0151] According to an example embodiment, the determining that the first device is to be overheated may comprise: predicting whether a device temperature of the first device is to reach to a temperature threshold after a time frame T based on at least one of the following: an increasing pattern of the device temperature or a logistic regression machine learning model, wherein the time frame T may comprise a first time frame T' for preparing the communication function maintaining process and a second time frame T'' for performing the communication function maintaining process.

[0152] According to an example embodiment, the predicting whether the device temperature of the first device is to reach to the temperature threshold after the time frame T based on the increasing pattern of the device temperature may comprise: determining that the device temperature of the first device constantly increases within the time frame T; determining that factors causing the device temperature of the first device to increase do not change; and predicting whether the device temperature of the first device is to reach to the temperature threshold after the time frame T based on an increase of the device temperature within the time frame T.

[0153] According to an example embodiment, the predicting whether the device temperature of the first device is to reach to the temperature threshold after the time frame T based on the logistic regression machine learning model may comprise: sending state data of the first device to the logistic regression machine learning model, wherein the state data may comprise at least one of the following: a current temperature of the first device, a current environmental temperature, active applications, signal condition, data throughput, or the time frame T; and inferring, by the logistic regression machine learning model, whether the device temperature is to reach to the temperature threshold after the time frame T based on the state data.

[0154] According to an example embodiment, the logistic regression machine learning model is deployed on a server.

[0155] Alternatively, the logistic regression machine learning model is deployed on the first device.

[0156] In response to determining that the first device is to be overheated, the method may proceed to operation S430.

[0157] In response to determining that the first device is not to be overheated, the method may proceed to end.

[0158] S430: performing a communication function maintaining process. The communication function maintaining process may comprise at least one of the following: a first communication function maintaining process, a second communication function maintaining process, or a third communication function maintaining process.

[0159] According to an example embodiment, depending on the termination condition which the first device is to enter, the first device may perform at least one of the following: the first communication function maintaining process, the second communication function maintaining process, or the third communication function maintaining process.

[0160] According to an example embodiment, the first communication function maintaining process may be applied in various case where the call service is to be terminated. According to an example embodiment, termination condition may be the cool down mode due to overheating or out of power. In this case, the first device may try to transfer the communication function to another nearby device. The first communication function maintaining process may comprise: detecting one or more second devices; selecting a suitable second device from the one or more second devices; and transferring the communication function to the suitable second device.

[0161] In this case, the time frame T may comprise the first time frame T' for detecting the one or more second devices and selecting the suitable second device and the second time frame T'' for transferring the communication function to the suitable second device.

[0162] According to an example embodiment, the second communication function maintaining process may be applied in case where the termination condition is the cool down mode due to overheating. Overheating may be caused by the weak signal condition. In this case, the first device may try to switch the communication function to another transmission protocol which has a better signal condition or consumes less power. The second communication function maintaining process may comprise: determining that a signal condition of the first device is lower than a signal threshold Ts; detecting an available non-3GPP access; enabling the available non-3GPP access; registering to the available non-3GPP access; and handling over the communication function to the available non-3GPP access. The signal threshold Ts may be predetermined.

[0163] In this case, the time frame T may comprise the first time frame T' for detecting, enabling and registering to the available non-3GPP access and the second time frame T'' for handling over the communication function to the available non-3GPP access.

[0164] According to an example embodiment, the third communication function maintaining process may be applied in case where the termination condition is the cool down mode due to overheating. Overheating may be caused by too many applications running concurrently. In this case, the first device may try to shut down applications having low priorities to consume less power. The third communication function maintaining process may comprise: scanning all running applications on the first device; determining priorities of the running applications; determining that there is at least one low priority application running, wherein the at least one low priority application has a priority lower than that of the communication function; and terminating the at least one low priority application.

[0165] In this case, the time frame T may comprise the first time frame T' for scanning all running applications, determining priorities of the running applications, and determining the at least one low priority application and the second time frame T'' for terminating the at least one low priority application.

[0166] The first to third communication function maintaining processes may be performed separately. Alternatively, the first to third communication function maintaining processes may be performed in combination for reducing the heat of the communication device more effectively. According to an example embodiment, two of the first to third communication function maintaining processes may be performed concurrently. According to an example embodiment, the first to third communication function maintaining processes may be performed concurrently.

[0167] According to an example embodiment, the first and second devices may be electronic devices. The first device may comprise at least one of the following: a user equipment (UE), a wearable electronic device, a smart watch, a mobile phone, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, or a television. The second device may comprise at least one of the following: a user equipment (UE), a wearable electronic device, a smart watch, a mobile phone, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, or a television. The first and second devices may be electronic devices of the same type. Alternatively, the first and second devices may be electronic devices of the different type.

[0168] A first embodiment of the method for maintaining a communication function is described with reference to FIGS. 2-13. The first embodiment of the method for maintaining a communication function may be the case where the first communication function maintaining process is applied.

[0169] FIG. 5 is a schematic flowchart of the method for maintaining a communication function according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the method for maintaining the communication function according to the first embodiment may comprise operations S510 to S550.

[0170] S510: determining whether there is the communication function executed on a first device.

[0171] FIG. 6 is a schematic flowchart illustrating operation S510 of the method for maintaining a communication function in FIG. 5. According to an example embodiment, the first device may determine whether there is the communication function executed on the first device. The communication function may comprise at least one of the following: an outgoing communication, an incoming communication or an ongoing communication.

[0172] FIG. 6 illustrates the case where the communication function is the call service, the outgoing communication may be the outgoing call, the incoming communication may be the incoming call, and the ongoing communication may be the ongoing call.

[0173] Based on call status, the first device may determine whether there is a communication function as following. It is determined that the first device has an outgoing communication when user makes a new call from a call application. It is determined that the first device has an incoming communication, when the first device received a SIP message or the paging for call from a network, e.g. IMS server. It is determined that the first device has an ongoing communication based on at least one of the following criteria: the call status being call active, a voice packet being transmitted / received, or a call time counter shown on the call application.

[0174] In response to determining that there is the communication function executed on the first device, the method may proceed to operation S520.

[0175] In response to determining that there is no communication function executed on the first device, the method may proceed to end.

[0176] S520: determining whether the first device is to be overheated.

[0177] According to an example embodiment, the first device may determine whether the first device is to be overheated. Overheating is one of reasons causing the communication function to be terminated.

[0178] According to an example embodiment, the method for maintaining the communication function further may comprise: determining that the communication function is to be terminated due to overheating. After determining that the first device is to be overheated, the method for maintaining the communication function may further comprise determining that the first device is to enter a termination condition, wherein the termination condition is a cool down mode due to overheating. In the termination condition, the communication function is terminated. In this case, overheating may serve as an indication of the communication function is to be terminated. In other words, when the first device is overheated, the first device may enter a cool down mode. In this mode, the communication function is terminated.

[0179] In response to determining that the first device is to be overheated, the method may proceed to operation S530.

[0180] In response to determining that the first device is not to be overheated, the method may proceed to end.

[0181] The first device may determine whether the first device is to be overheated by predicting the device temperature of the first device based on a logistic regression machine learning model or by examining the pattern of temperature increase after a specific time. According to an example embodiment, the determining the indication of the first device being to enter the cool down mode may comprise: predicting whether the device temperature of the first device is to reach to a temperature threshold after a time frame T based on at least one of the following: an increasing pattern of the device temperature or a logistic regression machine learning model.

[0182] The time frame T is defined as the sufficient amount of time for the first device to successfully detect, select and transfer the communication function. According to an example embodiment, the time frame T may comprise the first time frame T' for detecting the one or more second devices and selecting the suitable second device and the second time frame T'' for transferring the communication function to the suitable second device.

[0183] Operation S520 is described in more details with reference to FIGS. 4-8.

[0184] FIG. 7 is a schematic flowchart illustrating operation S520 of the method for maintaining a communication function in FIG. 5 according to an exemplary implementation, wherein the predicting whether the device temperature of the first device is to reach to a temperature threshold after a time frame T based on examining the pattern of temperature increase after a specific time. As shown in FIG. 7, operation S520 of the method for maintaining a communication function may comprise operations S710 to S740.

[0185] S710: determining whether the device temperature of the first device constantly increases within the time frame T.

[0186] According to an example embodiment, the first device may determine whether the device temperature of the first device constantly increases within the time frame T.

[0187] In response to determining that the device temperature of the first device constantly increases within the time frame T, the method may proceed to operation S720. Constant increase may mean the increasing pattern of the device temperature is repetitive and predictable. FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating an example of the increasing pattern of the device temperature over time. As shown in FIG. 8, the increasing pattern of the device temperature over time is substantially a line with smooth slope. The increasing pattern shows the device temperature constantly increases 5oC for each 01 seconds and is predicted to reach the temperature threshold of 43oC in fourth second.

[0188] In response to determining that the device temperature of the first device does not constantly increases within the time frame T, the method may proceed to end.

[0189] S720: determining whether factors causing the device temperature of the first device to increase do not change.

[0190] When performing a function in severe condition, the first device may generate a great heat and overheat, according to an example embodiment, when performing a function for an extended period of time, or when performing multiple functions or when performing a heavy function that requires more power.

[0191] According to an example embodiment, there are many factors that cause the temperature of the device to increase. Factors which can cause the first device become overheating may comprise at least one of the following: weak signal area causing high communication processor (CP) working operation, current device temperature, high temperature environment condition, many background applications working, high data throughput, or device working in long time, etc. The first device may determine whether the factors causing the device temperature of the first device to increase do not change. The expression "do not change" may include the case of "insignificant change" in which in actually condition, some factors may change but with small unit which can not affect to the predicting valuation result. Change threshold is based on type of device and the corresponding factors, as long as the factors causing the device temperature of the first device to increase change small amount under the change threshold.

[0192] In response to determining that the factors causing the device temperature of the first device to increase do not change, the method may proceed to operation S730.

[0193] In response to determining that the factors causing the device temperature of the first device to increase change, the method may proceed to end.

[0194] S730: predicting whether the device temperature of the first device is to reach to the temperature threshold after the time frame T based on an increase of the device temperature within the time frame T.

[0195] According to an example embodiment, the first device may predict whether the device temperature of the first device is to reach to the temperature threshold after the time frame T based on an increase of the device temperature within the time frame T. The time frame T may be defined as the enough time for the first device to detect and select nearby second devices and transfer the communication function successfully. The time frame T may comprise the first time frame T' for detecting the one or more second devices and selecting the suitable second device and the second time frame T'' for transferring the communication function to the suitable second device. According to an example embodiment, the first time frame T' for detecting the one or more second devices and selecting the suitable second device may be 7 seconds and the second time frame T'' for transferring the communication function to the suitable second device may be 3 seconds. Therefore, it may be concluded that the total time (time frame T) is equal to 10 seconds.

[0196] FIG. 9 is a table showing an example of the increase of the device temperature within the time frame T. As shown in FIG. 9, based on the temperature of the first device in real time, the first device determines that within the time frame T of 10 seconds, the increase of the device temperature is 1°C.

[0197] If the temperature threshold for the first device to enter the cool down mode is determined as 43°C, when the device temperature of the first device is 42°C, the first device predict that the first device is to enter the cool down mode due to overheating, the first device starts scan and detect nearby second devices (S530).

[0198] Alternatively, the first device may predict whether the device temperature of the first device is to reach to the temperature threshold after the time frame T based on the logistic regression machine learning model. FIG. 10 is a schematic flowchart of a logistic regression machine learning model. As shown in FIG. 10, the first device may send state data of the first device to the logistic regression machine learning model, wherein the state data may comprise at least one of the following: a current temperature of the first device, a current environmental temperature, active applications, signal condition (RSRP, RSRQ, ...), data throughput, or the time frame T. The logistic regression machine learning model may infer whether the device temperature is to reach to the temperature threshold after the time frame T based on the state data.

[0199] The logistic regression is a type of machine learning model used to estimate the probability of an event occurring, such as forecast weather, disease prediction, based on a given data set of independent variables. In this implementation, the logistic regression is used to predict whether the device temperature of the first device will exceed the temperature threshold after the time frame T based on the conditions and available data at the current moment.

[0200] According to an implementation, the logistic regression machine learning model may be deployed on the first device.

[0201] According to an implementation, the logistic regression machine learning model may be deployed on a server. The computational task to predict the device temperature outcomes of the logistic regression machine learning model may be built on the server side to offload the first device. In this case, the first device sends its state data to the server and receives the results from the server.

[0202] Training process of the logistic regression machine learning model is described with reference to FIG. 11. In　logistic regression, the　core operation　is transforming input data into a probability value, which　is achieved using the　sigmoid function. The　sigmoid function is a special mathematical equation that transforms any real-valued number into a value between 0 and 1. A set of input features (xi) (state data considered affecting the device temperature) and related weights (wi) combines together and get added to the bias element (b). This is depicted as new net input function in the diagram. The net input is passed to the sigmoid function and the output of the sigmoid function ranges from 0 to 1. The threshold function is used to determine the output of the model. In this implementation, according to an example embodiment, if the rate of possible overheating exceeding 80% is set as a high rate to apply the threshold function, it indicates that overheating occurs when the output of an active function is greater than or equal to 0.8. If the prediction is incorrect compared to the actual result, the logistic regression machine learning model will update the weights and bias to achieve more accurate predictions. This process will repeat multiple times until the most suitable weights are found.

[0203] In response to predict that the device temperature of the first device is to reach to the temperature threshold after the time frame T, it is determined that the first device is to be overheated and the method may proceed to operation S530.

[0204] In response to predict that the device temperature of the first device is not to reach to the temperature threshold after the time frame T, it is determined that the first device is not to be overheated and the method may proceed to end.

[0205] S740: Sending indication that the first device will enter the cool down mode.

[0206] Optionally, the first device may send a notification informing that the first device is to enter the cool down mode.

[0207] S530: detecting one or more second devices.

[0208] FIG. 12 is a schematic flowchart illustrating operation S530 of the method for maintaining a communication function in FIG. 5. According to an example embodiment, the first device may detect one or more second devices. The detecting the one or more second devices may comprise operations S1210 to S1250:

[0209] S1210: determining the first time frame T' for detecting the one or more second devices and selecting the suitable second device.

[0210] According to an example embodiment, the first device may determine the first time frame T' for detecting the one or more second devices and selecting the suitable second device. In other words, it is the expected time for the first device to find a nearby second device.

[0211] S1220: determining whether the first time frame T' is expired.

[0212] According to an example embodiment, the first device may determine whether the first time frame T' is expired.

[0213] In response to determining that the first time frame T' is expired, the method may proceed to end.

[0214] In response to determining that the first time frame T' is not expired, the method may proceed to operation S1230.

[0215] S1230: scanning to find the one or more second devices in proximity to the first device within the first time frame T'.

[0216] According to an example embodiment, the first device may scan to find the one or more second devices in proximity to the first device within the first time frame T'. In this operation, the first device may scan the second devices via BLE, Bluetooth, etc.

[0217] After scanning to find the one or more other communication devices, the first device may request to connect to the found other communication devices and request each of the found other communication devices to provide its device information.

[0218] S1250: receiving device information from the one or more second devices, wherein the device information may comprise at least one of the following: a device name, call support capability, a device temperature, a battery state, or a phone number.

[0219] According to an example embodiment, the first device may receive device information from the one or more second devices. According to an example embodiment, the found second devices send to the first device some information such as:

[0220] Device name: The name of second device.

[0221] Call supported: The information indicates whether the second device can support the communication function or not.

[0222] Temperature: The current temperature of the second device.

[0223] Battery: The current battery of the second device.

[0224] Optionally, the method may further comprise operation S1240 of determining whether there is any second device able to support the transfer of the communication function. According to an example embodiment, the first device may first receive the call support capability from the one or more second devices to determine whether there is any second device able to support the transfer of the communication function.

[0225] In response to determine that there is second device able to support the transfer of the communication function, the method may proceed to operation S1250 of receiving the device information of the second device. According to an example embodiment, the first device receives the device information from the second devices which are able to support the transfer of the communication function. In this case, it may reduce the data exchanged between the first device and the second devices.

[0226] In response to determine that there is no second device able to support the transfer of the communication function, the method may return to operation S1220.

[0227] S540: selecting a suitable second device from the one or more second devices.

[0228] FIG. 13 is a schematic flowchart illustrating an example of operation S540 of the method for maintaining a communication function in FIG. 5. According to an example embodiment, the first device may select a suitable second device from the one or more second devices based on operations S1310 to S1350:

[0229] S1310: The first device scans one or more second devices (e.g. second device A, second device B, second device C, ...) via BLE, Bluetooth, etc.

[0230] S1320 to S1340: The first device receives device information from the one or more second devices. The device information may comprise a device name, a supported communication, a temperature, a battery, or a phone number.

[0231] S1350: The first device selects a second device A as a suitable second device.

[0232] The selecting the suitable second device from the one or more second devices may comprise: determining one or more selecting conditions, wherein the selecting conditions are: having the call support capability, being the first found device, being connected to the first device, being able to establish a connection to the first device, battery state, signal strength, distance to the first device, device configuration, or device temperature; and selecting the suitable second device from the one or more second devices based on the device information received from the one or more second devices and the one or more selecting conditions.

[0233] Base on the information provide by found second devices, the first device may select a suitable second device which is most suitable or the first found device that can support the communication function to transfer the communication function.

[0234] The suitable second device is the one that has the capability to support the communication function, is either already connected to the first device or may establish a connection, and other factors such as power availability and current temperature may also be taken into consideration.

[0235] Optionally, the first device may notify to user that the communication function will be handled by the suitable second device.

[0236] S550: transferring the communication function to the suitable second device.

[0237] Operation S550 is described with reference to FIGS. 14-16. The embodiment will be described with the communication function is a call service as an example. The disclosure is not limited thereto and the communication function may be any suitable communication services. The call service may comprise at least one of the following: an outgoing call, an incoming call or an ongoing call. In case the communication function is the call service, the outgoing communication may be the outgoing call, the incoming communication may be the incoming call, and the ongoing communication may be the ongoing call. The call service may be an IMS call or a CS call.

[0238] According to an example embodiment, the first device may determine whether the communication function is the outgoing communication, incoming communication or ongoing communication. Based on call status, the first device may determine whether there is a communication function as following. It is determined that the first device has an outgoing communication when user makes a new call from a call application. It is determined that the first device has an incoming communication, when the first device received a SIP message or the paging for call from a network, e.g. IMS server. It is determined that the first device has an ongoing communication based on at least one of the following criteria: the call status being call active, a voice packet being transmitted / received, or a call time counter shown on the call application.

[0239] FIG. 14 is a schematic flowchart illustrating operation S550 of the method for maintaining a communication function in FIG. 5, in case the communication function is an outgoing communication. In response to determining that the communication function is the outgoing communication, following operations may be performed:

[0240] S1410: sending, by the first device, a phone number of a receiver device of the outgoing communication to the suitable second device;

[0241] S1420: requesting, by the first device, the suitable second device to make the outgoing communication;

[0242] S1430: making, by the suitable second device, the outgoing communication to the receiver device;

[0243] FIG. 15 is a schematic flowchart illustrating operation S550 of the method for maintaining a communication function in FIG. 5, in case the communication function is an incoming communication. In response to determining that the communication function is the incoming communication, following operations may be performed:

[0244] S1510: sending, by the first device, a SIP 302 moved temporarily message including a phone number of the suitable second device to an IMS server.

[0245] S1520: executing, by the IMS server, a CD logic.

[0246] According to an example embodiment, the IMS server may execute the CD logic. Optionally, the method may further comprise terminating, by the IMS server, the incoming communication with the first device.

[0247] The CD logic let a UE transfer call to the suitable second device. The IMS server indicates a IMS core, which is a part of 4G / 5G core network, control IMS services.

[0248] S1530: forwarding, by the IMS server, the incoming communication to the suitable second device. The suitable second device may receive the incoming communication.

[0249] According to this implementation, call deflection may be performed from the first device to the suitable second device by using a CD function. According to an example embodiment, in order to start a VoLTE available HD voice call, a UE transmits an invite message for the first device to an IMS server. The IMS server transmits the invite message to the first device. The first device may transmit a message "moved temporarily" to the IMS server by performing CD in an automatic or manual setting. A serving-call session control function (S-CSCF) of the IMS server transmits the message "moved temporarily" to an application server (AS). A CD logic is performed in the AS and the IMS server transmits the invite message to the suitable second device. The suitable second device receiving the invite message may proceed to make a VoLTE HD voice call with the UE by responding a "200 OK" message.

[0250] FIG. 16 is a schematic flowchart illustrating operation S550 of the method for maintaining a communication function in FIG. 5, in case the communication function is an ongoing communication. In response to determining that the communication function is the ongoing communication, following operations may be performed:

[0251] S1610: sending, by the first device, a request for transferring the ongoing communication including the device information of the suitable second device to a receiver device.

[0252] When transferring an ongoing communication from the first device to the suitable second device, the first device holds the ongoing communication with the receiver device, and send a request to transfer the ongoing communication including information of the suitable second device to the receiver device.

[0253] S1620: accepting, by the receiver device, the request for transferring.

[0254] S1630: making, by the receiver device, a call to the suitable second device.

[0255] S1640: accepting, by the suitable second device, the call from the receiver device.

[0256] S1650: sending, by the receiver device, a notification to the first device informing the ongoing communication is connected with suitable second device.

[0257] S1660: disconnecting, by the first device, the ongoing communication with the receiver device.

[0258] A second embodiment of the method for maintaining a communication function is described with reference to FIG. 17. The second embodiment of the method for maintaining a communication function may be the case where the second communication function maintaining process is applied.

[0259] FIG. 17 is a schematic flowchart of a method for maintaining a communication function according to the second embodiment. The method for maintaining a communication function may comprise:

[0260] S1710: determining whether there is the communication function executed on a communication device.

[0261] Operation S1710 is similar to operation S510 described above. For this operation, reference is made to operation S510, and the example parts of operation S510 is included. Details are not described herein again.

[0262] S1720: determining whether the communication device is to be overheated.

[0263] Operation S1720 is similar to operation S520 described above. For this operation, reference is made to operation S520, and the example parts of operation S520 is included. Details of similar parts are not described herein again.

[0264] The S1720 is different from the S520 in that the time frame T may comprise the first time frame T' for detecting, enabling and registering to the available non-3GPP access and the second time frame T'' for handling over the communication function to the available non-3GPP access.

[0265] The time frame T may be defined as a sufficient amount of time for the communication device to check if non-3GPP access available for current network (WIFI / WIMAX, etc.), enable the available non-3GPP access, access / register to the available non-3GPP access (access to non-3gpp, register IMS, ...), handover the communication function from a 3GPP access to the available non-3GPP access.

[0266] S1730: determining whether a signal condition of the communication device is lower than a signal threshold Ts.

[0267] According to an example embodiment, the communication device may determine whether a signal condition of the communication device is lower than a signal threshold Ts.

[0268] In response to determining that a signal condition of the communication device is lower than a signal threshold Ts, the method may proceed to operation S1735.

[0269] In response to determining that a signal condition of the communication device is not lower than a signal threshold Ts, the method may proceed to end.

[0270] S1735: detecting, enabling and registering to the available non-3GPP access.

[0271] According to an example embodiment, the communication device may detect an available non-3GPP access; enable the available non-3GPP access, and register to the available non-3GPP access. The communication device may check if a non-3GPP access available for current network (WIFI / WIMAX, etc.), enable the available non-3GPP access, access / register to the available non-3GPP access (access to non-3gpp, register IMS, ...).

[0272] S1740: handling over the communication function to the available non-3GPP access.

[0273] According to an example embodiment, the communication device may handover the communication function to the available non-3GPP access. A mobile communication system may include a core network and an access network. The access network may integrate different access types, according to an example embodiment, 3GPP access and non-3GPP access. Specifically, 3GPP access is a radio access technology (radio access technology, RAT), non-3GPP access is an access technology not specified by 3GPP. Technologies used for 3GPP access may include global system for mobile communication (GSM), UMTS, LTE, 5G New Radio (NR), etc. Technologies used for non-3GPP access may include Wi-Fi, code-division multiple access 2000 (CDMA2000), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), digital user lines (digital subscriber line, DSL) etc.

[0274] A third embodiment of the method for maintaining a communication function is described with reference to FIG. 18. The third embodiment of the method for maintaining a communication function may be the case where the third communication function maintaining process is applied.

[0275] FIG. 18 is a schematic flowchart of a method for maintaining a communication function according to the third embodiment. The method for maintaining a communication function may comprise:

[0276] S1810: determining that there is the communication function executed on a communication device.

[0277] Operation S1810 is similar to operation S510 described above. For this operation, reference is made to operation S510, and the example parts of operation S510 is included. Details are not described herein again.

[0278] S1820: determining that the communication device is to be overheated.

[0279] Operation S1820 is similar to operation S520 described above. For this operation, reference is made to operation S520, and the example parts of operation S520 is included. Details of similar parts are not described herein again.

[0280] Operation S1820 is different from operation S520 in that the time frame T may comprise the first time frame T' for scanning all running applications, determining priorities of the running applications, and determining the at least one low priority application and the second time frame T'' for terminating the at least one low priority application.

[0281] The time frame T may be defined as a sufficient amount of time for the communication device to scan all running applications, determine priority for each application, and complete termination of all low priority applications.

[0282] S1825: scanning all running applications, and determining priorities of the running applications.

[0283] According to an example embodiment, the communication device may scan all running applications, and determine priority for each application.

[0284] S1830: determining whether there is at least one low priority application running, wherein the at least one low priority application has a priority lower than that of the communication function.

[0285] According to an example embodiment, the communication device may determine whether there is at least one low priority application running.

[0286] In response to determining that there is at least one low priority application running, the method may proceed to operation S1840.

[0287] In response to determining that there is no low priority application running, the method may proceed to end.

[0288] S1840: terminating the at least one low priority application.

[0289] According to an example embodiment, the communication device may terminate any application that has a priority lower than that of the communication function.

[0290] An embodiment of the disclosure may be implemented as software (e.g., the program 140) including one or more instructions that are stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory 136 or external memory 138) that is readable by a machine (e.g., the electronic device 101). According to an example embodiment, a processor (e.g., the processor 120) of the machine (e.g., the electronic device 101) may invoke at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, and execute it, with or without using one or more other components under the control of the processor. This allows the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one instruction invoked. The one or more instructions may include a code generated by a complier or a code executable by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the machine may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Wherein, the term "non-transitory" simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device, and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but this term does not differentiate between where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where the data is temporarily stored in the storage medium.

[0291] According to an embodiment, a method according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program products may be traded as commodities between sellers and buyers. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) online via an application store (e.g., Play StoreTM), or between two user devices (e.g., smartphones) directly. If distributed online, at least part of the computer program product may be temporarily generated or at least temporarily stored in the machine-readable storage medium, such as memory of the manufacturer's server, a server of the application store, or a relay server.

[0292] According to an embodiment, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include a single entity or multiple entities. Some of the plurality of entities may be separately disposed in different components. According to an embodiment, one or more of the above-described components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Alternatively or further, a plurality of components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, according to various embodiments, the integrated component may still perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components in the same or similar manner as they are performed by a corresponding one of the plurality of components before the integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by the module, the program, or another component may be carried out sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0293] The language used in the disclosure has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the disclosed subject matter. It is therefore intended that the scope of the disclosure not be limited by this detailed description. Accordingly, the disclosure of the various example embodiments of the disclosure is intended to be illustrative, not limiting, of the scope of the disclosure, including the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0294] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting. It will also be understood that any of the embodiment(s) described herein may be used in conjunction with any other embodiment(s) described herein.

Claims

1.A communication device (200) for maintaining a communication function, the communication device comprising:memory (210) storing instructions; andat least one processor (220);wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, cause the communication device to:determine that there is the communication function executed on the communication device, wherein the communication function comprise at least one of an outgoing communication, an incoming communication, or an ongoing communication;determine that the communication device is to be overheated by predicting whether a device temperature of the communication device is to reach to a temperature threshold after a time frame; andperform a communication function maintaining process for maintaining the communication function,wherein, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, cause the communication device to:predict whether the device temperature of the communication device is to reach to the temperature threshold after the time frame based on at least one of an increasing pattern of the device temperature or a logistic regression machine learning model, wherein the time frame comprises a first time frame for preparing the communication function maintaining process and a second time frame for performing the communication function maintaining process.2.The communication device of claim 1, wherein, to predict whether the device temperature of the communication device is to reach to the temperature threshold after the time frame based on the increasing pattern of the device temperature, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, cause the communication device to:determine that the device temperature of the communication device increases within the time frame;determine that factors causing the device temperature of the communication device to increase do not change; andpredict whether the device temperature of the communication device is to reach to the temperature threshold after the time frame based on an increase of the device temperature within the time frame.3.The communication device of claim 1, wherein, to predict whether the device temperature of the communication device is to reach to the temperature threshold after the time frame based on the logistic regression machine learning model, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, cause the communication device to:send state data of the communication device to the logistic regression machine learning model, wherein the state data comprises at least one of a current temperature of the communication device, a current environmental temperature, active applications, signal condition, data throughput, or the time frame; andinfer, by the logistic regression machine learning model, whether the device temperature is to reach to the temperature threshold after the time frame based on the state data.4.The communication device of claim 1, wherein the communication function maintaining process comprises a first communication function maintaining process, wherein the first communication function maintaining process comprises:detecting one or more other communication devices;selecting a other communication device from the one or more other communication devices; andtransferring the communication function to the other communication device;wherein the time frame comprises the first time frame for detecting the one or more other communication devices and selecting the other communication device and the second time frame for transferring the communication function to the other communication device.5.The communication device of claim 4, wherein, to detect the one or more other communication devices, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, cause the communication device to:determine the first time frame for detecting the one or more other communication devices and select the other communication device;scan to find the one or more other communication devices in proximity to the communication device within the first time frame; andreceive device information from the one or more other communication devices, wherein the device information comprises at least one of a device name, call support capability, a device temperature, a battery state, or a phone number,wherein, to select the other communication device from the one or more other communication devices, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, cause the communication device to:determine one or more selecting conditions, wherein the one or more selecting conditions comprise at least one of having the call support capability, being the first found device, being connected to the communication device, being able to establish a connection to the communication device, battery state, signal strength, distance to the communication device, device configuration, or device temperature; andselect the other communication device from the one or more other communication devices based on the device information received from the one or more other communication devices and the one or more selecting conditions.6.The communication device of claim 1, wherein the communication function maintaining process comprises a second communication function maintaining process, wherein the second communication function maintaining process comprises:determining that a signal condition of the communication device is lower than a signal threshold ;detecting an available non-3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) access;enabling the available non-3GPP access;registering to the available non-3GPP access; andhandling over the communication function to the available non-3GPP access;wherein the time frame comprises the first time frame for detecting, enabling and registering to the available non-3GPP access and the second time frame for handling over the communication function to the available non-3GPP access.7.The communication device of claim 1, wherein the communication function maintaining process comprises a third communication function maintaining process, wherein the third communication function maintaining process comprises:scanning all running applications on the communication device;determining priorities of the running applications;determining that there is at least one application running having a priority lower than that of the communication function; andterminating the at least one application;wherein the time frame comprises the first time frame for scanning all running applications, determining priorities of the running applications, and determining the at least one application, and the second time frame for terminating the at least one application.8.A method for maintaining a communication function, the method comprising:determining (S410) that there is the communication function executed on a first device, wherein the communication function comprise at least one of an outgoing communication, an incoming communication, or an ongoing communication;determining (S420) that the first device is to be overheated by predicting whether a device temperature of the communication device is to reach to a temperature threshold after a time frame; andperforming (S430) a communication function maintaining process for maintaining the communication function,wherein the predicting whether the device temperature of the first device is to reach to the temperature threshold after the time frame is based on at least one of an increasing pattern of the device temperature or a logistic regression machine learning model, wherein the time frame comprises a first time frame for preparing the communication function maintaining process and a second time frame for performing the communication function maintaining process.9.The method of claim 8, wherein the predicting whether the device temperature of the first device is to reach to the temperature threshold after the time frame based on the increasing pattern of the device temperature comprises:determining that the device temperature of the first device increases within the time frame;determining that factors causing the device temperature of the first device to increase do not change; andpredicting whether the device temperature of the first device is to reach to the temperature threshold after the time frame based on an increase of the device temperature within the time frame.10.The method of claim 8, wherein the predicting whether the device temperature of the first device is to reach to the temperature threshold after the time frame based on the logistic regression machine learning model comprises:sending state data of the first device to the logistic regression machine learning model, wherein the state data comprises at least one of a current temperature of the first device, a current environmental temperature, active applications, signal condition, data throughput, or the time frame; andinferring, by the logistic regression machine learning model, whether the device temperature is to reach to the temperature threshold after the time frame based on the state data.11.The method of claim 8, wherein the communication function maintaining process comprises a first communication function maintaining process, wherein the first communication function maintaining process comprises:detecting one or more second devices;selecting a second device from the one or more second devices; andtransferring the communication function to the second device;wherein the time frame comprises the first time frame for detecting the one or more second devices and selecting the second device and the second time frame for transferring the communication function to the second device.12.The method of claim 11, wherein the detecting the one or more second devices comprises:determining the first time frame for detecting the one or more second devices and selecting the second device;scanning to find the one or more second devices in proximity to the first device within the first time frame; andreceiving device information from the one or more second devices, wherein the device information comprises at least one of a device name, call support capability, a device temperature, a battery state, or a phone number.wherein the selecting the second device from the one or more second devices comprises:determining one or more selecting conditions, wherein the one or more selecting conditions comprising at least one of having the call support capability, being the first found device, being connected to the first device, being able to establish a connection to the first device, battery state, signal strength, distance to the first device, device configuration, or device temperature; andselecting the second device from the one or more second devices based on the device information received from the one or more second devices and the one or more selecting conditions.13.The method of claim 8, wherein the communication function maintaining process comprises a second communication function maintaining process, wherein the second communication function maintaining process comprises:determining that a signal condition of the first device is lower than a signal threshold;detecting an available non-3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) access;enabling the available non-3GPP access;registering to the available non-3GPP access; andhandling over the communication function to the available non-3GPP access;wherein the time frame comprises the first time frame for detecting, enabling and registering to the available non-3GPP access and the second time frame for handling over the communication function to the available non-3GPP access.14.The method of claim 8, wherein the communication function maintaining process comprises a third communication function maintaining process, wherein the third communication function maintaining process comprises:scanning all running applications on the first device;determining priorities of the running applications;determining that there is at least one application running having a priority lower than that of the communication function; andterminating the at least one application;wherein the time frame comprises the first time frame for scanning all running applications, determining priorities of the running applications, and determining the at least one application, and the second time frame for terminating the at least one application.15.A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of a communication device, cause the communication device to perform operations comprising:determining that there is the communication function executed on the communication device, wherein the communication function comprise at least one of an outgoing communication, an incoming communication, or an ongoing communication;determining that the communication device is to be overheated by predicting whether a device temperature of the communication device is to reach to a temperature threshold after a time frame; andperforming a communication function maintaining process for maintaining the communication function,wherein the predicting whether the device temperature of the first device is to reach to the temperature threshold after the time frame is based on at least one of an increasing pattern of the device temperature or a logistic regression machine learning model, wherein the time frame comprises a first time frame for preparing the communication function maintaining process and a second time frame for performing the communication function maintaining process.

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