Housing, electronic device component, electronic device, and control method thereof

Abstract

The application provides a shell, an electronic device assembly, an electronic device and a control method thereof; the shell is used for cooperating with an electronic device to realize switching of a display state of the electronic device, the shell comprises a main body part and an optical piece, the optical piece is fixedly arranged on the main body part, the optical piece comprises a lens, and an optical characteristic of the lens corresponds to identity information of the shell; signal light emitted by a light signal transmitter of the electronic device can be reflected by the lens and then received by a light signal receiver, and the electronic device can judge the identity information of the shell according to the signal light received by the light signal receiver. The shell provided in the embodiment of the application can make the electronic device capable of identifying whether the shell is close or shielded in addition to identifying whether an object is close or shielded in a cooperating state with the electronic device, and further trigger the function of the display screen of the electronic device to perform display state switching control, and the shell has the characteristics of simple structure, accurate and reliable triggering.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of electronic device accessories and control methods, specifically to a housing, electronic device assembly, electronic device and control method thereof. Background Technology

[0002] Electronic devices typically identify display screen protectors like leather cases by using infrared transmitters and receivers to detect whether the case covers the display screen. However, this method can only detect when an object is approaching, but cannot distinguish whether the obstructing object is a leather case, which limits its application scenarios. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The first aspect of this application provides a housing for use with an electronic device to switch the display state of the electronic device. The housing includes a main body and an optical component. The optical component is fixed to the main body and includes a lens. The optical characteristics of the lens correspond to the identity information of the housing. The signal light emitted by the optical signal transmitter of the electronic device can be reflected by the lens and then received by the optical signal receiver. The electronic device can determine the identity information of the housing based on the signal light received by the optical signal receiver.

[0004] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide an electronic device, which includes a display screen, a control circuit board, a first optical signal transmitter, a second optical signal transmitter, and an optical signal receiver. The display screen, the first optical signal transmitter, the second optical signal transmitter, and the optical signal receiver are respectively connected to the control circuit board. The first optical signal transmitter is used to emit a first signal light, the second optical signal transmitter is used to emit a second signal light, and the optical signal receiver is used to receive the first signal light and the second signal light. The control circuit board is used to determine the occlusion state of the electronic device and identify the casing based on the first signal light and the second signal light received by the optical signal receiver, and then control the display state switching of the display screen.

[0005] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide an electronic device assembly, which includes the housing and electronic device described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0006] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a control method for an electronic device, the control method comprising:

[0007] Control the first optical signal transmitter to emit the first signal light;

[0008] Determine whether the optical signal receiver receives the first signal light;

[0009] If so, then control the second optical signal transmitter to emit the second signal light;

[0010] Determine whether the optical signal receiver receives the second signal light;

[0011] If so, then control the switching of the display status of the electronic device's screen.

[0012] The housing provided in this application embodiment, by setting an optical component structure whose optical characteristics correspond to the housing's identity information, allows the signal light emitted by the electronic device's light signal transmitter to be reflected by the optical component and then received by the light signal receiver. The electronic device can determine the housing's identity information based on the signal light received by the light signal receiver. When the housing is used in conjunction with the electronic device, the electronic device can not only detect the approach or obstruction of an object, but also identify whether it is the housing's identity information, thereby triggering the electronic device's display screen to switch display states. It has the characteristics of simple structure, accurate triggering, and reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0013] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0014] Figure 1 This is a simplified structural diagram of an embodiment of the electronic device component of this application;

[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the electronic device of this application;

[0016] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the electronic device along line AA in the embodiment;

[0017] Figure 4 This is a schematic block diagram of the composition structure of an embodiment of the electronic device of this application;

[0018] Figure 5 This is a simplified schematic diagram of another embodiment of the electronic device component of this application;

[0019] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the electronic device control method of this application;

[0020] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating another embodiment of the electronic device control method of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be particularly noted that the following embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the application. Similarly, the following embodiments are only some, not all, embodiments of the present application, and all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0022] The terms "first," "second," and "third" used in the embodiments of this application are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined as "first," "second," or "third" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified. All directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of this application are only used to explain the relative positional relationships and movement of components in a specific posture (as shown in the figures). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly. The terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the embodiments of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or components inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0023] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0024] As used herein, “electronic device” (or simply “terminal”) includes, but is not limited to, means configured to receive / transmit communication signals via a wired connection (such as via a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), Digital Cable, Direct Cable Connection, and / or another data connection / network) and / or via a wireless interface (e.g., for cellular networks, Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), Digital Television Networks such as DVB-H networks, Satellite Networks, AM-FM Broadcast Transmitters, and / or another communication terminal). A communication terminal configured to communicate via a wireless interface may be referred to as a “wireless communication terminal,” a “wireless terminal,” or a “mobile terminal.” Examples of mobile terminals include, but are not limited to, satellite or cellular phones; personal communication system (PCS) terminals that may combine cellular radiotelephone with data processing, fax, and data communication capabilities; PDAs that may include radiotelephones, pagers, Internet / intranet access, web browsers, notepads, calendars, and / or Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers; and conventional laptop and / or handheld receivers or other electronic devices that include radiotelephone transceivers. A mobile phone is an electronic device equipped with a cellular communication module.

[0025] This application provides an electronic device component; please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a simplified structural diagram of an embodiment of an electronic device component according to this application. The electronic device component includes a housing 200 and an electronic device 100. Specifically, the electronic device 100 can be an electronic device with a display screen, such as a mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, or wearable device. The housing 200 includes at least a main body 210 for covering the display screen of the electronic device. Of course, the housing 200 may also include side frames for fixed connection with the electronic device 100 and a back cover for protecting the rear shell of the electronic device, etc., which will not be described in detail here. This embodiment mainly describes the structural features of the housing 200 for covering the display screen of the electronic device.

[0026] The material of the housing 200 (including the main body 210 and the side frame, back cover, etc., not shown in the figure) can be leather, plastic, resin, rubber, etc., and is not specifically limited here. The housing 200 is used to cooperate with the electronic device 100 to switch the display state of the electronic device 100. Taking the housing 200 as a leather case as an example, the switching of the display state of the electronic device 100 can specifically control the display screen to switch between a screen-off state, a screen-on state, and a state of displaying a specific lock screen image (such as displaying a clock, weather, memo).

[0027] Please refer to the following: Figure 2 and Figure 3 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the electronic device of this application. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The embodiment shows a cross-sectional view of the electronic device along line AA. The electronic device 100 includes a display screen 110, a control circuit board 120, a first optical signal transmitter 130, a second optical signal transmitter 140, an optical signal receiver 150, and a housing 160. The housing 160 and the display screen 110 cooperate to form an accommodating space 1000, and the control circuit board 120 is disposed within the accommodating space 1000.

[0028] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a schematic block diagram illustrating the structural composition of an embodiment of the electronic device of this application. The electronic device can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, or wearable device, etc. This embodiment uses a mobile phone as an example. The structure of the electronic device may include an RF circuit 910, a memory 920, an input unit 930, a display unit 940, a sensor 950, an audio circuit 960, a Wi-Fi module 970, a processor 980 (which can be the control circuit board 120 in the aforementioned embodiment), and a power supply 990. The RF circuit 910, memory 920, input unit 930, display unit 940, sensor 950, audio circuit 960, and Wi-Fi module 970 are all connected to the processor 980; the power supply 990 provides power to the entire electronic device 10.

[0029] Specifically, the RF circuit 910 is used to transmit and receive signals; the memory 920 is used to store data instruction information; the input unit 930 is used to input information, and may specifically include a touch panel 931 and other input devices 932 such as operation buttons; the display unit 940 may include a display panel 941, etc.; the sensor 950 includes infrared sensors, laser sensors, etc., used to detect user proximity signals, distance signals, etc.; the speaker 961 and the microphone 962 are connected to the processor 980 through the audio circuit 960 for transmitting and receiving sound signals; the Wi-Fi module 970 is used to receive and transmit Wi-Fi signals; and the processor 980 is used to process the data information of the electronic device. For specific structural features of the electronic device, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the above embodiments; detailed descriptions will not be provided here.

[0030] Please continue reading. Figure 1 The housing 200 includes a main body 210 and an optical component 220. The optical component 220 is fixed to the main body 210. The optical component 220 includes a lens 221. The optical characteristics of the lens 221 correspond to the identity information of the housing 200.

[0031] Optionally, the display screen 110, the first light signal transmitter 130, the second light signal transmitter 140, and the light signal receiver 150 are respectively connected to the control circuit board 120. The first light signal transmitter 130 is used to emit a first signal light, which can optionally be an infrared light transmitter. The light signal receiver 150 is used to receive the first signal light emitted by the first light signal transmitter 130. The control circuit board 120 is used to determine the state of obstruction of the display screen 110 of the electronic device (or the area on the front where the first light signal receiver 130, the second light signal receiver 140, and the light signal transmitter 150 are located) based on the first signal light received by the light signal receiver 150. Figure 1 The surface marked 101 indicates the surface on which the electronic device has its display screen, that is, the front of the electronic device.

[0032] The second optical signal transmitter 140 is used to emit a second signal light, and the second optical signal transmitter 140 can be a white light transmitter. In some other embodiments, the first optical signal transmitter and the second optical signal transmitter can also be optical signal transmitters of other colors or categories, which are not specifically limited here.

[0033] Please continue reading. Figure 1 The second signal light can be reflected by the lens 221 of the housing and then received by the light signal receiver 150. The control circuit board 120 of the electronic device 100 can determine the identity information of the housing 200 based on the signal light received by the light signal receiver 150. The optical characteristics of the lens 221 correspond to the identity information of the housing 200. The optical characteristics of the lens 221 include any one or a combination of two of the following: the thickness of the lens and the color. By designing lenses of different colors to change the color change of the second signal light after passing through the lens 221, the identity information of the housing 200 can be identified. For example, when the white signal light emitted by the white light second light signal transmitter 140 passes through the blue lens, other colors of light in the spectrum are absorbed, and only the blue light is reflected by the reflective surface and then received by the light signal receiver 150. When the light signal receiver 150 receives blue light of a certain intensity, the control circuit board 120 determines that the cover (the main body 210 of the housing 200) is in a state of covering the display screen of the electronic device, and then controls the display state switching of the display screen of the electronic device. For example, a transparent window can be provided on the main body 210 of the housing 200 corresponding to the position of the display screen 110. When the main body 210 blocks the display screen 110, a specific lock screen image of the display screen 110 can be seen.

[0034] By configuring lenses of different colors on the housing, electronic devices can identify different housing types and their identities. For example, housing A uses a blue lens, housing B uses a green lens, and the optical signal receiver 150 uses the different colored lenses to determine the different models of the housings.

[0035] In addition, the optical characteristics of lens 221 also include the lens thickness, that is, the propagation distance of the second signal light within the lens. The optical signal receiver 150 receives optical signals with different delays, thereby enabling the electronic device to identify different housing types and their identities. For example, housing A uses a lens with thickness a1, while housing B uses a lens with thickness b1 (a1 and b1 have different values). The optical signal receiver 150 determines the different housing models by the different delay times of the optical signals (the time it takes for the light signal to pass through lenses of different thicknesses is different). The specific methods for identifying the optical signals and controlling the display screen will be detailed later.

[0036] Since the proximity light (signal light emitted by the first optical signal transmitter 130) is mainly used to detect the proximity of an electronic device (taking a mobile phone as an example) to the head when making a phone call, it simply reflects infrared light for proximity detection and does not have a lens effect. Because the lens only transmits light with a narrow spectrum, it can be well distinguished from the spectral types in daily life and will not cause misjudgment.

[0037] Please see Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a simplified structural diagram of another embodiment of the electronic device component of this application, wherein the electronic device component also includes a housing 200 and an electronic device 100. The housing 200 includes a main body 210 and an optical component 220, the optical component 220 being fixed to the main body 210. The optical component 220 includes a lens 221, the optical characteristics of which correspond to the identification information of the housing 200. Unlike the previous embodiment, the optical component 220 in this embodiment also includes a reflective layer 222, which is disposed at the bottom of the lens 221 within the main body 210. The reflective layer 222 can be a reflective plate or a reflective coating disposed on the surface of the lens 221. In this embodiment, by providing the structure of the reflective layer 222, the light reflection efficiency of the lens 221 surface can be improved, thereby improving the accuracy of the light signal received by the optical signal receiver.

[0038] In this embodiment, the housing is equipped with optical components whose optical properties correspond to the housing's identity information. The signal light emitted by the electronic device's light transmitter can be reflected by the optical components and then received by the light receiver. The electronic device can determine the housing's identity information based on the signal light received by the light receiver. When the housing is used in conjunction with the electronic device, the electronic device can not only detect the approach or obstruction of an object, but also identify whether it is the housing's identity information, thereby triggering the electronic device's display screen to switch display states. It has the characteristics of simple structure, accurate triggering, and reliability.

[0039] Furthermore, embodiments of this application also provide a control method for an electronic device; please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the electronic device control method of this application, wherein the control method in this embodiment includes, but is not limited to, the following steps.

[0040] Step S100: Control the first optical signal transmitter to emit the first signal light.

[0041] This step can be controlled by the control circuit board of an electronic device. The first signal light emitted by the first optical signal transmitter can be an infrared light signal.

[0042] Step S200: Determine whether the optical signal receiver has received the first signal light.

[0043] The first signal light can be reflected back from any location and received by the light signal receiver, not limited to the casing, but also including the user's head, hand, etc. Steps S100 and S200 are similar to the proximity sensor detection process in conventional technical solutions, and serve the same purpose: to determine whether the electronic device's display screen is obstructed or an object is approaching.

[0044] If the result of step S200 is negative, return to step S100; if the result is positive, proceed to the next step.

[0045] Step S300: Control the second optical signal transmitter to emit the second signal light.

[0046] The second signal light emitted by the second optical signal transmitter can be either white light or light of a specific color; no specific limitation is made here. The second signal light is the signal light reflected by the lens of the housing; that is, the second signal light received by the optical signal receiver is of a specific color or has a specific delay duration. For the structure of the housing, please refer to the relevant description in the foregoing embodiments; it will not be repeated here.

[0047] Step S400: Determine whether the optical signal receiver has received the second signal light.

[0048] In step S400, if the judgment result is negative, the process returns to step S300 and continues to control the second optical signal transmitter to emit the second signal light. If the judgment result is positive, the process proceeds to the next step.

[0049] Step S500: Control the switching of the display state of the electronic device's display screen.

[0050] Specifically, switching the display state of the electronic device can involve controlling the display screen to switch between off-screen, on-screen, and displaying a specific lock screen image (such as a clock, weather, or memo). For example, a transparent window can be provided on the main body of the casing corresponding to the position of the display screen, allowing the specific lock screen image to be seen when the main body obscures the display screen. Those skilled in the art can design the detailed features of this part according to their needs, and no specific limitations are made here.

[0051] Please see Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating another embodiment of the electronic device control method of this application, wherein the control method in this embodiment includes, but is not limited to, the following steps.

[0052] Step S600: Pre-store the correspondence between the second signal light reflected by the lens of the housing and the housing.

[0053] In this step, specifically, the electronic device may pre-store the correspondence between the second signal light reflected by the lens of the housing and the housing. For example, when the second signal light reflected by the lens of the housing is blue light, it is identified as housing A; when the second signal light reflected by the lens of the housing is green light, it is identified as housing B; when the delay time of the second signal light reflected by the lens of the housing is a1, it is identified as housing C; when the delay time of the second signal light reflected by the lens of the housing is b1, it is identified as housing D, and so on.

[0054] Step S100: Control the first optical signal transmitter to emit the first signal light.

[0055] This step can be controlled by the control circuit board of an electronic device. The first signal light emitted by the first optical signal transmitter can be an infrared light signal.

[0056] Step S200: Determine whether the optical signal receiver has received the first signal light.

[0057] The first signal light can be reflected back from any location and received by the light signal receiver, not limited to the casing, but also including the user's head, hand, etc. Steps S100 and S200 are similar to the proximity sensor detection process in conventional technical solutions, and their function is the same: to determine whether the electronic device's display screen is obstructed or an object is approaching.

[0058] If the result of step S200 is negative, return to step S100; if the result is positive, proceed to the next step.

[0059] Step S300: Control the second optical signal transmitter to emit the second signal light.

[0060] The second signal light emitted by the second optical signal transmitter can be either white light or light of a specific color; no specific limitation is made here. The second signal light is the signal light reflected by the lens of the housing; that is, the second signal light received by the optical signal receiver is of a specific color or has a specific delay duration. For the structure of the housing, please refer to the relevant description in the foregoing embodiments; it will not be repeated here.

[0061] Step S400: Determine whether the optical signal receiver has received the second signal light.

[0062] In step S400, if the judgment result is negative, the process returns to step S300 and continues to control the second optical signal transmitter to emit the second signal light. If the judgment result is positive, the process proceeds to the next step.

[0063] Step S700: Determine whether the second signal light reflected by the lens after passing through the housing corresponds to the housing.

[0064] In this step, the judgment is made based on the correspondence stored in step S600. If the judgment result is negative, the process returns to step S300 and continues to control the second optical signal transmitter to emit the second signal light; if the judgment result is positive, the process proceeds to the next step.

[0065] Step S500: Control the switching of the display state of the electronic device's display screen.

[0066] The electronic device control method provided in this application embodiment allows the electronic device to determine the identity information of the housing based on the signal light emitted by the optical signal transmitter after reflection by optical components. When the housing is in cooperation with the electronic device, the electronic device can not only detect the approach or obstruction of an object, but also identify whether it is the identity information of the housing, thereby triggering the electronic device's display screen to switch display states. This method is characterized by its simple process, accurate triggering, and reliability.

[0067] The above description is only a part of the embodiments of this application and does not limit the scope of protection of this application. Any equivalent device or equivalent process transformation made based on the content of this application specification and drawings, or direct or indirect application in other related technical fields, are similarly included in the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A housing for cooperating with an electronic device to effect switching of a display state of the electronic device, characterized in that, The shell comprises a main body and an optical piece fixed to the main body, the optical piece comprising a lens, the optical property of the lens corresponding to the identity information of the shell; The signal light emitted by the light signal transmitter of the electronic device can be reflected by the lens and received by the light signal receiver, and the electronic device can determine the identity information corresponding to the shell according to different signal light reflected by the lens and received by the light signal receiver.

2. The housing of claim 1, wherein The optical property of the lens comprises any one or a combination of two of the thickness and color of the lens.

3. The case according to claim 1, characterized by The optical piece further comprises a reflection layer arranged at the bottom of the lens in the main body.

4. The housing of claim 3, wherein The reflection layer is a reflection plate or a reflection coating arranged on the surface of the lens.

5. An electronic device, comprising: The electronic device comprises a display screen, a control circuit board, a first light signal transmitter, a second light signal transmitter and a light signal receiver; the display screen, the first light signal transmitter, the second light signal transmitter and the light signal receiver are connected to the control circuit board, the control circuit board pre-stores the corresponding relationship between the second signal light reflected by the lens of the shell and the shell, the first light signal transmitter is used for emitting first signal light, the second light signal transmitter is used for emitting second signal light, and the light signal receiver is used for receiving the first signal light and the second signal light; when the light signal receiver receives the first signal light, it is determined whether the light signal receiver receives the second signal light, if yes, the control circuit board is used for controlling the display state switching of the display screen according to the second signal light reflected by the lens of the shell and received by the light signal receiver.

6. The electronic device of claim 5, wherein, The first light signal transmitter is an infrared light transmitter, and the second light signal transmitter is a white light transmitter.

7. An electronic device assembly, characterized by The electronic device assembly comprises the shell of any one of claims 1-4 and the electronic device of claim 5 or 6.

8. A control method of an electronic device, characterized by, The control method comprises: pre-storing the corresponding relationship between the second signal light reflected by the lens of the shell and the shell; controlling the first light signal transmitter to emit first signal light; determining whether the light signal receiver receives the first signal light; if yes, controlling the second light signal transmitter to emit second signal light; determining whether the light signal receiver receives the second signal light; wherein the second signal light is the signal light reflected by the lens of the shell; determining whether the second signal light reflected by the lens of the shell corresponds to the shell, if yes, controlling the switching of the corresponding display state of the display screen of the electronic device.

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