Smart ring device, method, and computer-readable storage medium for identifying wearing direction

Abstract

According to an embodiment, a smart ring device may include: a housing including an external housing portion and an inner housing portion which is at least partially transparent; a light emitter for emitting light through the inner housing portion; a first light receiver for receiving the light reflected from at least a portion of a finger of a user; a second light receiver for receiving the light reflected from at least a portion of the finger of the user; and a processor. The processor may be configured to determine a wearing direction of the smart ring device by using a first signal identified by the first light receiver and a second signal identified by the second light receiver.

Description

Smart ring device, method, and computer-readable storage medium for identifying wearing direction

[0001] The following descriptions relate to a smart ring device, a method, and a computer-readable storage medium for identifying a wearing direction.

[0002] A variety of services are provided through wearable devices. Wearable devices can be worn on a part of the user's body and operate. While worn, wearable devices can identify the user's biometric information and provide services based on that information. A wearable device that can be worn on the user's finger can be referred to as a smart ring device.

[0003] The above information may be provided as background art to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the above is applicable as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0004] According to one embodiment, a smart ring device may include a housing including an external housing portion and an at least partially transparent inner housing portion, a light emitter emitting light through the inner housing portion, a first light receiver receiving the light reflected on at least a portion of a user's finger, a second light receiver receiving the light reflected on at least a portion of the user's finger, and a processor. The processor may be configured to determine a wearing direction of the smart ring device using a first signal identified by the first light receiver and a second signal identified by the second light receiver.

[0005] According to one embodiment, a method performed by a smart ring device may include an operation of emitting light using a light emitting unit included in the smart ring device. The method may include an operation of determining a wearing direction of the smart ring device using a first signal identified based on the light reflected from at least a portion of a user's finger by a first light receiving unit included in the smart ring device and a second signal identified based on the light reflected from at least a portion of the user's finger by a second light receiving unit included in the smart ring device.

[0006] According to one embodiment, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium may store one or more programs. The one or more programs may include instructions that, when executed by a processor of a smart ring device having a light emitter, a first light receiver, and a second light receiver, cause the smart ring device to emit light using the light emitter. The one or more programs may include instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the smart ring device to determine a wearing direction of the smart ring device using a first signal identified based on light reflected from at least a portion of a user's finger by the first light receiver and a second signal identified based on light reflected from at least a portion of the user's finger by the second light receiver.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment, according to one embodiment.

[0008] FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary smart ring device according to one embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 2b is an example of a partial cross-sectional view of a smart ring device according to one embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 2c illustrates an example of a rotatable structure of a smart ring device according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of a smart ring device according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a light receiving circuit of a PPG sensor according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 5A illustrates an example of a wearing direction of a smart ring device according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 5b illustrates examples of signals identified in the light-receiving units of a smart ring device, according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 6A illustrates an example of a wearing direction of a smart ring device according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 6b illustrates examples of signals identified in the light-receiving units of a smart ring device, according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates the path of light emitted from a light emitting unit according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of the operation of a smart ring device according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 9 illustrates the intensity of light emitted based on the operating mode of a smart ring device according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 10 illustrates the intensity of light emitted based on the surrounding environment of a smart ring device according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of an operation of a smart ring device to identify a wearing direction of the smart ring device according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 12 illustrates a flowchart of the operation of a smart ring device according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a screen indicating the wearing direction of a smart ring device according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 14A illustrates an example of a circuit including a plurality of antennas for changing the direction of a radiated signal, according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 14b illustrates an example of a signal emitted from a smart ring device according to one embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 15 illustrates an example of a smart ring device being connected to an external electronic device, according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 16 illustrates a flowchart of the operation of a smart ring device according to one embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 17A illustrates an example of scroll input via a smart ring device according to one embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 17b illustrates an example of scroll input via a smart ring device according to one embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 18 illustrates an example of rotation input via a smart ring device according to one embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 19 illustrates an example of an operation for identifying a wearing direction of a smart ring device according to one embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 20 illustrates an example of a smart ring device being connected to an external electronic device, according to one embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 21A illustrates an example of a connection between a smart ring device and an external electronic device, according to one embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 21b illustrates an example of a connection between a smart ring device and an external electronic device, according to one embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 22 illustrates an example of a connection between a smart ring device and an external electronic device, according to one embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 23 illustrates an example of a connection between a smart ring device and an external electronic device, according to one embodiment.

[0037] FIG. 24 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary smart ring device according to one embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 25 illustrates an example of a smart ring device that can be coupled with an external electronic device, according to one embodiment.

[0039] FIG. 26 illustrates an example of a smart ring device that can be coupled with an external electronic device, according to one embodiment.

[0040] FIG. 27 illustrates an example of operation of a smart ring device, a first external electronic device, and a second external electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0041] FIG. 28 illustrates a flowchart of the operation of an external electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0042] FIG. 29 illustrates an example of the operation of a smart ring device and an external electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0043] FIG. 30 illustrates an example of the operation of a smart ring device and external electronic devices according to one embodiment.

[0044] FIG. 31 illustrates an example of the operation of a smart ring device and external electronic devices according to one embodiment.

[0045] FIG. 32 illustrates an example of the operation of a plurality of smart ring devices and an external electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0046] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components. Furthermore, in the drawings and related descriptions, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0047] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to one embodiment.

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

[0049] The processor (120) may control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) by executing, for example, software (e.g., a program (140)), and may perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or calculation, the processor (120) may store a command or data received from another component (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the command or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store the resulting data in a non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or a secondary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together therewith. For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and a secondary processor (123), the secondary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a specified function. The secondary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0050] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a part of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (160), a sensor module (176), or a communication module (190)) of the electronic device (101), for example, on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.

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

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

[0053] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The input module (150) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0054] The audio output module (155) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output module (155) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. According to one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

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

[0056] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150), output sound through the sound output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

[0057] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

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

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

[0060] A haptic module (179) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0061] The camera module (180) can capture still images and videos. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

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

[0063] A battery (189) may power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0064] The communication module (190) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can verify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

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

[0066] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. According to some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

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

[0068] At least some of the above components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)).

[0069] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102 or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service by itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included in the second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0070] Below, a wearable smart ring device on a user's finger will be described. The smart ring device described below may be an example of the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1. The smart ring device described below may include at least some or all of the components of the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1.

[0071] FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary smart ring device according to one embodiment.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 2A, a smart ring device (200) may include a housing (201) including a first side (211) facing a part of a user's body (e.g., a finger) and a second side (212) opposite the first side (211). The housing (201) may include side surfaces between the first side (211) and the second side (212). The side surfaces between the first side (211) and the second side (212) may include a first side (213) and a second side (214).

[0073] For example, the smart ring device (200) may include a ring-shaped housing (201). As an example, the smart ring device (200) may be configured in a ring shape. For example, the housing (201) may include an inner housing portion (203) for forming a first surface (211) and an outer housing portion (204) for forming a second surface (212).

[0074] According to one embodiment, the smart ring device (200) may be referred to as a wearable device or electronic device that can be worn by a user. The smart ring device (200) may be worn on a part of the user's body (e.g., a finger). For example, the smart ring device (200) may be worn on a part of the user's body. For example, the smart ring device (200) may be fastened to a part of the user's body. For example, the smart ring device (200) may be detachable from a part of the user's body. For example, the smart ring device (200) may have a shape corresponding to a part of the user's body in order to be worn on a part of the user's body.

[0075] For example, the smart ring device (200) may be worn by the user and thus come into contact with a part of the user's body. For example, the smart ring device (200) may be configured to obtain information about the user through a part of the user's body by being worn by the user. For example, the information about the user may include the user's health information. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The user's health information may include the user's heart rate and / or oxygen saturation. The smart ring device (200) may include an HRM (heart rate measurement) sensor for identifying (or measuring, monitoring) the user's heart rate and / or oxygen saturation. For example, the information about the user may include the user's behavior information. The smart ring device (200) may identify (or measure, monitor) whether the user is exercising and / or the user's posture.

[0076] For example, the smart ring device (200) may provide information about the user through the smart ring device (200) and / or an external electronic device connected to the smart ring device (200). However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0077] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the first surface (211) may come into contact with a part of the user's body when the smart ring device (200) is worn by the user. For example, the first surface (211) may surround a part of the user's body on which the smart ring device (200) is worn. For example, the first surface (211) may cover a part of the user's body on which the smart ring device (200) is worn. For example, the first surface (211) may be configured to pressurize a part of the user's body when the smart ring device (200) is worn by the user, thereby fastening the smart ring device (200) to the part of the body. For example, the first surface (211) may be deformable by a part of the user's body. For example, the smart ring device (200) can provide information about the user through the first surface (211) based on haptic technology. As an example, the smart ring device (200) can provide information indicating that the user's heart rate is higher than a specified heart rate by outputting vibration.

[0078] For example, the second surface (212) may form the exterior of the smart ring device (200) together with the first surface (211). For example, the second surface (212) may form a ring-shaped housing (201) together with the first surface (211). For example, the second surface (212) may be a surface spaced apart from a part of the user's body when the smart ring device (200) is worn by the user. For example, the first surface (211) may be referred to as an inner circumference surface of the housing (201). The second surface (212), which is opposite to the first surface (211), may be referred to as an outer circumference surface of the housing (201).

[0079] For example, the second side (212) may be exposed to the outside when the smart ring device (200) is worn by the user. The second side (212) may be composed of at least one of titanium, stainless steel, and ceramic. The second side (212) may be composed of a material for protection against external impact and / or scratches. Depending on the embodiment, the second side (212) may be coated with an additional material for protection of the color and / or appearance of the smart ring device (200).

[0080] For example, the first side (211) may be composed of the same and / or similar material as the second side (212). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first side (211) may be composed of at least one of a molding material for acquiring data, transparent plastic, and / or glass. For example, at least a portion of the inner housing portion (203) may be transparent. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first side (211) may be composed of a metal for identifying a biosignal.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the smart ring device (200) may further include a hole (270) formed by the first surface (211) for passing a part of the user's body through the smart ring device (200) when the user wears the device. For example, the hole (270) may be penetrated by a part of the user's body when the user wears the device. By including the hole (270) configured to pass a part of the user's body through the hole, the smart ring device (200) may be configured to be fastened to a part of the user's body when the user wears the device.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the smart ring device (200) may further include one or more components between the first side (211) and the second side (212). For example, the smart ring device (200) may include one or more components between the first side (211) and the second side (212). The arrangement of the one or more components will be described later in FIG. 2B.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the smart ring device (200) may include a structure (215) that is rotatable on the outer housing portion (204) (or the second surface (212)) with respect to the center of the hole (270) of the smart ring device (200). The structure (215) may be rotatable along the outer housing portion (204). Depending on a user's motion to rotate the structure (215), the smart ring device (200) may identify a rotational input. The rotational input may be identified based on the user's motion to rotate the structure (215). The user's motion to rotate the structure (215) may be referred to as a rotational input. A specific structure of the smart ring device (200) for identifying a rotational input will be described later with reference to FIG. 2B.

[0084] FIG. 2b is an example of a partial cross-sectional view of a smart ring device according to one embodiment.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 2b, example (291) is a partial cross-sectional view of the smart ring device (200) viewed in the x-axis direction of FIG. 2a. Example (292) is a partial cross-sectional view of the smart ring device (200) viewed in the y-axis direction of FIG. 2a.

[0086] In example (291), the smart ring device (200) may be formed in a ring shape. For example, the housing (201) of the smart ring device (200) may be formed in a ring shape that can be worn on a user's finger. In FIGS. 2A and 2B , a smart ring device (200) having a smooth ring shape is illustrated as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the smart ring device (200) may be implemented as a housing including a plurality of flat surfaces. For example, a smart ring device (200) having a ring shape that does not have a smooth surface may also be understood as an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the ring-shaped housing (201) may include a first side (211) that comes into contact with the user's body when worn by the user, a second side (212) that is exposed to the outside, and side surfaces between the first side (211) and the second side (212). The side surfaces between the first side (211) and the second side (212) may include a first side (213) and a second side (214). For example, the first side (211) and the second side (212) may include a space for including (or arranging) at least one component (e.g., a processor (210), a communication circuit (220), an acceleration sensor (231), a gyro sensor (232), a PPG sensor (233), a temperature sensor (234), and a memory (240)).

[0088] According to one embodiment, a PCB (251) may be placed between the first side (211) and the second side (212) of the smart ring device (200). For example, a processor (210), a communication circuit (220), an acceleration sensor (231), a gyro sensor (232), a PPG sensor (233), a temperature sensor (234), a memory (240), and / or a PMIC (254) may be placed on the PCB (251). For example, the PCB (251) may be composed of a rigid region and a flexible region. As an example, the rigid region may be referred to as a rigid flexible printed circuit board (RFPCB). As an example, the flexible region may be referred to as a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

[0089] For example, the PPG sensor (233) may include one or more light emitting units (233-1), one or more light receiving circuits (233-2), and a control circuit (233-3). As an example, the one or more light emitting circuits (233-1) and the one or more light receiving circuits (233-2) may be arranged toward the first side (211). As an example, the control circuit (233-3) may be arranged toward the second side (212). Example (292) illustrates a side view of a smart ring device (200). In example (292), the one or more light emitting circuits (233-1) and the one or more light receiving circuits (233-2) may be arranged at different locations within the smart ring device (200). For example, the number of the one or more light emitting circuits (233-1) and the number of the one or more light receiving circuits (233-2) may be configured differently. Depending on the embodiment, the number of one or more light-emitting circuits (233-1) and the number of one or more light-receiving circuits (233-2) may be configured to be the same. For example, one or more light-receiving circuits (233-2) corresponding to each of one or more light-emitting circuits (233-1) may be configured within the smart ring device (200).

[0090] For example, the temperature sensor (234) may be used to measure (or detect, identify) the temperature of a part of the user's body or the temperature of a component of the smart ring device (200). The temperature sensor (234) may include one of a contact temperature sensor and a non-contact temperature sensor.

[0091] For example, the PMIC (254) can be used to manage the power of the smart ring device (200). The PMIC (254) can be used to provide (or distribute) power to components that require power in the smart ring device (200). The PMIC (254) can support a wired charging method (e.g., terminal, pogo pin) or a wireless charging method (e.g., wireless power consortium (WPC), NFC) for charging the smart ring device (200) through the charging interface (253).

[0092] According to one embodiment, a battery (252) may be placed between the first side (211) and the second side (212) of the smart ring device (200). The battery (252) may be composed of at least one battery (or battery pack). For example, the battery (252) may be configured such that at least one battery is connected in series and / or in parallel. For example, the battery (252) may be composed of a flexible battery pack. For example, the battery (252) may be charged and / or discharged as a secondary battery. For example, the material constituting the battery (252) may be composed of various materials. For example, the material constituting the battery (252) may include at least one of lithium ion and mercury.

[0093] According to one embodiment, an antenna (255) may be disposed between the first side (211) and the second side (212) of the smart ring device (200). For example, the antenna (255) may be composed of a single antenna and / or multiple segmented antennas. According to an embodiment, the antenna (255) may be composed of a part of the housing (201) of the smart ring device (200). For example, the antenna (255) may be electrically connected to the communication circuit (220) through the PCB (251). For example, the antenna (255) may include a first antenna configured to emit a signal based on a first direction and a second antenna configured to emit a signal based on a second direction opposite to the first direction. Depending on the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200), at least one of the first antenna and the second antenna may be activated.

[0094] FIG. 2B illustrates, but is not limited to, examples of components included within the smart ring device (200). Although not illustrated, the smart ring device (200) may further include various components in addition to the illustrated components. For example, the smart ring device (200) may further include a rotation detection sensor for identifying a rotation input based on the rotation of the structure (215). The rotation detection sensor will be described later in FIG. 2C. For example, the smart ring device (200) may include a display. The display may be positioned on the outer surface of the housing (201).

[0095] According to one embodiment, a specific description of at least one component (e.g., a processor (210), a communication circuit (220), a PPG sensor (233), a memory (240)) for identifying the wearing direction of a smart ring device (200) will be described later in FIG. 3.

[0096] FIG. 2c illustrates an example of a rotatable structure of a smart ring device according to one embodiment.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 2C, the smart ring device (200) may include a rotatable structure (215) on an outer housing portion (204) (or second surface (212)) of the housing (201). The structure (215) may be configured to be rotatable along the outer housing portion (204). For example, the housing (201) may be referred to as an inner ring. The structure (215) may be referred to as an outer ring.

[0098] According to one embodiment, a rotational input can be identified based on the rotation of the structure (215). To identify the rotation of the structure (215), one or more rotational detection sensors (280) may be included. The one or more rotational detection sensors (280) may be disposed between the first face (211) and the second face (212). For example, the structure (215) may be formed of a magnetic material (or magnetic material). The rotational input can be identified based on a change in a magnetic field identified by the one or more rotational detection sensors (280) as the structure (215) rotates. The one or more rotational detection sensors (280) may identify a rotational speed and a rotational direction of the structure (215).

[0099] For example, one or more rotation detection sensors (280) may include rotation detection sensors (280-1) to rotation detection sensors (280-5). Rotation detection sensors (280-1) to rotation detection sensors (280-5) may be arranged within the smart ring device (200) at equal or similar intervals. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. FIG. 2C illustrates an example in which the number of one or more rotation detection sensors (280) is five, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The number of one or more rotation detection sensors (280) may be configured in various ways.

[0100] Example (295) shows a cross-sectional view taken along line AA'. In example (295), a structure (215) can rotate within a gap of a housing (201) of a smart ring device (200). The structure (215) can be at least partially spaced from the housing (201). Although not shown, the structure (215) may further include a connecting member that rotatably connects the structure (215) within the gap of the housing (201). According to an embodiment, the smart ring device (200) may further include a guide member for guiding the rotation of the structure (215). The guide member may be configured to allow the structure (215) to rotate discontinuously. For example, the guide member may include a crown gear.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the smart ring device (200) can identify (or determine) the direction of movement of the structure (215). For example, the smart ring device (200) can identify that the structure (215) is moving in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) based on a portion of the structure (215) moving from the rotation detection sensor (280-1) to the rotation detection sensor (280-2). For example, the smart ring device (200) can identify that the structure (215) is moving in a second direction (e.g., counterclockwise) based on a portion of the structure (215) moving from the rotation detection sensor (280-1) to the rotation detection sensor (280-5).

[0102] The smart ring device (200) illustrated in FIGS. 2A to 2C is exemplary, and the components of the smart ring device (200) or the structure (e.g., external structure or internal structure) of the smart ring device (200) may be variously changed depending on the embodiment. For example, the smart ring device (200) may not include the structure (215). The smart ring device (200) may further include a touch sensor for identifying contact of the user's body on the external housing portion (204). The smart ring device (200) can identify a touch input using the touch sensor. The smart ring device (200) can identify a direction of the touch input. The smart ring device (200) can identify a rotation direction and / or a rotation amount of a rotation input based on the touch input.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the smart ring device (200) may be used not only to obtain information about the user, but also to control an external electronic device connected to the smart ring device (200). The smart ring device (200) may identify a rotational input based on the rotation of a rotatable structure (215) included in the smart ring device (200). The smart ring device (200) may control the external electronic device based on the rotational input. However, since the smart ring device (200) is configured in a ring shape, the wearing direction may change. The direction of the rotational input may change depending on the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200). When a user of the smart ring device (200) performs a rotational input while wearing the smart ring device (200), the smart ring device (200) may identify the rotational input as a different input depending on the wearing direction. Therefore, technical features for identifying the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200) will be described below.

[0104] FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of a smart ring device according to one embodiment.

[0105] Referring to FIG. 3, the smart ring device (200) may include a processor (210), a communication circuit (220), a sensor (230), and / or a memory (240). Depending on the embodiment, the smart ring device (200) may include at least one of the processor (210), the communication circuit (220), the sensor (230), and / or the memory (240). For example, at least some of the processor (210), the communication circuit (220), the sensor (230), and / or the memory (240) may be omitted depending on the embodiment. For example, the smart ring device (200) may correspond to the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1. For example, the smart ring device (200) may include at least some of the components of the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the processor (210) may correspond to the processor (120) of FIG. 1. The processor (210) may be operatively or operably coupled with or connected to the communication circuit (220), the sensor (230), and the memory (240). The processor (210) being operatively or operably coupled with the communication circuit (220), the sensor (230), and the memory (240) may mean that the processor (210) can control the communication circuit (220), the sensor (230), and the memory (240). For example, the communication circuit (220), the sensor (230), and the memory (240) may be controlled by the processor (210).

[0107] Although illustrated based on different blocks, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and some of the hardware of FIG. 3 (e.g., at least a portion of the processor (210), the communication circuit (220), and the memory (240)) may be included in a single integrated circuit, such as a system on a chip (SoC).

[0108] According to one embodiment, the processor (210) may be configured with at least one processor. For example, the processor (210) may be configured with a main processor that performs high-performance processing and a secondary processor that performs low-power processing. At least some of the sensors (230) may be connected to the secondary processor. At least some of the sensors connected to the secondary processor may acquire data about the user for 24 hours. According to one embodiment, one of the main processor and the secondary processor may be activated depending on the state and / or operation of the external electronic device (300). For example, the processor to be activated may be determined depending on the state and / or operation of the external electronic device (300). For example, when the battery of the external electronic device (300) is low or the external electronic device (300) is changed to a sleep state (e.g., a state in which at least some functions are disabled), the secondary processor for low-power processing may be activated. For example, when accurate data about the user is required, the main processor may be activated to perform high-performance processing.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the processor (210) may include a hardware component for processing data based on one or more instructions. The hardware component for processing data may include, for example, an arithmetic and logic unit (ALU), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and / or a central processing unit (CPU).

[0110] For example, the processor (210) may include an application processor, a supplementary processor (e.g., a sensor hub, a microcontroller unit (MCU)), a central processor unit (CPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), a graphic processing unit (GPU), and / or a processor for IoT (e.g., a processor integrated with a communication module).

[0111] According to one embodiment, the processor (210) can determine the operating time of the sensor (230). The processor (210) can control the operation of the sensor (230). The processor (210) can process information obtained from the sensor (230).

[0112] According to one embodiment, the smart ring device (200) may include a communication circuit (220). The communication circuit (220) may correspond to at least a portion of the communication module (190) of FIG. 1. For example, the communication circuit (220) may be used for various radio access technologies (RATs). For example, the communication circuit (220) may be used to perform Bluetooth communication, wireless local area network (WLAN) communication, Zigbee communication, near field communication (NFC), ultra wide band (UWB) communication, radio-frequency identification (RFID) communication, or ANT+ communication. For example, the communication circuit (220) may be used to perform cellular communication (e.g., fourth generation (4G) communication, fifth generation (5G) communication, sixth generation (6G) communication, or narrow band IoT (NB-IoT)). For example, the processor (210) may establish a connection with an external electronic device through the communication circuit (220). For example, the processor (210) may identify (or measure) the location of the smart ring device (200) based on a wireless signal (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS) signal or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signal) received or transmitted using the communication circuit (220). According to an embodiment, the communication circuit (220) may be configured to be integrated with the processor (210).

[0113] According to one embodiment, the smart ring device (200) may include a sensor (230). The sensor (230) may be used to obtain various information. For example, the sensor (230) may be used to obtain information about the user. The information about the user may include data about the user's body. For example, the sensor (230) may be used to obtain body temperature data (or body temperature information), heart rate data (or heart rate information), and / or motion data (or motion information) of the user. For example, the sensor (230) may be composed of at least one sensor. The sensor (230) may include at least one sensor. For example, the sensor (230) may correspond to the sensor module (176) of FIG. 1.

[0114] For example, the sensor (230) may include an acceleration sensor (231). The acceleration sensor (231) may be used to identify changes in acceleration of the smart ring device (200). As an example, the acceleration sensor (231) may identify (or measure, detect) acceleration of the smart ring device (200) in three directions: the x-axis, the y-axis, and the z-axis.

[0115] For example, the sensor (230) may include a gyro sensor (232). The gyro sensor (232) may identify (or measure, detect) the angular velocity of the smart ring device (200) in three directions: the x-axis, the y-axis, and the z-axis. According to an embodiment, the smart ring device (200) may include an inertial sensor including an acceleration sensor (231) and a gyro sensor (232).

[0116] For example, the smart ring device (200) may use at least one of an acceleration sensor (231) and / or a gyro sensor (232) to identify at least one of data regarding movement of the smart ring device (200), data regarding a user's gesture, data regarding an amount of impact, data regarding a wearing direction of the smart ring device (200), data regarding a posture (or orientation) of the smart ring device (200), and / or user activity information (e.g., sitting, moving, sports activity).

[0117] For example, the sensor (230) may include a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor (233). The PPG sensor (233) may be used to measure pulse (or a change in blood volume within a blood vessel) by identifying a change in light sensitivity according to a change in blood vessel volume. The PPG sensor (233) may include one or more photodiodes (PDs) and one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). For example, the PPG sensor (233) may be used to identify a change in blood flow within a blood vessel during a heartbeat. The PPG sensor (233) may identify a change in blood flow within a blood vessel during a heartbeat when the light sensor is in contact with the skin over a peripheral blood vessel. The processor (210) may identify blood flow and a change in blood flow based on the PPG signal and waveform.

[0118] For example, the PPG sensor (233) may include a transmissive PPG sensor and / or a reflective PPG sensor.

[0119] For example, the PPG sensor (233) can output light toward the user's skin via one of an LED (e.g., green, red, or IR (infrared)), a laser, and a VCSEL (vertical cavity surface emitting laser). The PPG sensor (233) can identify light reflected and / or transmitted from the user's skin via at least one of a PD and / or a CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) camera. The PPG sensor (233) can store the identified value via an ADC (analog to digital converter) in a memory (240) (or buffer) based on the reflected and / or transmitted light.

[0120] For example, a transmissive PPG sensor can identify light passing through a blood vessel through a PD positioned opposite the LED. The transmissive PPG sensor can identify the user's blood flow based on the intensity of the light passing through the blood vessel. For example, a reflective PPG sensor can output light toward the user's skin through an LED. The reflective PPG sensor can identify light that is reflected by the blood vessel and at least partially received through a PD positioned on substantially the same surface as the LED. The reflective PPG sensor can identify the user's blood flow based on the intensity of the light reflected by the blood vessel. For example, multiple light sources can be used, such as LEDs. For example, green light, which is complementary to blood, can be used as the LED.

[0121] Although not illustrated, the sensor (230) may further include various sensors (e.g., temperature sensors) for obtaining (or identifying, measuring, detecting) various data regarding the user and / or the smart ring device (200). Although not illustrated, if the smart ring device (200) includes the structure (215), the sensor (230) may further include one or more rotation detection sensors (e.g., rotation detection sensors (280) of FIG. 2C).

[0122] According to one embodiment, the smart ring device (200) may include a memory (240). The memory (240) may be used to store information or data. For example, the memory (240) may be used to store data obtained from a user. For example, the memory (240) may correspond to the memory (130) of FIG. 1. For example, the memory (240) may be a volatile memory unit or units. For example, the memory (240) may be a non-volatile memory unit or units. As another example, the memory (240) may be another form of computer-readable media, such as a magnetic or optical disk. For example, the memory (240) may store data obtained based on operations performed by the processor (210) (e.g., algorithm execution operations). For example, the memory (240) may store data obtained from the sensor (230) (e.g., information about the user). According to an embodiment, the memory (240) may be configured in an integrated form with the processor (210).

[0123] Although not illustrated in FIG. 3, the smart ring device (200) may further include various components. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2b, the smart ring device (200) may further include at least one of an antenna (255), a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) (254), a battery (252), and a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). According to an embodiment, the smart ring device (200) may further include a biometric sensor (e.g., an ECG sensor) including a PPG sensor (233).

[0124] According to one embodiment, the smart ring device (200) may further include various components in addition to the illustrated components. According to one embodiment, the smart ring device (200) may further include a display.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the smart ring device (200) can operate while connected to an external electronic device (300). For example, the smart ring device (200) can be used to perform input from the external electronic device (300).

[0126] According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (300) may include a processor (310), a communication circuit (320), a display (330), and / or a memory (340). Depending on the embodiment, the external electronic device (300) may include at least one of the processor (310), the communication circuit (320), the display (330), and the memory (340). For example, at least some of the processor (310), the communication circuit (320), the display (330), and the memory (340) may be omitted depending on the embodiment. For example, the external electronic device (300) may include at least some of the components of the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1.

[0127] For example, the processor (310) of the external electronic device (300) may correspond to the processor (210) of the smart ring device (200). The communication circuit (320) of the external electronic device (300) may correspond to the communication circuit (220) of the smart ring device (200). The memory (340) of the external electronic device (300) may correspond to the memory (240) of the smart ring device (200).

[0128] For example, the external electronic device (300) may include a display (330). The display (330) may output visualized information to a user. For example, the display (330) may be controlled by a processor (360) including a circuit such as a GPU (graphics processing unit) to output visualized information to the user. For example, the display (330) may correspond to the display module (160) of FIG. 1.

[0129] According to one embodiment, the memory (340) of the external electronic device (300) may store instructions for processing a user input (e.g., a rotation input) received from the smart ring device (200). For example, the function for processing a rotation input according to the instructions may be inactive before connection with the smart ring device (200). The function for processing a rotation input may be activated based on connection with the smart ring device (200).

[0130] According to an embodiment, the external electronic device (300) may include a rotating bezel or a rotating structure. For example, the rotating structure may be configured based on a crown type (or crown gear). The memory (340) may store instructions for processing user input received (or identified) from the external electronic device (300) or user input received (or identified) from the smart ring device (200).

[0131] According to one embodiment, when the external electronic device (300) is a smart watch, the connection between the external electronic device (300) and the smart ring device (200) can be managed by another external electronic device (not shown) (e.g., a terminal, a smartphone). According to one embodiment, when the external electronic device (300) is a smart watch, the external electronic device (300) can identify not only a general touch input (e.g., a press input, a long-press input, a double-tap input, or a drag input), but also a rotation input. The external electronic device (300) configured in a circular shape may include a physical rotary bezel, or may include a virtual, touch-enabled rotary bezel along the housing of the external electronic device (300).

[0132] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a light receiving circuit of a PPG sensor according to one embodiment.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 4, the PPG sensor (233) may include a light receiving circuit (400). For example, the light receiving circuit (400) may be an example of one or more light receiving circuits (233-2) illustrated in FIG. 2b.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the light receiving circuit (400) may include one or more light receiving units. For example, the light receiving circuit (400) may include four light receiving units. The light receiving circuit (400) may include a first light receiving unit (401), a second light receiving unit (402), a third light receiving unit (403), and a fourth light receiving unit (404). Although FIG. 4 illustrates an example in which the light receiving circuit (400) includes four light receiving units, the present invention is not limited thereto. The light receiving circuit (400) may also include only the first light receiving unit (401) and the second light receiving unit (402).

[0135] The first light receiving unit (401) may be connected to the processor (210) via an ADC (410). The second light receiving unit (402) may be connected to the processor (210) via an ADC (420). The third light receiving unit (403) may be connected to the processor (210) via an ADC (430). The fourth light receiving unit (404) may be connected to the processor (210) via an ADC (440). The ADCs (410) to (440) may be used to convert analog signals regarding light identified by each of the first to fourth light receiving units (401 to 404) into digital signals.

[0136] For example, each of the first to fourth light-receiving units (401) to (404) may include at least one photodiode (or PD). Each of the first to fourth light-receiving units (401) to (404) may be configured with at least one photodiode. For example, the first light-receiving unit (401) may include at least one photodiode. The second light-receiving unit (402) may include at least one other photodiode.

[0137] According to one embodiment, the processor (210) may identify a first signal using a first light-receiving unit (401). The processor (210) may identify a second signal using a second light-receiving unit (402). The processor (210) may identify a third signal using a third light-receiving unit (403). The processor (210) may identify a fourth signal using a fourth light-receiving unit (404). For example, the first signal may include a first value for the magnitude of light reflected from at least a portion of a user's finger by light emitted through the light-emitting circuit (233-1). The second signal may include a second value for the magnitude of light reflected from at least a portion of a user's finger by light emitted through the light-emitting circuit (233-1). The third signal may include a third value for the magnitude of light reflected from at least a portion of a user's finger by light emitted through the light-emitting circuit (233-1). The fourth signal may include a fourth value for the magnitude of light emitted through the light emitting circuit (233-1) and reflected on at least a portion of the user's finger.

[0138] According to one embodiment, the processor (210) can identify the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200) using at least one of the first to fourth signals. Hereinafter, an example of the operation of the smart ring device (200) for identifying the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200) using at least one of the first to fourth signals will be described.

[0139] FIG. 5A illustrates an example of a wearing direction of a smart ring device according to one embodiment.

[0140] FIG. 5b illustrates examples of signals identified in the light-receiving units of a smart ring device, according to one embodiment.

[0141] FIG. 6A illustrates an example of a wearing direction of a smart ring device according to one embodiment.

[0142] FIG. 6b illustrates examples of signals identified in the light-receiving units of a smart ring device, according to one embodiment.

[0143] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 6A, the smart ring device (200) can be worn in one of the first direction and the second direction. For example, the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200) can include the first direction and the second direction. FIG. 5A illustrates a case where the smart ring device (200) is worn in the first direction. FIG. 6A illustrates a case where the smart ring device (200) is worn in the second direction. Since there is no limitation on the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200), it can be worn in one of the first direction and the second direction.

[0144] Referring to FIG. 5A, when the smart ring device (200) is worn in the first direction, the direction in which the first side (213) faces may correspond to the direction in which the finger on which the smart ring device (200) is worn faces. When the smart ring device (200) is worn in the first direction, the second side (214) may come closer to the finger before the first side (213). When the smart ring device (200) is worn in the first direction, the second side (214) may be positioned toward the dorsum of the hand. The first side (213) may be positioned toward the nail.

[0145] Referring to FIG. 6A, when the smart ring device (200) is worn in the second direction, the direction in which the second side (214) faces may correspond to the direction in which the finger on which the smart ring device (200) is worn faces. When the smart ring device (200) is worn in the second direction, the first side (213) may come closer to the finger before the second side (214). When the smart ring device (200) is worn in the second direction, the first side (213) may be positioned toward the dorsum of the hand. The second side (214) may be positioned toward the nail.

[0146] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 6A, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, a light receiving circuit (400) may be disposed on at least a portion of the first surface (211). Light emitted from one or more light emitting circuits (233-1) of the PPG sensor (233) may be reflected from a user's finger. The light receiving circuit (400) (or one or more light receiving circuits (233-2)) may identify (or detect) the reflected light.

[0147] For example, the light receiving circuit (400) may include a first light receiving unit (401), a second light receiving unit (402), a third light receiving unit (403), and a fourth light receiving unit (404). The first light receiving unit (401) and the third light receiving unit (403) may be arranged closer to the first side (213) than to the second side (214). The second light receiving unit (402) and the fourth light receiving unit (404) may be arranged closer to the second side (214) than to the first side (213). Therefore, signals identified in the plurality of light receiving units (e.g., the first light receiving unit (401), the second light receiving unit (402), the third light receiving unit (403), and the fourth light receiving unit (404)) may differ depending on the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200). For example, when the smart ring device (200) is worn in the first direction, signals identified in the plurality of light-receiving units of the light-receiving circuit (400) can be identified (or configured) as in Fig. 5b. When the smart ring device (200) is worn in the second direction, signals identified in the plurality of light-receiving units of the light-receiving circuit (400) can be identified (or configured) as in Fig. 6b.

[0148] Referring to FIG. 5B, the graph (510) represents the magnitude of the first signal identified through the first light-receiving unit (401) over time. The graph (520) represents the magnitude of the second signal identified through the second light-receiving unit (402) over time. The graph (530) represents the magnitude of the third signal identified through the third light-receiving unit (403) over time. The graph (540) represents the magnitude of the fourth signal identified through the fourth light-receiving unit (404) over time.

[0149] Depending on how the smart ring device (200) is worn, the point at which the signal size becomes saturated may vary for each light-receiving unit. For example, when the smart ring device (200) is worn in the first direction, it can approach the user's finger from the second side (214).

[0150] For example, the processor (210) can identify an amount of change in a first signal (or a first value for the magnitude of light) and an amount of change in a second signal (or a second value for the magnitude of light) at a specified time point (e.g., time point (501)). The amount of change in the first signal (or the first value for the magnitude of light) at the specified time point (e.g., time point (501)) can be less than the amount of change in the second signal (or the second value for the magnitude of light).

[0151] For example, light receiving units (e.g., the second light receiving unit (402) and the fourth light receiving unit (404)) positioned close to the second side (214) can first identify the light reflected on the user's finger. After the light is identified by the light receiving units positioned close to the second side (214), light receiving units (e.g., the first light receiving unit (401) and the third light receiving unit (403)) positioned far from the second side (214) can identify the light reflected on the user's finger.

[0152] Signals identified in light-receiving units (e.g., the second light-receiving unit (402) and the fourth light-receiving unit (404)) positioned closer to the second side (214) may be saturated earlier than signals identified in light-receiving units (e.g., the first light-receiving unit (401) and the third light-receiving unit (403)) positioned farther from the second side (214). The second signal identified through the second light-receiving unit (402) and the fourth signal identified through the fourth light-receiving unit (404) may be saturated at time point (501). The first signal identified through the first light-receiving unit (401) and the third signal identified through the third light-receiving unit (403) may be saturated at time point (502).

[0153] Referring to FIG. 6B, the graph (610) represents the magnitude of the first signal identified through the first light-receiving unit (401) over time. The graph (620) represents the magnitude of the second signal identified through the second light-receiving unit (402) over time. The graph (630) represents the magnitude of the third signal identified through the third light-receiving unit (403) over time. The graph (640) represents the magnitude of the fourth signal identified through the fourth light-receiving unit (404) over time.

[0154] Depending on how the smart ring device (200) is worn, the point at which the signal becomes saturated may vary for each light-receiving unit. For example, when the smart ring device (200) is worn in the second direction, it can approach the user's finger from the first side (213).

[0155] For example, the processor (210) can identify the amount of change in the first signal (or the first value for the magnitude of light) and the amount of change in the second signal (or the second value for the magnitude of light) at a specified time point (e.g., time point (601)). The amount of change in the first signal (or the first value for the magnitude of light) at the specified time point (e.g., time point (601)) can be greater than or equal to the amount of change in the second signal (or the second value for the magnitude of light).

[0156] For example, light receiving units (e.g., the first light receiving unit (401) and the third light receiving unit (403)) positioned close to the first side (213) can first identify light reflected from the user's finger. After light is identified from the light receiving units positioned close to the first side (213), light receiving units (e.g., the second light receiving unit (402) and the fourth light receiving unit (404)) positioned far from the first side (213) can identify light reflected from the user's finger.

[0157] Signals identified by light-receiving units (e.g., the first light-receiving unit (401) and the third light-receiving unit (403)) positioned closer to the first side (213) may be saturated earlier than signals identified by light-receiving units (e.g., the second light-receiving unit (402) and the fourth light-receiving unit (404)) positioned farther from the first side (213). The first signal identified by the first light-receiving unit (401) and the third signal identified by the third light-receiving unit (403) may be saturated at time point (601). The second signal identified by the second light-receiving unit (402) and the fourth signal identified by the fourth light-receiving unit (404) may be saturated at time point (602).

[0158] Referring to FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B, the processor (210) can identify the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200) as one of the first direction and the second direction based on the order in which light is identified (or the order in which signals are saturated) from the plurality of light receiving units. The processor (210) can identify the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200) as the first direction based on the fact that the second light receiving unit (402) and the fourth light receiving unit (404) identify light before the first light receiving unit (401) and the third light receiving unit (403). The processor (210) can identify the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200) as the second direction based on the fact that the first light receiving unit (401) and the third light receiving unit (403) identify light before the second light receiving unit (402) and the fourth light receiving unit (404).

[0159] Referring to FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B, the processor (210) can identify the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200) as one of the first direction and the second direction based on the amount of change in the first signal (or the first value for the light intensity) and the amount of change in the second signal (or the second value for the light intensity). The processor (210) can identify the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200) as the first direction based on identifying that the amount of change in the first signal (or the first value for the light intensity) is less than the amount of change in the second signal (or the second value for the light intensity). The processor (210) can identify the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200) as the second direction based on identifying that the amount of change in the first signal (or the first value for the light intensity) is greater than or equal to the amount of change in the second signal (or the second value for the light intensity).

[0160] For example, the processor (210) may perform a function according to user input (e.g., rotation input, touch input) generated while the smart ring device (200) is worn by the user, based on the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200).

[0161] FIG. 7 illustrates the path of light emitted from a light emitting unit according to one embodiment.

[0162] Referring to FIG. 7, the smart ring device (200) may include a light emitting circuit (701), a light emitting circuit (702), a light emitting circuit (703), a light receiving circuit (711), a light receiving circuit (712), and a light receiving circuit (713). Each of the light emitting circuit (701), the light emitting circuit (702), and the light emitting circuit (703) may emit light. Light emitted through the light emitting circuit (701), the light emitting circuit (702), and the light emitting circuit (703) may be reflected onto a user's finger (700), and the reflected light may be identified through the light receiving circuit (711), the light receiving circuit (712), and the light receiving circuit (713). For example, the light emitting circuit (701), the light emitting circuit (702), and the light emitting circuit (703) may be examples of one or more light emitting circuits (233-1) described in FIG. 2B. The light receiving circuit (711), the light receiving circuit (712) and the light receiving circuit (713) may be examples of one or more of the light receiving circuits (233-2) described in FIG. 2b.

[0163] For convenience of explanation, Fig. 7 illustrates examples of paths of light emitted through a light-emitting circuit (701). Although not illustrated, light emitted from a light-emitting circuit (702) and a light-emitting circuit (703) may travel in a manner similar to the paths of light emitted through a light-emitting circuit (701) described below.

[0164] According to one embodiment, the light emitting circuit (701) can emit light. For example, the light emitting circuit (701) can emit light based on a specified time interval (or a specified cycle). The light receiving circuit (711), the light receiving circuit (712), or the light receiving circuit (713) can identify light based on the specified time interval (or the specified cycle). For example, the processor (210) can activate one or more light emitting circuits (e.g., the light emitting circuit (701), the light emitting circuit (702), and the light emitting circuit (703)) and one or more light receiving circuits (e.g., the light receiving circuit (711), the light receiving circuit (712), and the light receiving circuit (713)) based on the specified time interval (or the specified cycle). Since the one or more light emitting circuits and the one or more light receiving circuits are activated based on the specified time interval (or the specified cycle), current consumption can be minimized. According to an embodiment, the processor (210) may identify that the user is wearing the smart ring device (200) using the acceleration sensor (231) and / or the gyro sensor (232). The processor (210) may operate in an operation mode for identifying a wearing direction of the smart ring device (200) based on identifying that the user is wearing the smart ring device (200). The processor (210) may activate one or more light-emitting circuits (e.g., light-emitting circuit (701), light-emitting circuit (702), and light-emitting circuit (703)) and one or more light-receiving circuits (e.g., light-receiving circuit (711), light-receiving circuit (712), or light-receiving circuit (713)) based on a designated time interval (or designated cycle) based on the operation mode for identifying the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200). For example, an operation mode for identifying the wearing direction of a smart ring device (200) may be distinguished from an operation mode for identifying information about the user (e.g., information about blood flow).Specific examples of the operation of one or more light-emitting circuits in each of the operation modes for identifying the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200) and the operation modes for identifying information about the user (e.g., information about blood flow) will be described later in FIG. 9.

[0165] According to one embodiment, when the smart ring device (200) is not worn on the user's finger, the light emitted through the light emitting circuit (701) may not be identified by the light receiving circuit (711), the light receiving circuit (712), or the light receiving circuit (713). When the smart ring device (200) is not worn on the user's finger, a value representing the intensity of light identified by the light receiving circuit (711), the light receiving circuit (712), or the light receiving circuit (713) may be less than a threshold value. The processor (210) may identify that the smart ring device (200) is not worn on the user based on identifying that the value representing the intensity of light identified by the light receiving circuit (711), the light receiving circuit (712), or the light receiving circuit (713) is less than the threshold value.

[0166] When the smart ring device (200) is worn on the user's finger (700), light emitted through the light emitting circuit (701) can be identified by the light receiving circuit (711), the light receiving circuit (712), or the light receiving circuit (713). For example, light emitted through the light emitting circuit (701) can be reflected from the user's finger (700). Light reflected from the user's finger (700) can be identified by the light receiving circuit (711) through a path (761). Light reflected from the user's finger (700) can be identified by the light receiving circuit (713) through a path (762). For example, light emitted through the light emitting circuit (701) can transmit through the user's finger (700). Light transmitted through the user's finger (700) can be identified by the light receiving circuit (712) through a path (763).

[0167] The processor (210) can identify whether the smart ring device (200) is worn on the user's finger based on signals identified in the light receiving circuit (711), the light receiving circuit (712), and the light receiving circuit (713). The processor (210) can identify the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200) based on the operations according to FIGS. 5A to 6B.

[0168] In one embodiment, the light-emitting circuit (e.g., light-emitting circuit (701)) may be configured to emit light in the IR band. In one embodiment, the light-emitting circuit (e.g., light-emitting circuit (701)) may be configured with a red LED and / or a green LED. The light-emitting circuit may be configured to emit red and / or green light. In one embodiment, one or more light-emitting circuits (e.g., light-emitting circuit (701), light-emitting circuit (702), and light-emitting circuit (703)) included in the smart ring device (200) may be configured to emit at least one of light in the IR band, red light, and / or green light.

[0169] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the first surface (211) of the smart ring device (200) may be formed transparently. For example, the smart ring device (200) may include one or more light-emitting circuits (e.g., light-emitting circuit (701), light-emitting circuit (702), and light-emitting circuit (703)) and two or more light-receiving circuits (e.g., light-receiving circuit (711), light-receiving circuit (712), and light-receiving circuit (713)). The one or more light-emitting circuits (e.g., light-emitting circuit (701), light-emitting circuit (702), and light-emitting circuit (703)) may include a device configured to emit light of one or more wavelengths. For example, the one or more light-emitting circuits (e.g., light-emitting circuit (701), light-emitting circuit (702), and light-emitting circuit (703)) may include a light-emitting circuit for emitting a wavelength related to red and a light-receiving circuit for emitting an IR wavelength, respectively. The wavelength for red may consist of a spectrum from 600 [nm] (nano-meter) to 650 [nm]. The IR wavelength may consist of a spectrum from 850 [nm] to 900 [nm].

[0170] For example, the processor (210) can output light of each wavelength band based on time division. For example, the processor (210) can emit light of a red wavelength through the light-emitting circuit (701). When light of a red wavelength is emitted from the light-emitting circuit (701), the light-receiving circuit (713) can identify the light reflected on the finger (700) through the path (762). For example, the light-receiving circuit (712) can identify the light that has passed through the finger (700) through the path (763). For example, the processor (210) can emit light of an IR band through the light-emitting circuit (701) based on time division. The processor (210) can emit light of a first size IR band toward a light-receiving circuit (712) through a light-emitting circuit (701) at a first time point, and can emit light of a second size IR band toward a light-receiving circuit (712) through a light-emitting circuit (701) at a second time point.

[0171] At a first time point, the processor (210) can identify the light in the IR band emitted at a first size using the light receiving circuit (712). The light in the IR band emitted at the first size can be identified by the light receiving circuit (712) after passing through the user's finger (700). At a second time point, the processor (210) can identify the light in the IR band emitted at a second size using the light receiving circuit (713). The light in the IR band emitted at the second size can be identified by the light receiving circuit (713) after being reflected from the user's finger (700).

[0172] According to one embodiment, the smart ring device (200) may include a blocking member (751) and a blocking member (752). Since at least a portion of the housing (201) of the smart ring device (200) (e.g., the inner housing portion (203)) is formed transparently, light emitted from one or more light-emitting circuits (233-1) may be transmitted and / or reflected inside the smart ring device (200) and identified by one or more light-receiving circuits (233-2). In order to prevent light emitted from one or more light-emitting circuits (233-1) from being transmitted and / or reflected inside the smart ring device (200) and identified by one or more light-receiving circuits (233-2), a blocking member (751) and a blocking member (752) may be disposed inside the smart ring device (200). In order to prevent light emitted from one or more light-emitting circuits (233-1) from being directly emitted to one or more light-receiving circuits (233-2), a blocking member (751) and a blocking member (752) may be placed inside the smart ring device (200).

[0173] For example, the blocking member (751) may be placed between the light emitting circuit (701) and the light receiving circuit (713). The blocking member (751) may be placed between the light emitting circuit (702) and the light receiving circuit (711). The blocking member (752) may be placed between the light emitting circuit (702) and the light receiving circuit (712). The blocking member (752) may be placed between the light emitting circuit (703) and the light receiving circuit (713).

[0174] According to an embodiment, the sizes of the blocking member (751) and the blocking member (752) may be formed to be different from each other. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment, the materials constituting the blocking member (751) and the blocking member (752) may be different from each other. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment, the distance between the blocking member (751) and the light receiving circuit (713) may be different from the distance between the blocking member (752) and the light receiving circuit (712). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the distance between the blocking member (751) and the light receiving circuit (713) may be shorter than the distance between the blocking member (752) and the light receiving circuit (712).

[0175] According to one embodiment, the smart ring device (200) may be configured in various sizes depending on the size of the user's finger. The diameter of the smart ring device (200) may be configured in various lengths. The sizes of the components inside the smart ring device (200) do not change, but the distance between the components may change based on the size of the smart ring device (200). For example, the diameter of the smart ring device (200) may be set to one of 2 [cm] (centimeter) and 2.5 [cm]. The distance between the light emitting circuit and the light receiving circuit included in the smart ring device having a diameter of 2 [cm] may be shorter than the distance between the light emitting circuit and the light receiving circuit included in the smart ring device having a diameter of 2.5 [cm].

[0176] Figure 8 illustrates a flowchart of the operation of a smart ring device according to one embodiment. In the following embodiments, the operations may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily sequential. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0177] Referring to FIG. 8, in operation 810, the processor (210) of the smart ring device (200) can identify the movement of the smart ring device (200). For example, the processor (210) can identify the movement of the smart ring device (200) using at least one of the acceleration sensor (231) and / or the gyro sensor (232). For example, the processor (210) can identify that the movement of the smart ring device (200) has occurred based on identifying that a value representing the acceleration of the smart ring device (200) identified through the acceleration sensor (231) exceeds a first threshold value. For example, the processor (210) can identify that the movement of the smart ring device (200) has occurred based on identifying that a value representing the angular velocity of the smart ring device (200) identified through the gyro sensor (232) exceeds a second threshold value.

[0178] In operation 820, the processor (210) can identify whether the smart ring device (200) is worn by the user. For example, the processor (210) can identify whether the smart ring device (200) is worn by the user by using at least one of one or more light-emitting circuits (2331) and / or one or more light-receiving circuits (233-2). For example, the processor (210) can identify whether the smart ring device (200) is worn by the user based on a plurality of signals identified through a plurality of light-receiving units included in a light-receiving circuit (e.g., the light-receiving circuit (400) of FIG. 4).

[0179] According to one embodiment, when the smart ring device (200) is worn by the user, the processor (210) may perform operation 810 again. According to one embodiment, when the smart ring device (200) is worn by the user, the smart ring device (200) may operate in an operation mode for identifying information about the user.

[0180] In operation 830, if the smart ring device (200) is not worn by the user, the processor (210) may set the operation mode of the smart ring device (200) to an operation mode for identifying a wearing direction. For example, the processor (210) may set the operation mode of the smart ring device (200) to an operation mode for identifying a wearing direction based on identifying that the smart ring device (200) is not worn by the user. For example, within the operation mode for identifying a wearing direction, the processor (210) may use one or more light-emitting circuits (233-1) to emit light in the IR band. The processor (210) may use one or more light-receiving circuits (233-2) to identify light in the IR band (or a portion of light in the IR band).

[0181] In operation 840, the processor (210) may identify (or determine) the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200). For example, the processor (210) may identify (or determine) the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200) based on signals identified using one or more light receiving circuits (233-2).

[0182] For example, the processor (210) may identify the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200) as one of the first direction and the second direction. When the smart ring device (200) is worn in the first direction, the direction in which the first side (213) of the smart ring device (200) faces may correspond to the direction in which the finger on which the smart ring device (200) is worn faces. When the smart ring device (200) is worn in the second direction, the direction in which the second side (214) of the smart ring device (200) faces may correspond to the direction in which the finger on which the smart ring device (200) is worn faces. Specific operations for identifying the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200) may refer to FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0183] At step 850, the processor (210) may set the operation mode of the smart ring device (200) to an operation mode for identifying information about the user. For example, the processor (210) may change the operation mode of the smart ring device (200) after the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200) is identified. Based on identifying the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200), the processor (210) may change the operation mode of the smart ring device (200) from an operation mode for identifying the wearing direction to an operation mode for identifying information about the user. Based on identifying the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200), the processor (210) may set the operation mode of the smart ring device (200) to an operation mode for identifying information about the user.

[0184] For example, within an operating mode for identifying information about a user, the processor (210) may use the PPG sensor (233) to identify the user's health information (e.g., HRM (heart rate measurement) information).

[0185] According to one embodiment, the processor (210) may be configured to have an operation mode for identifying a wearing direction (hereinafter, a first operation mode) and an operation mode for identifying information about a user (hereinafter, a second operation mode). For example, in the first operation mode, the processor (210) may perform a first light emission (or first light emission) through at least one of one or more light-emitting circuits (233-1). In the second operation mode, the processor (210) may perform a second light emission through at least one of one or more light-emitting circuits (233-1). The second light emission may differ from the first light emission in at least one of a light size, a light emission time, or a light emission cycle. For example, the processor (210) may set the light intensity according to the first light emission to be weaker than the light intensity according to the second light emission. By setting the light intensity according to the first light emission to be weaker than the light intensity according to the second light emission, the processor (210) may use power efficiently.

[0186] FIG. 9 illustrates the intensity of light emitted based on the operating mode of a smart ring device according to one embodiment.

[0187] Referring to FIG. 9, the processor (210) can set at least one of the intensity of light, the wavelength of light, the emission time (or emission duration), or the emission cycle emitted through at least one of the light emitting circuits (233-1). For example, the processor (210) can set at least one of the intensity of light, the wavelength of light, the emission time, or the emission cycle emitted through at least one of the light emitting circuits (233-1) based on the operation mode of the smart ring device (200).

[0188] According to one embodiment, the processor (210) may, within an operating mode for identifying information about a user (hereinafter, a second operating mode), identify light transmitted or reflected from a user's finger using one or more light-receiving circuits (233-2). Accordingly, the processor (210) may set at least one of the intensity of light, the wavelength of light, the light emission time, or the light emission cycle based on the light transmittance and / or reflectance of the user's finger.

[0189] On the other hand, the processor (210) may first operate in an operation mode (hereinafter, a first operation mode) for identifying a wearing direction when the smart ring device (200) is not worn. Accordingly, the processor (210) may adjust at least one of the light intensity, light wavelength, light emission time, or light emission cycle set in the second operation mode in the first operation mode. The graph (910) represents the light intensity emitted over time in the first operation mode. The graph (920) represents the light intensity emitted over time in the second operation mode.

[0190] For example, the processor (210) may set the intensity of light emitted in the first operation mode to be lower than the intensity of light emitted in the second operation mode, since the transmittance of air is higher than the transmittance of the user's finger. Referring to graphs (910) and (920), the intensity of light emitted in the first operation mode may be a1. The intensity of light emitted in the second operation mode may be a2. a1 may be set to be lower than a2.

[0191] For example, the processor (210) may set the light emission time in the first operation mode to be shorter than the light emission time in the second operation mode. Referring to graphs (910) and (920), the light emission time in the first operation mode may be t1. The light emission time in the second operation mode may be t2. t1 may be set shorter than t2.

[0192] For example, the processor (210) may set the light emission period in the first operation mode to be shorter than the light emission period in the second operation mode. Referring to graphs (910) and (920), the light emission period in the first operation mode may be set to T1 (e.g., 1 / 60 second). The light emission period in the second operation mode may be set to T2 (e.g., 1 / 30 second). T1 may be set to be shorter than T2.

[0193] According to one embodiment, the processor (210) can improve the accuracy of identification of the wearing direction by setting the light emission cycle short in the first operation mode. According to one embodiment, the processor (210) can set the intensity of light emitted in the first operation mode to be greater than the intensity of light emitted in the second operation mode, and set the light emission time in the first operation mode to be shorter than the light emission time in the second operation mode.

[0194] According to an embodiment, the processor (210) may change the number of activated light-emitting circuits and / or the number of light-receiving circuits based on the operating mode of the smart ring device (200). For example, the processor (210) may set the number of light-receiving circuits activated in a first operating mode differently from the number of light-receiving circuits activated in a second operating mode. For example, the processor (210) may use all one or more light-receiving circuits (233-2) in the second operating mode to identify information about the user. The processor (210) may use one of the one or more light-receiving circuits (233-2) in the first operating mode to identify the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200).

[0195] FIG. 10 illustrates the intensity of light emitted based on the surrounding environment of a smart ring device according to one embodiment.

[0196] Referring to FIG. 10, the processor (210) can control the operation of one or more light-emitting circuits (233-1) and / or one or more light-receiving circuits (233-2) depending on the surrounding environment (or surrounding light source environment). The graph (1010) represents the intensity of light emitted over time from at least one of the one or more light-emitting circuits (233-1) while the smart ring device (200) (or the user) is located in an indoor environment. The graph (1020) represents the intensity of light emitted over time from one or more light-emitting circuits (233-1) (or at least one of the one or more light-emitting circuits (233-1)) while the smart ring device (200) (or the user) is located in an outdoor environment.

[0197] For example, the processor (210) may set the light intensity in an indoor environment to be lower than the light intensity in an outdoor environment. Referring to graphs (1010) and (1020), the light intensity in an indoor environment may be a1. The light intensity in an outdoor environment may be a2. a1 may be set to be lower than a2.

[0198] For example, the processor (210) may set the light emission time in an indoor environment to be longer than the light emission time in an outdoor environment. Referring to graphs (1010) and (1020), the light emission time in an indoor environment may be t1. The light emission time in an outdoor environment may be t2. t1 may be set longer than t2.

[0199] For example, the processor (210) may set the light emission cycle in an indoor environment to be longer than the light emission cycle in an outdoor environment. Referring to graphs (1010) and (1020), the light emission cycle in an indoor environment may be T1 (e.g., 1 / 30 second). The light emission cycle in an outdoor environment may be T2 (e.g., 1 / 60 second). T1 may be set to be longer than T2.

[0200] For example, when a smart ring device (200) (or a user) is located in an indoor environment, the illuminance of the indoor environment may be lower than that of an outdoor environment. Therefore, the smart ring device (200) may be less affected by ambient light in an indoor environment. For example, when a user wears the smart ring device (200) in an environment with strong infrared rays, such as at sunset, one or more light-receiving circuits may identify external infrared rays. Therefore, noise may be generated by the external infrared rays. Therefore, the processor (310) may set the light intensity in an outdoor environment to be greater than that in an indoor environment.

[0201] According to one embodiment, in an operation mode for identifying a wearing direction (hereinafter, a first operation mode), the processor (210) may not first emit light using one or more light-emitting circuits (233-1). The processor (210) may identify an infrared component of ambient light before emitting light using one or more light-emitting circuits (233-1). Based on identifying that the magnitude of the infrared component of the ambient light exceeds a threshold value, the processor (210) may increase the intensity of the infrared (or light) emitted through one or more light-emitting circuits (233-1). According to an embodiment, since power consumption increases when the intensity of the emitted infrared (or light) is increased, the processor (210) may set the light-emitting time to be shorter than the light-emitting time when the magnitude of the infrared component of the ambient light does not exceed the threshold value.

[0202] According to an embodiment, the processor (210) may set the light emission cycle to be shorter than the light emission cycle when the size of the infrared component of the ambient light does not exceed the threshold value based on identifying that the size of the infrared component of the ambient light exceeds the threshold value. By setting the light emission cycle to be shorter than the light emission cycle when the size of the infrared component of the ambient light does not exceed the threshold value, the processor (210) may improve the accuracy of identifying the wearing direction.

[0203] According to one embodiment, the processor (210) may change the sensitivity of one or more light-receiving circuits (233-2) based on the surrounding environment. For example, when the ambient illuminance is high, the processor (210) may lower the sensitivity of one or more light-receiving circuits (233-2). When the ambient illuminance is low, the processor (210) may increase the sensitivity of one or more light-receiving circuits (233-2).

[0204] According to one embodiment, the processor (210) may change the threshold value for identifying the wearing direction based on the surrounding environment. For example, when the size of the infrared component of the ambient light is large, the processor (210) may increase the threshold value for identifying the wearing detection (or the wearing direction) using signals from one or more light-receiving circuits (233-2). For example, the processor (210) may detect the wearing of the smart ring device (200) based on identifying that the intensity of light identified through one or more light-receiving circuits (233-2) is greater than or equal to the threshold value. The processor (210) may set the threshold value high because the infrared component of the ambient light is also identified through one or more light-receiving circuits (233-2).

[0205] According to one embodiment, the processor (210) may set at least one of the intensity of light, the wavelength of light, the emission time (or emission duration), or the emission cycle emitted through at least one of the light emitting circuits (233-1) based on the characteristics of the user's finger. For example, if the skin color of the user's finger is dark, the amount of light reflected may be less than the amount of light reflected when the skin color of the user's finger is light. Accordingly, the processor (210) may obtain information about the user's skin color using the smart ring device (200) or the external electronic device (300) connected to the smart ring device (200). If the skin color of the user's finger is darker than the average skin color of users, the processor (210) may increase the intensity of light emitted through at least one of the light emitting circuits (233-1).

[0206] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of an operation of a smart ring device to identify a wearing direction of the smart ring device according to one embodiment.

[0207] Referring to FIG. 11, the processor (210) can identify the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200) based on the distance from a portion of the finger identified by each of the plurality of receiving units (e.g., the first light receiving unit (401) and the second light receiving unit (402)). The thickness of the user's finger may increase from the nail to the back of the hand. Accordingly, when the smart ring device (200) is worn, the intensity of light identified by the first light receiving unit (401) and the second light receiving unit (402) may be different from each other.

[0208] For example, the second side (214) may be brought closer to the finger than the first side (213). The first light-receiving unit (401) positioned closer to the first side (213) may identify light reflected on the first part (1110) of the finger. The second light-receiving unit (402) positioned closer to the second side (214) may identify light reflected on the second part (1120) of the finger. The thickness of the first part (1110) of the finger may be w1. The thickness of the second part (1120) of the finger may be w2. The distance (d1) from the first light-receiving unit (401) to the first part (1110) of the finger may be longer than the distance (d2) from the second light-receiving unit (402) to the second part (1120) of the finger. Accordingly, at a given point in time (e.g., a point in time within a time period in which the smart ring device (200) is worn), the intensity of light reflected from the first part (1110) of the finger and identified by the first light-receiving unit (401) may be less than the intensity of light reflected from the second part (1120) of the finger and identified by the second light-receiving unit (402). The processor (210) may identify that the smart ring device (200) is worn in the first direction based on identifying that the intensity of light identified by the first light-receiving unit (401) is less than the intensity of light identified by the second light-receiving unit (402). Similar to the example described above, the processor (210) may identify that the smart ring device (200) is worn in the second direction based on identifying that the intensity of light identified by the first light-receiving unit (401) is greater than or equal to the intensity of light identified by the second light-receiving unit (402) at the given point in time.

[0209] Figure 12 illustrates a flowchart of the operation of a smart ring device according to one embodiment. In the following embodiments, the operations may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily sequential. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0210] In operation 1210, the processor (210) can identify the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200). For example, operation 1210 may correspond to operation 840 of FIG. 8.

[0211] In operation 1220, the processor (210) can identify whether information about the hand wearing the smart ring device (200) is stored in the memory (240). For example, the processor (210) can identify whether information about the hand wearing the smart ring device (200) is stored in the memory (240) based on identifying the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200).

[0212] For example, the processor (210) can identify whether information about the hand that primarily wears the smart ring device (200) is stored in the memory (240). If information about the hand that primarily wears the smart ring device (200) is stored in the memory (240), the processor (210) can identify information about the hand that primarily wears the smart ring device (200).

[0213] In operation 1230, if information about the hand wearing the smart ring device (200) is not stored in the memory (240), the processor (210) can obtain information about the hand wearing the smart ring device (200). The processor (210) can obtain information about the hand wearing the smart ring device (200) based on identifying that information about the hand wearing the smart ring device (200) is not stored in the memory (240).

[0214] According to one embodiment, the processor (210) can identify an input for obtaining information about a hand wearing the smart ring device (200). For example, the processor (210) can request information about a hand wearing the smart ring device (200). The processor (210) can identify an input for obtaining information about a hand wearing the smart ring device (200) using the smart ring device (200) or an external electronic device (300) connected to the smart ring device (200).

[0215] According to one embodiment, when a wearable device, which is distinct from a smart ring device (200), is worn on a hand (e.g., wrist), the processor (210) may compare a value for acceleration identified in the wearable device with a value for acceleration identified in the smart ring device (200). Based on the comparison, the processor (210) may identify the hand wearing the smart ring device (200). For example, the processor (210) may receive information about the hand on which the wearable device is worn from the wearable device or an external electronic device (e.g., a smart phone) that is in communication with the wearable device. The information about the hand on which the wearable device is worn may be stored in the memory (240) of the smart ring device (200). For example, if the wearable device is worn on the right hand, the processor (210) can identify that the smart ring device (200) is worn on the right hand based on identifying that the value for acceleration identified in the wearable device corresponds to the value for acceleration identified in the smart ring device (200). For example, if the wearable device is worn on the right hand, the processor (210) can identify that the smart ring device (200) is worn on the left hand based on identifying that the value for acceleration identified in the wearable device is distinct from the value for acceleration identified in the smart ring device (200).

[0216] According to one embodiment, when a wearable device, which is distinct from a smart ring device (200), is worn on a hand (e.g., wrist), the processor (210) may compare a waveform for a heart rate identified in the wearable device with a waveform for a heart rate identified in the smart ring device (200). Based on the comparison, the processor (210) may identify the hand wearing the smart ring device (200).

[0217] According to one embodiment, the processor (210) may store information about the hand wearing the smart ring device (200) in the memory (240) based on obtaining information about the hand wearing the smart ring device (200).

[0218] In operation 1240, the processor (210) may transmit information about the hand wearing the smart ring device (200) to the external electronic device (300). The processor (210) may transmit information about the hand wearing the smart ring device (200) and information about the rotation input of the smart ring device (200) to the external electronic device (300). For example, the external electronic device (300) may perform a function according to the rotation input based on the information about the hand wearing the smart ring device (200) and the information about the rotation input of the smart ring device (200). For example, when the smart ring device (200) is worn on the left hand, the smart ring device (200) may perform a first function based on the information about the rotation input of the smart ring device (200). For example, when the smart ring device (200) is worn on the right hand, the smart ring device (200) may perform a second function that is distinct from the first function based on the information about the rotation input of the smart ring device (200).

[0219] According to an embodiment, the processor (210) may generate a control signal that causes the external electronic device (300) to perform a function based on information about the hand wearing the smart ring device (200) and information about the rotation input of the smart ring device (200). The processor (210) may transmit the generated control signal to the external electronic device (300).

[0220] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a screen indicating the wearing direction of a smart ring device according to one embodiment.

[0221] Referring to FIG. 13, the smart ring device (200) may be connected to an external electronic device (1300) including a display. The processor (210) of the smart ring device (200) may identify that the smart ring device (200) is being worn by a user. The processor (210) may identify the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200).

[0222] The processor (210) can transmit information about the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200) to an external electronic device (1300). The external electronic device (1300) can receive information about the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200) from the smart ring device (200). Based on the information about the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200), the external electronic device (1300) can display a screen (1310) indicating the wearing of the smart ring device (200) through the display of the external electronic device (1300).

[0223] The screen (1310) may include a visual object (1312) indicating the wearing (or wearing direction) of the smart ring device (200). Although not shown, the screen (1310) may further include text for indicating the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200) or the wearing (or wearing direction) of the smart ring device (200). The external electronic device (1300) may display a status bar indicating the overall status of the external electronic device (1300) through the display. The external electronic device (1300) may display a visual object (1311) indicating that the smart ring device (200) is worn within the status bar.

[0224] After the screen (1310) is displayed, the external electronic device (1300) can identify wearable devices worn on the user's body. The external electronic device (1300) can display a screen (1320) to indicate the wearable devices worn on the user's body. For example, if the user is wearing a watch-shaped wearable device and a smart ring device (200) on one hand, the screen (1320) can include a visual object (1321) representing the hand (or wrist) wearing the watch-shaped wearable device and the smart ring device (200). The visual object (1321) can include a visual object (1322) representing the watch-shaped wearable device and a visual object (1323) representing the smart ring device (200). Although not illustrated, the screen (1320) can further include text representing a list of wearable devices worn by the user.

[0225] FIG. 14A illustrates an example of a circuit including a plurality of antennas for changing the direction of a radiated signal, according to one embodiment.

[0226] FIG. 14b illustrates an example of a signal emitted from a smart ring device according to one embodiment.

[0227] Referring to FIGS. 14A and 14B, the smart ring device (200) may include a communication circuit (220), a radio frequency front end (RFFE) (1410), a first antenna (1421), and a second antenna (1422). The communication circuit (220) may be connected to the RFFE (1410). The communication circuit (220) may control the RFFE (1410) to radiate a signal using at least one of the first antenna (1421) and / or the second antenna (1422).

[0228] For example, the first antenna (1421) may be formed (or arranged) to radiate a signal in the direction (1451) toward the first side (213). The second antenna (1422) may be formed (or arranged) to radiate a signal in the direction (1452) toward the second side (214). For example, the housing (201) of the smart ring device (200) may be formed of metal. Accordingly, the first antenna (1421) and the second antenna (1422) may be configured using at least a portion (e.g., a segmented portion) of the housing (201) of the smart ring device (200).

[0229] According to one embodiment, the communication circuit (220) may include a near field communication (NFC) IC. The communication circuit (220) may radiate an NFC signal through at least one of the first antenna (1421) and / or the second antenna (1422).

[0230] The processor (210) can identify the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200). The processor (210) can identify the side facing the tip (or nail) of the finger when the smart ring device (200) is worn as one of the first side (213) and the second side (214). As shown in FIG. 14B, the processor (210) can emit an NFC signal through the first antenna (1421) based on identifying that the first side (213) faces the tip (or nail) of the finger. The NFC signal emitted through the first antenna (1421) can be emitted in the direction (1451). For example, the NFC signal can be used for payment. The user of the smart ring device (200) can perform payment for a product by lifting the finger on which the smart ring device (200) is worn and transmitting the NFC signal to an external electronic device for payment. The processor (210) can emit an NFC signal based on identifying that the user's finger is pointing toward an external electronic device for payment.

[0231] For example, the processor (210) may emit an NFC signal through the first antenna (1421) based on identifying that the user's finger is pointing toward an external electronic device for payment while the smart ring device (200) is worn in a first direction. For example, the processor (210) may emit an NFC signal through the second antenna (1422) based on identifying that the user's finger is pointing toward an external electronic device for payment while the smart ring device (200) is worn in a second direction.

[0232] Although not shown, the smart ring device (200) may include a plurality of antennas, including a first antenna (1421) and a second antenna (1422). Each of the plurality of antennas may be used for a different radio access technology (RAT) (e.g., NFC, Bluetooth communication, cellular communication, or wireless LAN communication). The plurality of antennas may be selectively used based on the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200). For example, when the first antenna (1421) is directed toward the fingertip and the second antenna (1422) is directed toward the wrist, the processor (210) may use the first antenna (1421) for NCF communication and / or cellular communication, and use the second antenna (1422) for Bluetooth communication and / or wireless LAN communication for connection with a watch-shaped wearable device worn on the wrist or an external electronic device (e.g., a smart phone).

[0233] FIG. 15 illustrates an example of a smart ring device being connected to an external electronic device, according to one embodiment.

[0234] Referring to FIG. 15, the smart ring device (200) can be connected to an external electronic device (300). For example, the smart ring device (200) can be connected to the external electronic device (300) using a short-range wireless communication technique. For example, the smart ring device (200) can be connected to the external electronic device (300) through a physical structure. Although not shown, the external electronic device (300) can include a physical structure for connecting the smart ring device (200). Although FIG. 15 shows the external electronic device (300) as having the shape of a smartphone, it is not limited thereto. The external electronic device (300) can include devices configured in various shapes. For example, the external electronic device (300) can include a wearable device for providing augmented reality (AR) and / or virtual reality (VR), a smart watch, or wireless earphones.

[0235] Based on at least one of the above-described connection methods, the smart ring device (200) can establish a connection with the external electronic device (300). While the smart ring device (200) and the external electronic device (300) are connected, the smart ring device (200) (or the processor (210) of the smart ring device (200)) can transmit information about the rotation input to the external electronic device (300) through the communication circuit (220). The external electronic device (300) (or the processor (310) of the external electronic device (300)) can perform an operation mapped to the rotation input based on the information about the rotation input. For example, the external electronic device (300) can control a screen displayed through the display of the external electronic device (300) based on the rotation input.

[0236] According to one embodiment, when the smart ring device (200) transmits information about a rotation input to an external electronic device (300), it may also transmit information about the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200). According to one embodiment, the smart ring device (200) may generate a control signal according to the rotation input based on the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200). The smart ring device (200) may transmit the control signal to the external electronic device (300).

[0237] According to one embodiment, the smart ring device (200) may set a function of the external electronic device (300) mapped to the rotation input of the smart ring device (200) based on establishing a connection with the external electronic device (300). For example, when establishing a connection with the external electronic device (300), the smart ring device (200) may identify capability information of the external electronic device (300). The smart ring device (200) may obtain information about at least one of the shape (or form) of the external electronic device (300), the application requiring control, the screen size, or the type of service. The smart ring device (200) may set a function of the external electronic device (300) mapped to the rotation input based on information about at least one of the shape (or form) of the external electronic device (300), the application requiring control, the screen size, or the type of service. The above-described operation may be performed by the processor (310) of the external electronic device (300) or the processor of another external electronic device connected to the smart ring device (200) and the external electronic device (300). For example, if the external electronic device (300) has a watch shape, another external electronic device (e.g., a smartphone) may serve as the primary device (or master processor). The other external electronic device may identify the capability information of the external electronic device (300) and set the function of the external electronic device (300) mapped to the rotation input. Hereinafter, an example in which the operations of the smart ring device (200) and the external electronic device (300) are controlled through another external electronic device will be described.

[0238] According to one embodiment, another external electronic device can control the smart ring device (200) and the external electronic device (300). The processor of the other external electronic device may be referred to as the first processor. The processor (310) of the external electronic device (300) may be referred to as the second processor. For example, the second processor may execute commands according to the judgment and control operations of the first processor. According to an embodiment, the first processor and the second processor may be logically separated while being physically contained within the same device.

[0239] For example, a smart ring device (200) can establish a connection with an external electronic device (300). The smart ring device (200) can transmit information acquired through a sensor (230) of the smart ring device (200) to the external electronic device (300). When the smart ring device (200) transmits information acquired through the sensor (230) of the smart ring device (200) to the external electronic device (300) (or a second processor) and the external electronic device (300) processes the received information, the battery consumption of the smart ring device (200) can be reduced. According to an embodiment, the smart ring device (200) can process information acquired through the sensor (230) and transmit the processed information to the external electronic device (300).

[0240] As described above, when the smart ring device (200) is connected to an external electronic device (300) (or a second processor), the information acquired through the sensor (230) of the smart ring device (200) can be transmitted to the external electronic device (300). When the external electronic device (300) is connected to another external electronic device, the external electronic device (300) can notify the other external electronic device that it is receiving information acquired through the sensor (230) of the smart ring device (200).

[0241] Another external electronic device (or the first processor) can identify capability information of the external electronic device (300) (or the second processor) (e.g., information about at least one of the shape (or form) of the external electronic device (300), the application requiring control, the screen size, or the type of service) and function information of the external electronic device (300). The smart ring device (200) can determine the input value resolution according to the rotation input of the smart ring device (200) based on the capability information of the external electronic device (300) and the function information of the external electronic device (300). For example, the input value resolution can mean the ratio of the input value that changes in response to the amount of change in the sensor value of the smart ring device (200) in the external electronic device (300).

[0242] For example, the external electronic device (300) can control the scrolling of the screen displayed through the display (330) of the external electronic device (300) based on the sensor value for the rotation input of the smart ring device (200). For example, the external electronic device (300) can receive a sensor value indicating that the structure (215) of the smart ring device (200) is rotated 180 degrees. The external electronic device (300) can set the screen to be scrolled according to a ratio corresponding to one page based on the sensor value. When the external electronic device (300) receives a sensor value indicating that the structure (215) of the smart ring device (200) is rotated 90 degrees, the external electronic device (300) can scroll the screen according to a ratio corresponding to half a page based on the sensor value.

[0243] For example, if there are 100 icons in the application list, the external electronic device (300) can be set to switch the display to the next icon every time the structure (215) of the smart ring device (200) is rotated 5 degrees. The external electronic device (300) can provide a user interface in which the display of 10 icons is switched when the structure (215) of the smart ring device (200) is rotated 50 degrees.

[0244] For example, the external electronic device (300) may provide a video editing function. The external electronic device (300) may scroll video frames based on the rotation input of the smart ring device (200). The external electronic device (300) may be set to display key frames (e.g., I frames or frames including key objects of interest) based on the rotation input of the smart ring device (200). Since switching all frames of the video based on the rotation angle of the structure (215) may cause inconvenience to the user, the key frames may be switched based on the rotation angle range of the structure (215) of the smart ring device (200). For example, the external electronic device (300) may be set to display the first I frame when the rotation angle range of the structure (215) of the smart ring device (200) is 0 to 5 degrees. Therefore, the I frames may be switched based on the specified rotation angle range.

[0245] For example, the external electronic device (300) can control the scrolling of the screen displayed through the display (330) of the external electronic device (300) based on the rotation speed of the structure (215) of the smart ring device (200). As an example, the scrolling speed of the screen can be set based on the rotation speed of the structure (215) of the smart ring device (200). For example, the external electronic device (300) can set the speed at which the display of icons changes based on the rotation speed of the structure (215) of the smart ring device (200).

[0246] In some embodiments, the other external electronic device (or the first processor) may determine the input value resolution of the external electronic device (300) (or the second processor). For example, the other external electronic device (or the first processor) may determine the input value resolution of the external electronic device (300) (or the second processor) based on at least one of a possible input value range, the number of scroll target items (e.g., icons), or a range of input values.

[0247] Figure 16 illustrates a flowchart of the operation of a smart ring device according to one embodiment. In the following embodiments, the operations may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily sequential. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0248] Referring to FIG. 16, in operation 1610, the processor (210) of the smart ring device (200) may set the operation mode of the smart ring device (200) to an operation mode for identifying the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200).

[0249] In operation 1620, the processor (210) can identify whether the smart ring device (200) is worn. For example, the processor (210) can identify whether the smart ring device (200) is worn within an operation mode for identifying the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200).

[0250] For example, the processor (210) can identify whether the smart ring device (200) is worn using the PPG sensor (233) (or the light receiving circuit (400)). The processor (210) can identify the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200) using the PPG sensor (233) (or the light receiving circuit (400)).

[0251] According to one embodiment, when the smart ring device (200) is not worn, operation 1620 may be performed based on a specified time period.

[0252] In operation 1630, when the smart ring device (200) is worn, the processor (210) can identify whether an external electronic device (300) to be controlled through the smart ring device (200) exists. For example, the processor (210) can identify whether an external electronic device (300) to be controlled through the smart ring device (200) exists based on identifying that the smart ring device (200) is worn by the user.

[0253] In operation 1640, if there is an external electronic device (300) to be controlled through the smart ring device (200), the processor (210) can transmit a control signal to the external electronic device (300) based on a rotation input. The processor (210) can identify the rotation input. For example, the rotation input can be identified based on the rotation of the structure (215) of the smart ring device (200). For example, the rotation input can be identified based on a touch input maintained along a specified direction on the housing (201) of the smart ring device (200).

[0254] According to one embodiment, the processor (210) can identify a function of an external electronic device (300) mapped to a rotational input. The processor (210) can transmit a control signal to the external electronic device (300) to perform the function of the external electronic device (300) mapped to the rotational input. For example, the processor (210) can identify a function of the external electronic device (300) mapped to a rotational input based on a wearing direction of the smart ring device (200). The processor (210) can transmit a control signal to the external electronic device (300) to control the external electronic device (300) to perform the identified function.

[0255] According to an embodiment, the processor (210) may transmit information about the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200) and information about the rotation input to the external electronic device (300). The external electronic device (300) may identify a function of the external electronic device (300) corresponding to the rotation input based on the information about the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200). The external electronic device (300) may perform the identified function.

[0256] In operation 1650, if there is no external electronic device (300) to be controlled through the smart ring device (200), the processor (210) can perform a function assigned to the smart ring device (200) based on the rotation input.

[0257] According to one embodiment, the processor (210) can identify a function of the smart ring device (200) mapped to a rotation input. The processor (210) can perform the identified function based on the rotation input.

[0258] FIG. 17A illustrates an example of scroll input via a smart ring device according to one embodiment.

[0259] FIG. 17b illustrates an example of scroll input via a smart ring device according to one embodiment.

[0260] Referring to FIGS. 17A and 17B , a smart ring device (200) may be connected to an external electronic device (300) including a display (330). Based on a rotation input of the smart ring device (200), a screen (e.g., screen (1710) or screen (1720)) displayed on the display (330) of the external electronic device (300) may be scrolled. For example, a rotation input may be identified based on a rotation of a structure (215) of the smart ring device (200). For example, a rotation input may be identified based on a touch input maintained along a specified direction on a housing (201) of the smart ring device (200).

[0261] Referring to FIG. 17A, the smart ring device (200) can be worn in a first orientation. For example, when the smart ring device (200) is worn in the first orientation, a rotational input can be identified. For example, the direction in which the first side (213) of the smart ring device (200) faces can be toward the nail of the finger on which the smart ring device (200) is worn.

[0262] For example, when the smart ring device (200) is worn in a first direction, a rotational input can be identified based on the direction (1701). The processor (210) can identify a function of an external electronic device (300) according to the identified rotational input based on the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200). The processor (210) can set the function of the external electronic device (300) according to the identified rotational input to a scroll down function of the screen (1710). However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0263] For example, when the smart ring device (200) is worn in a first direction, a rotational input can be identified based on the direction (1702). The processor (210) can identify a function of an external electronic device (300) according to the identified rotational input based on the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200). The processor (210) can set the function of the external electronic device (300) according to the identified rotational input to a scroll-up function of the screen (1710). However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0264] Referring to FIG. 17b, the smart ring device (200) can be worn in a second orientation. For example, when the smart ring device (200) is worn in the second orientation, a rotational input can be identified. The direction in which the second side (214) of the smart ring device (200) faces can be toward the nail of the finger on which the smart ring device (200) is worn.

[0265] For example, when the smart ring device (200) is worn in a second direction, a rotational input can be identified based on the direction (1701). The processor (210) can identify a function of an external electronic device (300) according to the identified rotational input based on the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200). The processor (210) can set the function of the external electronic device (300) according to the identified rotational input to a scroll down function of the screen (1720). However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0266] For example, when the smart ring device (200) is worn in a second direction, a rotational input can be identified based on the direction (1702). The processor (210) can identify a function of an external electronic device (300) according to the identified rotational input based on the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200). The processor (210) can set the function of the external electronic device (300) according to the identified rotational input to a scroll-up function of the screen (1720). However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0267] Referring to FIGS. 17A and 17B, even if the directions of the rotation input are opposite to each other depending on the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200), the processor (210) can transmit information about the changed rotation input based on the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200) to the external electronic device (300). Accordingly, the external electronic device (300) can perform the same function in response to the rotation input according to the same gesture of the user regardless of the direction in which the smart ring device (200) is worn.

[0268] Although not shown, the processor (210) can determine (or identify) the posture using the acceleration sensor (231) of the smart ring device (200). The processor (210) can determine (or set) the scroll direction based on the posture of the smart ring device (200). For example, based on identifying that the posture of the smart ring device (200) is the first posture, up and down scrolling can be performed according to a rotation input. For example, based on identifying that the posture of the smart ring device (200) is the second posture, left and right scrolling can be performed according to a rotation input.

[0269] FIG. 18 illustrates an example of rotation input via a smart ring device according to one embodiment.

[0270] Referring to FIG. 18, the smart ring device (200) can identify a rotational input. For example, the smart ring device (200) can identify a first rotational input based on one of the directions (1811) and (1812). For example, the first rotational input can be identified based on a rotation of the structure (215) according to one of the directions (1811) and (1812). For example, the first rotational input can be identified based on a touch input maintained according to one of the directions (1811) and (1812). For example, the direction (1811) can be referenced as a clockwise direction. The direction (1812) can be referenced as a counterclockwise direction.

[0271] The smart ring device (200) may be connected to an external electronic device (300). The external electronic device (300) may be configured in a watch shape. The external electronic device (300) may include a rotatable wheel key along a circular display (330). The wheel key may rotate in one of directions (1801) and (1802). Based on the rotation of the wheel key in one of directions (1801) and (1802), a second rotation input may be identified. For example, direction (1801) may be referred to as a clockwise direction. Direction (1802) may be referred to as a counterclockwise direction.

[0272] For example, a first rotation input along a direction (1811) may correspond to a second rotation input along a direction (1801). A function of the external electronic device (300) performed based on the first rotation input along a direction (1811) may correspond to a function of the external electronic device (300) performed based on the second rotation input along a direction (1801). The function of the external electronic device (300) performed based on the first rotation input along a direction (1811) and / or the second rotation input along a direction (1801) may be set to one of scroll down or scroll right.

[0273] For example, a first rotation input along a direction (1812) may correspond to a second rotation input along a direction (1802). A function of the external electronic device (300) performed based on the first rotation input along a direction (1812) may correspond to a function of the external electronic device (300) performed based on the second rotation input along a direction (1802). The function of the external electronic device (300) performed based on the first rotation input along a direction (1812) and / or the second rotation input along a direction (1802) may be set to one of scroll up or scroll left.

[0274] According to one embodiment, while a screen (1861) is displayed through a display (330) of an external electronic device (300), the screen may change based on a first rotation input and / or a second rotation input. For example, when the screen changes based on the first rotation input and / or the second rotation input, a visual effect indicating that the screen changes along a horizontal direction may be displayed together.

[0275] Based on the first rotation input according to the direction (1811) and / or the second rotation input according to the direction (1801), the screen displayed through the display (330) of the external electronic device (300) along the direction (1821) may be changed. For example, based on the first rotation input according to the direction (1811) and / or the second rotation input according to the direction (1801), the screens displayed through the display (330) of the external electronic device (300) may be changed in the order of screen (1861), screen (1862), screen (1863), and screen (1864) along the direction (1821). After screen (1864) is displayed, screen (1861) may be displayed again based on the first rotation input according to the direction (1811) and / or the second rotation input according to the direction (1801).

[0276] Based on the first rotation input along the direction (1812) and / or the second rotation input along the direction (1802), the screen displayed through the display (330) of the external electronic device (300) along the direction (1822) may be changed. For example, based on the first rotation input along the direction (1812) and / or the second rotation input along the direction (1802), the screens displayed through the display (330) of the external electronic device (300) may be changed in the order of screen (1861), screen (1864), screen (1863), and screen (1862) along the direction (1822). After screen (1862) is displayed, screen (1861) may be displayed based on the first rotation input along the direction (1812) and / or the second rotation input along the direction (1802).

[0277] According to one embodiment, while a screen (1871) is displayed through a display (330) of an external electronic device (300), the screen may change based on a first rotation input and / or a second rotation input. For example, when the screen changes based on the first rotation input and / or the second rotation input, a visual effect indicating that the screen changes along a vertical direction may be displayed together.

[0278] Based on the first rotation input according to the direction (1811) and / or the second rotation input according to the direction (1801), the screen displayed through the display (330) of the external electronic device (300) along the direction (1821) may be changed. For example, based on the first rotation input according to the direction (1811) and / or the second rotation input according to the direction (1801), the screen displayed through the display (330) of the external electronic device (300) may be changed in the order of screen (1871), screen (1872), screen (1873), screen (1874), screen (1875), screen (1876), and screen (1877) along the direction (1831). After the screen (1877) is displayed, the screen (1871) may be displayed again based on the first rotation input according to the direction (1811) and / or the second rotation input according to the direction (1801).

[0279] Based on the first rotation input along the direction (1812) and / or the second rotation input along the direction (1802), the screen displayed through the display (330) of the external electronic device (300) along the direction (1822) may be changed. For example, based on the first rotation input along the direction (1812) and / or the second rotation input along the direction (1802), the screen displayed through the display (330) of the external electronic device (300) may be changed in the order of screen (1871), screen (1877), screen (1876), screen (1875), screen (1874), screen (1873), and screen (1872) along the direction (1832). After the screen (1872) is displayed, the screen (1871) may be displayed again based on the first rotation input according to the direction (1812) and / or the second rotation input according to the direction (1802).

[0280] Although not illustrated, the smart ring device (200) may perform operations similar to those described above even when not worn by a user. For example, even when the smart ring device (200) is placed on the floor or supported by an external object, the function of the external electronic device (300) corresponding to the rotational input identified by the smart ring device (200) may be performed. According to an embodiment, the processor (210) may identify the direction of the rotational input based on the wearing direction (or orientation) of the smart ring device (200).

[0281] Although not shown, the screen displayed through the display (330) of the external electronic device (300) may further include visual objects indicating a connection with the smart ring device (200) and that the operation of the external electronic device (300) is being controlled by the smart ring device (200).

[0282] FIG. 19 illustrates an example of an operation for identifying a wearing direction of a smart ring device according to one embodiment.

[0283] Referring to FIG. 19, since the smart ring device (200) is not fixed in the direction of wearing, even when the user performs the same motion, the smart ring device (200) may determine different rotational inputs depending on the direction of wearing. For example, when the smart ring device (200) is worn on the user's finger, the rotational input may change depending on whether the hand on which the smart ring device (200) is worn is the left or right hand. For example, the rotational input may change depending on the direction of wearing the smart ring device (200).

[0284] According to one embodiment, the processor (210) of the smart ring device (200) can identify the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200) using the acceleration sensor (231) and / or the gyro sensor (232). For example, the processor (210) can identify the hand wearing the smart ring device (200) and / or the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200) using the acceleration sensor (231) and / or the gyro sensor (232). The processor (210) can identify the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200) based on identifying the direction of gravity using the acceleration sensor (231) and / or the gyro sensor (232). The processor (210) can set three axes (e.g., the x-axis, the y-axis, and the z-axis) based on the smart ring device (200). The processor (210) can set the direction in which the first side (213) faces as the z-axis. The processor (210) can set the direction in which the second side (214), which is opposite to the first side (213), faces as the -z-axis.

[0285] According to one embodiment, the processor (210) may request to sequentially take posture (1901), posture (1902), and posture (1903).

[0286] The processor (210) may request the user to assume a posture (1901). For example, the processor (210) may request the user to assume an attention posture with the hand wearing the smart ring device (200). When the smart ring device (200) is worn in the first orientation as shown in FIG. 5A, in the posture (1901), the z-axis direction, which is the direction in which the first side (213) of the smart ring device (200) faces, may correspond to the direction of gravity. The processor (210) may identify the wearing orientation of the smart ring device (200) based on identifying that the z-axis direction, which is the direction in which the first side (213) faces, corresponds to the direction of gravity.

[0287] The processor (210) may identify the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200) and then request the user to assume a posture (1902). For example, the processor (210) may request the user to place the hand wearing the smart ring device (200) toward a desk. In the posture (1902), the -y-axis direction identified in the smart ring device (200) may correspond to the direction of gravity. Based on the identification that the -y-axis direction corresponds to the direction of gravity, the processor (210) may identify an angle by which the y-axis is rotated with respect to the direction of gravity. Based on the identified angle, the processor (210) may identify the wearing state of the smart ring device (200).

[0288] After the processor (210) identifies the wearing state of the smart ring device (200), the processor (210) may request the user to take a posture (1903). For example, the processor (210) may request the user to turn the palm upward. In the posture (1903), the y-axis direction identified in the smart ring device (200) may correspond to the direction of gravity. The processor (210) may identify the direction in which the z-axis is rotated (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise) while the user's posture changes from posture (1902) to posture (1903). Based on the direction in which the z-axis is rotated, the processor (210) may identify a yaw value. Based on the yaw value, the processor (210) may identify the hand on which the smart ring device (200) is worn as either the left or right hand. For example, while the user's posture changes from posture (1902) to posture (1903), the processor (210) can identify the hand on which the smart ring device (200) is worn as the left hand based on identifying that the z-axis rotates counterclockwise. For example, while the user's posture changes from posture (1902) to posture (1903), the processor (210) can identify the hand on which the smart ring device (200) is worn as the right hand based on identifying that the z-axis rotates clockwise.

[0289] Based on the above-described operations, the processor (210) can identify the hand wearing the smart ring device (200) and / or the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200). The processor (210) can identify the direction of the rotation input based on the hand wearing the smart ring device (200) and / or the wearing direction of the smart ring device (200).

[0290] Although not shown, when the smart ring device (200) is placed on the ground, the processor (210) can identify whether the direction of the z-axis corresponds to the direction of gravity using the acceleration sensor (231) and / or the gyro sensor (232). Based on identifying that the direction of the z-axis corresponds to the direction of gravity, the processor (210) can identify that the first side (213) faces the ground. The processor (210) can identify whether the direction of the z-axis is opposite to the direction of gravity using the acceleration sensor (231) and / or the gyro sensor (232). Based on identifying that the direction of the z-axis is opposite to the direction of gravity, the processor (210) can identify that the second side (214) faces the ground.

[0291] For example, the processor (210) can identify (or estimate) the direction of a rotational input based on information about the phase difference between the structure (215) and the housing (201), a swipe input to the ring, information about the z-axis rotation (e.g., a yaw value), or information about the phase difference of a signal pattern identified from the PPG sensor (233).

[0292] According to the above-described embodiment, the processor (210) can identify the direction of the rotation input and perform a function mapped to the direction of the identified rotation input. According to the embodiment, the processor (210) can transmit raw data to the external electronic device (300). The external electronic device (300) can control a screen displayed on the display (330) based on the raw data. According to the embodiment, the processor (210) can transmit information (e.g., a rotation direction or a rotation speed) about the rotation input identified based on the raw data to the external electronic device (300). The external electronic device (300) can control a screen displayed on the display (330) based on the information about the rotation input.

[0293] According to an embodiment, the processor (210) may request the user to perform a rotation input in a specified direction. Based on the rotation input received from the user, the processor (210) may store the direction of the rotation input in the memory (240).

[0294] FIG. 20 illustrates an example of a smart ring device being connected to an external electronic device, according to one embodiment.

[0295] Referring to FIG. 20, an external electronic device (300) may provide AR services and / or VR services. For example, the external electronic device (300) may be referred to as a head-mounted display (HMD) device. For example, the rotation input of the smart ring device (200) may be used for input of the external electronic device (300).

[0296] According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (300) may include a wheel-type input device, or may include another type of input device for receiving a rotational input form of a user. For example, the external electronic device (300) may include a physical button, a touch input device, or a pressure input device. Although a physical button, a touch input device, or a pressure input device cannot directly provide a rotational input form, the external electronic device (300) may process an input identified by a physical button, a touch input device, or a pressure input device through software and convert it into a rotational input.

[0297] For example, the external electronic device (300) can identify the number of times a physical button has been pressed as an input according to the rotation of the wheel. For example, the external electronic device (300) can convert a slide input identified within a touch input area into rotation and rotation speed values ​​of the wheel for a rotation input. For example, the external electronic device (300) can convert the area, pressure intensity, and holding time of a pressure input identified by a pressure input device into rotation amount and rotation speed values ​​of the wheel.

[0298] According to an embodiment, the external electronic device (300) may include at least one of a dial, a jog shuttle, or a rotational input device. The external electronic device (300) may identify a rotation amount and / or a rotational speed using at least one of the dial, the jog shuttle, or the rotational input device. The external electronic device may also convert the rotational input into an input of another input device based on the rotation amount and / or the rotational speed.

[0299] According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (300) may include various input units for receiving rotational input. For example, the external electronic device (300) may include a wheel input device for controlling volume. For example, the external electronic device (300) may include a wheel input device for adjusting pupillary distance. For example, the external electronic device (300) may include a wheel input device for adjusting the elasticity of a band that controls the external electronic device (300) to adhere closely to the user's head.

[0300] For example, the external electronic device (300) may include a wheel input device for controlling the immersion of a virtual environment. For example, the external electronic device (300) may change the degree of expression of an image displayed on the screen based on the amount of rotation input. The external electronic device (300) may change the ratio of an input image identified through a camera and an image for a virtual environment displayed on the screen based on the rotation of the wheel input device. For example, the external electronic device (300) may change the transparency of contents in an area excluding contents in an area the user is looking at based on the wheel input device. The external electronic device (300) may increase the user's sense of immersion by changing the transparency of contents in an area excluding contents in an area the user is looking at.

[0301] At least one of the rotation inputs through various wheel input devices included in the external electronic device (300) described above may be provided through the rotation input of the smart ring device (200). For example, at least some of the rotation inputs through various wheel input devices included in the external electronic device (300) may be performed based on the rotation input of the smart ring device (200). The user may control the external electronic device (300) based on the rotation input of the smart ring device (200) without moving his / her hand to the external electronic device (300).

[0302] According to one embodiment, a function according to a rotation input of a smart ring device (200) may be performed in conjunction with at least one of a user's gaze, a user's voice command, and / or a user's gesture identified by an external electronic device (300).

[0303] For example, the external electronic device (300) can identify a rotation input of the smart ring device (200) while the user is looking at the volume control icon. The external electronic device (300) can change the volume size based on the identified rotation input while the user is looking at the volume control icon.

[0304] For example, the external electronic device (300) can identify a rotation input of the smart ring device (200) while the user is looking at a picture displayed on the screen. Based on the rotation input identified while the user is looking at the picture displayed on the screen, the external electronic device (300) can perform one of zooming in and / or zooming out of the picture.

[0305] For example, the external electronic device (300) can identify a rotation input of the smart ring device (200) along with a voice command from the user, such as “immersion control.” The external electronic device (300) can adjust various factors for controlling the immersion based on the voice command and the rotation input of the smart ring device (200).

[0306] Although the above-described embodiment has described an example in which a function corresponding to an input of a physical button of an external electronic device (300) is provided through a rotation input of the smart ring device (200), the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a function provided within a screen provided by an external electronic device (300) may be performed based on a rotation input of the smart ring device (200).

[0307] According to one embodiment, based on the rotation input of the smart ring device (200), functions corresponding to inputs of various buttons of the external electronic device (300) may be performed. As described above, the rotation input of the smart ring device (200) may be converted into other types of input. For example, when the rotation input is converted into a pressure input, the rotation amount and rotation speed of the rotation input may be converted into the strength (or amount of pressure) of the button pressure and the input speed, respectively. For example, when the rotation input is converted into a touch input (or swipe input), the rotation amount and rotation speed of the rotation input may be converted into a movement area and a movement speed of the touch, respectively.

[0308] As described above, based on the rotation input of the smart ring device (200), a designated function of an external electronic device (300) directly or indirectly connected to the smart ring device (200) can be performed.

[0309] According to one embodiment, a touch input device may be placed on a portion of a housing of an external electronic device (300) exposed to the outside. At least some of the functions assigned to the touch input device may be performed based on a rotation input of the smart ring device (200). For example, scrolling operations, image zoom-in and image zoom-out operations through touch input may be performed based on a rotation input of the smart ring device (200).

[0310] FIG. 21A illustrates an example of a connection between a smart ring device and an external electronic device, according to one embodiment.

[0311] FIG. 21b illustrates an example of a connection between a smart ring device and an external electronic device, according to one embodiment.

[0312] Referring to FIGS. 21A and 21B , the processor (210) of the smart ring device (200) can establish a connection with an external electronic device (300). The processor (210) of the smart ring device (200) can provide a notification to the user indicating a connection with the external electronic device (300). For example, the smart ring device (200) can include at least one of a sensor including a light-emitting unit (e.g., a PPG sensor (233) or an LED), a speaker, or a vibration actuator. The processor (210) can provide a notification indicating a connection with the external electronic device (300) by using at least one of a sensor including a light-emitting unit (e.g., a PPG sensor (233) or an LED), a speaker, or a vibration actuator. According to an embodiment, the processor (210) may also provide a notification based on a connection with two or more external devices including the external electronic device (300).

[0313] Referring to FIG. 21A, the smart ring device (200) may include a sensor (2105) disposed on the outer housing portion (204) (or the second surface (212)) and including a light-emitting portion. The processor (210) may emit light of a specified color through the light-emitting portion in response to establishing a connection with the external electronic device (300).

[0314] Referring to FIG. 21B, the smart ring device (200) may include a sensor (2107) disposed in the inner housing portion (203) (or the first surface (211)) and including a light emitting unit. The processor (210) may emit light of a specified color through the light emitting unit in response to establishing a connection with an external electronic device (300). In some embodiments, when the smart ring device (200) including the sensor disposed in the inner housing portion (203) is worn by a user, the light emitted from the sensor may not be recognized by the user. Accordingly, when the smart ring device (200) is worn by a user, the sensor (2107) may not be used to emit light. When the smart ring device (200) is not worn or is operated while coupled (or attached) to another device, the processor (210) may emit light of a specified color using the sensor (2107) including the light emitting unit disposed in the inner housing portion (203).

[0315] Although FIGS. 21A and 21B illustrate examples of a notification being output from the smart ring device (200) when a connection with an external electronic device (300) is established, the present invention is not limited thereto. The smart ring device (200) may also output a notification indicating that the external electronic device (300) is being connected. For example, the color of light emitted according to a notification indicating that the external electronic device (300) is being connected (e.g., red) may be distinguished from the color of light emitted according to a notification indicating that a connection with the external electronic device (300) has been established (e.g., green).

[0316] FIG. 22 illustrates an example of a connection between a smart ring device and an external electronic device, according to one embodiment.

[0317] FIG. 23 illustrates an example of a connection between a smart ring device and an external electronic device, according to one embodiment.

[0318] Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, the processor (210) of the smart ring device (200) can establish a connection with an external electronic device (300). The external electronic device (300) can provide a notification to the user indicating the connection with the smart ring device (200).

[0319] Referring to FIG. 22, the external electronic device (300) may display a screen (2210) indicating that a connection with the smart ring device (200) has been established through the display (330) of the external electronic device (300). The screen (2210) may include a visual object (2211) corresponding to the smart ring device (200) and text (2212) indicating that a connection with the smart ring device (200) has been established. As an example, the visual object (2211) may be displayed as a rotating animation.

[0320] Referring to FIG. 23, the external electronic device (300) can output a notification indicating that a connection with the smart ring device (200) has been established through a speaker (not shown) of the external electronic device (300). The external electronic device (300) can output a voice signal indicating that a connection with the smart ring device (200) has been established. Although not shown, the external electronic device (300) can provide a notification indicating that a connection with the smart ring device (200) has been established using a virtual screen including the smart ring device (200).

[0321] FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate examples of a notification being output from an external electronic device (300) when a connection with a smart ring device (200) is established, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The external electronic device (300) may also output a notification indicating that the smart ring device (200) is being connected. According to an embodiment, the external electronic device (300) may include at least one of a sensor including a light-emitting unit (e.g., a PPG sensor or an LED), a speaker, or a vibration actuator. The external electronic device (300) may provide a notification indicating that a connection with the smart ring device (200) is established by using at least one of a sensor including a light-emitting unit (e.g., a PPG sensor or an LED), a speaker, or a vibration actuator.

[0322] Although FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate examples of providing a notification indicating that a connection has been established between an external electronic device (300) and a smart ring device (200), the present invention is not limited thereto. While a notification indicating that a connection has been established between an external electronic device (300) and a smart ring device (200) is provided, the smart ring device (200) may also provide a notification indicating a connection with the external electronic device (300), as illustrated in FIGS. 21A and 21B .

[0323] Although not shown, in some embodiments, based on the establishment of a connection between an external electronic device (300) and a smart ring device (200), a notification indicating that a connection is established between the external electronic device (300) and the smart ring device (200) may be provided from another external electronic device. For example, if the external electronic device (300) and the smart ring device (200) have difficulty providing the notification, the notification may be provided through a nearby connectable device or a device connected to the external electronic device (300) and the smart ring device (200) (e.g., another external electronic device).

[0324] FIG. 24 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary smart ring device according to one embodiment.

[0325] Referring to FIG. 24, the smart ring device (200) may include a first light-emitting unit (2410) for identifying information about a user (e.g., health information). The first light-emitting unit (2410) may be an example of one or more light-emitting circuits (233-1) of a PPG sensor (233) of the smart ring device (200).

[0326] For example, the smart ring device (200) may include a second light emitting portion (not shown) to indicate a connection with an external electronic device. Light emitted from the second light emitting portion (not shown) to indicate a connection with an external electronic device may be emitted from the first side (213) and the second side (214) through a waveguide structure. The processor (210) may use the second light emitting portion (not shown) to emit light from the first side (213) and the second side (214) so ​​that a user of the smart ring device (200) can identify that a connection with an external electronic device (300) has been established even while wearing the smart ring device (200).

[0327] According to one embodiment, the processor (210) can control the first light emitting unit (2410) and the second light emitting unit (not shown) depending on the operating mode of the smart ring device (200). For example, the processor (210) can deactivate the second light emitting unit (not shown) while identifying information about the user (e.g., health information). The processor (210) can deactivate the second light emitting unit (not shown) so as to prevent interference caused by light emitted through the second light emitting unit (not shown).

[0328] FIG. 25 illustrates an example of a smart ring device that can be coupled with an external electronic device, according to one embodiment.

[0329] Referring to FIG. 25, the smart ring device (200) may include a plurality of magnetic bodies (2501). For example, the smart ring device (200) may include four magnetic bodies. The smart ring device (200) may include magnetic body (2501-1), magnetic body (2501-2), magnetic body (2501-3), and magnetic body (2501-4).

[0330] An external electronic device (2510) in the shape of a watch may include a Hall IC (2511). The external electronic device (300) may identify that a magnetic body is in contact with a surface on which the Hall IC (2511) is disposed, based on a signal identified by the Hall IC (2511). The external electronic device (2510) may identify that a smart ring device (200) is in contact with a surface on which the Hall IC (2511) is disposed, based on identifying that a magnetic body is in contact with a surface on which the Hall IC (2511) is disposed. According to an embodiment, the external electronic device (2510) may establish a connection (e.g., NFC communication connection, Bluetooth communication connection) with the smart ring device (200) to identify whether the contacted magnetic body is a magnetic body included in the smart ring device (200).

[0331] An external electronic device (2520) for providing AR services and / or VR services may include a Hall IC (2521). The external electronic device (300) may identify that a magnetic body is in contact with a surface on which the Hall IC (2521) is disposed, based on a signal identified by the Hall IC (2521). The external electronic device (2520) may identify that a smart ring device (200) is in contact with a surface on which the Hall IC (2521) is disposed, based on identifying that a magnetic body is in contact with a surface on which the Hall IC (2521) is disposed. According to an embodiment, the external electronic device (2520) may establish a connection (e.g., NFC communication connection, Bluetooth communication connection) with the smart ring device (200) to identify whether the contacted magnetic body is a magnetic body included in the smart ring device (200).

[0332] According to one embodiment, the smart ring device (200) may provide a rotation input while in contact with (or attached to) a portion of an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device (2510) or the external electronic device (2520)). For example, the structure (215) of the smart ring device (200) may rotate while the smart ring device (200) is in contact with (or attached to) a portion of the external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device (2510) or the external electronic device (2520)). The external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device (2510 or the external electronic device (2520)) may identify the rotation input based on the rotation of the structure (215).

[0333] FIG. 26 illustrates an example of a smart ring device that can be coupled with an external electronic device, according to one embodiment.

[0334] Referring to FIG. 26, the smart ring device (200) can operate while in contact with an external electronic device (2610). The external electronic device (2610) can include a Hall IC (2612). The external electronic device (2610) can use the Hall IC (2612) to identify that the smart ring device (200) is approaching the external electronic device (2610). The external electronic device (2610) can correspond to the external electronic device (2510) or the external electronic device (2520) of FIG. 25. For example, the Hall IC (2612) can be composed of two or more Hall ICs. The external electronic device (2610) can identify the direction of the rotation input through the smart ring device (200) based on the amount of change in signals acquired from the two or more Hall ICs.

[0335] According to one embodiment, when the external electronic device (2610) is configured in the shape of a watch, the external electronic device (2610) may have a Hall IC (2612) placed on one side corresponding to the display, like the external electronic device (2510) of FIG. 25. The external electronic device (2610) may use the Hall IC (2612) to identify that the smart ring device (200) is approaching (or making contact with). The external electronic device (2610) may display a screen to guide the engagement (or making contact) through the shape of the smart ring device through the display.

[0336] According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (2610) may include a coupling structure (2611) for guiding the coupling of the smart ring device (200). The coupling structure (2611) may include one or more coupling portions. According to an embodiment, in the external electronic device (2610), a magnetic body may be placed at a location where the smart ring device (200) is coupled (or a location where the coupling structure (2611) is arranged). Based on the magnetic body of the external electronic device (2610) and the magnetic body of the smart ring device (200), the smart ring device (200) may be coupled to the external electronic device (2610).

[0337] According to one embodiment, when the external electronic device (2610) is a wearable device for providing AR service and / or VR service, the external electronic device (2610) may include a protruding interface on which a smart ring device (200) may be mounted, which is disposed on the upper or side of the external electronic device (2610). The protruding interface may be configured to be fitted into a hole (270) of the smart ring device (200). The external electronic device (2610) may use a hole IC (2612) to identify a rotation input (or a rotation direction of the rotation input) of the smart ring device (200).

[0338] FIG. 27 illustrates an example of operation of a smart ring device, a first external electronic device, and a second external electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0339] Referring to FIG. 27, in operation 2711, the smart ring device (200) can establish a connection with the first external electronic device (2701). The first external electronic device (2701) can establish a connection with the smart ring device (200).

[0340] In operation 2712, the smart ring device (200) may request a connection for rotation input from the first external electronic device (2701). The smart ring device (200) may transmit a message to the first external electronic device (2701) to request a connection for rotation input. Based on the message, the smart ring device (200) may request the first external electronic device (2701) to set up an interface for rotation input.

[0341] In operation 2713, the first external electronic device (2701) may transmit a message to the smart ring device (200) to acknowledge the connection for rotation input. The smart ring device (200) may receive the message from the first external electronic device (2701) to acknowledge the connection for rotation input.

[0342] For example, the first external electronic device (2701) can identify whether a processing unit for processing a rotation input exists. Based on identifying the presence of a processing unit for processing a rotation input, the first external electronic device (2701) can transmit a message to the smart ring device (200) to confirm a connection for the rotation input.

[0343] In operation 2714, the first external electronic device (2701) can perform a function of the first external electronic device (2701) according to the rotation input of the smart ring device (200). For example, the smart ring device (200) can identify the rotation input. The smart ring device (200) can transmit information about the rotation input to the first external electronic device (2701). The first external electronic device (2701) can perform a function mapped to the rotation input based on the information about the rotation input.

[0344] According to one embodiment, when the first external electronic device (2701) establishes a connection with the smart ring device (200), the function performed according to the rotation input identified in the first external electronic device (2701) can be performed based on the rotation input of the smart ring device (200).

[0345] According to one embodiment, when a smart ring device (200) establishes a connection with a first external electronic device (2701), the smart ring device (200) may not perform a function performed according to a rotation input identified in the smart ring device (200). The smart ring device (200) may transmit information about the rotation input to the first external electronic device (2701).

[0346] According to one embodiment, the smart ring device (200) and the first external electronic device (2701) can exchange information using Bluetooth communication. For example, the smart ring device (200) and the first external electronic device (2701) can maintain a connection based on Bluetooth communication or BLE (Bluetooth low energy) communication. Based on the connection, the smart ring device (200) transmits information about a rotation input to the first external electronic device (2701), and the first external electronic device (2701) can perform a function according to the rotation input.

[0347] According to one embodiment, the smart ring device (200) and the first external electronic device (2701) can transmit and receive information based on broadcasting without a direct connection. When the broadcasting method is used, the first external electronic device (2701) can stand by in a listening mode. Based on the first external electronic device (2701) standing by in a listening mode, the power consumption for receiving information about a rotation input transmitted from the smart ring device (200) in the first external electronic device (2701) can be reduced.

[0348] According to an embodiment, the smart ring device (200) may be configured to transmit and receive information only at a designated time (or designated cycle) with the first external electronic device (2701). The first external electronic device (2701) may continuously check for the presence of the smart ring device (200) and receive various information from the smart ring device (200). According to an embodiment, the designated time (or designated cycle) for the smart ring device (200) to transmit and receive information with the first external electronic device (2701) may be dynamically changed.

[0349] In operation 2715, the smart ring device (200) may establish a connection with a second external electronic device (2702). The second external electronic device (2702) may establish a connection with the smart ring device (200).

[0350] In operation 2716, the smart ring device (200) may request a disconnection for rotation input from the first external electronic device (2701). For example, the smart ring device (200) may transmit a message to the first external electronic device (2701) for requesting a disconnection for rotation input. The first external electronic device (2701) may receive a message from the smart ring device (200) for requesting a disconnection for rotation input.

[0351] In operation 2717, the first external electronic device (2701) can deactivate a function according to a rotation input. For example, if the first external electronic device (2701) does not include a device for a rotation input, a processing unit for processing a rotation input included in the first external electronic device (2701) can be deactivated. For example, if the first external electronic device (2701) includes a device for a rotation input, at least one component (e.g., a display) for performing a function for a rotation input identified in the first external electronic device (2701) can be activated.

[0352] In operation 2718, the smart ring device (200) may request a connection for rotation input from a second external electronic device (2702). Operation 2718 may correspond to operation 2712.

[0353] In operation 2719, the second external electronic device (2702) may transmit a message to the smart ring device (200) to acknowledge the connection for rotation input. Operation 2719 may correspond to operation 2713.

[0354] In operation 2720, the second external electronic device (2702) may perform a function of the second external electronic device (2702) according to the rotation input of the smart ring device (200). Operation 2720 may correspond to operation 2714.

[0355] Figure 28 illustrates a flowchart of the operation of an external electronic device according to one embodiment. In the following embodiments, the operations may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily sequential. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. The operations described below may be performed on the external electronic device (300).

[0356] Referring to FIG. 28, in operation 2810, the external electronic device (300) (or the processor (310) of the external electronic device (300)) can identify the approach of the smart ring device (200). For example, the external electronic device (300) can identify the approach of the smart ring device (200) using a hall IC. The external electronic device (300) can identify the approach of the smart ring device (200) based on a signal identified through the hall IC.

[0357] In operation 2820, the external electronic device (300) can identify whether the smart ring device (200) is connected. The external electronic device (300) can identify whether one side of the smart ring device (200) is in contact with the external electronic device (300) using a Hall IC. The external electronic device (300) can identify whether a connection with a smart ring device (200) located within a specified distance is established.

[0358] In operation 2830, when the smart ring device (200) is connected, the external electronic device (300) may display a screen based on a first type of user interface. For example, the first type of user interface may include a user interface controllable according to a rotation input.

[0359] Although not shown, the external electronic device (300) can identify that the connection with the smart ring device (200) has been disconnected. Based on identifying that the connection with the smart ring device (200) has been disconnected, the external electronic device (300) can change the screen displayed based on the first type of user interface to the screen displayed based on the second type of user interface.

[0360] In operation 2840, when the smart ring device (200) is not connected, the external electronic device (300) may display a screen based on a second type of user interface. For example, the second type of user interface may include a user interface that is controllable based on an input that is distinct from a rotation input (e.g., a swipe input, a button input, or a pressure input).

[0361] FIG. 29 illustrates an example of the operation of a smart ring device and an external electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0362] Referring to FIG. 29, the smart ring device (200) can be connected to an external electronic device (300). When the external electronic device (300) and the smart ring device (200) are connected to each other, a series of operations (e.g., operation 2714 or operation 2720 of FIG. 27) that perform a part of the function of the external electronic device (300) based on the rotation input of the smart ring device (200) can be performed. The external electronic device (300) can identify whether the executed application supports the rotation input based on the execution of the application.

[0363] For example, a designated application running on an external electronic device (300) may support a function for rotation input. The external electronic device (300) may set a function of the designated application to be performed through rotation input based on the execution of the designated application.

[0364] For example, the designated application may be a music playback application. The external electronic device (300) may display a screen (2910) including a user interface for the designated application through the display (330). The screen (2910) may include an area (2920) for displaying a list of music to be played (2930). Within the area (2920), the display of the music list (2930) may be changed based on a rotation input of the smart ring device (200). For example, based on a rotation input according to a direction (2901) identified in the smart ring device (200), the display of the music list (2930) within the area (2920) may be moved along the direction (2911). For example, based on a rotation input along a direction (2902) identified in a smart ring device (200), a display of a music list (2930) within an area (2920) may be moved along a direction (2912).

[0365] According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (300) may indicate that the display of content (i.e., a music list (2930)) displayed in the area (2920) may be changed by a rotation input of the smart ring device (200). As an example, the external electronic device (300) may change the color of the area (2920) and / or visual objects included in the area (2920) (e.g., icons for indicating the music list (2930)).

[0366] In some embodiments, based on termination of a specified application, the external electronic device (300) may not receive information about rotation input from the smart ring device (200).

[0367] FIG. 30 illustrates an example of the operation of a smart ring device and external electronic devices according to one embodiment.

[0368] Referring to FIG. 30, the smart ring device (200) can establish a connection with an electronic device (3000). The smart ring device (200) may not be directly connected to the external electronic device (3001) and the external electronic device (3002).

[0369] The smart ring device (200) can be connected to an external electronic device (3001) and an external electronic device (3002) through the electronic device (3000). The electronic device (3000) can support a connection between the smart ring device (200) and one or more external electronic devices (e.g., the external electronic device (3001) and the external electronic device (3002)).

[0370] The electronic device (3000) can receive information about a rotation input from the smart ring device (200). The electronic device (3000) can display a screen for determining an external electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (3001) or external electronic device (3002)) to which information about the rotation input received from the smart ring device (200) will be transmitted. The electronic device (3000) can receive an input from a user for determining an external electronic device to which information about the rotation input received from the smart ring device (200) will be transmitted. The electronic device (3000) can transmit information about the rotation input received from the smart ring device (200) to an external electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (3001) or external electronic device (3002)) determined based on the received input.

[0371] According to one embodiment, either the external electronic device (3001) or the external electronic device (3002) may be tagged with the smart ring device (200). For example, if the smart ring device (200) is tagged with the external electronic device (3001), the smart ring device (200) may transmit information about the external electronic device (3001) to the electronic device (3000). The electronic device (3000) may transmit information about the rotation input to the external electronic device (3001) based on the information about the external electronic device (3001).

[0372] After the smart ring device (200) is tagged with the external electronic device (3001), the smart ring device (200) can be tagged with the external electronic device (3002). The smart ring device (200) can change the target device for information about the rotation input. The smart ring device (200) can change the target device for information about the rotation input from the external electronic device (3001) to the external electronic device (3002). The smart ring device (200) can transmit information indicating that the target device for information about the rotation input has changed from the external electronic device (3001) to the external electronic device (3002) to the electronic device (3000). The electronic device (3000) can transmit information about the rotation input to the external electronic device (3002) based on the information received from the smart ring device (200).

[0373] FIG. 31 illustrates an example of the operation of a smart ring device and external electronic devices according to one embodiment.

[0374] Referring to FIG. 31, in operation 3101, the smart ring device (200) can establish a connection with an external electronic device (300). For example, operation 3101 may correspond to operation 2711 of FIG. 27.

[0375] In operation 3102, the smart ring device (200) and the external electronic device (300) may operate in an operation mode for identifying information about the user. The smart ring device (200) may identify (or obtain) information about the user (e.g., health information) using the PPG sensor (233). The smart ring device (200) may transmit information about the user to the external electronic device (300). The external electronic device (300) may provide a service based on the information about the user.

[0376] In operation 3103, at least one of the smart ring device (200) and the external electronic device (300) can identify a connection event for a rotation input. For example, the connection event for the rotation input can include an event in which the smart ring device (200) and the external electronic device (300) come into contact with each other. For example, the connection event for the rotation input can include an event in which a specified application is executed (or activated). In response to the execution (or activation) of the specified application, the external electronic device (300) can transmit a message for a connection request to the smart ring device (200). The smart ring device (200) can transmit a message for a connection response to the external electronic device (300). The smart ring device (200) and the external electronic device (103) can establish a connection for the rotation input based on the message for the connection response.

[0377] The smart ring device (200) can activate a function for identifying a rotation input based on a connection event for the rotation input. The external electronic device (300) can activate a function for receiving information about the rotation input from the smart ring device (200) based on a connection event for the rotation input.

[0378] In operation 3104, the smart ring device (200) may request a connection for rotation input from an external electronic device (300). Operation 3104 may correspond to operation 2712 of FIG. 27.

[0379] In operation 3105, the external electronic device (300) may transmit a message to the smart ring device (200) to confirm a connection for rotation input. Operation 3105 may correspond to operation 2713 of FIG. 27.

[0380] In operation 3106, the external electronic device (300) may perform a function of the external electronic device (300) according to the rotation input of the smart ring device (200). Operation 3106 may correspond to operation 2714 of FIG. 27.

[0381] Referring to operations 3101 to 3106, even when the smart ring device (200) and the external electronic device (300) are connected, the smart ring device (200) may not transmit information about the rotation input to the external electronic device (300). For example, the smart ring device (200) may transmit information about the rotation input to the external electronic device (300) based on contact with the external electronic device (300). For example, based on a specified application being executed on the external electronic device (300), the smart ring device (200) may transmit information about the rotation input to the external electronic device (300). According to an embodiment, when the specified application is not executed, an operation specified in the system UI may be performed based on the rotation input of the smart ring device (200). In some embodiments, when a module for processing (or receiving) a rotational input exists in an application or function, the rotational input may be processed through the module when the application or function is activated.

[0382] FIG. 32 illustrates an example of the operation of a plurality of smart ring devices and an external electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0383] Referring to FIG. 32, a user may wear multiple smart ring devices and external electronic devices. For example, a user may wear a first smart ring device (3231), a second smart ring device (3232), and an external electronic device (3240).

[0384] The first smart ring device (3231) can be worn on a finger of the user's left hand (3210). The second smart ring device (3232) can be worn on a finger of the user's right hand (3220). The external electronic device (3240) can be worn on the wrist of the user's left hand (3210).

[0385] According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (3240) may provide data about the smart ring device based on the mutual directionality between the external electronic device (3240) and the smart ring device (e.g., the first smart ring device (3231) and the second smart ring device (3232)).

[0386] For example, the external electronic device (3240) may identify a device for performing a function of the external electronic device (3240) as one of the first smart ring device (3231) and the second smart ring device (3232). The external electronic device (3240) may include a rotatable wheel key (or bezel). The external electronic device (3240) may set the device for performing the function of the external electronic device (3240) as one of the first smart ring device (3231) and the second smart ring device (3232) based on the rotation of the wheel key. Based on the rotation of the wheel key in a counterclockwise direction, the first smart ring device (3231) may be selected as the device for performing the function of the external electronic device (3240). Based on the rotation of the wheel key in a clockwise direction, the second smart ring device (3232) may be selected as the device for performing the function of the external electronic device (3240).

[0387] A rotation input identified in one of the first smart ring device (3231) and the second smart ring device (3232) based on rotation of the wheel key can be mapped to at least one function of the external electronic device (3240).

[0388] According to one embodiment, a smart ring device may include a housing including an external housing portion and an at least partially transparent inner housing portion, a light emitter emitting light through the inner housing portion, a first light receiver receiving the light reflected on at least a portion of a user's finger, a second light receiver receiving the light reflected on at least a portion of the user's finger, and a processor. The processor may be configured to determine a wearing direction of the smart ring device using a first signal identified by the first light receiver and a second signal identified by the second light receiver.

[0389] According to one embodiment, the smart ring device may include a third light-receiving unit and a fourth light-receiving unit that receive the light reflected on at least a portion of the user's finger. The processor may be configured to determine the wearing direction of the smart ring device based on the first signal, the second signal, the third signal, and the fourth signal respectively (respectively) identified by the first light-receiving unit, the second light-receiving unit, the third light-receiving unit, and the fourth light-receiving unit.

[0390] According to one embodiment, the first light-receiving unit and the second light-receiving unit may be configured as a single sensor. The first light-receiving unit may include at least one photodiode associated with the sensor. The second light-receiving unit may include at least another photodiode associated with the sensor.

[0391] According to one embodiment, the first signal may include a first value corresponding to the magnitude of the light reflected from at least a portion of the finger. The second signal may include a second value corresponding to the magnitude of the light reflected from at least a portion of the finger. The processor may be configured to determine the wearing direction of the smart ring device based on the first value and the second value.

[0392] According to one embodiment, the processor may be configured to determine the wearing direction of the smart ring device based on an amount of change in the first value and an amount of change in the second value.

[0393] According to one embodiment, the processor may be configured to obtain at least one piece of biometric information using the light emitting unit, the first light receiving unit, and the second light receiving unit.

[0394] According to one embodiment, the processor may be configured to determine the wearing direction of the smart ring device based on performing a first light emission using the light emitting unit. The processor may be configured to acquire the at least one biometric information based on performing a second light emission that is distinct from the first light emission using the light emitting unit. The second light emission may differ from the first light emission in at least one of light intensity, light emission time, and light emission cycle.

[0395] According to one embodiment, the processor may be configured to determine the light intensity of an environment using the first light receiving unit or the second light receiving unit. The processor may be configured to adjust at least one of the intensity of the light emitted through the light emitting unit, the light emission time, or the light emission cycle to determine the wearing direction of the smart ring device based on the light intensity of the environment.

[0396] According to one embodiment, the processor may be configured to adjust a threshold value for determining the wearing direction of the smart ring device according to the intensity of the light in the environment.

[0397] According to one embodiment, the smart ring device may include an acceleration sensor. The processor may be configured to detect movement of the smart ring device using the acceleration sensor. The processor may be configured to determine the wearing direction of the smart ring device based on the movement of the smart ring device.

[0398] According to one embodiment, the processor may be configured to determine a direction of user input based on the determined wearing direction.

[0399] In one embodiment, the processor may be configured to identify a posture of the smart ring device using the acceleration sensor. The processor may be configured to perform an up and down scroll in response to the user input, based at least in part on a determination that the posture of the smart ring device corresponds to a first posture. The processor may further be configured to perform a left and right scroll in response to the user input, based at least in part on a determination that the posture of the smart ring device corresponds to a second posture.

[0400] In one embodiment, the processor may be configured to transmit information corresponding to the wearing direction to an external electronic device operatively connected to the smart ring device, so as to display at least one indication indicating the wearing direction on a display of the external electronic device.

[0401] According to one embodiment, the smart ring device may include a first antenna configured to emit a signal in a first direction (in), and a second antenna configured to emit the signal in a second direction different from the first direction. The processor may be configured to transmit the signal using the first antenna or the second antenna based on the wearing direction of the smart ring device.

[0402] According to one embodiment, the smart ring device may include a structure rotatable on the outer housing portion with respect to the center of a hole of the smart ring device, and a rotation detection sensor for identifying a direction of rotation of the structure.

[0403] In one embodiment, the processor may be configured to identify that the smart ring device is in contact with the housing of the external electronic device. The processor may be configured to establish a connection with the external electronic device based on identifying that the smart ring device is in contact with the housing of the external electronic device.

[0404] In one embodiment, the processor may be configured to identify a rotational input based on the rotation of the structure while the smart ring device is in contact with the housing of the external electronic device. The processor may be configured to perform a function set according to the wearing direction of the smart ring device based on the rotational input.

[0405] According to one embodiment, the smart ring device may include a touch sensor for identifying contact of the user's body on the outer housing portion. The processor may be configured to identify a rotation input based on identifying one of a first touch input maintained along a first direction on the outer housing portion and a second touch input maintained along a second direction opposite to the first direction on the outer housing portion.

[0406] According to one embodiment, a method performed by a smart ring device may include an operation of emitting light using a light emitting unit included in the smart ring device. The method may include an operation of determining a wearing direction of the smart ring device using a first signal identified based on the light reflected from at least a portion of a user's finger by a first light receiving unit included in the smart ring device and a second signal identified based on the light reflected from at least a portion of the user's finger by a second light receiving unit included in the smart ring device.

[0407] According to one embodiment, the first signal may include a first value corresponding to the magnitude of the light reflected from at least a portion of the finger. The second signal may include a second value corresponding to the magnitude of the light reflected from at least a portion of the finger. The method may include an operation of determining the wearing direction of the smart ring device based on the first value and the second value.

[0408] According to one embodiment, the method may include an operation of determining the wearing direction of the smart ring device based on an amount of change in the first value and an amount of change in the second value.

[0409] According to one embodiment, the method may include an operation of obtaining at least one piece of biometric information using the light-emitting unit, the first light-receiving unit, and the second light-receiving unit.

[0410] According to one embodiment, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium may store one or more programs. The one or more programs may include instructions that, when executed by a processor of a smart ring device having a light emitter, a first light receiver, and a second light receiver, cause the smart ring device to emit light using the light emitter. The one or more programs may include instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the smart ring device to determine a wearing direction of the smart ring device using a first signal identified based on light reflected from at least a portion of a user's finger by the first light receiver and a second signal identified based on light reflected from at least a portion of the user's finger by the second light receiver.

[0411] According to one embodiment, a smart ring device may include a housing including an external housing portion and an inner housing portion that is at least partially transparent, a light emitter that emits light through the inner housing portion, a first light receiver that receives the light reflected from at least a portion of a finger of a user, a second light receiver that receives the light reflected from at least a portion of the finger of the user, and at least one processor including a processing circuit, and a memory that stores instructions and includes one or more storage media. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the smart ring device to determine a wearing direction of the smart ring device using a first signal identified by the first light receiver and a second signal identified by the second light receiver.

[0412] For example, the smart ring device may include a third light-receiving unit and a fourth light-receiving unit that receive the light reflected on at least a portion of the user's finger. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the smart ring device to determine the wearing direction of the smart ring device based on the first signal, the second signal, the third signal, and the fourth signal respectively (respectively) identified by the first light-receiving unit, the second light-receiving unit, the third light-receiving unit, and the fourth light-receiving unit.

[0413] For example, the first light-receiving unit and the second light-receiving unit may be configured as a single sensor. The first light-receiving unit may include at least one photodiode associated with the sensor. The second light-receiving unit may include at least another photodiode associated with the sensor.

[0414] For example, the first signal may include a first value corresponding to an amount of light reflected from at least a portion of the finger. The second signal may include a second value corresponding to an amount of light reflected from at least a portion of the finger. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the smart ring device to determine the wearing direction of the smart ring device based on the first value and the second value.

[0415] For example, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the smart ring device to determine the wearing direction of the smart ring device based on an amount of change in the first value and an amount of change in the second value.

[0416] For example, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the smart ring device to acquire at least one piece of biometric information using the light emitting unit, the first light receiving unit, and the second light receiving unit.

[0417] For example, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the smart ring device to determine the wearing direction of the smart ring device based on performing a first light emission using the light emitting unit. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the smart ring device to acquire the at least one piece of biometric information based on performing a second light emission, distinct from the first light emission, using the light emitting unit. The second light emission may differ from the first light emission in at least one of an intensity of light, an emission time, or an emission cycle.

[0418] For example, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the smart ring device to determine, using the first light receiving unit or the second light receiving unit, a light intensity of an environment. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the smart ring device to adjust at least one of an intensity of the light emitted through the light emitting unit, a light emission time, or a light emission cycle to determine the wearing direction of the smart ring device based on the light intensity of the environment.

[0419] For example, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the smart ring device to adjust a threshold value for determining the wearing direction of the smart ring device depending on the light intensity of the environment.

[0420] For example, the smart ring device may include an acceleration sensor. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the smart ring device to detect movement of the smart ring device using the acceleration sensor. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the smart ring device to determine the wearing direction of the smart ring device based on the movement of the smart ring device.

[0421] For example, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the smart ring device to determine a direction of user input based on the determined wearing orientation.

[0422] For example, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the smart ring device to identify a posture of the smart ring device using the acceleration sensor. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the smart ring device to perform an up and down scroll in response to the user input, based at least in part on a determination that the posture of the smart ring device corresponds to a first posture. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the smart ring device to perform a left and right scroll in response to the user input, based at least in part on a determination that the posture of the smart ring device corresponds to a second posture.

[0423] For example, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the smart ring device to transmit information corresponding to the wearing direction to an external electronic device operatively connected to the smart ring device to represent at least one indicative indication of the wearing direction through a display of the external electronic device.

[0424] According to one embodiment, a method performed by a smart ring device may include an operation of emitting light using a light emitting unit included in the smart ring device. The method may include an operation of determining a wearing direction of the smart ring device using a first signal identified based on the light reflected from at least a portion of a user's finger by a first light receiving unit included in the smart ring device and a second signal identified based on the light reflected from at least a portion of the user's finger by a second light receiving unit included in the smart ring device.

[0425] According to one embodiment, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium may store one or more programs. The one or more programs may include instructions that, when executed by a processor of a smart ring device having a light emitter, a first light receiver, and a second light receiver, cause the smart ring device to emit light using the light emitter. The one or more programs may include instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the smart ring device to determine a wearing direction of the smart ring device using a first signal identified based on light reflected from at least a portion of a user's finger by the first light receiver and a second signal identified based on light reflected from at least a portion of the user's finger by the second light receiver.

[0426] Electronic devices according to embodiments disclosed herein 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 embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0427] The embodiments of this document and the terminology used herein 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 the 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.

[0428] In one embodiment of this document, the term "module" used 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).

[0429] One embodiment 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., an internal memory (136) or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)) 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.

[0430] According to one embodiment, the method according to one embodiment disclosed in the present 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., a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via 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.

[0431] According to one embodiment, 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 arranged in other components. According to one embodiment, 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 one embodiment, 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. For smart ring devices, A housing comprising an external housing portion and an inner housing portion that is at least partially transparent; A light emitter that emits light through the inner housing portion; A first light receiver for receiving the light reflected from at least a portion of a user's finger; A second light receiving unit that receives the light reflected from at least a part of the finger of the user; At least one processor comprising a processing circuit; and A memory storing instructions and including one or more storage media, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, Causing the smart ring device to determine the wearing direction of the smart ring device by using the first signal identified in the first light receiving unit and the second signal identified in the second light receiving unit. Smart ring device.

2. In the first paragraph, the smart ring device, Further comprising a third light-receiving unit and a fourth light-receiving unit for receiving the light reflected on at least a part of the finger of the user; The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, Causing the smart ring device to determine the wearing direction of the smart ring device based on the first signal, the second signal, the third signal, and the fourth signal respectively (respectively) identified in the first light receiving unit, the second light receiving unit, the third light receiving unit, and the fourth light receiving unit. Smart ring device.

3. In the first paragraph, the first light receiving unit and the second light receiving unit, It is configured as a single sensor, The above first light receiving unit, At least one photodiode for said sensor, The above second light receiving unit, At least one other photodiode comprising the sensor Smart ring device.

4. In the first paragraph, the first signal, a first value corresponding to the magnitude of said light reflected on at least a portion of said finger, The second signal above is, a second value corresponding to the magnitude of said light reflected from at least a portion of said finger; The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, Causing the smart ring device to determine the wearing direction of the smart ring device based on the first value and the second value. Smart ring device.

5. In the fourth paragraph, when the instructions are individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, Causing the smart ring device to determine the wearing direction of the smart ring device based on the amount of change in the first value and the amount of change in the second value. Smart ring device.

6. In the first paragraph, when the instructions are individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, Causing the smart ring device to obtain at least one piece of biometric information using the light emitting unit, the first light receiving unit, and the second light receiving unit. Smart ring device.

7. In the sixth paragraph, when the instructions are individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, Based on performing first light emission using the above light emitting unit, the wearing direction of the smart ring device is determined, Causing the smart ring device to acquire at least one biometric information based on performing a second light emission that is distinct from the first light emission using the light emitting portion; The above second emission is, At least one of the first light emission and the light intensity, light emission time, or light emission cycle is different, Smart ring device.

8. In the first paragraph, when the instructions are individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, Using the first light receiving unit or the second light receiving unit, the light intensity of the environment is determined, Causing the smart ring device to adjust at least one of the intensity of the light emitted through the light emitting portion, the light emission time, or the light emission cycle, based on the light intensity of the environment, to determine the wearing direction of the smart ring device. Smart ring device.

9. In the 8th paragraph, when the instructions are individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, Causing the smart ring device to adjust a threshold value for determining the wearing direction of the smart ring device according to the intensity of the light in the environment. Smart ring device.

10. In the first paragraph, the smart ring device, Including an acceleration sensor, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, Using the above acceleration sensor, the movement of the smart ring device is detected, Causing the smart ring device to determine the wearing direction of the smart ring device based on the movement of the smart ring device. Smart ring device.

11. In the 10th paragraph, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, Causing the smart ring device to determine the direction of user input based on the determined wearing direction. Smart ring device.

12. In the 11th paragraph, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, Using the above acceleration sensor, the posture of the smart ring device is identified, Performing an up / down scroll according to the user input based at least in part on a determination that the posture of the smart ring device corresponds to a first posture; Causing said smart ring device to perform a left-right scroll in response to said user input, based at least in part on a determination that said posture of said smart ring device corresponds to a second posture; Smart ring device.

13. In the first paragraph, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, Causing the smart ring device to transmit information corresponding to the wearing direction to the external electronic device, to represent at least one indicative indication of the wearing direction through a display of the external electronic device operatively connected to the smart ring device. Smart ring device.

14. In a method performed by a smart ring device, An operation of emitting light using a light emitting unit included in the smart ring device; and An operation of determining a wearing direction of the smart ring device by using a first signal identified based on the light reflected from at least a portion of the user's finger by a first light receiving unit included in the smart ring device and a second signal identified based on the light reflected from at least a portion of the user's finger by a second light receiving unit included in the smart ring device, method.

15. In a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing one or more programs, the one or more programs, when executed by a processor of a smart ring device having a light emitter, a first light receiving unit, and a second light receiving unit, By using the above light emitting part, light is emitted, Including instructions for causing the smart ring device to determine a wearing direction of the smart ring device by using a first signal identified based on light reflected from at least a portion of the user's finger at the first light receiving unit and a second signal identified based on light reflected from at least a portion of the user's finger at the second light receiving unit. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

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