Wearable electronic device and method for controlling same

Abstract

An electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may comprise: a first housing (210) having a fastening part at the lower end thereof; a ring-shaped second housing (220) having an accommodation part at the upper end thereof in which the fastening part of the first housing is detachably accommodated so that the first housing can be moved according to a downward pressing input to the first housing; and a processor provided in the second housing (220). The accommodation part may comprise: a fixing member for mounting the fastening part to the accommodation part; and a switch button installed at the lower end of the accommodation part. The processor enables the electronic device to perform a specified function on the basis of an on / off pattern signal of the switch button generated in response to the movement of the first housing according to the pressuring input to the first housing.

Description

Wearable electronic device and method for controlling the same

[0001] The various embodiments disclosed in this document relate to a wearable electronic device and a method for controlling the same.

[0002] With technological advancements, electronic devices are becoming smaller and more portable, while evolving to perform diverse functions and adapt to user needs. Wearable devices, which can be worn or attached directly to the user's body, are one such example.

[0003] Recently, as wearable devices that are directly attached to parts of the user's body have become widespread, there is a need to further diversify their functions and appearance.

[0004] 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-described matters constitute prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0005] An electronic device according to various embodiments may include a first housing (210) having a fastening portion at a lower end thereof, a second housing (220) having a ring-shaped receiving portion at an upper end thereof in which the fastening portion of the first housing is detachably received so as to enable movement of the first housing in response to a downward pressure input to the first housing, and a processor provided in the second housing (220). The receiving portion may include a fixing member for mounting the fastening portion to the receiving portion, and a switch button installed at a lower end of the receiving portion. The processor may cause the electronic device to perform a designated function based on an on / off pattern signal of the switch button generated in response to movement of the first housing in response to a pressure input to the first housing.

[0006] An electronic device (320) according to various embodiments may include a ring-shaped housing (320) having a receiving portion at an upper end thereof for detachably receiving a fastening portion of an external device (310) so as to enable movement of the external device (310) having a fastening portion in response to a downward pressure input to the external device, and a processor provided in the housing. The receiving portion may include a fixing member for mounting the fastening portion to the receiving portion, and a switch button installed at a lower end of the receiving portion. The processor may cause the electronic device to perform a designated function based on an on / off pattern signal of the switch button generated in response to movement of the external device in response to a pressure input to the external device. The technical problems, technical features, and effects to be achieved in the present disclosure are not limited to the technical problems, technical features, and effects mentioned above, and other technical problems, technical features, and effects not mentioned above may be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the following description.

[0007] In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar components.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an exemplary structure of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the structure of the electronic device of FIG. 4 in more detail.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an exemplary structure of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0014] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the structure of the electronic device of Fig. 6 in more detail.

[0015] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the structure of the electronic device of Fig. 5 in more detail.

[0016] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing an example of an external device fastening method for an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing an example of an external device fastening method for an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0018] Fig. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0019] Fig. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) within a network environment (100) according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 1, in the network environment (100), the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of the electronic device (104) or the server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). In 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)).

[0021] The processor (120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store result 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 an auxiliary 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 with the main processor (121). For example, when the electronic device (101) includes the main processor (121) and the auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0022] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a portion 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.

[0023] 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).

[0024] 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).

[0025] 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).

[0026] 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. In one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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).

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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).

[0032] The 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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).

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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).

[0037] 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) can 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.

[0038] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In 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). In 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 via the at least one selected antenna. In 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).

[0039] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. In 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.

[0040] 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)).

[0041] 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 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.

[0042] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 2, the electronic device (200) (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may include a finger-worn wearable device. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various types of electronic devices capable of acquiring user's biometric information or movement information by mounting various sensors such as an optical sensor (e.g., a PPG sensor) or a motion sensor may correspond to the electronic device (200) of the present invention. For example, the electronic device (200) according to various embodiments may be implemented as various wearable devices such as a body-attached device (e.g., a health patch, a digital tattoo), a clothing-type device (e.g., a smart clothing, a glove), or a band-type device (e.g., a wrist / arm / finger band, a smart ring).

[0044] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a first housing (210) and a second housing (220) that are detachably connected. The first housing (210) may be detachably fastened to an upper surface of the second housing (220) so as to be movable relative to the second housing (220) in response to a pressure input (e.g., a push pressure) in a specific direction (e.g., a downward direction or an opposite direction) when in a fastened state with the second housing (220). The structure and the attaching / detaching method of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 4 to 10. Here, the electronic device (200) is described as including both the first housing (210) and the second housing (220), but in some cases, the electronic device (200) may be manufactured to include only the second housing (220), for example, and the first housing (210) may be configured as a separate device.

[0045] The second housing (220) is implemented in a ring shape so as to surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the measurement target (e.g., a part of the user's body (e.g., a finger)) when worn, thereby preventing the electronic device (200) from being detached from the measurement target according to the movement of the measurement target.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a switch button (221), a processor (223), and a communication circuit (225) provided in a second housing (220).

[0047] According to one embodiment, the switch button (221) can be turned on and off as the first housing (210) moves relative to the second housing (220) in response to a pressure input in a designated direction while the first housing (210) is fastened to the second housing (220). The switch button (221) can generate an on-off pattern signal in response to being turned on and off and transmit the signal to the processor (223). For example, the pattern signal may be a variety of pattern signals, such as a pattern in which the switch button (221) remains on for a designated period of time (e.g., 2 seconds or more), a pattern in which it briefly turns on once and then turns off, and a pattern in which it briefly turns on and off twice repeatedly.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may further include a memory (227) (e.g., the volatile memory (132) of FIG. 1) and / or a non-volatile memory (227) (e.g., the non-volatile memory (134) of FIG. 1). The memory (227) may be electrically connected to the processor (223) and may store various instructions that may be performed by the processor (223). Such instructions may include control commands such as arithmetic and logical operations, data movement, and input / output that may be recognized by the control circuit, and may be defined on a framework stored in the memory (227). In addition, the memory (227) may store at least a portion of the program (140) of FIG. 1. In addition, the memory (227) may store information about a pre-specified pattern signal and / or information about a function of the electronic device (200) specified in response to the pre-specified pattern signal.

[0049] According to various embodiments, the processor (223) may perform operations or data processing related to control and / or communication of each component of the electronic device (200), and may include at least some of the configurations and / or functions of the processor (120) of FIG. 1. For example, the processor (223) may be electrically connected to a switch button (221), a communication circuit (225), and / or a memory (227) to control these components and / or process operations and / or data related to the operation of these components.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the processor (223) loads instructions stored in the memory (227), and controls components of the electronic device (200) to perform operations for implementing various embodiments according to the loaded instructions and / or processes operations and / or data related to the operations of these components.

[0051] The processor (223) can receive an on / off pattern signal generated according to the on / off state of the switch button (221), and control the electronic device (200) to perform a specified operation in response to the received on / off pattern signal. For example, the processor (223) can transmit a control signal to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)) (e.g., a speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (200) in response to the on / off pattern signal. For example, the external electronic device (102) can be caused to execute a specified function (e.g., camera operation, phone recording, mode switching such as do not disturb or airplane mode, control of various peripheral device functions, transmission of emergency rescue signals) through the control signal. For example, in response to a specified start pattern signal, the processor (223) can be caused to perform a standby operation to receive and process the on / off pattern signal of the switch button (221). Upon receiving a designated start pattern signal, the processor (223) of the second housing (220) can activate the input function through the first housing (210) to perform a standby operation, and then perform a function or operation control provided by the second housing (220) according to an on / off pattern signal input thereafter. Upon receiving a designated end pattern signal while the input function of the first housing (210) is activated, the processor (223) of the second housing (220) can terminate the standby operation and deactivate the input function of the first housing (210). For example, the start pattern signal and / or the end pattern signal can be pre-designated as an on / off pattern signal that maintains the switch button (221) in an on state for a designated time (e.g., 2 seconds or more).

[0052] According to various embodiments, the communication circuit (225) may include at least a part of the configuration and / or function of the communication module (190) of FIG. 1. For example, the communication circuit (225) may provide communication with various external electronic devices (e.g., the electronic device (101, 102, or 104) or the server (108) of FIG. 1) under the control of the processor (223). For example, the electronic device (200) may perform short-range wireless communication using the communication circuit (225). The electronic device (200) may communicate with at least one external electronic device (101, 102, 104, or 108) based on near field communication (NFC), Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy (BLE), WiFi Direct, and / or ultra-wideband (UWB) communication. The processor (223) can transmit a designated request signal to a designated external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101, 102, or 104) of FIG. 1 or server (108)) including a user's smart phone, for example, using a communication circuit (225) as a designated function based on a pattern signal input through a switch button (221).

[0053] Figure 3 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 3, the electronic device (320) (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may include a finger-worn wearable device. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various types of electronic devices capable of acquiring a user's biometric information or movement information by mounting various sensors, such as an optical sensor (e.g., a PPG sensor) or a motion sensor, may correspond to the electronic device (320) of the present invention.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (320) may be detachably connected to an external device (310). The electronic device (320) may correspond to the second housing (220) of FIG. 2, and the external device (310) may correspond to the first housing (210) of FIG. 2. In the description of the drawings described below, the configuration of the electronic device (320) may include the configuration of the second housing (220) even if not mentioned separately. The external device (310) may be detachably connected to the upper surface of the electronic device (320) so as to be movable relative to the electronic device (320) according to a pressure input in a designated direction when in a state of being connected to the electronic device (320). The appearance, structure, and attachment / detachment method of the electronic device (320) and the external device (310) will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 4 to 10.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (320) may include a switch button (321), a processor (323), a communication circuit (325), a memory (327), and a battery (329).

[0057] According to one embodiment, the switch button (321) can be turned on and off as the external device (310) moves relative to the electronic device (320) in response to a pressure input in a designated direction while the external device (310) is connected to the electronic device (320). The switch button (321) can generate an on-off pattern signal in response to being turned on and off and transmit the signal to the processor (323). For example, the pattern signal can be various pattern signals designated in advance, such as a pattern in which the switch button (321) remains on for a designated period of time (e.g., 2 seconds or more), a pattern in which it briefly turns on once and then turns off, and a pattern in which it briefly turns on and off twice repeatedly.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the memory (327) may be electrically connected to the processor (323) and may store various instructions that may be executed by the processor (323). In addition, the memory (327) may store at least a portion of the program (140) of FIG. 1. In addition, the memory (327) may store information about a pre-specified pattern signal and / or information about a function of a designated electronic device (320) in response to a pre-specified pattern signal.

[0059] According to various embodiments, the processor (323) may perform calculations or data processing related to control and / or communication of each component of the electronic device (320), and may include at least some of the configurations and / or functions of the processor (120) of FIG. 1. For example, the processor (323) may be connected to a battery (329) to receive power, and may be electrically connected to a switch button (321), a communication circuit (325), and / or a memory (327) to control these components and / or process calculations and / or data related to the operation of these components.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the processor (323) loads instructions stored in the memory (327), and controls components of the electronic device (320) to perform operations for implementing various embodiments according to the loaded instructions and / or processes operations and / or data related to the operations of these components.

[0061] The processor (323) can receive an on / off pattern signal generated according to the on / off state of the switch button (321), and control the electronic device (320) to perform a specified operation in response to the received on / off pattern signal. For example, the processor (323) can transmit a control signal to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101 or 102)) (e.g., a speaker, a headphone, or a smartphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (320) in response to the on / off pattern signal. For example, the external electronic device can be made to perform a specified function (e.g., camera operation, phone recording, mode switching such as do not disturb or airplane mode, control of various peripheral device functions, transmission of an emergency rescue signal) through the control signal. For example, in response to a specified start pattern signal, the processor (323) can be made to perform a standby operation to receive and process the on / off pattern signal of the switch button (321). Upon receiving a designated start pattern signal, the processor (323) disposed in the electronic device (320) can activate an input function through an external device (310) to perform a standby operation, and then perform a function or operation control provided by the electronic device (320) according to an on / off pattern signal input thereafter. Upon receiving a designated end pattern signal while the input function of the external device (310) is activated, the processor (323) of the electronic device (320) can terminate the standby operation and deactivate the input function by the external device (310). For example, the start pattern signal and / or the end pattern signal can be pre-designated as an on / off pattern signal that maintains the switch button (321) in an on state for a designated time (e.g., 2 seconds or more).

[0062] According to one embodiment, the communication circuit (325) may include at least a part of the configuration and / or function of the communication module (190) of FIG. 1. For example, the communication circuit (325) may provide communication with various external electronic devices (e.g., the electronic device (101, 102, or 104) or the server (108) of FIG. 1) under the control of the processor (323). For example, the electronic device (320) may perform short-range wireless communication using the communication circuit (325). The electronic device (320) may communicate with at least one external electronic device (101, 102, 104, or 108) based on near field communication (NFC), Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy (BLE), WiFi Direct, and / or ultra-wideband (UWB) communication. The processor (323) can transmit a designated request signal to a designated external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101, 102, or 104) of FIG. 1 or server (108)) including the user's smart phone, for example, using a communication circuit (325) as a designated function based on a pattern signal input through a switch button (321).

[0063] According to one embodiment, the external device (310) may include one or more of a battery (311), a sensor (313), or a light source (315).

[0064] The battery (311) can be charged with power, for example, through a solar panel provided in an external device (310), or can be charged with power wirelessly from an external power source. The battery (311) can supply power to a sensor (313) or a light source (315), or can supply power to an electronic device (320) through an electric line connected to the electronic device (320). The sensor (313) can include various types of sensors capable of detecting the movement of the electronic device (320), such as a gyro sensor or an acceleration sensor. The light source (315) can be applied with digital lighting, for example, a light emitting diode (LED) or electroluminescence (EL).

[0065] The sensor (313) or the light source (315) can operate by receiving power from the battery (311) of the external device (310) or the battery (329) of the electronic device (320). The sensor (313) or the light source (315) can be connected to the processor (323) of the electronic device (320) and operate under the control of the processor (323). The sensor (313) can obtain various sensor information and provide the obtained sensor information to the processor (323) of the electronic device (320).

[0066] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary structure of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2 or the external device (310) and electronic device (320) of FIG. 3) according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of the structure of the electronic device of FIG. 4 in more detail.

[0067] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2 or the electronic device (320) of FIG. 3) is implemented in a ring shape as illustrated so as to wrap at least a portion of an outer surface of a measurement target (e.g., a part of the user's body (e.g., a finger)) when worn, so that the electronic device does not come off from the measurement target depending on the movement of the measurement target.

[0068] The electronic device may include a first housing (210) and a second housing (220) as illustrated in FIG. 2. The first housing (210) may correspond to the external device (310) of FIG. 3, and the second housing (220) may correspond to the electronic device (320) of FIG. 3. Hereinafter, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) illustrated in FIG. 2 will be described as examples, but the following description may also be applied to the external device (310) and the electronic device (320) illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0069] The first housing (210) can be detachably fastened to the second housing (220). The first housing (210) can have a fastening portion (1) at its lower end, and the second housing (220) can have a receiving portion (3) at its upper end that can receive the fastening portion (1). The receiving portion (3) provided in the second housing (220) can have a fixing member (11) for receiving the fastening portion (1) of the first housing (210) and mounting or fastening it to the second housing (220).

[0070] The first housing (210) is capable of moving in response to a pressure input (e.g., push pressure) in a direction (e.g., downward or opposite direction) toward the second housing (220) while being fastened to the second housing (220). The second housing (220) is provided with a switch button (5) (e.g., switch button (221 or 321) of FIG. 2 or 3) arranged at the lower end of the receiving portion (3), and as the first housing (210) moves in response to a pressure input pattern for the first housing (210), the switch button (5) can be implemented to turn on and off and generate an on / off pattern signal.

[0071] The fastening portion (1) of the first housing (210) may be provided with an external fastening portion (7) that is fastened in close contact with the receiving portion (3) of the second housing (220), and an internal fastening portion (9) that penetrates the external fastening portion (7) to enable the first housing (210) to move. When the fastening portion (1) of the first housing (210) is received in the receiving portion (3) of the second housing (220), the external fastening portion (7) may be fastened with a fixing member (11) provided in the receiving portion (3), thereby allowing the first housing (210) to be fastened to the second housing (220). When the external fastening part (7) is received in the receiving part (3) and the first housing (210) is fastened to the second housing (220), by a pressure input to the upper end (20) of the first housing (210), the internal fastening part (9) can slide along the inner surface of the external fastening part (7) to move the first housing (210) relative to the upper end of the second housing (220). As the internal fastening part (9) moves, the upper end of the switch button (5) of the second housing (220) can be pressed to turn the switch button (5) on and off. The internal fastening part (9) can include an elastic member (13) at its lower end. As the pressure on the first housing (210) is applied, the internal fastening member (9) moves downward, and the switch button (5) can be turned on by compressing the elastic member (13), and as the pressure on the first housing (210) is removed, the elastic member (13) can be extended, and the switch button (5) can be turned off.

[0072] The first housing (210) may be implemented to include one or more electrical structures (23) (e.g., a battery (311), a sensor (313), and / or a light source (315)) in the upper portion (20). When the battery (311) is placed in the first housing (210), a solar panel (25) may be additionally provided to charge the battery (311).

[0073] The second housing (220) may include a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) (19). The FPCB (19) may be manufactured in a bent shape according to the shape of the second housing (220). The second housing (220) may include a battery (21) (e.g., a battery (329) of FIG. 3) mounted on the FPCB (19) and interconnected, a processor (e.g., a processor (223 or 323) of FIG. 2 or 3), and / or a communication circuit (e.g., a communication circuit (225 or 325) of FIG. 2 or 3). The processor may be connected to a switch button (5) through the FPCB (19) to receive an on / off pattern signal.

[0074] The first housing (210) may include an electric line or signal line (15). The second housing (220) may include an electric line or signal line (17). When the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are connected, the electric line or signal line (15) of the first housing (210) is connected to the electric line or signal line (17) of the second housing (220) at the contact (16), thereby interconnecting one or more electric structures (23) of the first housing (210) and the processor or battery (21) of the second housing.

[0075] If the first housing (210) includes a battery (23), it can be implemented to charge power through, for example, a solar panel (25) and provide power to an electrical structure such as a processor of the second housing (220) through an interconnected electrical line. If the first housing (210) includes a sensor (313), it can be implemented to transmit generated sensor information to the processor of the second housing (220) through an interconnected signal line. If the first housing (210) includes a light source (315), it can receive a control signal from the processor of the second housing (220) through an interconnected signal line and operate. The electrical structure (23) of the first housing (210) (e.g., a sensor (313) or a light source (315)) can be implemented to receive power from the battery (21) of the second housing (220) through an interconnected electrical line.

[0076] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary structure of an electronic device according to one embodiment. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of the structure of the electronic device of Fig. 6 in more detail. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of the structure of the electronic device of Fig. 6 in more detail.

[0077] As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2 or the electronic device (320) of FIG. 3) is implemented in a ring shape as illustrated so as to wrap at least a portion of an outer surface of a measurement target (e.g., a part of the user's body (e.g., a finger)) when worn, so that the electronic device does not come off from the measurement target depending on the movement of the measurement target.

[0078] The electronic device may include a first housing (210) and a second housing (220) as illustrated in FIG. 2. The first housing (210) may correspond to the external device (310) of FIG. 3, and the second housing (220) may correspond to the electronic device (320) of FIG. 3. Hereinafter, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) illustrated in FIG. 2 will be described as examples, but the following description may also be applied to the external device (310) and the electronic device (320) illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0079] The first housing (210) can be detachably fastened to the second housing (220). The first housing (210) can have a fastening portion (1) at its lower end, and the second housing (220) can have a receiving portion (3) at its upper end that can receive the fastening portion (1). The receiving portion (3) provided in the second housing (220) can have a fixing member (29) for receiving the fastening portion (1) of the first housing (210) and mounting or fastening it to the second housing (220).

[0080] The first housing (210), when fastened to the second housing (220), can move (e.g., move up and down) according to a pressure input in a direction (e.g., downward) toward the second housing (220). The second housing (220) is provided with a switch button (5) (e.g., switch button (221 or 321) of FIG. 2 or 3) arranged at the lower end of the receiving portion (3), and as the first housing (210) moves according to a pressure input pattern for the first housing (210), the switch button (5) can be implemented to turn on and off and generate an on / off pattern signal.

[0081] The receiving portion (3) of the second housing (220) may include, for example, a first portion (27) including the switch button (5) in the central region of the receiving portion (3). The receiving portion (3) may include a second portion (23) arranged in the edge region of the first portion (27).

[0082] In a state where the first housing (210) is fastened to the second housing (220), the lower end of the fastening portion (1) of the first housing (210) can be implemented in a form that can be in close contact with the upper end of the first part (27) and the upper end of the second part (23).

[0083] The second part (23) of the above-described receiving portion (3) may be provided with an elastic member (25) at its lower portion. The elastic member (25) of the second part (23) may be compressed downwards of the second housing (220) according to the pressure applied to receive the fastening portion (1) of the first housing (210) in the receiving portion (3) of the second housing (220), thereby lowering the second part (23) to form an empty space, and the fastening portion (1) may be seated in the formed empty space. As the fastening portion (1) is seated in the receiving portion (3), the fastening portion (1) may be mounted to the receiving portion (3) by a fixing member (e.g., a pogo pin (29 and / or 30)).

[0084] As the first housing (210) is pressed in the direction of the second housing (220), the first part (27) can move in response to the interval at which the first housing (210) moves, thereby generating an on / off pattern signal of the switch button (5).

[0085] The first housing (210) may be implemented to include one or more electrical structures (37) (e.g., a battery (311), a sensor (313), and / or a light source (315)) in the upper portion (40). When the battery (311) is placed in the first housing (210), a solar panel (38) may be additionally provided to charge the battery (311).

[0086] The second housing (220) may include a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) (35). The FPCB (35) may be manufactured in a bent shape according to the shape of the second housing (220). The second housing (220) may include an electrical structure (41 or 43) such as a battery (e.g., a battery (329) of FIG. 3), a processor (e.g., a processor (223 or 323) of FIG. 2 or 3), and / or a communication circuit (e.g., a communication circuit (225 or 325) of FIG. 2 or 3)) mounted on the FPCB (35) and interconnected therewith. The processor may be connected to a switch button (5) through the FPCB (35) to receive an on / off pattern signal.

[0087] The first housing (210) may include an electric line (31) and / or a signal line (32). The second housing (220) may include an electric line (33) and / or a signal line (34). When the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are fastened, the electric line (31) and / or the signal line (32) of the first housing (210) are connected to the electric line (33) and / or the signal line (34) of the second housing (220) via the pogo pins (29 and / or 30), thereby interconnecting one or more electric structures (37) of the first housing (210) and one or more electric structures (41 or 43) (e.g., a processor or a battery) of the second housing (220).

[0088] If the first housing (210) includes a battery (37) (e.g., battery (329) of FIG. 3), it can be implemented to charge power by, for example, having a solar panel (38) and provide power to an electrical structure such as a processor of the second housing (220) through an interconnected electrical line. If the first housing (210) includes a sensor (313), it can be implemented to transmit the generated sensor information to the processor of the second housing (220) through an interconnected signal line. If the first housing (210) includes a light source (315), it can be implemented to receive a control signal from the processor of the second housing (220) through an interconnected signal line and operate. The electrical structure (37) of the first housing (210) (e.g., sensor (313) or light source (315)) can be implemented to receive power from the battery (41 and / or 43) of the second housing (220) through an interconnected electrical line.

[0089] Fig. 8 may illustrate a pogo pin connector structure. Referring to Fig. 8, the receiving portion (3) of the second housing (220) may include two or more pogo pins (29 and / or 30) protruding from its side toward the fastening portion (1). The fastening portion (1) may include two or more grooves (55) at positions corresponding to the two or more pogo pins (29 and / or 30). The two or more grooves (55) formed in the fastening portion (1) may receive the two or more pogo pins (29 and / or 30) of the receiving portion (3), respectively, and engage with each other, thereby allowing the fastening portion (1) to be fastened to the receiving portion (3).

[0090] The two or more grooves (55) may allow the pogo pins (29 and / or 30) to move relative to the first housing (210) by a specified distance according to a pressure input to the first housing (210). The two or more grooves (55) may be formed to be larger vertically than the cross-section of the heads (51) of the two or more pogo pins (29 and / or 30) to correspond to the distance, and may accommodate the two or more pogo pins (29 and / or 30) (heads (51)), respectively. The above pogo pin (29 and / or 30) includes a spring structure (53) and compresses and expands in response to pressure for fastening or detaching the fastening portion (1) of the first housing (210) to or from the receiving portion (3) of the second housing (220), thereby allowing the head (51) to be mounted in or detached from the groove (55), thereby allowing the first housing (210) to be fastened to or detached from the second housing (220).

[0091] The heads (51) of the two or more pogo pins (29 and / or 30) and the two or more grooves (55) provided in the above-described fastening portion (1) can apply an electrical material to the mutually contacting surfaces so that electricity or an electrical signal can be transmitted using the mutually contacting surfaces as a contact point. The two or more pogo pins (29 and / or 30) and the two or more grooves (55) provided in the above-described fastening portion (1) can ensure that, despite movement of the pogo pins (29 and / or 30) while the pogo pins (29 and / or 30) are accommodated in the grooves (55), the signal line (31) and / or the electric line (32) connected to the pogo pins (29 and / or 30) within the first housing (210) and the signal line (33) or the electric line (34) connected to the two or more grooves (55) within the second housing (220) are always connected to each other.

[0092] In a state where the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are connected, the electric line (31) and / or the signal line (32) of the first housing (210) are constantly connected to the electric line (33) and / or the signal line (34) of the second housing (220) through the pogo pins (29 and / or 30) and the grooves (55), so that one or more electric structures (37) of the first housing (210) and one or more electric structures (41 or 43) (e.g., a processor or a battery) of the second housing (220) can be constantly connected.

[0093] FIGS. 9 and 10 are drawings showing examples of an external device fastening method for an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0094] As illustrated in FIG. 9, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2) may include a first housing (210) and a second housing (220). The first housing (210) may correspond to the external device (310) of FIG. 3, and the second housing (220) may correspond to the electronic device (320) of FIG. 3.

[0095] The first housing (210) can be detachably fastened to the second housing (220). The first housing (210) can be fastened to the second housing (220) by having a fastening portion (e.g., fastening portion (1) of FIGS. 4 to 7) at the bottom thereof and being received in a receiving portion (23 and 27) provided at the top of the second housing (220) (e.g., receiving portion (3) of FIGS. 4 to 7).

[0096] As pressure is applied to the upper side of the second housing (220) on the first housing (210), the second part (e.g., the first part (23) of FIG. 6 or FIG. 7) constituting the receiving portion (3) at the upper side of the second housing (220) descends to form an empty space, and the fastening portion (1) of the first housing (210) can be seated in the formed empty space.

[0097] The fastening portion (1) of the first housing (210) can be fastened to the receiving portion (3) of the second housing (220) through a twisting motion in a designated direction (approximately 45 degrees clockwise swivel) while the fastening portion (1) of the first housing (210) is received in the receiving portion (3) of the second housing (220).

[0098] The second part (23) of the above-described receiving portion (3) may have an elastic member (25) at its lower portion. The elastic member (25) of the second part (23) may be compressed downwards of the second housing (220) according to the pressure applied to receive the fastening portion (1) of the first housing (210) in the receiving portion (3) of the second housing (220), thereby lowering the second part (23) to form an empty space, and the fastening portion (1) may be seated in the formed empty space. After the fastening portion (1) is seated in the receiving portion (3) according to a push motion, a fixing member (e.g., a pogo pin (29 and / or 30) of FIG. 9) formed in the receiving portion (3) is mounted in a groove (e.g., a groove (55) of FIG. 9) formed in the fastening portion (1) according to a swivel motion, thereby fastening the first housing (210) and the second housing (220).

[0099] In a state where the first housing (210) is fastened to the second housing (220), two or more grooves (55) of the fastening portion (1) can be detached from the pogo pins (29 and / or 30) by a motion of twisting the first housing (210) in the opposite direction to the fastening motion (approximately 45 degrees counterclockwise swivel). Thereafter, by a motion of lifting the first housing (210) upward or a motion of removing pressure, the fastening portion (1) of the first housing (210) can be detached from the receiving portion (3) of the second housing (220), thereby detaching the first housing (210) from the second housing (220).

[0100] The second part (23) of the above-mentioned receiving portion (3) can have its upper part raised by the extension of the elastic member (25) provided at its lower part, thereby forming a surface substantially identical to the upper part of the first part (27).

[0101] In a state where the first housing (210) is detached from the second housing (220), the first part (27) and the upper surface of the second part (23) of the second housing (220) can be raised so that they form substantially the same surface as the upper surface of the second housing (220).

[0102] As illustrated in FIG. 10, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2) may include a first housing (210) and a second housing (220). The first housing (210) may correspond to the external device (310) of FIG. 3, and the second housing (220) may correspond to the electronic device (320) of FIG. 3.

[0103] The first housing (210) can be detachably fastened to the second housing (220). The first housing (210) can be fastened to the second housing (220) by having a fastening portion (e.g., fastening portion (1) of FIGS. 4 to 7) provided at the lower end thereof be received in a receiving portion (23 and 27) provided at the upper end of the second housing (220) (e.g., receiving portion (3) of FIGS. 4 to 7).

[0104] By a motion of pushing the first housing (210) from the side of the second housing (220) toward the second housing (220) or a motion of sliding it by a specified distance, the body part (1) of the first housing (210) can be inserted and seated within the receiving part (3) at the top of the second housing (220).

[0105] The fastening portion (1) of the first housing (210) can be fastened to the receiving portion (3) of the second housing (220) through a sliding motion in a designated direction while the fastening portion (1) of the first housing (210) is received in the receiving portion (3) of the second housing (220).

[0106] The above-described receiving portion (3) may include a fixing member (e.g., a pogo pin (29 and / or 30) of FIG. 9) described in FIGS. 4 to 8 formed to protrude from its side surface. According to a lateral pressure that causes the fastening portion (1) of the first housing (210) to be received in the receiving portion (3) of the second housing (220), the fastening portion (1) slides within the upper receiving portion (3) of the second housing (220), and, for example, the pogo pin (29 and / or 30) is mounted in a groove (e.g., a groove (55) of FIG. 9) formed in the fastening portion (1) of the first housing (210), thereby fastening the first housing (210) and the second housing (220).

[0107] In a state where the first housing (210) is fastened to the second housing (220), the detachment button (61) provided in the second housing (220) can be pressed to detach two or more grooves (55) of the fastening portion (1) from the pogo pins (29 and / or 30). Then, by sliding the first housing (210) in the opposite direction from when it was fastened, the fastening portion (1) of the first housing (210) can be separated from the receiving portion (3) of the second housing (220), thereby detaching the first housing (210) from the second housing (220).

[0108] FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (200 or 320) of FIG. 2 or FIG. 3) according to one embodiment.

[0109] According to one embodiment, a processor of an electronic device (e.g., a processor (223 or 323) of FIG. 2 or 3) may receive an on-off pattern signal generated when a switch button (e.g., 321) of a second housing (e.g., a second housing (210) of FIG. 2) or an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (320) of FIG. 3) is turned on and off in response to a pressure pattern input to, for example, a first housing (e.g., a first housing (210) of FIG. 2) or an external device (e.g., an external device (310) of FIG. 3), and control the electronic device to perform a specified operation in response to the received on-off pattern signal.

[0110] In operation 1101, the processor may receive a specified start pattern signal. The start pattern signal may include, for example, an on-off pattern signal in which a switch button is kept on for a specified period of time (e.g., 2 seconds or more).

[0111] In operation 1103, the processor may perform an operation of activating a pattern signal reception function from a switch button in response to receiving a specified start pattern signal and waiting for reception of the pattern signal. For example, in response to the specified start pattern signal, the processor may enter a waiting operation for receiving and processing an on / off pattern signal of the switch button. For example, in response to receiving the specified start pattern signal, the processor may activate an input function via the first housing or an external device.

[0112] In operation 1105, the processor can determine whether a specified on-off pattern signal is input from a switch button while performing a standby operation. The processor can activate an input function upon receipt of the specified pattern signal to perform the standby operation, and control the operation according to the input of the pattern signal received during the standby operation, thereby preventing malfunctions due to unintended pressure being applied to the first housing or an external device.

[0113] In operation 1107, when the input of the specified pattern signal is confirmed, the processor can control the electronic device to perform a specified function in response to the specified pattern signal. For example, the processor can perform a function or operation control provided by the electronic device in response to the subsequently input on-off pattern signal. For example, in response to the specified on-off pattern signal, a control signal can be transmitted to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101, 102, 104, or 108)) (e.g., a smartphone, a speaker, or a headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device. For example, in response to the specified on-off pattern signal, the external electronic device can be requested to perform a specified function (e.g., camera operation, phone recording, mode switching such as do not disturb or airplane mode, controlling various peripheral device functions, transmitting an emergency relief signal) through the specified control signal.

[0114] FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (200 or 320) of FIG. 2 or FIG. 3) according to one embodiment.

[0115] According to one embodiment, a processor of an electronic device (e.g., processor (223 or 323) of FIG. 2 or 3) may receive an on-off pattern signal generated as a switch button (e.g., 321) is turned on and off in response to a pressure pattern input to, for example, a first housing (e.g., first housing (210) of FIG. 2) or an external device (e.g., external device (310) of FIG. 3), and transmit a request signal to the external electronic device to perform a specified function in response to the specified on-off pattern signal.

[0116] In operation 1201, the processor may determine that an electronic device (e.g., a smart ring) is worn on an object, such as a user's finger. For example, the processor may determine that the smart ring is worn based on sensor information received from a sensor provided in the electronic device, the first housing, or an external device.

[0117] In operation 1203, the processor may receive a designated start pattern signal while the smart ring is worn. The start pattern signal may include, for example, an on-off pattern signal in which a switch button is kept on for a designated period of time (e.g., 2 seconds or more).

[0118] In operation 1205, the processor may transmit a specified function start signal to a specified external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101, 102, 104, or 108)) (e.g., a smartphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device in response to receiving a specified start pattern signal. For example, the specified function start signal may include a control signal requesting the external electronic device to start a specified function. For example, the processor may transmit a signal to the external electronic device requesting the external electronic device to perform an operation that executes a dedicated application that provides a control function for the electronic device or provides a user interface (UI or UX) that provides the control function as the specified function. In operation 1207, the external electronic device may perform an operation that executes a dedicated application that provides a control function for the electronic device or provides a user interface (UI or UX) that provides the control function in response to receiving the start signal. For example, the electronic device may be controlled through a dedicated application or a user interface running on the external electronic device in response to inputting the specified start pattern signal.

[0119] In operation 1209, the processor may determine that a specified end pattern signal is input from the switch button. For example, the end pattern signal may be pre-specified as an on-off pattern signal that keeps the switch button in an on state for a specified period of time (e.g., 2 seconds or more).

[0120] In operation 1211, the processor may transmit a signal requesting termination of a specified function to an external electronic device upon input of a specified termination pattern signal. In operation 1213, the external electronic device may terminate the specified function in response to the termination request signal received from the electronic device. For example, when the electronic device is controlled through a dedicated application or user interface running on the external electronic device, and the processor receives a termination pattern signal from a switch button, the processor may transmit a termination signal for the specified function to the external electronic device in response to the input of the termination pattern signal. For example, the external electronic device receiving the termination signal may terminate the dedicated application or terminate providing the user interface.

[0121] According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (101 and / or 200) of FIG. 1 or 2) may include a first housing (210) having a fastening part (e.g., a fastening part (1) of FIGS. 4 to 10) at a lower end, a second housing (220) in a ring shape having a receiving part (e.g., a receiving part (3) of FIGS. 4 to 10) at an upper end in which the fastening part of the first housing is detachably received so that the first housing can move according to a downward pressure input to the first housing, and a processor (e.g., a processor (120 or 223) of FIG. 1 or 2) provided in the second housing (220). The receiving part may include a fixing member (e.g., a fixing member (11) of FIG. 4) for mounting the fastening part to the receiving part and a switch button (a switch button (221, 223) of FIG. 2 or 4) installed at a lower end of the receiving part. 5)) may be included. The processor may cause the electronic device to perform a specified function based on an on / off pattern signal of the switch button that is generated in response to movement of the first housing according to a pressure input to the first housing.

[0122] According to various embodiments, the processor may perform a standby operation for receiving and processing an on / off pattern signal of the switch button based on reception of a start pattern signal in which the switch button is turned on for a specified period of time or longer.

[0123] According to various embodiments, the processor may cause the electronic device to perform the specified function based on an on / off pattern signal of the switch button received during the standby operation.

[0124] According to various embodiments, the second housing (220) further includes a communication circuit (e.g., a communication circuit (225) of FIG. 2), and the processor can transmit a designated function execution request signal to an external electronic device through the communication circuit based on reception of a start pattern signal in which the switch button is turned on for a designated period of time or longer.

[0125] According to various embodiments, the processor may transmit a designated function termination request signal to the external electronic device through the communication circuit based on receiving a termination pattern signal in which the switch button is turned on for a designated period of time or longer while the designated function is being executed in the external electronic device.

[0126] According to various embodiments, the first housing further includes at least one of a sensor, a battery, or a light source, and as the fastening portion is fixed to the receiving portion by the fixing member, a signal line or an electric line between at least one of the sensor, the battery, or the light source provided in the first housing and the processor provided in the second housing (220) can be connected through a close contact portion of the fastening portion and the receiving portion.

[0127] According to various embodiments, the receiving portion may include two or more pogo pins protruding from the side in a spring structure, and the fastening portion may include two or more grooves that are formed to be larger in a specified direction than a head cross-section of the pogo pin corresponding to the distance so that the pogo pins can move by a specified distance relative to the first housing in response to a pressure input to the first housing, and each of the two or more pogo pins is accommodated.

[0128] According to various embodiments, the pogo pin and the groove can interconnect a signal line or electric line connected to the pogo pin within the first housing and a signal line or electric line connected to the groove within the second housing (220), even when the pogo pin is accommodated in the groove and moves.

[0129] According to various embodiments, the receiving portion may include a first portion including the switch button, and a second portion that is compressed as the fastening portion fastens the first housing to the second housing (220) to receive the fastening portion of the first housing.

[0130] According to various embodiments, when the first housing is connected to the second housing (220), the upper end of the first part is in close contact with the lower end of the first housing, and when the first part moves in response to the distance at which the first housing moves in response to a pressure input toward the second housing (220) for the first housing, an on / off pattern signal of the switch button can be generated.

[0131] According to various embodiments, when the first housing is detached from the second housing (220), the upper surfaces of the first portion and the second portion of the second housing (220) may be raised to form substantially the same surface as the upper surface of the second housing (220).

[0132] According to various embodiments, the fastening member may include an elastic member that is compressed and stretched to allow the first housing to move in response to a pressure input of the first housing.

[0133] According to various embodiments, the receiving portion may include an elastic member that is compressed and stretched to allow the first housing to move in response to a pressure input of the first housing.

[0134] According to various embodiments, the fastening member may be received in the receiving member and engaged with the catch, in response to a pressure input and a swivel motion toward the upper side of the second housing (220) relative to the first housing, so that the first housing is fastened to the second housing (220).

[0135] According to various embodiments, the fastening member may be received in the receiving member in a sliding manner and engaged with the catch so that the first housing is fastened to the second housing (220).

[0136] According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 101 and / or 320 of FIG. 1 or 3) may include a ring-shaped housing having a receiving portion at an upper end thereof for detachably receiving a fastening portion of an external device, such that movement of the external device is possible in response to a downward pressure input to the external device having the fastening portion, and a processor provided in the housing. The receiving portion may include a fixing member for mounting the fastening portion to the receiving portion, and a switch button installed at a lower end of the receiving portion. The processor may cause the electronic device to perform a specified function based on an on / off pattern signal of the switch button generated in response to movement of the external device in response to a pressure input to the external device.

[0137] According to various embodiments, the processor may perform a standby operation for receiving and processing an on / off pattern signal of the switch button based on reception of a start pattern signal in which the switch button is turned on for a specified period of time or longer.

[0138] According to various embodiments, the processor may cause the electronic device to perform the specified function based on an on / off pattern signal of the switch button received during the standby operation.

[0139] According to various embodiments, the housing further includes a communication circuit, and the processor can transmit a designated function execution request signal to an external electronic device through the communication circuit based on reception of a start pattern signal in which the switch button is turned on for a designated period of time or longer.

[0140] According to various embodiments, the processor may transmit a designated function termination request signal to the external electronic device through the communication circuit based on receiving a termination pattern signal in which the switch button is turned on for a designated period of time or longer while the designated function is being executed in the external electronic device. The electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be a device of various forms. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance device. The electronic device according to the embodiments of the present document is not limited to the above-described devices.

[0141] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (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.

[0142] The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0143] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., 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.

[0144] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0145] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0146] The embodiments disclosed in this document are merely examples presented to facilitate easy explanation and understanding of the technical content, and are not intended to limit the scope of the technology disclosed in this document. Therefore, the scope of the technology disclosed in this document should be interpreted to include all modifications or variations derived based on the technical concepts of the various embodiments disclosed in this document, in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. In electronic devices, A first housing (210) having a fastening member at the bottom; A second housing (220) in the shape of a ring, which has a receiving portion at the top in which the fastening portion of the first housing is detachably received so that the first housing can move according to a downward pressure input to the first housing; and A processor provided in the second housing (220) is included; The above-mentioned receiving area is, A fixing member for mounting the above-mentioned fastening member to the above-mentioned receiving member; and Including a switch button installed at the bottom of the above-mentioned receiving portion; The above processor causes the electronic device to perform a specified function based on an on / off pattern signal of the switch button that occurs in response to movement of the first housing according to a pressure input to the first housing. device.

2. In paragraph 1, The above processor is a device that performs a standby operation for receiving and processing an on-off pattern signal of the switch button based on reception of a start pattern signal in which the switch button is turned on for a specified period of time or longer.

3. In paragraph 2, The above processor is a device that causes the electronic device to perform the designated function based on the on / off pattern signal of the switch button received during the standby operation.

4. In paragraph 2, It further includes a communication circuit provided in the second housing (220), The above processor is a device that transmits a signal requesting execution of a specified function to an external electronic device through the communication circuit based on reception of a start pattern signal in which the switch button is turned on for a specified period of time or longer.

5. In paragraph 4, The above processor is a device that transmits a request signal for terminating the specified function to the external electronic device through the communication circuit based on receiving a termination pattern signal in which the switch button is on for a specified period of time or longer while the specified function is being executed in the external electronic device.

6. In paragraph 1, It further includes one or more of the sensors, batteries or light sources provided in the first housing (210). A device in which a signal line or electric line between at least one of the sensor, the battery or the light source provided in the first housing and the processor provided in the second housing (220) is connected through a close contact portion of the fastening portion and the receiving portion by the fastening portion being fixed to the receiving portion by the fixing member.

7. In paragraph 1, The above-mentioned receiving portion includes two or more pogo pins protruding from the side with a spring structure; The above fastening member is a device including two or more grooves each accommodating two or more pogo pins, which are formed to be larger in a specified direction than the head cross-section of the pogo pin corresponding to the distance so that the pogo pin can move a relatively specified distance relative to the first housing (220) according to a pressure input to the first housing (210).

8. In paragraph 7, The pogo pin and the groove are a device that interconnects a signal line or electric line connected to the pogo pin within the first housing (210) and a signal line or electric line connected to the groove within the second housing (220), even when the pogo pin moves while being accommodated in the groove.

9. In paragraph 1, The above-mentioned receiving area is, A first part including the above switch button; and A device including a second portion that is compressed as the fastening portion fastens the first housing (210) to the second housing (220) and receives the fastening portion of the first housing; 10. In paragraph 9, A device in which, when the first housing (210) is connected to the second housing (220), the upper end of the first portion is in close contact with the lower end of the first housing (210), and the first portion moves in response to the interval at which the first housing moves in response to a pressure input toward the second housing (220) for the first housing (210), an on-off pattern signal of the switch button is generated.

11. In paragraph 9, A device in which, when the first housing (210) is separated from the second housing (220), the upper surfaces of the first portion and the second portion of the second housing (220) are raised to form substantially the same surface as the upper surface of the second housing (220).

12. In paragraph 1, The above-mentioned fastening member is a device including an elastic member that is compressed and stretched so that the first housing (210) can move according to the pressure input of the first housing.

13. In paragraph 1, The above-mentioned receiving portion is a device including an elastic member that is compressed and stretched so that the first housing (210) can move according to a pressure input of the first housing (210).

14. In paragraph 1, The above fastening member is a device that is received in the receiving member and is fastened with the fixing member according to a pushing motion and a swivel motion toward the upper side of the second housing (220) with respect to the first housing (210), so that the first housing (210) is fastened with the second housing (220).

15. In electronic devices, A ring-shaped housing (320) having a receiving portion at the top for detachably receiving the fastening portion of the external device (310) so that the external device can move according to a downward pressure input to the external device (310) having the fastening portion; and A processor provided in the housing; The above-mentioned receiving area is, A fixing member for mounting the above-mentioned fastening member to the above-mentioned receiving member; and Including a switch button installed at the bottom of the above-mentioned receiving portion; The above processor causes the electronic device to perform a specified function based on an on / off pattern signal of the switch button that occurs in response to movement of the external device according to a pressure input to the external device. device.

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