Digital pen capable of frequency switching

Abstract

A digital pen according to one embodiment may comprise a coil for generating a magnetic field by using a current applied on the basis of available frequency information about an external device. The digital pen according to one embodiment may comprise a switch that operates on the basis of the generated magnetic field to switch connections between a common circuit and a plurality of additional circuits. The digital pen according to one embodiment may comprise a resonant circuit that includes the common circuit and the plurality of additional circuits and forms a resonant frequency based on the common circuit and an additional circuit connected to the common circuit by the switch among the plurality of additional circuits.

Description

Frequency switchable digital pen

[0001] Various embodiments of the present invention relate to a frequency switchable digital pen.

[0002] Electronic devices are being developed to receive various inputs from users through a specified input device (e.g., a digital pen) that is connected to the electronic device via wireless communication. The electronic device can identify a location on the electronic device specified by an input device having a pen function (also referred to herein as a "digital pen") and perform a corresponding function.

[0003] An electronic device can determine the position of a stylus pen by interacting with the stylus pen. For example, the electronic device can detect a magnetic field generated from the stylus pen using electromagnetic induction (Electromagnetic Resonance, hereinafter referred to as “EMR”). The electronic device can determine the position of the stylus pen based on the induced electromotive force generated by the magnetic field for each channel. Alternatively, the electronic device can be connected to the stylus pen via short-range communication (e.g., Bluetooth or BLE (Bluetooth low energy)). The electronic device can detect the position of the stylus pen based on an electrical signal generated by the stylus pen and receive a signal indicating the pressure of the stylus pen through short-range communication with the stylus pen.

[0004] A digital pen according to one embodiment may include a coil that generates a magnetic field using an applied current based on available frequency information of an external device. A digital pen according to one embodiment may include a switch that operates based on the generated magnetic field to switch a connection between a common circuit and a plurality of additional circuits. A digital pen according to one embodiment may include the common circuit and the plurality of additional circuits, and may include an additional circuit among the plurality of additional circuits connected to the common circuit by the switch, and a resonant circuit that forms a resonant frequency based on the common circuit.

[0005] A method performed by a digital pen according to one embodiment may include an operation of generating a magnetic field by using an applied current based on available frequency information of an external device by a coil. A method performed by a digital pen according to one embodiment may include an operation of switching a connection between a common circuit and a plurality of additional circuits by a switch that operates based on the generated magnetic field. A method performed by a digital pen according to one embodiment may include an operation of forming a resonant frequency based on an additional circuit and the common circuit among the plurality of additional circuits, by a resonant circuit including the common circuit and the plurality of additional circuits.

[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an interface system according to various embodiments.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a digital pen according to various embodiments.

[0008] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a digital pen in various embodiments.

[0009] FIG. 4 illustrates examples of digital pens according to various embodiments.

[0010] FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating examples of switching between additional circuits connected to a common circuit according to the operation of a switch according to various embodiments.

[0011] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method of operating a digital pen according to various embodiments.

[0012] FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating examples of switching between additional circuits connected to a common circuit according to the operation of a plurality of switches according to various embodiments.

[0013] Specific structural or functional descriptions of the embodiments are disclosed for illustrative purposes only and may be modified and implemented in various forms. Therefore, the actual implementation is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and the scope of this specification includes modifications, equivalents, or alternatives within the technical concepts described in the embodiments.

[0014] Although terms such as "first" or "second" may be used to describe various components, these terms should be interpreted solely to distinguish one component from another. For example, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may also be referred to as a first component.

[0015] When it is said that a component is "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but there may also be other components in between.

[0016] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this specification, the terms "comprises" or "has" should be understood to indicate the presence of a described feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof, but not to exclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0017] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted to have a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the description with reference to the attached drawings, identical components are assigned the same reference numerals regardless of the drawing numbers, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an interface system according to various embodiments.

[0020] The interface system (100) may include an external device (101) and a digital pen (102). The interface system (100) may be referred to as at least one of an electronic system, a touch system, an input / output system, or a digitizer system.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the external device (101) may include a display panel, an optical film disposed over the display panel, a lower member disposed under the display panel, and a digitizer disposed between the display panel and the lower member. The digitizer may include a plurality of loop coils that generate an electromagnetic field of a preset resonant frequency.

[0022] The digital pen (102) may be configured to transmit an output signal based on an electromagnetic resonance (EMR) method to an external device (101). The digital pen (102) may generate (e.g., induce) a signal through a resonant circuit based on an electromagnetic field generated from a digitizer of the external device (101). As will be described in more detail below, a resonant circuit according to an embodiment may include a common circuit and a plurality of additional circuits. The digital pen (102) may be referred to as an input device, a stylus pen, or an electromagnetic resonance pen.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the external device (101) can determine the input position or input type of the digital pen (102) at least based on a signal of the digital pen (102) detected on a display module of the external device (101) (e.g., display module (160) of FIG. 1).

[0024] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a digital pen according to various embodiments.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 2, a digital pen (200) according to one embodiment (e.g., the digital pen (102) of FIG. 1) may include a communication circuit (205), a processor (210), a memory (215), a coil (220), a power circuit (225) (e.g., a power circuit including a battery), a switch (230), a charging circuit (235), a resonant circuit (240), an antenna (245), and / or a trigger circuit (250). In some embodiments, the processor (210), at least a portion of the resonant circuit (240), and / or at least a portion of the communication circuit (205) of the digital pen (200) may be configured on a printed circuit board or in the form of a chip. The processor (210), the resonant circuit (240), and / or the communication circuit (205) may be electrically connected to the memory (215), the charging circuit (235), the power circuit (225), the antenna (245), or the trigger circuit (250). A digital pen (200) according to one embodiment may be composed of only a resonant circuit and a button.

[0026] The communication circuit (205) may be configured to perform a wireless communication function between the communication module of the digital pen (200) and the external device. According to one embodiment, the communication circuit (205) may transmit status information and input information of the digital pen (200) to the external device using a short-range communication method. For example, the communication circuit (205) may transmit direction information (e.g., motion sensor data) of the digital pen (200) obtained through the trigger circuit (250), voice information input through a microphone, or remaining battery level information included in the power circuit (225) to the external device. As an example, the short-range communication method may include at least one of Bluetooth, BLE (Bluetooth low energy), or wireless LAN.

[0027] In one embodiment, the communication circuit (205) may receive information about the available frequency of the external device from the external device based on establishing communication with the external device. In one embodiment, the communication circuit (205) may receive information about the available frequency of the external device from the external device based on the proximity or contact of the tip of the digital pen with the external device.

[0028] The processor (210) may include a generic processor configured to execute customized hardware modules or software (e.g., an application program). The processor may include hardware components (functions) or software elements (programs) including at least one of various sensors provided in the digital pen (200), a data measurement module, an input / output interface, a module for managing the status or environment of the digital pen (200), or a communication module. The processor (210) may include, for example, one or a combination of two or more of hardware, software, or firmware. According to one embodiment, the processor (210) may receive a proximity signal corresponding to an electromagnetic field signal generated from a digitizer (e.g., a display device (160)) of an external device through a resonance circuit (240). When the proximity signal is confirmed, the resonance circuit (240) may be controlled to transmit an electromagnetic resonance (EMR) input signal to the external device.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the processor (210) may select a resonant frequency based on available frequency information of an external device received through the communication circuit (205). The processor (210) may select a resonant frequency from among a plurality of candidate frequencies based on the available frequency information. The plurality of candidate frequencies may correspond to a plurality of additional circuits. The processor (210) may determine a current to be applied to the coil (220) based on the selected resonant frequency. For example, if the selected resonant frequency corresponds to the first additional circuit (242), the processor (210) may determine the current to be applied to the coil (220) to be less than or equal to a threshold current magnitude. For another example, if the selected resonant frequency corresponds to the second additional circuit (243), the processor (210) may determine the current to be applied to the coil (220) to be greater than or equal to a threshold current magnitude. The processor (210) can cause the power circuit (225) to apply a determined current to the coil (220).

[0030] The memory (215) can store information related to the operation of the digital pen (200). For example, the information related to the operation of the digital pen (200) can include information for communication with an external device, frequency information related to the input operation of the digital pen (200), information for determining a resonant frequency, or information for determining a current to be applied to a coil (220).

[0031] The power circuit (225) may be configured to store power required for the operation of the digital pen (200). The battery included in the power circuit (225) may include, for example, a lithium-ion battery or a capacitor, and may be rechargeable or replaceable. According to one embodiment, the battery included in the power circuit (225) may be charged using power (for example, a direct current signal (direct current power)) provided from the charging circuit (235).

[0032] According to one embodiment, the power circuit (225) can apply a current determined by the processor (210) to the coil (220). The coil (220) can generate a magnetic field based on the applied current.

[0033] The coil (220) can generate a magnetic field using the applied current based on the available frequency information of the external device. The processor (210) can determine the current to be applied to the coil (220) based on the available frequency information of the external device. The power circuit (225) can apply the determined current to the coil (220). For example, the coil (220) can generate a magnetic field having a threshold magnetic field intensity or less based on the flow of a current having a threshold current intensity or less. For another example, the coil (220) can generate a magnetic field having a threshold magnetic field intensity or greater based on the flow of a current exceeding the threshold current intensity.

[0034] The switch (230) can operate based on a magnetic field generated by the coil (220) to switch the connection between the common circuit (241) and a plurality of additional circuits. The switch (230) can connect an additional circuit having a corresponding resonant frequency among the plurality of additional circuits to the common circuit (241) in response to the magnetic field generated by the coil (220).

[0035] According to one embodiment, the switch (230) may be implemented as a reed switch. The switch (230) may include a conductive wire (also referred to herein as a 'reed'). The switch (230) may include a sealed tube and conductive wires housed inside the sealed tube. The conductive wire may be a magnetic material and may have elasticity. For example, a first end of the conductive wire (e.g., the first conductive wire) of the switch (230) may be connected to a common circuit (241). A second end of the conductive wire (e.g., the first conductive wire) of the switch (230) may selectively form a contact with one of a plurality of additional circuits.

[0036] For example, one end of the first conductive wire of the switch (230) may be connected to the common circuit (241). One end of the second conductive wire of the switch (230) may be connected to the first additional circuit (242). When the other end of the first conductive wire and the other end of the second conductive wire form a contact, the common circuit (241) and the first additional circuit (242) may be connected. When the other end of the first conductive wire and the other end of the second conductive wire do not form a contact, the common circuit (241) and the first additional circuit (242) may be disconnected. When a magnetic field is applied from the outside, the other end of the first conductive wire and the other end of the second conductive wire may be magnetized with different polarities, thereby generating a magnetic attraction force. When the magnetic attraction force is greater than the elastic force of the first conductive wire and the second conductive wire, the other end of the first conductive wire and the other end of the second conductive wire may form a contact point. When the magnetic field is removed, the other end of the first conductive wire and the other end of the second conductive wire can be separated from each other by the elastic restoring force of the first conductive wire and the second conductive wire.

[0037] However, the switch (230) is not limited to forming a contact only when an external magnetic field is formed. The switch (230) may further include a third conductive wire together with the first conductive wire and the second conductive wire. One end of the third conductive wire of the switch (230) may be connected to a second additional circuit (243). When the other end of the first conductive wire and the other end of the third conductive wire form a contact, the common circuit (241) and the second additional circuit (243) may be connected. When the other end of the first conductive wire and the other end of the third conductive wire do not form a contact, the common circuit (241) and the second additional circuit (243) may be disconnected. When a magnetic field is applied from the outside, the other end of the first conductive wire and the other end of the third conductive wire may be spaced apart from each other. When the magnetic field is removed, the other end of the first conductive wire and the other end of the third conductive wire may form a contact. In conclusion, when a magnetic field is applied from the outside, the switch (230) can connect the common circuit (241) with the first additional circuit (242), and when a magnetic field is not applied from the outside, the switch (230) can connect the common circuit (241) with the second additional circuit (243).

[0038] The switch (230) may be implemented as one switch (230) for multiple additional circuits, or as one switch (230) for each additional circuit. An embodiment implemented as one switch (230) for multiple additional circuits is described in more detail below in FIGS. 5A and 5B , and an embodiment implemented as one switch (230) for each additional circuit is described in more detail below in FIGS. 6 , 7A, and 7B .

[0039] The resonant circuit (240) may include at least one of a coil, an inductor, or a capacitor. The resonant circuit (240) may be used by the digital pen (200) to generate a signal including a resonant frequency. For example, to generate the signal, the digital pen (200) may use at least one of an electromagnetic resonance (EMR) method, an active electrostatic (AES) method, or an electrically coupled resonance (ECR) method. When the digital pen (200) transmits a signal using the EMR method, the digital pen (200) may generate a signal including a resonant frequency based on an electromagnetic field generated from an inductive panel of an external device. When the digital pen (200) transmits a signal using the AES method, the digital pen (200) may generate a signal using capacitive coupling with the external device. When the digital pen (200) transmits a signal using the ECR method, the digital pen (200) can generate a signal including a resonant frequency based on an electric field generated from a capacitive device of the electronic device. According to one embodiment, the resonant circuit (240) can be used to change the intensity or frequency of the electromagnetic field according to the user's operating state. For example, the resonant circuit (240) can provide a frequency for recognizing a hovering input, a drawing input, a button input, or an erasing input.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the resonant circuit (240) may include a common circuit (241) and a plurality of additional circuits (e.g., a first additional circuit (242) and a second additional circuit (243)). The resonant circuit (240) may form a resonant frequency based on the common circuit (241) and an additional circuit connected to the common circuit (241) by a switch (230) among the plurality of additional circuits. For example, the common circuit (241) may have a common frequency component. Each of the plurality of additional circuits may have an additional frequency component corresponding to the corresponding additional circuit. When the common circuit (241) is connected to one of the plurality of additional circuits by the switch (230), the resonant circuit (240) may form a resonant frequency based on the common frequency component of the common circuit (241) and the additional frequency component of the additional circuit connected to the common circuit (241). When the switch (230) switches between multiple additional circuits connected to the common circuit (241), the resonant frequency may change according to a change in the additional frequency component related to the resonant frequency. The resonant circuit (240) according to one embodiment may support multiple resonant frequencies.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the resonant circuit (240) can generate a signal having a resonant frequency of the resonant circuit (240) based on the proximity or contact of the digital pen (200) with an external device. The external device can obtain user input based on the signal received from the digital pen (200).

[0042] When the charging circuit (235) is connected to the resonant circuit (240) based on the switching circuit, the resonant signal generated from the resonant circuit (240) can be rectified into a DC signal and provided to the power circuit (225). According to one embodiment, the external device may include a structure into which the digital pen (200) can be inserted, and the digital pen (200) can use the voltage level of the DC signal detected by the charging circuit (235) to determine whether the digital pen (200) is inserted into the external device.

[0043] The antenna (245) can be used to transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external device). According to one embodiment, the digital pen (200) may include a plurality of antennas (245), and among these, at least one antenna (245) suitable for a communication method may be selected. Through the selected at least one antenna (245), the communication circuit (205) may exchange signals or power with an external electronic device.

[0044] The trigger circuit (250) may include at least one button or sensor circuit. According to one embodiment, the processor (210) may check the input method (e.g., touch or press) or type (e.g., EMR button or BLE button) of the button of the digital pen (200). According to one embodiment, the sensor circuit may generate an electric signal or data value corresponding to the internal operating state or external environmental state of the digital pen (200). For example, the sensor circuit may include at least one of a motion sensor, a battery level detection sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a temperature sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, and a biometric sensor. According to one embodiment, the trigger circuit (250) may transmit a trigger signal to an external device using an input signal of a button or a signal through a sensor.

[0045] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a digital pen in various embodiments.

[0046] A digital pen may include a pen housing (300) that constitutes the exterior of the digital pen and an inner assembly inside the pen housing (300). In the illustrated embodiment, the inner assembly may include all of the various components to be mounted inside the pen and may be inserted into the pen housing (300) in a single assembly operation.

[0047] The pen housing (300) may have a shape that extends longwise between a first end (300a) and a second end (300b), and may include a storage space therein. For example, the pen housing (300) may have an elliptical cross-section composed of a long axis and a short axis, and may be formed in the shape of an elliptical column as a whole. If the external device includes a structure capable of storing the electronic pen (201), the storage space of the external device may also have an elliptical cross-section corresponding to the shape of the pen housing (300). The pen housing (300) may include a synthetic resin (e.g., plastic) and / or a metallic material (e.g., aluminum). According to one embodiment, the second end (300b) of the pen housing (300) may be formed of a synthetic resin material.

[0048] The inner assembly may have a shape that is elongated to correspond to the shape of the pen housing (300). The inner assembly may be broadly divided into two configurations along the length direction. For example, the inner assembly may include a coil portion (320) positioned corresponding to the second end (300b) of the pen housing (300), and a circuit board portion (330) positioned corresponding to the body of the housing.

[0049] The coil portion (320) may include a pen tip (321) exposed to the outside of the second end (300b) when the internal assembly is fully inserted into the pen housing (300), a packing ring (322), a coil (323) wound multiple times, and / or a pressure sensing portion (324) for obtaining a change in pressure according to the pressing of the pen tip (321). The packing ring (322) may include epoxy, rubber, urethane, or silicone. The packing ring (322) may be provided for the purpose of waterproofing and dustproofing, and may protect the coil portion (320) and the circuit board portion (330) from submersion or dust. According to one embodiment, the coil (323) can form a resonant frequency in a set frequency band (e.g., 500 kHz), and can be combined with at least one element (e.g., a capacitive element) to adjust the resonant frequency formed by the coil (323) within a certain range.

[0050] The circuit board portion (330) may include a printed circuit board (332), a base (331) surrounding at least one surface of the printed circuit board (332), and an antenna. According to one embodiment, a substrate mounting portion (333) on which the printed circuit board (332) is placed is formed on the upper surface of the base (331), and the printed circuit board (332) may be fixed in a mounted state on the substrate mounting portion (333). According to one embodiment, the printed circuit board (332) may include an upper surface and a lower surface, and a variable capacity capacitor or a side switch (334) connected to a coil (323) may be placed on the upper surface, and a charging circuit, a battery, or a communication circuit may be placed on the lower surface. The battery may include an EDLC (electric double layered capacitor). The charging circuit is located between the coil (323) and the battery and may include voltage detector circuitry and a rectifier.

[0051] According to one embodiment, when the external device includes a structure capable of storing a digital pen, the internal assembly may further include an ejection member (not shown) positioned corresponding to the first end (300a) of the pen housing (300).

[0052] The ejection member may include a configuration for ejecting the digital pen from the storage space of the external device. According to one embodiment, the ejection member may include a shaft and an ejection body and a button portion that are arranged around the shaft and form the overall outer appearance of the ejection member. When the internal assembly is fully inserted into the pen housing (300), the portion including the shaft and the ejection body is surrounded by the first end (300a) of the pen housing (300), and the button portion may be exposed to the outside of the first end (300a). A plurality of components, not shown, such as cam members or elastic members, may be arranged within the ejection body to form a push-pull structure. In one embodiment, the button portion may be substantially coupled to the shaft and may perform a linear reciprocating motion with respect to the ejection body. According to various embodiments, the button portion may include a button having a catch structure formed so that a user can eject the digital pen using a fingernail. According to one embodiment, the digital pen may provide another input method by including a sensor that detects linear reciprocating motion of the shaft.

[0053] The antenna may include an antenna structure (339) and / or an antenna embedded in a printed circuit board (332). According to various embodiments, a side switch (334) may be provided on the printed circuit board (332). A side button (337) provided in the digital pen is used to press the side switch (334) and may be exposed to the outside through a side opening (302) of the pen housing (300). The side button (337) is supported by a support member (338), and when there is no external force acting on the side button (337), the support member (338) provides an elastic restoring force to restore or maintain the side button (337) in a state where it is placed at a certain position.

[0054] The circuit board portion (330) may include other packing rings, such as O-rings. For example, O-rings made of elastic material may be placed on both ends of the base (331) to form a sealing structure between the base (331) and the pen housing (300). In some embodiments, the support member (338) may partially form a sealing structure by coming into close contact with the inner wall of the pen housing (300) around the side opening (302). For example, the circuit board portion (330) may also form a waterproof and dustproof structure similar to the packing ring (322) of the coil portion (320).

[0055] The digital pen may include a battery mounting portion (335) on which a battery (336) is placed on the upper surface of the base (331). The battery (336) that may be mounted on the battery mounting portion (335) may include, for example, a cylindrical type battery.

[0056] The digital pen may include a microphone (not shown). The microphone may be directly connected to the printed circuit board (332) or may be connected to a separate flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) (not shown) connected to the printed circuit board (332). According to various embodiments, the microphone may be positioned parallel to the side button (337) in the longitudinal direction of the digital pen.

[0057] FIG. 4 illustrates examples of digital pens according to various embodiments.

[0058] A digital pen (400) (e.g., digital pen (102) of FIG. 1, digital pen (200) of FIG. 2) may include a pen housing (401) (e.g., pen housing (300) of FIG. 3), a pen tip (402) (e.g., pen tip (321) of FIG. 3), a resonant circuit (403) (e.g., resonant circuit (240) of FIG. 2), a switch (404) (e.g., switch (230) of FIG. 2), a coil (405) (e.g., coil (220) of FIG. 2), and a power circuit (406) (e.g., power circuit (225) of FIG. 2).

[0059] The pen housing (401) may have a pen shape and may have a receiving space formed inside. The resonant circuit (403), switch (404), coil (405), and power circuit (406) may be accommodated in the receiving space formed inside the pen housing (401).

[0060] The pen tip (402) may be positioned at an end of the pen housing (401). For example, a portion of the pen tip (402) may be exposed to the outside of the pen housing (401), and the remainder of the pen tip (402) may be inserted into the inside of the pen housing (401).

[0061] The resonant circuit (403) may include at least one electronic element, such as at least one coil, inductor, or capacitor. The resonant circuit (403) may form a resonant frequency based on the electronic element included in the resonant circuit (403).

[0062] According to one embodiment, the resonant circuit (403) may include a common circuit and a plurality of additional circuits. The resonant circuit (403) may form a resonant frequency based on the common circuit and an additional circuit connected to the common circuit among the plurality of additional circuits. Among the plurality of additional circuits, an additional circuit other than the additional circuit connected to the common circuit (e.g., an additional circuit not connected to the common circuit) may not affect forming the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit (403). The resonant circuit (403) may form a resonant frequency among a plurality of candidate frequencies based on an additional circuit connected to the resonant circuit among the plurality of additional circuits.

[0063] The switch (404) can switch the connection between the common circuit and a plurality of additional circuits. The switch (404) can connect at least one additional circuit among the plurality of additional circuits to the common circuit.

[0064] The coil (405) can generate a magnetic field using a current applied to the coil (405). The magnetic field generated by the coil (405) can be used to operate the switch (404).

[0065] For example, based on a current flowing through the coil (405) that is less than or equal to a threshold current, the switch (404) may connect a first additional circuit among the plurality of additional circuits to the common circuit. Based on a current flowing through the coil (405) that is greater than or equal to a threshold current, the switch (404) may disconnect the first additional circuit from the common circuit and connect a second additional circuit among the plurality of additional circuits to the common circuit. Based on a cessation of the current flowing through the coil (405) that is greater than or equal to a threshold current, the switch (404) may disconnect the common circuit from the second additional circuit and reconnect the common circuit to the first additional circuit. The switching of connections between the common circuit and the plurality of additional circuits is described in more detail below in FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6, 7A, and 7B.

[0066] The power circuit (406) can supply power to the coil (405).

[0067] FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating examples of switching between additional circuits connected to a common circuit according to the operation of a switch according to various embodiments.

[0068] A digital pen according to one embodiment may include a resonant circuit (not shown) (e.g., resonant circuit (240) of FIG. 2, resonant circuit (403) of FIG. 4), a coil (520) (e.g., coil (220) of FIG. 2, coil (405) of FIG. 4), a switch (530) (e.g., switch (230) of FIG. 24, switch (404) of FIG. 4), and a power circuit (540) (e.g., power circuit (225) of FIG. 2).

[0069] The resonant circuit may include a common circuit (511) (e.g., common circuit (241) of FIG. 2), a first additional circuit (512) (e.g., first additional circuit (242) of FIG. 2), and a second additional circuit (513) (e.g., second additional circuit (243) of FIG. 2).

[0070] The power circuit (540) can apply a current determined by the processor to the coil (520).

[0071] The switch (530) can connect either the first additional circuit (512) or the second additional circuit (513) to the common circuit (511) based on the current flowing in the coil (520). For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, the switch (530) can connect the first additional circuit (512) among the plurality of additional circuits (e.g., the first additional circuit (512) and the second additional circuit (513)) to the common circuit (511) based on the current flowing in the coil (520) being less than or equal to a threshold current. As shown in FIG. 5b, based on the current flowing in the coil (520) exceeding the threshold current size, the switch (530) can disconnect the first additional circuit (512) and the common circuit (511) and connect the second additional circuit (513) among the plurality of additional circuits (e.g., the first additional circuit (512) and the second additional circuit (513)) to the common circuit (511). As shown in FIG. 5a, based on the current flowing in the coil (520) exceeding the threshold current size being stopped, the switch (530) can disconnect the common circuit (511) and the second additional circuit (513) and reconnect the common circuit (511) and the first additional circuit (512).

[0072] According to one embodiment, the switch (530) may include a first conductive wire (532), a second conductive wire (533), and a third conductive wire (534) housed within a sealing tube (531). A first end (535) of the first conductive wire (532) may be connected to a common circuit (511). A first end (536) of the second conductive wire (533) may be connected to a first additional circuit (512). A first end (537) of the third conductive wire (534) may be connected to a second additional circuit (513). A second end of the first conductive wire (532) may selectively form a contact (e.g., a contact (538) of FIG. 5A, a contact (539) of FIG. 5B)) with either the first additional circuit (512) or the second additional circuit (513). When the second end of the first conductive wire (532) forms a contact point (538) with the first additional circuit (512) (or the second conductive wire (533) connected to the first additional circuit (512), the common circuit (511) and the first additional circuit (512) can be connected. When the second end of the first conductive wire (532) forms a contact point (539) with the second additional circuit (513) (or the third conductive wire (534) connected to the second additional circuit (513), the common circuit (511) and the second additional circuit (513) can be connected.

[0073] For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, the second end of the first conductive wire (532) can form a contact point (538) with the first additional circuit (512) among the plurality of additional circuits (e.g., the first additional circuit (512) and the second additional circuit (513)) based on the current flowing through the coil (520) that is less than or equal to a critical current size. For example, as shown in FIG. 5B, the second end of the first conductive wire (532) can form a contact point (539) with the second additional circuit (513) among the plurality of additional circuits (e.g., the first additional circuit (512) and the second additional circuit (513)) based on the current flowing through the coil (520) that is greater than or equal to a critical current size.

[0074] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method of operating a digital pen according to various embodiments.

[0075] A digital pen according to one embodiment (e.g., an electronic device (102) of FIG. 1, a digital pen (102) of FIG. 2, a digital pen (400) of FIG. 3, a digital pen (200) of FIG. 4) may include a communication circuit (e.g., a communication circuit (205) of FIG. 4), a processor (e.g., a processor (210) of FIG. 4), a power circuit (e.g., a power circuit (225) of FIG. 4, a power circuit (540) of FIGS. 5A and 5B), a resonant circuit (e.g., a resonant circuit (403) of FIG. 3, a resonant circuit (240) of FIG. 4), a switch (e.g., a switch (404) of FIG. 3, a switch (230) of FIG. 4, a switch (530) of FIGS. 5A and 5B), and a coil (e.g., a coil (405) of FIG. 3, a coil (220) of FIG. 4, a coil (520) of FIGS. 5A and 5B).

[0076] In operation (610), the processor may determine whether to receive available frequency information from an external device.

[0077] In operation (620), the switch may connect a first additional circuit (e.g., the first additional circuit (242) of FIG. 4, the first additional circuit (512) of FIGS. 5A and 5B) among a plurality of additional circuits (e.g., the first additional circuit (242) of FIG. 4, the first additional circuit (512) of FIGS. 5A and 5B)) to a common circuit (e.g., the first additional circuit (471) of FIG. 4, the common circuit (513) of FIGS. 5A and 5B) based on the fact that no available frequency information is received from an external device (e.g., the external device of FIG. 1, the external device (101) of FIG. 2).

[0078] In one embodiment, the communication circuit may not receive available frequency information from an external device. The processor may determine to connect a first additional circuit among the plurality of additional circuits to the common circuit based on the fact that the available frequency information is not received from the external device. The processor may determine a current corresponding to the first additional circuit (e.g., a current less than or equal to a threshold current) as a current to be applied to the coil. The power circuit may apply the determined current to the coil. The coil may generate a magnetic field based on the applied current. The switch may connect the common circuit to the first additional circuit based on the magnetic field generated by the coil. The switch may separate the first additional circuit and another additional circuit (e.g., a second additional circuit) from the common circuit based on the magnetic field generated by the coil.

[0079] According to one embodiment, a digital pen can cause a resonant circuit to form a resonant frequency by connecting a common circuit and one of a plurality of additional circuits, even when available frequency information is not received from an external device. Consequently, even when the external device cannot transmit the available frequency information, the digital pen can form a resonant frequency. An external device supporting a first candidate frequency among a plurality of candidate frequencies supported by the digital pen may not support a function of transmitting available frequency information to the digital pen. According to one embodiment, an electronic device can support an input to an external device that does not support a function of transmitting available frequency information by connecting a first additional circuit corresponding to the first candidate frequency to the common circuit based on the fact that the available frequency information is not received, even if the external device supporting the first candidate frequency does not support a function of transmitting available frequency information.

[0080] In operation (630), based on the received available frequency information of the external device, the processor may determine whether the available frequency includes a resonant frequency based on the common circuit and the additional circuit connected to the common circuit. In one embodiment, while one of the plurality of additional circuits is connected to the common circuit, the communication circuit may receive the available frequency information of the external device. The processor may determine whether to operate the switch based on whether the received available frequency information of the external device includes a resonant frequency based on the common circuit and the additional circuit connected to the common circuit.

[0081] In operation (640), the switch may separate the additional circuit connected to the common circuit from the common circuit based on the available frequency information of the external device not including a resonant frequency based on the common circuit and the additional circuit connected to the common circuit.

[0082] In operation (650), the switch can maintain a connection between the common circuit and the additional circuit connected to the common circuit based on the available frequency information of the external device including a resonant frequency based on the common circuit and the additional circuit connected to the common circuit.

[0083] FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating examples of switching between additional circuits connected to a common circuit according to the operation of a plurality of switches according to various embodiments.

[0084] A digital pen according to one embodiment may include a communication circuit (not shown) (e.g., a communication circuit (205) of FIG. 4), a processor (not shown) (e.g., a processor (210) of FIG. 4), a resonant circuit (e.g., a resonant circuit (403) of FIG. 3, a resonant circuit (240) of FIG. 4), a plurality of coils (e.g., a first coil (721) and a second coil (722)), a plurality of switches (e.g., a first switch (731) and a second switch (732)), and a plurality of power circuits (e.g., a first power circuit (741) and a second power circuit (742)).

[0085] The resonant circuit may include a common circuit (711), a first additional circuit (712), and a second additional circuit (713).

[0086] A plurality of coils may correspond to a plurality of switches. Each of the plurality of switches may operate based on a magnetic field generated by a coil corresponding to the switch. For example, a first switch (731) may correspond to a first coil (721) and operate based on a magnetic field generated by the first coil (721). A second switch (732) may correspond to a second coil (722) and operate based on a magnetic field generated by the second coil (722).

[0087] Multiple power circuits may correspond to multiple coils. Each power circuit may apply current to the coil to which it corresponds. For example, a first power circuit (741) may apply current to a first coil (721). A second power circuit (742) may apply current to a second coil (722).

[0088] However, a single power circuit is not limited to corresponding to a single coil. For example, a single power circuit may correspond to two or more coils. A single power circuit may apply current to at least one of the coils to which the power circuit corresponds.

[0089] Each switch can connect and / or disconnect additional circuitry associated with that switch from the common circuit (711) based on the current flowing in the coil corresponding to that switch.

[0090] For example, the processor may determine the current to be applied to each coil based on available frequency information received via the communication circuit. The processor may select a resonant frequency from among a plurality of candidate frequencies. The processor may determine the current to be applied to each coil based on the selected resonant frequency.

[0091] For example, the processor may determine the current to be applied to the first coil (721) as a current exceeding the threshold current size and may determine the current to be applied to the second coil (722) as a current less than or equal to the threshold current size based on selecting the first candidate frequency corresponding to the first additional circuit (712) as the resonant frequency. As shown in FIG. 7A, the first switch (731) may connect the common circuit (711) and the first additional circuit (712) based on the current exceeding the threshold current size flowing through the first coil (721). The second switch (732) may separate the common circuit (711) and the second additional circuit (713) based on the current less than or equal to the threshold current size flowing through the second coil (722).

[0092] For another example, the processor may determine the current to be applied to the first coil (721) as a current less than or equal to a threshold current size, and may determine the current to be applied to the second coil (722) as a current greater than or equal to a threshold current size, based on the selection of the second candidate frequency corresponding to the second additional circuit (713) as the resonant frequency. As shown in FIG. 7B, the first switch (731) may separate the common circuit (711) and the first additional circuit (712) based on the current less than or equal to the threshold current size flowing through the first coil (721). The second switch (732) may connect the common circuit (711) and the second additional circuit (713) based on the current greater than or equal to the threshold current size flowing through the second coil (722).

[0093] According to one embodiment, the first switch (731) may include a first conductive wire (735) and a second conductive wire (736) accommodated within a first sealed tube (733). A first end (735_1) of the first conductive wire (735) may be connected to a common circuit (711). A first end (736_1) of the second conductive wire (736) may be connected to a first additional circuit (712). The second switch (732) may include a third conductive wire (737) and a fourth conductive wire (738) accommodated within a second sealed tube (734). A first end (737_1) of the third conductive wire (737) may be connected to the common circuit (711). A first end (738_1) of the fourth conductive wire (738) may be connected to a second additional circuit (713).

[0094] The second end of the first conductive wire (735) can form a contact point (e.g., contact point (739_1) of FIG. 7A) with the first additional circuit (712). When the second end of the first conductive wire (735) forms a contact point (e.g., contact point (739_1) of FIG. 7A) with the first additional circuit (712), the common circuit (711) and the first additional circuit (712) can be connected. When the second end of the first conductive wire (735) does not form a contact point with the first additional circuit (712), the common circuit (711) and the first additional circuit (712) can be separated. The second end of the third conductive wire (737) can form a contact point (e.g., contact point (739_2) of FIG. 7B) with the second additional circuit (713). If the second end of the third conductive wire (737) forms a contact point (e.g., contact point (739_2) of FIG. 7B) with the second additional circuit (713), the common circuit (711) and the second additional circuit (713) can be connected. If the second end of the third conductive wire (737) does not form a contact point with the second additional circuit (713), the common circuit (711) and the second additional circuit (713) can be separated.

[0095] For example, as shown in FIG. 7a, based on a current exceeding the threshold current size flowing in the first coil (721), the second end of the first conductive wire (735) may form a contact with the first additional circuit (712), and based on a current less than the threshold current size flowing in the second coil (722), the second end of the third conductive wire (737) may not form a contact with the second additional circuit (713). For example, as shown in FIG. 7b, based on a current less than the threshold current size flowing in the first coil (721), the second end of the first conductive wire (735) may not form a contact with the first additional circuit (712), and based on a current exceeding the threshold current size flowing in the second coil (722), the second end of the third conductive wire (737) may form a contact with the second additional circuit (713).

[0096] Electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to the embodiments of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0097] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0098] The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0099] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory (136) or external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an external device). For example, a processor (e.g., processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., the external device) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called 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. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product 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 may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0101] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. In the digital pen (102; 202; 400), A coil (220; 405; 520) that generates a magnetic field using an applied current based on available frequency information of an external device (101); A switch (230; 404; 530) operating based on the generated magnetic field to switch the connection between a common circuit (241; 511; 711) and a plurality of additional circuits; and A resonant circuit (240; 403) comprising the common circuit (241; 511; 711) and the plurality of additional circuits, and an additional circuit connected to the common circuit (241; 511; 711) by the switch (230; 404; 530) among the plurality of additional circuits, and forming a resonant frequency based on the common circuit (241; 511; 711) Digital pen including (102; 202; 400).

2. In paragraph 1, The above digital pen (102; 202; 400) is A communication circuit (205) that receives the available frequency information of the external device (101) from the external device (101) based on establishing communication with the external device (101) Including more, Digital pen (102; 202; 400).

3. In any one of paragraphs 1 and 2, The above digital pen (102; 202; 400) is A communication circuit (205) that receives the available frequency information of the external device (101) from the external device (101) based on the proximity or contact of the pen tip (402) of the digital pen (102; 202; 400) with the external device (101). Including more, Digital pen (102; 202; 400).

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, The above digital pen (102; 202; 400) is A processor (210) that selects a resonant frequency among a plurality of candidate frequencies corresponding to the plurality of additional circuits based on the available frequency information and determines a current to be applied to the coil (220; 405; 520) based on the selected resonant frequency. Including more, The above switches (230; 404; 530) are In response to the magnetic field generated by applying the determined current to the coil (220; 405; 520), connecting an additional circuit corresponding to the selected resonant frequency among the plurality of additional circuits to the common circuit (241; 511; 711). Digital pen (102; 202; 400).

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, The above switches (230; 404; 530) are Containing conductive wire (532; 735; 737), The first end (535; 735_1; 737_1) of the above conductive wire (532; 735; 737) is Connected to the above common circuit (241; 511; 711), The second end of the above conductive wire (532; 735; 737) is Selectively forming a contact with one of the above multiple additional circuits, Digital pen (102; 202; 400).

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, The above switches (230; 404; 530) are Containing conductive wire (532; 735; 737), The first end (535; 735_1; 737_1) of the above conductive wire (532; 735; 737) is Connected to the above common circuit (241; 511; 711), The second end of the above conductive wire (532; 735; 737) is Based on the current flowing through the above coil (220; 405; 520) below the critical current size, a contact point is formed with the first additional circuit (242; 512; 712) among the plurality of additional circuits, Based on the current flowing through the coil (220; 405; 520) exceeding the critical current size, a contact point is formed with the second additional circuit (243; 513; 713) among the plurality of additional circuits. Digital pen (102; 202; 400).

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, The above switches (230; 404; 530) are Based on the current flowing through the above coil (220; 405; 520) below the critical current size, the first additional circuit (242; 512; 712) among the plurality of additional circuits is connected to the common circuit (241; 511; 711), Based on the current flowing through the coil (220; 405; 520) exceeding the critical current size, the first additional circuit (242; 512; 712) and the common circuit (241; 511; 711) are disconnected and the second additional circuit (243; 513; 713) among the plurality of additional circuits is connected to the common circuit (241; 511; 711). Digital pen (102; 202; 400).

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, The above switches (230; 404; 530) are Based on the cessation of the flow of current exceeding the critical current size through the coil (220; 405; 520), the common circuit (241; 511; 711) and the second additional circuit (243; 513; 713) are disconnected and the common circuit (241; 511; 711) and the first additional circuit (242; 512; 712) are reconnected. Digital pen (102; 202; 400).

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, The above resonant circuit (240; 403) is The digital pen (102; 202; 400) generates a signal having the resonant frequency based on proximity or contact with the external device (101). A digital pen further comprising (102; 202; 400).

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, The above switches (230; 404; 530) are Connecting a first additional circuit (242; 512; 712) among the plurality of additional circuits to the common circuit (241; 511; 711) based on the fact that the available frequency information is not received from the external device (101). Digital pen (102; 202; 400).

11. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 10, The above switches (230; 404; 530) are Based on the available frequency information of the external device (101) including the resonant frequency based on the common circuit (241; 511; 711) and the additional circuit connected to the common circuit (241; 511; 711), maintaining the connection between the common circuit (241; 511; 711) and the additional circuit connected to the common circuit (241; 511; 711). Digital pen (102; 202; 400).

12. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 11, The above switches (230; 404; 530) are Based on the fact that the available frequency information of the external device (101) does not include a resonant frequency based on the common circuit (241; 511; 711) and the additional circuit connected to the common circuit (241; 511; 711), the additional circuit connected to the common circuit (241; 511; 711) is separated from the common circuit (241; 511; 711). Digital pen (102; 202; 400).

13. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 12, The above coils (220; 405; 520) are Containing multiple coils, The above switches (230; 404; 530) are It comprises a plurality of switches corresponding to the above plurality of coils, Each of the above multiple switches, which operates based on the magnetic field generated by the coil corresponding to the switch. Digital pen (102; 202; 400).

14. In a method performed by a digital pen (102; 202; 400), An operation of generating a magnetic field by using an applied current based on available frequency information of an external device (101) by means of a coil (220; 405; 520); An operation of switching the connection between a common circuit (241; 511; 711) and a plurality of additional circuits by means of a switch (230; 404; 530) operating based on the generated magnetic field; and An operation of forming a resonant frequency based on the common circuit (241; 511; 711) and an additional circuit connected to the common circuit (241; 511; 711) by the switch (230; 404; 530) among the additional circuits by the resonant circuit (240; 403) including the common circuit (241; 511; 711) and the plurality of additional circuits A method including:

15. In paragraph 14, The above method, An operation of receiving the available frequency information of the external device (101) from the external device (101) based on the pen tip (402) of the digital pen (102; 202; 400) coming into proximity or contact with the external device (101) by means of a communication circuit (205). Including more, method.

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