Wireless power transmitter, electronic device for wirelessly receiving power, and method of operating the same

Abstract

A method and an electronic device that can be coupled to a host device are provided. The electronic device includes: a housing that can be disassembled and assembled to the host device; an optical generator disposed on a first surface of the housing; a power transmission circuit disposed on a second surface of the housing, the second surface being opposite to the first surface; and a processor that controls the optical generator to output light. Wherein, an external electronic device moves to a predetermined position based on the output light, and based on the external electronic device moving to the predetermined position, controls to wirelessly transmit power to the external electronic device via the power transmission circuit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device for wirelessly transmitting power, an external electronic device for wirelessly receiving power, and an operating method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Portable digital communication devices have become important items for modern people. Customers hope to obtain various high-quality services anytime and anywhere. Internet of Things (IoT) technology integrates various sensors, household appliances, and communication devices into a single network. Various sensors require a wireless power transmission system for seamless operation.

[0003] Wireless power transmission can be performed by magnetic induction, magnetic resonance, and electromagnetic wave schemes. Magnetic induction or magnetic resonance schemes are advantageous for charging an electronic device (e.g., a wireless power transmitter) located within a relatively short distance from the electronic device. Compared with magnetic induction or magnetic resonance schemes, the electromagnetic wave scheme is more advantageous for long-range power transmission up to several meters.

[0004] Various movable electronic devices (e.g., robots) are widely used. These electronic devices are equipped with wheels, two legs, flight thrusters, or other various moving devices to move from one location to another. The electronic device can approach a charging station (e.g., a docking station) for wireless charging and use the magnetic field generated from the charging station to charge.

[0005] The above information is presented only as background information to help understand the present disclosure. No determination has been made, and no assertion has been made as to whether any of the above constitutes prior art with respect to the present disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical Problem

[0007] Generally, a charging station for an electronic device is connected to a power outlet installed on a wall and placed on the floor. An electronic device such as a robotic vacuum cleaner approaches the charging station, and the charging station can charge the electronic device either wired or wirelessly. However, when the charging station is placed on the floor, a user is likely to bump into the charging station while walking on the floor. In addition, the space requirement for placing the charging station may limit the living space.

[0008] An electronic device is provided that can be placed in a lower blank space of another pre-placed electronic device. Also provided are: a pre-placed electronic device including a logo for determining a path for an external electronic device and a power transmission circuit; an external electronic device using the logo to determine a path; and a control method thereof.

[0009] Problem Solution

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device coupled to a pre-placed host device is provided. The electronic device includes: a housing that can be detachably attached to the host device; a light generator disposed on a first surface of the housing; a power transmission circuit disposed on a second surface of the housing, the second surface being opposite to the first surface; and a processor configured to: control the light generator to output light, wherein an external electronic device moves to a predetermined position based on the output light, and based on the external electronic device moving to the predetermined position, control to wirelessly transmit power to the external electronic device via the power transmission circuit.

[0011] The processor may further be configured to: based on detecting that the external electronic device has moved to the predetermined position, control to wirelessly transmit power via the power transmission circuit.

[0012] The electronic device may further include: a power interface; a converter configured to receive direct current (DC) power from a power source of the host device via the power interface and convert the voltage of the received DC power to a predetermined voltage amplitude; and an inverter configured to generate alternating current (AC) power based on the received DC power having the predetermined voltage amplitude and provide the generated AC power to the power transmission circuit.

[0013] The electronic device may further include: a power interface; a rectification circuit configured to receive alternating current (AC) power from an external power source via the power interface and rectify the received AC power to direct current (DC) power; a converter configured to receive the DC power from the rectification circuit and convert the voltage of the received DC power to a predetermined voltage amplitude; and an inverter configured to generate AC power based on the received DC power having the predetermined voltage amplitude and provide the generated AC power to the power transmission circuit.

[0014] The electronic device may further include a data line configured to connect the processor and the light generator through the housing or along at least one surface of the housing, wherein the processor may further be configured to output data for outputting light to the light generator through the data line.

[0015] The light generator may include at least one light-emitting device configured to emit infrared light within a predetermined range.

[0016] The electronic device may further include a communication circuit configured to communicate with the external electronic device, wherein the processor may further be configured to: receive information about the remaining power of the battery of the external electronic device from the external electronic device via the communication circuit, and based on identifying that the remaining power of the battery of the external electronic device meets a predetermined condition, control the light generator to output light.

[0017] The housing may also be configured to be connected to a lower portion of the housing of the host device, and wherein, the power transfer circuit may be disposed in an inner lower portion of the electronic device.

[0018] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an electronic device coupled to a host device, the electronic device including: a housing that can be detachably attached to the host device; a logo disposed on a first surface of the housing, the logo being configured to assist in moving an external electronic device to a predetermined position for wireless charging; a power transfer circuit disposed on a second surface of the housing, the second surface being opposite to the first surface; and a processor configured to control wirelessly transmitting power to the external electronic device via the power transfer circuit based on the external electronic device being moved to the predetermined position.

[0019] The processor may be configured to: control wirelessly transmitting power via the power transfer circuit based on detecting that the external electronic device has been moved to the predetermined position.

[0020] The electronic device may further include: a power interface; a converter configured to receive direct current (DC) power from a power source of the host device via the power interface, and convert the voltage of the received DC power to a predetermined voltage amplitude; and an inverter configured to generate alternating current (AC) power based on the received DC power having the predetermined voltage amplitude, and supply the generated AC power to the power transfer circuit.

[0021] The electronic device may further include: a power interface; a rectification circuit configured to receive alternating current (AC) power from an external power source via the power interface, and rectify the received AC power to DC power; a converter configured to receive DC power from the rectification circuit, and convert the voltage of the received direct current (DC) power to a predetermined voltage amplitude; and an inverter configured to generate alternating current (AC) power based on the received DC power having the predetermined voltage amplitude, and supply the generated AC power to the power transfer circuit.

[0022] The electronic device may further include a communication circuit configured to communicate with the external electronic device, wherein, the processor may further be configured to: receive information about a remaining battery charge of the external electronic device from the external electronic device via the communication circuit, and based on identifying that the remaining battery charge of the external electronic device meets a predetermined condition, send a communication signal to control the external electronic device to move to the predetermined position.

[0023] The housing may also be configured to be connected to a lower portion of the housing of the host device, and wherein, the power transfer circuit may be disposed in an inner lower portion of the electronic device.

[0024] The logo may be disposed in a position where it can be sensed by the external electronic device.

[0025] The external electronic device can be configured to: identify a captured image of the logo, and perform one or both of moving and rotating until the pattern corresponding to the logo meets a predetermined condition.

[0026] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an electronic device coupled to a host device, the electronic device including: a housing that can be detachably attached to the host device; a light generator disposed on a first surface of the housing; a bottom tray disposed in a lower portion of the housing, the bottom tray being able to be pulled out to the outside of the host device; a power transfer circuit disposed in the bottom tray; and a processor configured to: control to position the bottom tray inside the host device; control the light generator to output light, wherein the external electronic device moves to a predetermined position based on the output light; before the external electronic device moves to the predetermined position, control to position the bottom tray outside the host device; and after the external electronic device moves to the predetermined position, control to wirelessly transmit power via the power transfer circuit.

[0027] A lower portion of the bottom tray may have a first width, wherein an upper portion of the bottom tray may have a second width, and wherein the first width may be greater than the second width.

[0028] The external electronic device may have a width substantially the same as the second width, wherein a power transfer coil of the power transfer circuit may be disposed at a point a first distance from the lower portion of the bottom tray, and wherein a power receiving coil may be disposed at a point a first distance from a side surface of the external electronic device.

[0029] The external electronic device may include a dust container, and wherein the bottom tray may include a duct configured to be connected to the dust container of the external electronic device.

[0030] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for controlling the coupling of an electronic device and a host device, the method including: coupling a housing of the electronic device to the host device; controlling a light generator disposed on a first surface of the housing to output light, wherein the external electronic device moves to a predetermined position based on the output light; and based on the external electronic device moving to the predetermined position, controlling to wirelessly transmit power to the external electronic device via the power transfer circuit.

[0031] The method may include: receiving direct current (DC) power from a power source of the host device; converting a voltage of the received DC power to a predetermined voltage amplitude; and generating alternating current (AC) power based on the received DC power having the predetermined voltage amplitude, and providing the generated AC power to the power transfer circuit.

[0032] The method may include: receiving alternating current (AC) power from an external power source; rectifying the received AC power into direct current (DC) power; receiving the DC power and converting the voltage of the received DC power to a predetermined voltage amplitude; and generating AC power based on the received DC power having the predetermined voltage amplitude and providing the generated AC power to a power transmission circuit.

[0033] The method may include: receiving information about a remaining battery level of a battery of an external electronic device from the external electronic device and, based on identifying that the remaining battery level of the battery of the external electronic device satisfies a predetermined condition, controlling a light generator to output light.

[0034] The following detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure is disclosed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and other aspects, advantages, and notable features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0035] Advantageous Effects of the Present Invention

[0036] According to one or more embodiments, an electronic device may be provided that may be placed in a lower empty space of another pre-placed electronic device. According to one or more embodiments, there may be provided: an electronic device including a logo for the electronic device to determine a path and a power transmission circuit; an electronic device using the logo to determine a path; and a control method thereof. Description of the Drawings

[0037] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of specific embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0038] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an electronic device and an external electronic device according to an embodiment;

[0039] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an electronic device and an external electronic device according to an embodiment;

[0040] Figure 3A is a view showing an electronic device and a host device according to an embodiment;

[0041] Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view showing an electronic device and a host device according to an embodiment;

[0042] Figure 3C is a view showing a connection between a processor and a path guide of an electronic device according to an embodiment;

[0043] Figure 3D is a view showing a connection between a processor and a path guide of an electronic device according to an embodiment;

[0044] Figure 4 is a view showing the movement of an external electronic device according to an embodiment;

[0045] Figure 5A is a view showing the movement of an external electronic device according to an embodiment;

[0046] Figure 5B is a flowchart showing a method for operating an external electronic device according to an embodiment;

[0047] Figure 5C is a view showing an image captured by an external electronic device according to an embodiment;

[0048] Figure 6A shows a front perspective view and a side perspective view of a host device, an electronic device, and an external electronic device according to an embodiment;

[0049] Figure 6B shows a front perspective view and a side perspective view of a host device, an electronic device, and an external electronic device according to an embodiment;

[0050] Figure 7A is a view showing a front perspective view and a side perspective view of a host device, an electronic device, and an external electronic device according to an embodiment;

[0051] Figure 7B is a view showing a front perspective view and a side perspective view of a host device, an electronic device, and an external electronic device according to an embodiment;

[0052] Figure 7C is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an open / close door according to an embodiment;

[0053] Figure 8A is a view showing a front perspective view and a side perspective view of a host device, an electronic device, and an external electronic device according to an embodiment;

[0054] Figure 8B is a view showing a front perspective view and a side perspective view of a host device, an electronic device, and an external electronic device according to an embodiment;

[0055] Figure 9 is a view showing an external electronic device, an electronic device, and an external electronic device according to an embodiment;

[0056] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing a method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment;

[0057] Figure 11A is a view showing a bottom tray and a host electronic device according to an embodiment;

[0058] Figure 11Bis a view showing a bottom tray and a host electronic device according to an embodiment;

[0059] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing operations of an electronic device and an external electronic device according to an embodiment;

[0060] Figure 13 is a conceptual diagram showing an electronic device according to an embodiment;

[0061] Figure 14 is a block diagram showing an electronic device according to an embodiment; and

[0062] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing a method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment. Specific Embodiments

[0063] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and terms used herein, and all changes and / or equivalents or substitutions thereof also fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Throughout the specification and the drawings, the same or similar reference signs may be used to refer to the same or similar elements. It should be understood that the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the term "A or B" or "at least one of A and / or B" may include all possible combinations of A and B. As used herein, the terms "first" and "second" may be used with various components regardless of importance and / or order, and are used to distinguish one component from another component without limiting the component. It will be understood that when an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being "coupled / couples to" or "connected to" another element (e.g., a second element), it may be directly or indirectly coupled or connected / connected to the other element via a third element.

[0064] The term "configured to" may indicate that a device may perform an operation together with another device or part. For example, the term "a processor configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C" may indicate a general-purpose processor (e.g., a CPU or an application processor), which may perform operations by executing one or more software programs stored in a memory device or a dedicated processor (e.g., an embedded processor) for performing the operations.

[0065] Examples of an electronic device or an external electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of the following: a smart phone, a tablet personal computer (PC), a mobile phone, a video phone, an e-book reader, a desktop PC, a laptop computer, a netbook computer, a workstation, a server, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), an MP3 player, a medical device, a camera, and / or a wearable device. The wearable device may include at least one of the following: an accessory type device (e.g., a watch, a ring, a bracelet, an ankle bracelet, a necklace, glasses, contact lenses, or a head-mounted device (HMD)), a fabric or clothing integrated device (e.g., an electronic garment), a body-attached device (e.g., a skin pad or a tattoo), and / or a body-implantable device. In one or more embodiments, examples of the electronic device or the external electronic device may include at least one of the following: a television, a set-top box that is wired or wirelessly connected to the TV, a digital video disc (DVD) player, an audio player, a refrigerator, an air conditioner, a cleaner, an oven, a microwave oven, a washing machine, a dryer, an air purifier, a set-top box, a home automation control panel, a security control panel, a media box, a game console, an electronic dictionary, an electronic key, a camera, an electric vehicle, and / or an electronic photo frame.

[0066] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device or an external electronic device may include at least one of the following: various medical devices (e.g., various portable medical measurement devices (blood glucose measurement device, heart rate measurement device, or body temperature measurement device), magnetic resource angiography (MRA) device, magnetic resource imaging (MRI) device, computed tomography (CT) device, imaging device, and / or ultrasonic device), navigation device, global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver, event data recorder (EDR), flight data recorder (FDR), in-vehicle infotainment device, marine electronic device (e.g., marine navigation device or gyrocompass), avionics, safety device, in-vehicle head unit, industrial or home robot, drone, automated teller machine (ATM), point of sale (POS) device, or Internet of Things (IoT) device (e.g., light bulb, various sensors, sprinkler, fire alarm, thermostat, street lamp, fitness equipment, hot water tank, water heater, or oven). According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, an example of the electronic device or the external electronic device may be at least one of the following parts: a piece of furniture, a building / structure, or a vehicle, an electronic board, an electronic signature receiving device, a projector, or various measurement devices (e.g., devices for measuring water, electricity, gas, or electromagnetic waves). According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device or the external electronic device may be flexible or may be a combination of the above-listed electronic devices. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the above-described electronic device or external electronic device is not limited to the above embodiments. As used herein, the term "user" may refer to a person or another device (e.g., an artificial intelligence electronic device) that uses the external electronic device or the electronic device).

[0067] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an electronic device and an external electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0068] Reference Figure 1, according to an embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., a wireless power transmitter) 100 may wirelessly transmit power to at least one external electronic device 150. The electronic device 100 may transmit power to the external electronic device 150 according to various charging schemes. For example, the electronic device 100 may transmit power in an inductive scheme. With the inductive scheme, the electronic device 100 may include, for example, a power source, a direct current (DC)-alternating current (AC) conversion circuit, an amplification circuit, an impedance matching circuit, at least one capacitor, at least one coil, and a communication modulation / demodulation circuit. The at least one capacitor and the at least one coil together may form a resonant circuit. The electronic device 100 may be implemented in a scheme defined in the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) standard (or Qi standard). For example, the electronic device 100 may transmit power in a resonant scheme. With the resonant scheme, the electronic device 100 may include, for example, a power source, a DC-AC conversion circuit, an amplification circuit, an impedance matching circuit, at least one capacitor, at least one coil, and an out-of-band communication circuit (e.g., a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication circuit). The at least one capacitor and the at least one coil may form a resonant circuit. The electronic device 100 may be implemented in a scheme defined in the Wireless Power Alliance (A4WP) standard (or AirFuel Alliance (AFA) standard). The electronic device 100 may include the following coil, which can generate a magnetic field when current flows through the coil by a resonant or inductive scheme. The process of the electronic device 100 generating an inductive magnetic field may be represented as the electronic device 100 wirelessly transmitting power. Additionally, the external electronic device 150 may include the following coil, which generates an induced electromotive force through a magnetic field generated around it and whose magnitude changes over time. The process of the external electronic device 150 generating an induced electromotive force through the coil may be represented as the external electronic device 150 wirelessly receiving power. For example, the electronic device 100 may transmit power in an electromagnetic scheme. With the electromagnetic scheme, the electronic device 100 may include, for example, a power source, a DC-AC conversion circuit, an amplification circuit, a distribution circuit, a phase shifter, a power transmission antenna array including a plurality of patch antennas, and an out-of-band communication circuit (e.g., a BLE communication module). Each of the plurality of patch antennas may form a radio frequency (RF) wave. The external electronic device 150 may include a patch antenna that can output current using the RF wave generated around it. The process of the electronic device 100 generating an RF wave may be represented as the electronic device 100 wirelessly transmitting power. The process of the external electronic device 150 outputting current from the patch antenna using the RF wave may be represented as the external electronic device 150 wirelessly receiving power.

[0069] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may communicate with an external electronic device 150. For example, the electronic device 100 may communicate with the external electronic device 150 according to an in-band scheme. The electronic device 100 or the external electronic device 150 may change the load (or impedance) regarding data to be transmitted according to, for example, an on / off keying modulation scheme. The electronic device 100 or the external electronic device 150 may determine data transmitted from its counterpart device by measuring a change in the load or impedance based on a change in current, voltage, or power across the coil ends. For example, the electronic device 100 may communicate with the external electronic device 150 according to an out-of-band scheme. The electronic device 100 or the external electronic device 150 may use a communication circuit (e.g., a BLE communication module) provided separately from the coil or the patch antenna to transmit data. The electronic device may also transmit media data, and according to an embodiment, a plurality of different communication circuits (e.g., a BLE communication module, a Wi-Fi module, a Wi-Gig module) may each transmit or receive media data or a wireless power transmission / reception signal.

[0070] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an electronic device and an external electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0071] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include at least one of the following: a power interface 101, a processor 102, a communication circuit 103, an inverter 104, a memory 105, a path guide 108 (e.g., a light generator), or a power transmission circuit 109. According to an embodiment, the external electronic device 150 may include at least one of the following: a rectifier circuit 151, a processor 152, a communication circuit 153, a converter 154, a memory 156, a charger 157, a battery 158, a power reception circuit 159, a sensor 160, or a driver 161.

[0072] According to an embodiment, the power interface 101 may receive power from a host device and transfer the power to the inverter 104. The power interface 101 may be wired to the power supply of a host device such as, for example, a home appliance such as an air conditioner. DC power may be received from the power supply of the host device via the power interface 101. The power interface 101 may include wires or leads for connecting the electronic device and the host device, and various types of plugs that may be inserted into the power supply of the host device. In this case, the plug may be inserted into the power supply of the host device, and the inverter 104 may receive DC power from the power supply of the host device via the wires. According to an embodiment, the electronic device may further include a converter (e.g., a DC / DC converter) electrically connected between the power interface 101 and the inverter 104. The DC / DC converter may convert (e.g., boost-convert or buck-convert) the power received via the power interface 101 and transfer the converted power to the inverter 104. According to an embodiment, the electronic device may receive AC power from an external power supply, and this will be described in more detail below.

[0073] The inverter 104 may convert the received DC power into AC power. The inverter 104 may transfer the AC power to the power transfer circuit 109. The inverter 104 may transfer AC power having a specified frequency to the power transfer circuit 109. The specified frequency may be determined depending on the power transfer scheme adopted by the electronic device 100. For example, when the Qi standard is adopted, the specified frequency may be set in the range from 100 kHz to 200 kHz. For example, when the AFA standard is adopted, the specified frequency may be set to 6.78 MHz. The above frequencies are merely examples, and the frequency of the AC power is not limited thereto.

[0074] The power transfer circuit 109 may generate a magnetic field or an electromagnetic field using the received AC power. For example, the power transfer circuit 109 may include a resonant circuit having a specified resonant frequency. The power transfer circuit 109 may include at least one coil. The coil may generate a magnetic field based on the current applied thereto.

[0075] Processor 102 may control the amplitude of the power transmitted by power transfer circuit 109. For example, processor 102 may control the amplitude of the power output via power interface 101, control the gain of a power amplifier included in power transfer circuit 109, or switch inverter 104, so as to control the amplitude of the power transmitted by power transfer circuit 109. Processor 102 may control the amplitude of the power applied to power transfer circuit 109 by controlling the amplitude of the bias voltage of the power amplifier. Processor 102 or processor 152 may be implemented in various circuits capable of performing calculations, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or other general-purpose processor, a microcomputer, a microprocessor, a microcontroller unit (MCU), or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), but is not limited thereto. Processor 102 may control at least one of inverter 104 or power transfer circuit 109 to transmit, for example, the determined amplitude of power.

[0076] According to an embodiment, power receiving circuit 159 may wirelessly receive power from power transfer circuit 109 according to at least one of an inductive scheme, a resonant scheme, or an electromagnetic wave scheme. Power receiving circuit 159 may include a resonant circuit having a specified resonant frequency. Power receiving circuit 159 may include a coil. Based on a time-varying magnetic field, an induced electromagnetic force may be generated in the coil. Accordingly, AC power may be output from power receiving circuit 159.

[0077] Rectifier circuit 151 may rectify the AC power received from power receiving circuit 159 into DC power. Converter 154 may convert the voltage of the rectified DC power into a value suitable for charger 157. External electronic device 150 may further include a power management integrated circuit (PMIC). The PMIC may receive the power output from converter 154, process the received power to be sufficient to meet the hardware in external electronic device 150, and transfer the processed power. Charger 157 may charge battery 158 using the received power. Charger 157 may monitor the state of battery 158, adjust at least one of the voltage or current of the power received from converter 154 based at least on the state of battery 158, and charge battery 158.

[0078] Memory 105 and memory 156 may store instructions for performing the overall operations of the electronic device and external electronic device 150. Communication circuit 103 may send, for example, a media data signal or information related to wireless power transmission / reception to communication circuit 153. Memory 105 or memory 156 may be implemented in various types, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), or flash memory, but is not limited thereto.

[0079] The sensor 160 may sense data for a surrounding area of the external electronic device 150, and the processor 152 may use the sensed data to identify the position of the electronic device 100 from the surrounding area. The processor 152 may use the sensed data to identify the position of an obstacle in the surrounding area. The path guide 108 of the electronic device 100 may output various signals to allow the external electronic device 150 to identify the position of the electronic device 100 and move to the identified position. For example, the electronic device 100 may radiate IR light to a designated area. In this case, the sensor 160 may be implemented as an IR sensor, and the external electronic device 150 may control the driver 161 to move within the area where the IR light has been emitted. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may not include the path guide 108. In this case, the sensor 160 may include, for example, a camera. The camera may capture or record a still image or video. According to an embodiment, the camera may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, an image signal processor, or a flash. The camera may include a three-dimensional (3D) camera that may be implemented as a stereo camera. The processor 152 may identify the position of the electronic device 100 by analyzing the image obtained via the camera and may obtain a path to the electronic device 100. For example, the electronic device 100 may include a housing, and at least one logo for image processing may be formed on an externally exposed surface of the housing. The processor 152 may control the driver 161 such that an attribute (e.g., at least one of size, position, or shape) of at least one logo in the image satisfies a specified condition, and thus the external electronic device 150 may move toward the electronic device 100. For example, the sensor 160 may include LIDAR. The sensor 160 may output laser pulses and receive the laser pulses reflected by environmental objects. The processor 152 may identify environmental features of the external electronic device 150 or the shape and position of an object based on the received laser pulse reflections. The processor 152 may identify the position of the electronic device 100 based on the identified environmental features or the shape and position of the object.

[0080] The driver 161 can move at least a part of the external electronic device 150. For example, the driver 161 can move the external electronic device 150 from a first position to a second position. According to an embodiment, the external electronic device 150 may further include wheels, and the driver 161 may include a motor or an actuator connected to the wheels. The processor 152 can control the driver 161 to rotate the wheels for the external electronic device 150 to move from the first position to the second position, or to brake the rotation of the wheels. For example, the processor 152 can control the driver 161 to rotate the wheels at a first angular velocity when leaving the first position, and control the driver 161 to reduce the angular velocity of the wheels when the external electronic device 150 approaches the second position. When it is determined that the external electronic device 150 reaches the second position, the processor 152 can control the driver 161 to stop the wheels. According to an embodiment, the external electronic device 150 may include a plurality of legs, and the driver 161 may be connected to each of the plurality of legs and may include a motor or an actuator for controlling the movement of the legs. The external electronic device 150 may include at least one thruster for flight, and the driver 161 may include a motor or an actuator for rotating the at least one thruster. The driver 161 may include a motor or an actuator for rotating the external electronic device 150. The external electronic device 150 may move near the electronic device 100 based on the sensing data obtained via the sensor 160 and may rotate at the electronic device 100. The external electronic device 150 may rotate such that the coil in the external electronic device 150 can be aligned with the coil in the electronic device 100.

[0081] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 or the external electronic device 150 may further include various sensors, such as a proximity sensor and an ultrasonic sensor, and when the external electronic device 150 approaches the electronic device 100, path adjustment can be performed more precisely based on the data from the sensors. In other words, the electronic device 100 or the external electronic device 150 may include a combination of multiple sensors. The external electronic device 150 can identify obstacles on the path based on the sensing data obtained from the sensor 160 and can control the driver 161 to move while avoiding the obstacles.

[0082] Figure 3A is a view showing an electronic device and a host device according to an embodiment.

[0083] Reference Figure 3A, the host device 300 may be implemented as a household appliance, such as an air conditioner. The host device 300 may be implemented as various other household appliances other than an air conditioner, such as an air purifier, a humidifier, a dehumidifier, a washing machine, a dryer, a toaster, a microwave oven, or a refrigerator, without limitation. The host device 300 may include a first housing 310 and a second housing 320. The second housing 320 may be regarded as a housing for an electronic device. The first housing 310 and the second housing 320 may accommodate the internal components of the host device 300 from the outside. The first housing 310 may include a ventilation hole 311 for ventilation and an input device 301 for controlling at least one function of the host device 300. The second housing 320 may include a first surface 320a exposed to the outside and a second surface 320b opposite to the first surface 320a. The second housing 320 may include a coupling device 323 for coupling to the first housing 310. According to the state of the coupling device 323, the second housing 320 may be coupled to or decoupled from the first housing 310. Although in Figure 3A the embodiment, the coupling device 323 is shown as a ring shaped to be coupled to at least a part of the first housing 310, this is merely an example, and those of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that the shape or the coupling manner of the coupling device 323 is not limited.

[0084] According to an embodiment, a path guide 321 (e.g., Figure 2 the path guide 108) may be provided on the first surface 320a of the second housing 320. A wireless power transfer circuit of the electronic device 322 may be provided on the second surface 320b of the second housing 320. The path guide 321 may emit a signal (e.g., an IR signal) to guide an external electronic device 150 to a path. The external electronic device 150 may sense the path guide signal via a sensor 160 and move near the path guide 321 based on the sensed data. The path guide 321 may be included in the electronic device 322.

[0085] When entering the market, the host device 300 usually has no hardware in its inner lower part, as Figure 3A shown. Therefore, the electronic device 322 may be provided in the inner lower part of the host device having a blank space, and the path guide 321 may be provided on the outer surface of the host device. Therefore, maximized space utilization becomes possible. In particular, since the electronic device 322 is placed inside a common household appliance instead of on a path along which a user moves, more indoor space can be utilized.

[0086] According to an embodiment, the path guide 321 may output a signal that can pass through the second housing 320. In this case, the path guide 321 may be provided inside the second surface 320b of the second housing 320.

[0087] As shown Figure 3B in FIG. 1, the external electronic device 150 may sense the path guide 321 or a signal output from the path guide 321 via the sensor 160. For example, when the path guide 321 emits IR light, the sensor 160 may sense the IR light. As shown Figure 3B in FIG. 1, as the area where the IR light is radiated moves, the external electronic device 150 may approach the second housing 320.

[0088] The electronic device 322 may receive power from a host device (e.g., the host device 300) via the power interface 341. As shown Figure 3B in FIG. 1, the electronic device 322 may be connected to the power supply of the host device via the wire 343. Although, for convenience of description, the power interface 341 is shown as being directly connected to the power transfer circuit 342, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand, according to an embodiment, that the electronic device 322 may include various hardware or elements for processing power (e.g., an inverter or a DC / DC converter), as described above in connection with Figure 2 FIG. 1. Although the power interface 341 and the wire 343 are shown as different components, the wire 343 may be included in the power interface 341. The power transfer circuit 342 may wirelessly transmit power using the received power. The power receiving circuit 159 of the external electronic device 150 may wirelessly receive power from the power transfer circuit 342. For example, the position on the second surface 320b of the power transfer circuit 342 may be determined corresponding to the position of the power receiving circuit 159 of the external electronic device 150. When the coil for wireless power transmission and the coil for wireless power reception are aligned with each other, the wireless power transmission efficiency may be maximized. Therefore, the position of the wireless power transmission coil on the second surface 320b may be determined such that when the external electronic device 150 contacts or approaches the second housing 320, the wireless power receiving coil is aligned with the wireless power transmission coil. Although Figure 3B FIG. 1 shows that the path guide 321 is located outside the electronic device 322, this only indicates that the path guide 321 is physically located on the housing of the electronic device, and the path guide 321 may be electrically connected or operatively connected to the electronic device 322. In other words, other components or elements of the electronic device 322 except the path guide 321 may be provided in the main housing of the electronic device 322, the path guide 321 may be provided on the main housing of the electronic device 322 and connected via the data line 361. The path guide 321 may further include a housing.

[0089] As shown Figure 3BAs shown, the second housing 320 may be manufactured to have a structure with an electronic device 322 and a path guide 321 formed on its two surfaces, and may replace its corresponding housing of the conventional host device 300. In other words, the user may simply install the path guide / wireless charging structure on the conventional host device 300 by replacing the corresponding housing with this structure.

[0090] Figure 3C is a view showing the connection between a processor and a path guide of an electronic device according to an embodiment. Figure 3D is a view showing the connection between a processor and a path guide of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0091] Reference Figure 3C , the path guide 321 and the processor of the electronic device 322 (e.g., processor 102) may be connected together via a data line 361. The data line 361 may be implemented in various ways, for example, implemented as a bus, general-purpose input / output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industry processor interface (MIPI). In Figure 3C embodiments, the data line 361 may be arranged to pass through the second housing 320. The second housing 320 may have a hole through which the data line 361 may be arranged. The path guide 321 may receive a control signal from the processor of the electronic device 322 via the data line 361 and may operate based on the received control signal. For example, the processor of the electronic device 322 may identify that specified conditions for charging an external electronic device 150 are met. For example, the electronic device 322 may receive information on the remaining battery charge from the external electronic device 150 and, when identifying that the remaining battery power falls within a specified range (e.g., a specified value or less), identify that the specified charging conditions are met. Alternatively, when identifying that a task (e.g., clearing) being performed by the external electronic device 150 is completed, the electronic device 322 may identify that the specified charging conditions are met. When identifying that the specified conditions are met, the processor of the electronic device 322 may send a control signal to the path guide 321 via the data line 361 to perform path guidance. The path guide 321 may perform path guidance based on the received control signal.

[0092] Alternatively, as Figure 3D shown, the data line 361 may be arranged on a third surface 320c that connects the first surface 320a and the second surface 320b. There may be a space between the third surface 320c and the lower housing of the host device to support the second housing 320, and the data line 361 may extend from the inside of the second housing 320 through this space to the outside of the second housing 320.

[0093] Alternatively, the path guide 322 may not include a path guide. In this case, the external electronic device 150 may move near the path guide 322 based on the captured image of the external view, for example, near the power transfer coil of the path guide 322. Or, the external electronic device 150 may move near the electronic device 322 based on the indoor map identified via LIDAR, for example, near the power transfer coil of the path guide 322. Instead of the path guide 321, a logo may be formed on the first surface 320a of the second housing 320. For example, the logo may have at least one of a pre-specified shape or size, and the external electronic device 150 may detect the logo from the captured image and move so that the attributes of the detected logo satisfy the specified conditions. In the case where the logo is formed on the first surface 320a of the second housing 320, the data line may not be provided.

[0094] Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that in Figure 3C and 3D 's embodiments, a power line for providing power to operate the path guide 321 may be provided together with the data line 361. According to an embodiment, such an implementation in which both data and power can be transmitted and received via a single line may also be possible.

[0095] Figure 4 is a view showing the movement of the external electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0096] In Figure 4 's embodiments, the path guide 321 may radiate IR light under specified conditions. For example, the path guide 321 may radiate IR light in the region between the first boundary line 401 and the second boundary line 402. The path guide 321 may have at least one light-emitting device to radiate IR light in the region between the first boundary line 401 and the second boundary line 402. The path guide 321 may immediately turn on at least one light-emitting device without calculating the radiation conditions, thereby radiating IR light in the region between the first boundary line 401 and the second boundary line 402.

[0097] According to an embodiment, the external electronic device 150 may include an IR sensor. The external electronic device 150 may identify whether IR light is detected based on the sensed data obtained via the IR sensor. For example, the external electronic device 150 may detect IR light in the region between the first boundary line 401 and the second boundary line 402, but not detect IR light outside the region between the first boundary line 401 and the second boundary line 402. Detecting IR light here may mean detecting a specified threshold amount or more of IR light in the band of the IR light radiated from the path guide 321.

[0098] According to an embodiment, the external electronic device 150 may move within an area where IR light is detectable (411 and 412). For example, the external electronic device 150 may move when IR light is detected and located near the first boundary line 401. As described above, the amount of light in a specific band may be equal to or more than a threshold amount inside the first boundary line 401, and the amount of light in the specific band may be less than the threshold amount outside the first boundary line 401. The external electronic device 150 may measure the amount of light in the specific band while moving. The external electronic device 150 may recognize that the amount of light in the specific band becomes the threshold amount and may change its path based on this. For example, the external electronic device 150 may move (411) to the first changed path. The external electronic device 150 may move while maintaining the state of the amount of light in the specific band as the threshold light amount. Moving while maintaining the amount of light in the specific band as the threshold light amount may mean moving within the area between the first boundary line 401 and the second boundary line 402. The external electronic device 150 may move (411) on the first changed path and approach near the second boundary line 402. The external electronic device 150 may recognize that the amount of light in the specific band decreases to the threshold near the second boundary line 402. The external electronic device 150 may move (412) to the second changed path based on this. Accordingly, the external electronic device 150 may move while changing its path in the area between the first boundary line 401 and the second boundary line 402 and may finally move near the second housing 320 where the electronic device 322 is located. According to an embodiment, when the external electronic device 150 reaches its final position, the path guide 321 may send a signal for path guidance to allow the power receiving coil in the external electronic device 150 to be aligned with the power transmission coil in the electronic device 322. At the same time, the above-described IR-based path guidance is merely an example, and those of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that various other operations for guiding a moving body (e.g., a robot) may equally be applied.

[0099] Figure 5A is a view showing the movement of an external electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0100] In Figure 5A the embodiment of, the electronic device 322 may not include a path guide. The logo 501 may be formed on the second surface 320b of the second housing 320. In other words, the logo 501 may be exposed on the outer surface of the second housing 320, and the electronic device 322 may be disposed on the inner surface of the second housing 320. The electronic device 322 may include a power transmission coil 511. For example, as Figure 5AAs shown, the logo 501 (e.g., a barcode) can be shaped to have multiple bars, and the intervals d1 and d2 between the multiple bars can be different. The position of the logo 501 can be determined as a position that can be sensed by a sensor 521 (e.g., a camera) of the external electronic device 150.

[0101] According to an embodiment, the external electronic device 150 can move (541) and / or rotate (521) based on sensing data (e.g., a captured image of an external view) obtained via the sensor 521. For example, the external electronic device 150 can detect an object corresponding to the logo 501 in the captured image of the external view. The external electronic device 150 can move and / or rotate until the object corresponding to the logo 501 meets a pre-specified condition. Thus, the external electronic device 150 can move and / or rotate to a position suitable for charging. For example, the external electronic device 150 can move and / or rotate until the power receiving coil 531 in the external electronic device 150 is aligned with the power transmission coil 511. According to an embodiment, after moving, the external electronic device 150 can rotate, or after rotating, the external electronic device 150 can move. Alternatively, the external electronic device 150 can move and rotate simultaneously.

[0102] Figure 5B is a flowchart showing a method for operating an external electronic device according to an embodiment. Refer to Figure 5C for a more detailed description Figure 5B of the embodiment. Figure 5C is a view showing an image captured by an external electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0103] According to an embodiment, in operation 541, the external electronic device 150 can obtain an image of an external view. "The external electronic device 101 performs a specific operation" can mean, for example, that the processor 102 of the external electronic device 150 performs a specific operation or controls another hardware component to perform a specific operation. "The external electronic device 150 performs a specific operation" can mean that when executing at least one instruction stored in the memory 105 of the external electronic device 150, the processor 102 performs a specific process, or controls another hardware component to perform a specific operation.

[0104] In operation 543, the external electronic device 150 can identify whether a specified pattern is detected from the obtained image. The specified pattern can be a pattern included in, for example, Figure 5A the logo 501. When the pattern is not detected, in operation 545, the external electronic device 150 can move and / or rotate. With the movement and / or rotation, the external electronic device 150 can move and / or be oriented to a position where it can capture the logo 501.

[0105] When it is recognized that a specified pattern is detected, in operation 547, the external electronic device 150 may recognize whether the pattern satisfies the specified conditions. For example, the external electronic device 150 may obtain an image 560 as shown in Figure 5C . The specified pattern 561 may be included in the image 560 of Figure 5C . The external electronic device 150 may pre-store the attribute information of the reference object 562 of the specified pattern 561. The external electronic device 150 may store information about at least one of the position, size, or shape of the reference object 562. When the pattern does not satisfy the specified conditions, in operation 549, the external electronic device 150 may perform at least one of moving or rotating based on at least one of the position, shape, or size of the detected pattern. For example, the external electronic device 150 may store information about the correlation between at least one of the position, shape, or size of the detected pattern and the control information of at least one actuator in the external electronic device 150. The external electronic device 150 may control the operation of at least one actuator by comparing the correlation information with at least one of the position, shape, or size of the detected pattern. Therefore, the external electronic device 150 may perform at least one of moving or rotating so that at least one of the position, shape, or size of the detected pattern corresponds to at least one of the position, shape, or size of the reference object 562. For example, as shown in Figure 5A , when the intervals d1 and d2 between the multiple bars constituting the pattern are different from each other, the external electronic device 150 may perform at least one of moving or rotating so that the power receiving coil of the external electronic device 150 is aligned with the power transmitting coil of the electronic device 322. When the pattern satisfies the specified conditions, the external electronic device 150 may start wireless charging.

[0106] Figure 6A Front perspective views and side perspective views of a host device, an electronic device, and an external electronic device according to an embodiment are shown, respectively. Figure 6B Front perspective views and side perspective views of a host device, an electronic device, and an external electronic device according to an embodiment are shown, respectively.

[0107] Referring to Figure 6A and 6B , the host device 300 (e.g., an air conditioner) may include a first housing 310 and a second housing 320. The second housing 320 may be regarded as a housing for the electronic device 322. The air conditioner motor and driver 601, the dust container 602, and the electronic device 322 may be arranged in the second housing 320.

[0108] The air conditioner motor and driver 601 may include at least one motor to blow air through the ventilation hole 311 of the host device 300. The at least one motor may be connected to additional drive hardware components to blow air. Additionally, the air conditioner motor and driver 601 may include a power supply to provide the power required to drive the host device 300. The power supply may receive power from, for example, an external power source (e.g., a power outlet installed on a home wall), convert the received power into DC power using various hardware components in the host device 300, and output the DC power.

[0109] As described above, the electronic device 322 may receive power from the power supply included in the air conditioner motor and driver 601. The electronic device 322 may receive power from the power supply through the wire 611. Alternatively, the electronic device 322 may receive power directly from a power outlet.

[0110] According to an embodiment, a duct 603 through which air enters or exits may connect the air conditioner motor and driver 601 and the dust container 602. Dust in the air entering through the ventilation hole 311 may be collected in the dust container 602. The host device 300 may include at least one filter to filter the air. Dust filtered by the at least one filter may be discharged into the dust container 602. In this case, the dust may be conveyed to the dust container 602 through the duct 603 or another duct. The dust container 602 may be connected to the dust container 631 of the external electronic device 150 via a duct 604. The external electronic device 150 may include a dust container 631 and a power receiving circuit 157, and may also include a duct 632 connecting the dust container 631 to the duct 604 of the host device 300. The external electronic device 150 may be implemented as, for example, a robotic vacuum cleaner and may suck up dust on the floor. The external electronic device 150 may collect the sucked-up dust in the dust container 631.

[0111] When the external electronic device 150 reaches a designated position for wirelessly receiving power, the duct 604 of the host device 300 and the duct 632 of the external electronic device 150 can be connected together. Accordingly, the dust container 602 of the host device 300 and the dust container 631 of the external electronic device 150 can be connected together via the ducts 604 and 632. According to an embodiment, when it is recognized that the electronic device 150 has reached the designated position, the host device 300 may perform control to transfer dust from the dust container 631 of the external electronic device 150 to the dust container 602. For example, the host device 300 may discharge the air in the dust container 602 to the outside of the dust container 602 via the duct 603 to reduce the air pressure in the dust container 602. Accordingly, the air pressure in the dust container 602 of the host device 300 may be reduced to a first air pressure. At the same time, the air pressure in the dust container 631 of the external electronic device 150 may be a second air pressure, which may be higher than the first air pressure. Accordingly, the dust in the dust container 631 of the external electronic device 150 may be moved to the dust container 602 of the host device 300. Without the user manually emptying the dust container 602 of the external electronic device 150, the dust in the dust container 631 of the external electronic device 150 may be automatically transferred to the dust container 602 of the host device 300. According to an embodiment, the external electronic device 150 may generally keep the duct 632 closed and open the duct 632 when a dust discharge event is detected. For example, the external electronic device 150 may use the start of wireless charging as a trigger to open the duct 632. The external electronic device 150 may receive a duct opening signal via communication for wireless charging and open the duct 632 when the duct opening signal is received.

[0112] Figure 7A are views respectively showing a front perspective view and a side perspective view of a host device, an electronic device, and an external electronic device according to an embodiment. Figure 7B are views respectively showing a front perspective view and a side perspective view of a host device, an electronic device, and an external electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0113] Reference Figure 7A and 7B, according to an embodiment, the host device 300 may have a hole 740 for receiving the external electronic device 150. The hole 740 may be formed to be larger in size than at least one surface of the external electronic device 150 such that the electronic device 150 can enter the hole 740. The electronic device 322 may be disposed substantially adjacent to the surface having the hole 740. The external electronic device 150 may be configured to enter the hole 740 based on sensed data identified via a sensor. The external electronic device 150 may move near the hole 740 based on, for example, a path guiding signal output from the host device 300 or a captured image of the exterior of the host device 300. The external electronic device 150 may be configured to enter the hole 740 without stopping after moving near the hole 740. If blocked by the wall of the hole 740, the external electronic device 150 may stop the operation of the driver.

[0114] In Figure 7C embodiment, the host device 300 may include a door 701 to open / close the hole 740. The host device 300 may have a hinge 731 to change the positioning angle of the door 701. The positioning angle of the door 701 may change as the hinge 731 rotates, thereby allowing the external electronic device 150 to enter the hole 740. In its normal position, the door 701 may close the hole 740. The structure of the hinge 731 is merely an example, and any other various structures may also be used to open or close the door 701, which will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0115] Figure 8A are views respectively showing a front perspective view and a side perspective view of a host device, an electronic device, and an external electronic device according to an embodiment. Figure 8B are views respectively showing a front perspective view and a side perspective view of a host device, an electronic device, and an external electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0116] In Figure 8A and 8B embodiment, the host device 300 may include a door 701 to open / close the hole 740. Although in Figure 7A and 7B embodiment, the electronic device 322 is disposed substantially adjacent to the top surface of the hole 740, Figure 8A and 8B in embodiment, the electronic device 322 may be disposed substantially adjacent to the side surface of the hole 740. In this case, the position of the electronic device 322 in the external electronic device 150 may be determined to be adjacent to the side surface of the external electronic device 150 such that after entering the hole 740, the power receiving circuit 159 may be substantially close to the electronic device 322. The electronic device 322 may be placed at various positions depending on the position of the power receiving coil in the external electronic device 150. Although Figure 7A ,7B , 8A and 8B show that the hole 740 is substantially inside the host device 300, but this is only an example. The host device 300 may include a structure that exposes the tray including the hole 740 to the outside. In this case, the tray may be normally positioned inside the host device 300, but when the approach of the external electronic device 150 is detected, the exposure of the tray may be controlled. It is also possible to have a structure in which the tray having the hole 740 is always kept exposed.

[0117] Figure 9 is a view showing a host device, an electronic device, and an external electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0118] Referring Figure 9 , the host device 300 may include a bottom tray 901. According to an embodiment, the bottom tray 901 may be set to be exposed to the outside of the host device 300. Alternatively, the bottom tray 901 may be located inside the host device 300, and as the external electronic device 150 approaches nearby, the bottom tray 901 may be exposed to the outside. The host device 300 may control at least one actuator to expose the bottom tray 901 when the approach of the electronic device 150 is detected. The host device 300 may include an actuator for adjusting the position of the bottom tray 901 and at least one connecting device. The bottom tray 901 may include sub-pipes 604a, 604b, and 604c. At least one of the sub-pipes 604a, 604b, and 604c may have a structure or material whose length changes as the bottom tray 901 is exposed. For example, if the bottom tray 901 is located inside the host device 300, at least one of the sub-pipes 604a, 604b, and 604c may be shortened. If the bottom tray 901 is exposed to the outside of the host device 300, at least one of the sub-pipes 604a, 604b, and 604c may be shortened. The branch pipe 604c connected to the dust container 631 of the external electronic device 150 may have a reduced length to be positioned inside the bottom tray 901 before the external electronic device 150 approaches. Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, the bottom tray 901 may be part of the electronic device 322. The electronic device 322 may include the bottom tray 901 itself, or may be configured to output a control signal for controlling the position of the bottom tray 901. The bottom tray 901 may protrude forward or flip down to the floor, allowing itself to be exposed to the outside. The bottom tray 901 is not limited to a specific size, and as an example, the bottom tray 901 may be formed to be larger in size than the bottom of the host device 300. According to an embodiment, at least one of the sub-pipes 604a, 604b, and 604c may be formed of a soft material that is deformable even without length adjustment, so as to maintain the connection between the dust containers 602 and 631 when the bottom tray 901 enters or exits.

[0119] Figure 10 It is a flowchart showing a method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0120] According to an embodiment, in operation 1001, the electronic device 322 may perform path guidance. As described above, the electronic device 322 may perform path guidance in various ways, such as by irradiating IR light. The external electronic device 150 may sense a signal according to the path guidance, and the external electronic device 150 may move to a designated first position for wireless charging based on the sensed data. Additionally, the external electronic device 150 may rotate in a designated first direction for wireless charging. Alternatively, the electronic device 322 may not include a path guide. In this case, operation 1001 may be omitted, and the external electronic device 150 may move to a designated first position for wireless charging based on data obtained by sensing the outside (e.g., a captured image for an external view).

[0121] In operation 1003, the electronic device 322 may identify whether the external electronic device 150 has reached the first position. The electronic device 322 may identify whether the external electronic device 150 has reached the first position via various sensors. For example, the electronic device 322 may include a proximity sensor to identify whether an object is at the first position, and may identify whether the external electronic device 150 has reached the first position based on the sensed data from the proximity sensor. The electronic device 322 may include a camera for capturing an external view, and may identify whether the external electronic device 150 has reached the first position based on the result of processing the image obtained by the camera. As described above, the external electronic device 150 itself may identify whether it has reached the first position. The external electronic device 150 may send a communication signal indicating whether the external electronic device 150 has reached the first position to the electronic device 322. The electronic device 322 may identify whether the external electronic device 150 has reached the first position based on the communication signal received from the external electronic device 150. The above-described schemes for identifying whether the external electronic device 150 has reached the first position are merely examples, and how to identify whether the external electronic device 150 has reached the first position is not limited thereto.

[0122] When it is identified that the external electronic device 150 has not reached the first position, the electronic device 322 may continue to perform path guidance. When it is identified that the external electronic device 150 has reached the first position, in operation 1005, the electronic device 322 may expose the bottom tray. As described above, the bottom tray may include a wireless power transfer circuit, such as a power transfer coil. In operation 1007, the electronic device 322 may perform wireless charging.

[0123] Figure 11A It is a view showing a bottom tray and an external electronic device according to an embodiment. Figure 11BIt is a view showing a bottom tray and an external electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0124] Referring Figure 11A , the bottom tray 1110 can be shaped such that its lower width x2 is greater than its upper width x1. Although Figure 11A the shape of the bottom tray 1110 is shown as a parabola, this is merely an example. Without limitation, the bottom tray 1110 can have any other various shapes in which the lower width x2 is greater than the upper width x1. The lower width x2 can be substantially the same as, for example, the distance x3 between the left wheels 1101 or 1103 and the right wheels 1102 or 1104 of the external electronic device 150. The upper width x1 of the bottom tray 1110 is less than the distance x3 between the left wheels 1101 or 1103 and the right wheels 1102 or 1104 of the external electronic device 150, such that the external electronic device 150 can enter the bottom tray 1110. For example, the external electronic device 150 can enter towards the bottom tray 1110 in a direction different from the direction in which the bottom tray 1110 is formed, that is, in a misaligned direction. Even so, the distance x3 between the left wheels 1101 or 1103 and the right wheels 1102 or 1104 of the external electronic device 150 is greater than the upper width x1 of the bottom tray 1110. Therefore, the electronic device 150 can enter the bottom tray 1110. After entering the bottom tray 1110, the external electronic device 150 can change its moving direction depending on the shape of the bottom tray 1110. Thus, as Figure 11B shown, the external electronic device 150 can move until the front wheels 1101 and 1102 are adjacent to the bottom tray 1110. Therefore, the power transfer coil 1111 can be aligned with the power receiving coil 1105. The power transfer coil 1111 can be positioned at a distance h1 from a point corresponding to the lower width x2 of the bottom tray 1110. The power receiving coil 1105 can be positioned at a distance h1 from an imaginary line between the front wheels 1101 and 1102. Thus, as Figure 11B shown, the wireless power receiving coil 1105 can be aligned with the wireless power transfer coil 1111 in the bottom tray 1110. As Figure 11A and 11B shown, the bottom tray 1110 can be exposed before the external electronic device 150 approaches a position set for wireless charging.

[0125] Additionally, the bottom tray 1110 can be shaped such that the lower width x2 is not greater than the upper width x1, and the shape of the bottom tray 1110 is not limited to a specific type.

[0126] Figure 12 It is a flowchart showing the operations of an electronic device and an external electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0127] Referring Figure 12, in operation 1201, the electronic device 100 and the external electronic device 150 can establish a communication connection. For example, the electronic device 100 and the external electronic device 150 can establish a communication connection based on various short - range communication schemes. The external electronic device 150 can perform a given task (such as floor vacuuming).

[0128] In operation 1203, the external electronic device 150 can measure the remaining battery power. In operation 1205, the external electronic device 150 can report the remaining battery power to the electronic device 100. For example, the external electronic device 150 can send a communication signal containing the remaining battery power to the electronic device 100 periodically or aperiodically via the established communication connection.

[0129] In operation 1207, the electronic device 100 can detect a wireless charging start condition. For example, the electronic device 100 can detect the wireless charging start condition by detecting that the remaining battery power of the external electronic device 150 is a specified value or less. Additionally, in operation 1209, the external electronic device 150 can detect the wireless charging start condition. The external electronic device 150 can also detect the wireless charging start condition by detecting that the remaining battery power is a specified value or less. In operation 1211, the electronic device 100 can perform path guidance. In operation 1213, the external electronic device 150 can sense a signal output based on the path guidance and move to a specified location. In operation 1215, the electronic device 100 can start wireless charging.

[0130] Figure 13 is a conceptual diagram showing an electronic device according to an embodiment. Refer to Figure 14 for a more detailed description of the embodiment related to Figure 13 Figure 14 is a block diagram showing an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0131] Refer to Figure 13 , the electronic device 1310 can include a plug 1313 that can be inserted into a wall power socket 1301 and a wire 1312 for connecting the plug 1313. The wire 1312 and the plug 1313 can be a power interface 1401. The electronic device 1310 can include a path guide 1409 provided on one of its surfaces. The electronic device 1310 can be provided in the lower part of furniture.

[0132] Refer to Figure 14, the electronic device 1310 may include at least one of the following: a power interface 1401, an inverter 1402, a converter 1403, an inverter 1404, a power transfer circuit 1405, a memory 1406, a processor 1407, a communication circuit 1408, or a path guide 1409. Components that are the same as those in the embodiment of FIG. 3 are not described below.

[0133] The electronic device 1310 may receive AC power via the power interface 1401. The inverter 1402 may invert the received AC power into DC power. The inverter 1402 may include a rectifying circuit. The converter 1403 may convert the voltage of the DC power. The converter 1403 may perform a boost conversion or a buck conversion on the DC power. The inverter 1404 may receive the converted DC power and convert the DC power into AC power. The power transfer circuit 1405 may use the received AC power to generate a magnetic field.

[0134] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing a method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0135] According to an embodiment, in operation 1501, the electronic device 100 may identify that the remaining battery power of the external electronic device 150 satisfies a specified condition. For example, the electronic device 100 may identify that the remaining battery power is less than a threshold based on a communication signal received from the external electronic device 150. In operation 1503, the electronic device 100 may perform path guidance or control the movement of the external electronic device 150. As described above, when the electronic device 100 performs path guidance, the external electronic device 150 may sense a signal through path guidance and may move. The electronic device 100 may send a communication signal for directly controlling the movement of the external electronic device 150 to the electronic device 150. The electronic device 100 may send a communication signal for controlling the external electronic device 150 to move to a specified position to wirelessly charge the external electronic device 150. The external electronic device 150 may move to the specified position to perform wireless charging based on the received communication signal.

[0136] In operation 1505, the electronic device 100 may start wireless charging based on the position of the external electronic device 150. In operation 1507, the electronic device 100 may detect a movement request event of the external electronic device 150. In operation 1509, the electronic device 100 may stop wireless charging and control the movement of the external electronic device 150. For example, if the external electronic device 150 is implemented as a robotic vacuum cleaner, the electronic device 100 may obtain information about the floor cleaning status and identify whether the floor is in a state that requires cleaning. When it is identified that the floor state requires cleaning, the electronic device 100 may control the movement of the external electronic device 150. The external electronic device 150 may move under the control of the electronic device 100, or may move along a path determined by itself.

[0137] According to one or more embodiments, the electronic device, the host device, and the external electronic device may be one of various types of electronic devices. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smart phone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a household appliance. However, the electronic device is not limited to the embodiments listed above.

[0138] It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used herein are not intended to limit the technical features set forth herein to a specific embodiment, and include various changes, equivalents, or substitutions of the corresponding embodiments. Regarding the description of the drawings, like reference numerals may be used to refer to like or related elements. It should be understood that unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more things. As used herein, each phrase such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include all possible combinations of the items enumerated together in the corresponding one of the phrases. As used herein, terms such as "1st" and "2nd" or "first" and "second" may be used simply to distinguish the corresponding components from one another and do not limit the components in other respects (e.g., importance or order). It should be understood that if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as "coupled", "coupled to", "connected", or "connected to" another element (e.g., a second element) with or without the terms "operatively" or "communicatively", it means that the element may be directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or via a third element coupled to the other element.

[0139] As used herein, the term "module" may include units implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with other terms, e.g., "logic", "logic block", "portion", or "circuit". A module may be a single integrated component adapted to perform one or more functions, or the smallest unit or portion thereof. For example, according to an embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0140] One or more embodiments described herein may be implemented as software (e.g., program 140) that includes one or more instructions stored in a machine (e.g., external electronic device 150) readable storage medium (e.g., internal memory 136 or external memory 138). For example, a processor (e.g., processor 152) of a machine (e.g., external electronic device 150) may invoke at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium and execute it, with or without one or more other components under the control of the processor. This allows the machine to be operated to perform at least one function in accordance with the at least one invoked instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. The term "non-transitory" simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), but the term does not distinguish where data is stored semi-permanently in the storage medium and where data is stored temporarily in the storage medium.

[0141] According to an embodiment, a method according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a commodity between a seller and a buyer. 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 distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an app store (e.g., Play StoreTM), or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). If distributed online, at least a portion of the computer program product may be generated temporarily or stored at least temporarily in a machine readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, the server of an app store, or a relay server.

[0142] According to one or more embodiments, each of the above components (e.g., modules or programs) may include a single entity or multiple entities. According to one or more embodiments, one or more of the above components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Alternatively or additionally, multiple components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, according to one or more embodiments, the integrated component may still perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in a manner that is the same as or similar to the manner in which a corresponding one of the multiple components performed before integration. According to one or more embodiments, operations performed by a module, program, or another component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more operations may be performed in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0143] Although the present disclosure has been shown and described with reference to embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes may be made therein in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An electronic device coupled to a host device, the electronic device comprising: a housing that can be detachably attached to the host device; a light generator disposed on a first surface of the housing; a power transfer circuit disposed on a second surface of the housing, the second surface being opposite to the first surface; a communication circuit; at least one processor; and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor alone or in combination, cause the electronic device to: receive information about the remaining power of a battery of an external electronic device from the external electronic device via the communication circuit, based on identifying that the remaining power of the battery of the external electronic device meets a determined condition, control the light generator to output light to perform path guidance for the external electronic device, wherein the external electronic device moves to a determined position based on the output light, and based on the external electronic device being located in the determined position, control to wirelessly transmit power to the external electronic device via the power transfer circuit.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor alone or in combination, cause the electronic device to: based on detecting that the external electronic device has been located in the determined position, control to wirelessly transmit power via the power transfer circuit.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising: a power interface; a converter configured to: receive direct current (DC) power from a power source of the host device via the power interface and convert the voltage of the received DC power to a determined voltage amplitude; and an inverter configured to: generate alternating current (AC) power based on the received DC power having the determined voltage amplitude and provide the generated AC power to the power transfer circuit.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising: a power interface; a rectifier circuit configured to: receive AC power from an external power source via the power interface and rectify the received AC power to DC power; a converter configured to: receive the DC power from the rectifier circuit and convert the voltage of the received DC power to a determined voltage amplitude; and an inverter configured to: generate AC power based on the received DC power having the determined voltage amplitude and provide the generated AC power to the power transfer circuit.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a data line configured to connect the at least one processor and the light generator through the housing or along at least one surface of the housing, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor alone or in combination, cause the electronic device to output data for outputting light to the light generator through the data line.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the light generator includes at least one light-emitting device configured to emit infrared light within a determined range.

7. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein The housing is also configured to be connected to a lower portion of the housing of the host device, and wherein, the power transfer circuit is disposed in an inner lower portion of the electronic device.

8. An electronic device coupled to a host device, the electronic device comprising: a housing that is detachable from and attachable to the host device; a logo disposed on a first surface of the housing, the logo being configured to assist in moving an external electronic device to a determined position for wireless charging; a bottom tray disposed in a lower portion of the housing, the bottom tray being able to be pulled out to the outside of the host device; a power transfer circuit disposed in the bottom tray; at least one processor; and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor alone or in combination, cause the electronic device to: control to position the bottom tray inside the host device; before the external electronic device is moved to the determined position, control to position the bottom tray outside the host device; and after the external electronic device is moved to the determined position, control to wirelessly transmit power to the external electronic device via the power transfer circuit.

9. The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor alone or in combination, cause the electronic device to: based on detecting that the external electronic device has been moved to the determined position, control to wirelessly transmit power via the power transfer circuit.

10. The electronic device according to claim 8, further comprising: a power interface; a converter configured to: receive direct current (DC) power from a power source of the host device via the power interface, and convert the voltage of the received DC power to a determined voltage amplitude; and an inverter configured to: generate alternating current (AC) power based on the received DC power having the determined voltage amplitude, and supply the generated AC power to the power transfer circuit.

11. The electronic device according to claim 8, further comprising: a power interface; a rectifier circuit configured to receive AC power from an external power source via the power interface, and rectify the received AC power to DC power; a converter configured to: receive the DC power from the rectifier circuit, and convert the voltage of the received DC power to a determined voltage amplitude; and an inverter configured to: generate AC power based on the received DC power having the determined voltage amplitude, and supply the generated AC power to the power transfer circuit.

12. The electronic device according to claim 8, further comprising: a communication circuit configured to communicate with the external electronic device, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor alone or in combination, cause the electronic device to: receive, via the communication circuit, information about a remaining battery charge of the external electronic device from the external electronic device, and based on identifying that the remaining battery charge of the external electronic device satisfies a determined condition, send a communication signal to control the external electronic device to move to the determined position.

13. The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein, the housing is further configured to be connected to a lower portion of the housing of the host device.

14. The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein, the logo is disposed at a position where the external electronic device senses the logo.

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