Accessory device used together with electronic device
The accessory device addresses communication and power supply challenges by using a single NFC antenna and a power supply circuit to improve communication quality and ensure efficient power distribution for electronic device accessories.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/KR2024/015812
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-12-22
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-17
- Publication Date
- 2025-05-30
AI Technical Summary
Existing accessory devices for electronic devices often suffer from reduced communication quality between the electronic device and external devices due to the presence of antennas between them, leading to potential authentication and power supply issues.
The accessory device incorporates a single antenna for Near Field Communication (NFC) to enhance communication quality between the electronic device and external devices, while also utilizing a power supply circuit and linear regulators to obtain power from the electronic device and provide it to internal components.
The single antenna configuration improves communication quality by reducing signal interference, and the power supply circuit ensures efficient power distribution for the accessory device's components, enhancing overall performance and functionality.
Smart Images

Figure KR2024015812_30052025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Accessory devices used with electronic devices
[0001] The descriptions below relate to electronic devices (or accessory devices used with portable electronic devices).
[0002] An accessory device may be used to carry or protect an electronic device (or portable electronic device). For example, the accessory device may include a compartment or receptacle for storing the electronic 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-described matters constitute prior art related to the present disclosure.
[0004] An accessory device is described. The accessory device may be for use with an electronic device. The accessory device may include a receptacle having a bottom wall and side walls extending from the bottom wall. The bottom wall and the side walls may define an internal volume having a size and shape to receive the electronic device. The accessory device may include an antenna for near field communication (NFC) embedded within the bottom wall. The accessory device may include a power supply circuit embedded within the bottom wall and connected to the antenna, the power supply circuit being usable for obtaining power for components of the accessory device from the electronic device positioned within the receptacle via the antenna. The accessory device may include a first linear regulator embedded within the bottom wall and connected to the power supply circuit. The accessory device may include a second linear regulator embedded within the floor wall and connected to the power supply circuit. The accessory device may include an integrated circuit embedded within the floor wall and connected to the antenna, connected to the power supply circuit via the first linear regulator, and including wireless communication circuitry for NFC. One or more nodes connecting the power supply circuit and the antenna may also be connected to the integrated circuit. The accessory device may include a circuit connected to the power supply circuit via the second linear regulator and usable for providing information.
[0005] An accessory device is described. The accessory device may be for use with an electronic device. The accessory device may include a housing having a bottom wall and side walls extending from the bottom wall. The bottom wall and the side walls may define an internal volume having a size and shape to receive the electronic device. The accessory device may include an antenna for near field communication (NFC) embedded within the bottom wall. The accessory device may include a power supply circuit embedded within the bottom wall, coupled to the antenna, and usable to obtain power for components of the accessory device from the electronic device positioned within the housing via the antenna. The accessory device may include a switch embedded within the bottom wall. One or more nodes connecting the power supply circuit and the antenna may also be coupled to the switch. The accessory device may include an integrated circuit embedded within the floor wall and connectable to the antenna via the switch, the integrated circuit including wireless communication circuitry for NFC and a memory. The memory may store instructions that cause the integrated circuit to control the switch to set the state of the switch to a first state that disconnects the integrated circuit from the antenna, and to control the switch to set the state of the switch to a second state that connects the integrated circuit to the antenna.
[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an accessory device including multiple antennas for near field communication (NFC).
[0007] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an accessory device including a single antenna for NFC.
[0008] Figures 3 through 6 are simplified block diagrams of an accessory device including a single antenna usable to assist communication between an electronic device and an external electronic device.
[0009] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.
[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an accessory device including multiple antennas for near field communication (NFC).
[0011] Referring to FIG. 1, the accessory device (100) may be designed for use with an electronic device (170) (or portable electronic device (170)) (e.g., a smartphone or tablet computing device).
[0012] The accessory device (100) may include a receptor (102) (or compartment (102)). The receptor (102) may include a wall (104) (or a bottom wall (104). For example, the receptor (102) may include one or more openings (106) positioned within a location corresponding to one or more cameras of the electronic device (170). The receptor (102) may include one or more side walls (108) extending from the wall (104) (e.g., side wall (108a), side wall (108b), side wall (108c), and / or side wall (108d). For example, the wall (104) and the one or more side walls (108) may define an internal volume having a size and shape that receives the electronic device (170). For example, the receptor (102) may have a size and shape corresponding to the size and shape of the electronic device (170). An internal volume containing a shape can be formed. For example, the accessory device (100) can hold or carry an electronic device (170) within the receptor (102).
[0013] In one embodiment, the accessory device (100) may include a cover (114). For example, the cover (114) may be connected to the receptacle (102) by a hinge (118). The hinge (118) may allow relative movement between the cover (114) and the receptacle (102). For example, while the accessory device (100) is in an open state as illustrated in FIG. 1, the cover (114) may be rotated relative to the receptacle (102) to conceal or protect an electronic device (170) positioned within the receptacle (102). For example, the accessory device (100) may be in an open state or a closed state to conceal or protect an electronic device (170) positioned within the receptacle (102). It should be noted that the receiver (102) may be referred to as a receiving portion (102) or a first portion (102) and the cover (114) may be referred to as a front cover (114), a flap (114), a front cover (114), or a second portion (114).
[0014] The accessory device (100) may include components for wireless communication. For example, the accessory device (100) may include wireless communication circuitry (not shown in FIG. 1) for NFC. For example, the accessory device (100) may include multiple antennas embedded within the receiver (102) (or embedded within the wall (104). At least one of the multiple antennas may be for NFC. The multiple antennas may be included within the accessory device (100) for communication between the electronic device (170) and the accessory device (100). For example, the multiple antennas may include a first antenna (130) and a second antenna (140). For example, each of the first antenna (130) and the second antenna (140) may be a coil formed with a conductive pattern.
[0015] For example, the first antenna (130) may be used for authentication purposes. For example, the first antenna (130) may be used to receive an authentication request from the electronic device (170). For example, the authentication request may be transmitted from the electronic device (170) to determine within the electronic device (170) whether the accessory device (100) was made by the manufacturer of the electronic device (170) and / or an approved third-party accessory device manufacturer. For example, the authentication request may be transmitted via an antenna included within the electronic device (170) for NFC. For example, the wireless communication circuitry may obtain the authentication request received via the first antenna (130). For example, the wireless communication circuitry may transmit authentication information (or an authentication response) via the first antenna (130) in response to the authentication request. For example, the first antenna (130) may be used to transmit the authentication information. For example, the electronic device (170) may receive the authentication information transmitted through the first antenna (130) and, based on the received authentication information, determine whether the accessory device (100) was manufactured by the manufacturer of the electronic device (170) and / or an approved third-party accessory device manufacturer.
[0016] For example, the second antenna (140) may be used to obtain power for components of the accessory device (100) from the electronic device (170), unlike the first antenna (130) which is used for receiving the authentication request and transmitting the authentication information. For example, the second antenna (140) may be used to receive a signal (or a radio frequency (RF) signal) transmitted from the electronic device (170). For example, the signal may be transmitted from the electronic device (170) via an antenna included in the electronic device (170) for NFC. As a non-limiting example, the antenna of the electronic device (170) used to transmit the signal may be the same as the antenna of the electronic device (170) used to transmit the authentication request. For example, the accessory device (100) may include a power supply circuit (not shown in FIG. 1) connected to the second antenna (140). For example, the power supply circuit can obtain the power from the signal received from the electronic device (170) via the second antenna (140). For example, at least a portion of the power can be provided to the wireless communication circuit to obtain the authentication request and transmit the authentication information. For example, the wireless communication circuit can use at least a portion of the power to obtain the authentication request and transmit the authentication information via the first antenna (130). For example, the accessory device (100) can (further) include a display (120) embedded within the cover (114). For example, the display (120) can display information obtained from a memory (not shown in FIG. 1) within the accessory device (100) (in the closed state). For example, at least a portion of the power can be provided to the display (120) for the display of the information.For example, the display (120) can display the information using at least a portion of the power.
[0017] For example, the electronic device (170) may communicate with an external electronic device (180) associated with the vehicle via NFC. For example, the communication between the electronic device (170) and the external electronic device (180) may be performed (or executed) for a digital car key stored in the electronic device (170) (or installed in the electronic device (170). For example, the digital car key may be used to lock a door of the vehicle, unlock the door, start the vehicle, and / or turn off the vehicle. For example, a user may tag the electronic device (170) located within the receiver (102) to the external electronic device (180) to unlock the door of the vehicle, such as in state (190). For example, the quality of the communication between the electronic device (170) within the receptor (102) and the external electronic device (180) that is performed (or executed) for the unlocking of the door while the electronic device (170) within the receptor (102) is tagged to the external electronic device (180) may be reduced due to the first antenna (130) (and / or the second antenna (140)) positioned between the antenna of the electronic device (170) and the antenna of the external electronic device (180). As a non-limiting example, the quality of the communication between the electronic device (170) within the receptor (102) and the external electronic device (180) may be reduced because the transmission frequency of the signal transmitted from the electronic device (170) positioned within the receptor (102) for the unlocking of the door is shifted by the first antenna (130). As a non-limiting example, the reception frequency of a signal received by the electronic device (170) located within the receptor (102) from the external electronic device (180) for the release of the lock of the door may be shifted by the first antenna (130), and therefore the quality of the communication between the electronic device (170) within the receptor (102) and the external electronic device (180) may be reduced.The reduction in the quality of the communication between the electronic device (170) within the receptor (102) and the external electronic device (180) may cause the door to not be unlocked while the electronic device (170) within the receptor (102) is tagged to the external electronic device (180), which may cause inconvenience to the user.
[0018] The accessory device exemplified by the descriptions below may include a single antenna for NFC, unlike the accessory device (100) which includes multiple antennas (e.g., a first antenna (130) and a second antenna (140)) for the quality of the communication between the electronic device (170) within the receiver (102) and the external electronic device (180). For example, the single antenna may be used to assist the communication between the electronic device (170) and the external electronic device (180) performed via NFC. For example, the single antenna may be used to boost a signal transmitted from the electronic device (170) via NFC according to the coupling between the single antenna and an antenna of the electronic device (170) (an antenna for NFC). For example, the single antenna may be used to perform authentication with the electronic device (170) via NFC. For example, the single antenna may be used to obtain power for components within the accessory device.
[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an accessory device including a single antenna for NFC.
[0020] Referring to FIG. 2, the accessory device (200) may be designed for use with an electronic device (170) (or portable electronic device (170)) (e.g., a smartphone or tablet computing device). By way of non-limiting example, the accessory device (200) may include a material (or materials), such as leather, plastic, synthetic leather, and / or silicone.
[0021] The accessory device (200) may include a receptor (202) (or compartment (202)). The receptor (202) may include a wall (204) (or a bottom wall (204). For example, the receptor (202) may include one or more openings (206) positioned within a location corresponding to one or more cameras of the electronic device (170). The receptor (202) may include one or more side walls (208) extending from the wall (204) (e.g., side wall (208a), side wall (208b), side wall (208c), and / or side wall (208d). For example, the wall (204) and the one or more side walls (208) may define an internal volume having a size and shape that receives the electronic device (170). For example, the receptor (202) may have a size and shape corresponding to the size and shape of the electronic device (170). An internal volume including a shape can be formed. For example, the accessory device (200) can enclose at least a portion of the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202). As a non-limiting example, the accessory device (200) can include a button (212) positioned on a side wall (208b). The button (212) can be positioned on the side wall (208b) within a location corresponding to a button on the electronic device (170) when the electronic device (170) is positioned within the receiver (202). For example, the button (212) can be positioned such that a user can press the button (212) to press the button on the electronic device (170).
[0022] As a non-limiting example, the accessory device (200) may further include a cover (214). The cover (214) may be connected to the receptacle (202) by a hinge (218). The hinge (218) may allow relative movement between the cover (214) and the receptacle (202). For example, while the accessory device (200) is in an open state as illustrated in FIG. 2, the cover (214) may be rotated relative to the receptacle (202) via the hinge (218) to conceal or protect an electronic device (170) positioned within the receptacle (202). For example, the accessory device (200) may be in an open state or a closed state to conceal or protect an electronic device (170) positioned within the receptacle (202). It should be noted that the receiver (202) may be referred to as a receiving portion (202) or a first portion (202) and the cover (214) may be referred to as a front cover (214), a flap (214), a front cover (214), or a second portion (214).
[0023] The accessory device (200) may include components for wireless communication. For example, the components may be used for communication with an electronic device (170) coupled to the accessory device (200) within the receiver (202). For example, the components may be used for communication between the electronic device (170) and an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device (180) of FIG. 1).
[0024] For example, the accessory device (200) may include an integrated circuit (222) that includes wireless communication circuitry for NFC. For example, the integrated circuit (222) may be embedded within a wall (204). For example, the wireless communication circuitry may include wireless communication circuitry for NFC, but is not limited thereto. For example, the wireless communication circuitry may include wireless communication circuitry for Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy (BLE), and / or Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity).
[0025] For example, the accessory device (200) may include an antenna (224), which is a single antenna embedded within the receiver (202) (or embedded within the wall (204). For example, the antenna (224) may be for NFC, but is not limited thereto. For example, the antenna (224) may be for Bluetooth, BLE, and / or Wi-Fi. As a non-limiting example, the antenna (224) may be a coil formed of conductive wire.
[0026] For example, the antenna (224) may be used for authentication purposes. For example, the antenna (224) may be used to receive an authentication request from the electronic device (170). For example, the authentication request may be transmitted from the electronic device (170) to determine within the electronic device (170) whether the accessory device (200) was manufactured by the manufacturer of the electronic device (170) and / or an approved third-party accessory device manufacturer. For example, the authentication request may be transmitted via an antenna included within the electronic device (170). For example, the integrated circuit (222) may utilize the wireless communication circuitry to obtain the authentication request received via the antenna (224). For example, the integrated circuit (222) may transmit authentication information (or authentication response) via the antenna (224) using the wireless communication circuit in response to the authentication request. For example, the antenna (224) may be used for transmitting the authentication information. For example, the electronic device (170) may receive the authentication information transmitted via the antenna (224) and determine, based on the received authentication information, whether the accessory device (200) was manufactured by the manufacturer of the electronic device (170) and / or an approved third-party accessory device manufacturer. For example, the accessory device (200) may include a memory that stores instructions for receiving the authentication request and transmitting the authentication information. As a non-limiting example, the memory may be embedded within the wall (204). As a non-limiting example, the memory may be contained within an integrated circuit (222) embedded within a wall (204). As a non-limiting example, the memory may also be embedded within a cover (214).
[0027] For example, the antenna (224) may be used to facilitate communication between an electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) and an external electronic device, such as the external electronic device (180). For example, the antenna (224) may be used to boost a signal radiated from an antenna of the electronic device (170) to (or toward) the external electronic device. As a non-limiting example, the antenna (224) may be coupled with the antenna of the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) to facilitate communication between the electronic device (170) and the external electronic device that is in contact on a different side of the wall (204) that is opposite the side of the wall (204) that at least partially contacts the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202). As a non-limiting example, the frequency of a signal radiated (toward the external electronic device) from the antenna of the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) through the antenna (224) may be about 13.56 megahertz (MHz). As a non-limiting example, the resonant frequency of the antenna (224) may be slightly or marginally higher than 13.56 (MHz). For example, the resonant frequency may be about 14 (MHz). As a non-limiting example, at least a portion of the antenna (224) may overlap with the antenna of the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) for coupling between the antenna (224) and the antenna of the electronic device (170). As a non-limiting example, the antenna (224) may be a coil (e.g., a coil formed of conductive wire) having a boost pattern for coupling between the antenna (224) and the antenna of the electronic device (170). As a non-limiting example, the length of the coil, which is an antenna (224), may be longer than the length of another coil, which is an antenna of the electronic device (170).As a non-limiting example, the number of loops that the coil, which is the antenna (224), has may be greater than the number of loops that the other coil, which is the antenna of the electronic device (170), has.
[0028] For example, the antenna (224) may be used to obtain power for components of the accessory device (200) from the electronic device (170). For example, the antenna (224) may be used to receive a signal (or a radio frequency (RF) signal) transmitted from the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202). For example, the signal may be transmitted from the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) via an antenna included within the electronic device (170) for NFC. For example, the antenna of the electronic device (170) used to transmit the signal may be the same as the antenna of the electronic device (170) used to transmit the authentication request, or may be different from the antenna of the electronic device (170) used to transmit the authentication request. For example, the accessory device (200) may include a power supply circuit (shown later) connected to the antenna (224). As a non-limiting example, the power supply circuit may be embedded within the wall (204). For example, the power supply circuit may obtain the power from the signal received via the antenna (224) from the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202). For example, at least a portion of the power may be provided to the integrated circuit (222) to obtain the authentication request and transmit the authentication information. For example, the integrated circuit (222) may use at least a portion of the power to obtain the authentication request and to transmit the authentication information via the antenna (224) using at least a portion of the power. For example, the accessory device (200) may (further) include a circuit usable for providing information. As a non-limiting example, the accessory device (200) may (further) include a display (220) embedded within the cover (214) with the circuit.For example, the circuit may provide information obtained from a memory within the accessory device (200) (and / or received from the electronic device (170) via the antenna (224). For example, the display (220) may display information obtained from the memory within the accessory device (200) (and / or received from the electronic device (170) via the antenna (224)) (within the closed state). As a non-limiting example, the memory may be embedded within the wall (204). As a non-limiting example, the memory may be included within an integrated circuit (222) embedded within the wall (204). As a non-limiting example, the memory included within the integrated circuit (222) may include one or more storage media (or one or more storage devices) including a register and / or cache memory. As a non-limiting example, the memory may be embedded within the cover (214). For example, the memory may further store (at least temporarily) instructions executable by the integrated circuit (222). For example, the memory may store (at least temporarily) instructions that cause the integrated circuit (222) to perform (execute) the operations exemplified below. For example, at least a portion of the power may be provided to the circuit to provide the information. For example, at least a portion of the power may be provided to the display (220) to display the information. For example, the display (220) may display the information using at least a portion of the power. As a non-limiting example, providing the information may be performed based on determining (or verifying) that the accessory device (200) is made by the manufacturer of the electronic device (170) and / or an approved third-party accessory device manufacturer based on the authentication information.
[0029] The accessory device (200) may further include a target (226) embedded within the wall (204). For example, the target (226) may be detected by an electronic device (170) positioned within the receiver (202). As a non-limiting example, the target (226) may be a magnet that emits an external magnetic field detectable by a magnetic field sensor (e.g., a Hall sensor) of the electronic device (170). For example, the target (226) may trigger at least some of the operations of the electronic device (170) and / or the accessory device (200). As a non-limiting example, when the electronic device (170) is positioned within the receiver (202) and detects the target (226), communication may be initiated (triggered) between the electronic device (170) and the accessory device (200). As a non-limiting example, the communication may include an exchange of the authentication request and the authentication information. As a non-limiting example, the state of the wireless communication circuitry within the integrated circuit (222) may be changed (or transitioned) from an inactive state (or normally off state) to an active state (or wake up state) in response to a request initiated (or transmitted) from the electronic device (170) when the electronic device (170) is positioned within the receptor (202) and detects a target (226).
[0030] As described above, the antenna (224) may be used for communication between the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) and the accessory device (200), and for communication between the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) and the external electronic device. For example, the antenna (224) may further be used to obtain power for components within the accessory device (200) from the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202). The accessory device (200) may include components for supporting the functions of the antenna (224) exemplified above. The components may be implemented in various ways. The components implemented in various ways are described within the description of FIGS. 3 to 6 .
[0031] Figures 3 through 6 are simplified block diagrams of an accessory device including a single antenna usable to assist communication between an electronic device and an external electronic device.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 3, the accessory device (200) may be implemented as an accessory device (200-1). The accessory device (200-1) may include an integrated circuit (222-1) and an antenna (224).
[0033] The antenna (224) can be used for communication between the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) and the accessory device (200-1). The antenna (224) can be used to assist communication between the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) and an external electronic device.
[0034] For example, the communication between the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) and the accessory device (200-1) performed (or executed) via the antenna (224) may include the exchange of authentication requests and authentication information as exemplified in the description of FIG. 2.
[0035] For example, an electronic device (170) positioned within a receptor (202) can detect a target (226). As a non-limiting example, the electronic device (170) can detect the target (226) based on receiving (or sensing) (or identifying) an external magnetic field from the target (226), which is a magnet, using a magnetic field sensor of the electronic device (170). For example, the electronic device (170) can recognize (or identify) (or confirm) that the electronic device (170) is positioned within the receptor (202) based on the detection.
[0036] For example, the electronic device (170) within the receptor (202) may transmit the authentication request through an antenna of the electronic device (170) (e.g., an antenna of the electronic device (170) for NFC) based on the detection. As a non-limiting example, the electronic device (170) within the receptor (202) may transmit a signal (or RF signal) indicating the authentication request through the antenna of the electronic device (170) according to a reader / writer mode (e.g., a mode operating as an NFC reader) among the modes for NFC. As a non-limiting example, the reader / writer mode may be activated (or initiated) (or triggered) based on the detection.
[0037] For example, the integrated circuit (222-1) may receive the authentication request from the electronic device (170) via the antenna (224). For example, the integrated circuit (222-1) may transmit the authentication information via the antenna (224) in response to (or based on) the authentication request received via the antenna (224). As a non-limiting example, the authentication information may indicate the serial number of the accessory device (200-1), the color of the accessory device (200-1), and / or the material of the accessory device (200-1), or the authentication information may include data related to the serial number of the accessory device (200-1), the color of the accessory device (200-1), and / or the material of the accessory device (200-1). As a non-limiting example, the authentication information may be stored (at least temporarily) in the memory of the accessory device (200-1). As a non-limiting example, the memory may include a register and / or cache memory included in one or more processing circuits included in the integrated circuit (222-1). For example, the integrated circuit (222-1) may, in response to (or based on) receiving the authentication request via the antenna (224), obtain (or read) the authentication information from the memory within the accessory device (200-1) and transmit a signal including the obtained authentication information via the antenna (224). As a non-limiting example, the integrated circuit (222-1) may transmit the authentication information via the antenna (224) using at least a portion of the power obtained from the signal including the authentication request. As a non-limiting example, the memory of the accessory device (200-1) may store instructions that cause the integrated circuit (222-1) to receive the authentication request and transmit the authentication information, as well as the authentication information.As a non-limiting example, the instructions may be executed by the integrated circuit (222-1) (or a processing circuit (or control circuit) within the integrated circuit (222-1). As a non-limiting example, the memory of the accessory device (200-1) may be embedded within the receiver (202). As a non-limiting example, the memory of the accessory device (200-1) may be included within the integrated circuit (222-1) embedded within the receiver (202).
[0038] For example, the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) may receive the authentication information via the antenna of the electronic device (170). As a non-limiting example, the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) may receive the authentication information via the antenna of the electronic device (170) depending on the reader / writer mode. For example, the electronic device (170) may determine, based on the authentication information, whether the accessory device (200-1) was made by the manufacturer of the electronic device (170) and / or an authorized third-party accessory device manufacturer. As a non-limiting example, the electronic device (170) may recognize, based on the authentication information, that the accessory device (200-1) was made by the manufacturer of the electronic device (170) and / or an authorized third-party accessory device manufacturer.
[0039] For example, the antenna (224) used for the communication between the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) and the accessory device (200-1) may further be used to assist communication between the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) and an external electronic device. For example, the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) may transmit a signal to the external electronic device that is at least partially adjacent to or in contact with another side of the wall (204) opposite to the side of the wall (204) that is at least partially in contact with the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202). As a non-limiting example, the signal may be transmitted from the electronic device (170) according to a card emulation mode among the modes for NFC. For example, the signal may be transmitted to the external electronic device through the antenna of the electronic device (170) and the antenna (224) coupled with the antenna of the electronic device (170). For example, the signal radiated from the antenna of the electronic device (170) may be boosted by the antenna (224) coupled with the antenna of the electronic device (170). For example, the antenna (224) may be coupled with the antenna of the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) so that the signal transmitted from the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) has an enhanced reception quality within the external electronic device.
[0040] As a non-limiting example, the transmission frequency of the signal transmitted to the external electronic device via the antenna of the electronic device (170) and the antenna (224) while the electronic device (170) is positioned within the receiver (202) may be shifted from the transmission frequency of the signal transmitted to the external electronic device via only the antenna of the electronic device (170) while the electronic device (170) is positioned outside the receiver (202).
[0041] As a non-limiting example, the transmission frequency of the signal transmitted to the external electronic device through the antenna of the electronic device (170) and the antenna (224) while the electronic device (170) is positioned within the receptacle (202) may be about 14 (MHz) shifted from about 13.56 (MHz) which is the transmission frequency of the signal transmitted through the antenna of the electronic device (170) while the electronic device (170) is positioned outside the receptacle (202). As a non-limiting example, the resonant frequency of the antenna (224) may be slightly (or marginally) higher than 13.56 (MHz). For example, the resonant frequency may be about 14 (MHz).
[0042] As a non-limiting example, the transmission frequency of the signal transmitted to the external electronic device via the antenna and antenna (224) of the electronic device (170) while the electronic device (170) is positioned within the receptacle (202) may be about 13.56 (MHz), which is the transmission frequency of the signal transmitted via the antenna of the electronic device (170) while the electronic device (170) is positioned outside the receptacle (202). As a non-limiting example, the electronic device (170) within the receptacle (202) may, based on detection of a target (226), acquire the signal on a different transmission frequency (e.g., about 14 (MHz)) that is shifted from the transmission frequency (e.g., about 13.56 (MHz)) of the signal transmitted to the external electronic device from the electronic device (170) positioned outside the receptacle (202), and transmit the signal on the different transmission frequency via the antenna of the electronic device (170). As a non-limiting example, the signal on the other transmission frequency may be acquired based on the detection and the authentication information. For example, the other transmission frequency (e.g., about 14 (MHz)) of the signal transmitted to the external electronic device may be shifted by the antenna (224) to the transmission frequency (e.g., about 13.56 (MHz)). For example, the transmission frequency of the signal transmitted through the antenna and antenna (224) of the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) may be substantially the same as the transmission frequency of the signal transmitted through the antenna of the electronic device (170) outside the receiver (202). For example, the electronic device (170) may (at least temporarily) store instructions for the operations for the shifting exemplified above within a memory of the electronic device (170). The above instructions may be executed by a processing circuit of an electronic device (170) (e.g., a processor (720) of FIG. 7).
[0043] As a non-limiting example, the signal transmitted to the external electronic device via the antenna (224) of the electronic device (170) while the electronic device (170) is positioned within the receiver (202) may be transmitted in response to another signal transmitted from the external electronic device to the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202). For example, the another signal may be received from the external electronic device via the antenna (224) and the antenna of the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202). As a non-limiting example, the another signal may be boosted by the antenna (224) coupled with the antenna of the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202). For example, the antenna (224) may be coupled with the antenna of the electronic device (170) within the receptor (202) such that the signal transmitted from the external electronic device to the electronic device (170) within the receptor (202) has enhanced reception quality within the electronic device (170) within the receptor (202).
[0044] As a non-limiting example, the accessory device (200-1) may (further) include one or more impedance matching circuits connected to the antenna (224) to set a resonant frequency of the antenna (224) (or a transmission frequency of a signal transmitted through the antenna (224). For example, the accessory device (200-1) may include, as the one or more impedance matching circuits, a first impedance matching circuit (301) connected to the antenna (224) and a second impedance matching circuit (302) connected to the antenna (224) via the first impedance matching circuit (301). As a non-limiting example, the one or more impedance matching circuits may be embedded within the wall (204).
[0045] As a non-limiting example, the accessory device (200-1) may (further) include a filter (303) for signals received from the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) (e.g., the signal including the authentication request) and / or signals transmitted to the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) (e.g., the signal including the authentication information). For example, the filter (303) may be used to transmit a signal on a frequency (or frequencies) within a reference frequency range via the antenna (224) and / or to acquire a signal on a frequency (or frequencies) within the reference frequency range within the integrated circuit (222-1) via the antenna (224). As a non-limiting example, the filter (303) may be embedded within the wall (204).
[0046] As described above, the accessory device (200-1) may include an antenna (224), which is a single antenna, to support communication between the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) and the accessory device (200-1), as well as communication between the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) and an external electronic device.
[0047] For example, since the antenna (224) is used for both communication between the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) and the accessory device (200-1) and communication between the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) and an external electronic device, one or more components (e.g., one or more impedance matching circuits and switches) may be required to shift (or adjust) (or change) (or set) the resonant frequency of the antenna (224). Such one or more components are exemplified in the description of FIG. 4.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 4, the accessory device (200) may be implemented as an accessory device (200-2). In one embodiment, the accessory device (200-2) may include an integrated circuit (222-2), an antenna (224), a power supply circuit (400), a first impedance matching circuit (401), a second impedance matching circuit (402), a switch (404), and a linear regulator (410) (or a low dropout (LDO) (410)). As a non-limiting example, the power supply circuit (400), the first impedance matching circuit (401), the second impedance matching circuit (402), the switch (404), and / or the linear regulator (410) may be embedded within a wall (204). As a non-limiting example, the linear regulator (410) may also be included within the power supply circuit (400). For example, the power supply circuit (400) may be connected to the antenna (224). For example, the integrated circuit (222-2) may be connected to the antenna (224). For example, one or more nodes (490) connecting the antenna (224) to the power supply circuit (400) may also be connected to the integrated circuit (222-2). The path from the antenna (224) may be split into a path to the power supply circuit (400) and a path to the integrated circuit (222-2) via the one or more nodes (490).
[0049] For example, the power supply circuit (400) and the integrated circuit (222-2) may be in parallel with the antenna (224).
[0050] The antenna (224) can be used for communication between the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) and the accessory device (200-2). The antenna (224) can be used to assist communication between the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) and an external electronic device.
[0051] For example, the communication between the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) and the accessory device (200-2) performed (or executed) via the antenna (224) may include the exchange of authentication requests and authentication information as exemplified in the description of FIG. 2.
[0052] For example, an electronic device (170) positioned within a receptor (202) can detect a target (226). As a non-limiting example, the electronic device (170) can detect the target (226) based on receiving (or sensing) (or identifying) an external magnetic field from the target (226), which is a magnet, using a magnetic field sensor of the electronic device (170). For example, the electronic device (170) can recognize (or identify) (or confirm) that the electronic device (170) is positioned within the receptor (202) based on the detection.
[0053] For example, the electronic device (170) within the receptor (202) may, based on the detection, transmit one or more signals (or one or more RF signals) via an antenna of the electronic device (170) (e.g., an antenna of the electronic device (170) for NFC). As a non-limiting example, the one or more signals may be transmitted from the electronic device (170) according to the reader / writer mode among the modes for NFC. As a non-limiting example, the reader / writer mode may be triggered, initiated, or activated based on the detection.
[0054] For example, the one or more signals may be received via the antenna (224). As a non-limiting example, the one or more signals may include a signal including the authentication request, as exemplified below. As a non-limiting example, the one or more signals may be received while the integrated circuit (222-2) and the second impedance matching circuit (402) are disconnected from the antenna (224) via the switch (404). For example, the one or more signals may be received via the antenna (224) connected to the first impedance matching circuit (401) among the first impedance matching circuit (401) and the second impedance matching circuit (402). For example, the power supply circuit (400) may obtain power from the one or more signals. For example, at least a portion of the power may be used to activate (or operate) the integrated circuit (222-2). For example, at least a portion of the power may be used to control the switch (404). For example, at least a portion of the power may be provided to the integrated circuit (222-2) from the power supply circuit (400) through the linear regulator (410). For example, the integrated circuit (222-2) may be activated, initiated, or operated using the power provided from the power supply circuit (400) through the linear regulator (410). For example, the activated integrated circuit (222-2) may control the switch (404) using the power provided from the power supply circuit (400) through the linear regulator (410). For example, the switch (404) can (electrically) connect the second impedance matching circuit (402) (or the second impedance matching circuit (402) and the integrated circuit (222-2)) to the antenna (224) under the above control of the integrated circuit (222-2).For example, the second impedance matching circuit (402) may be connected to the antenna (224) through the first impedance matching circuit (401) or may be connected to the antenna (224) through the first impedance matching circuit (401) and the filter (403) according to a path formed by the switch (404) based on the above control of the integrated circuit (222-2).
[0055] For example, the electronic device (170) within the receptor (202) may transmit the authentication request through an antenna of the electronic device (170) (e.g., an antenna of the electronic device (170) for NFC) based on the detection. As a non-limiting example, the electronic device (170) within the receptor (202) may transmit a signal (or RF signal) indicating the authentication request through the antenna of the electronic device (170) according to the reader / writer mode among the modes for NFC. As a non-limiting example, the reader / writer mode may be activated (or initiated) (or triggered) based on the detection.
[0056] For example, the integrated circuit (222-2) may receive the authentication request from the electronic device (170) through the antenna (224) connected to the first impedance matching circuit (401) and the second impedance matching circuit (402). For example, the integrated circuit (222-2) may transmit the authentication information through the antenna (224) connected to the first impedance matching circuit (401) and the second impedance matching circuit (402) in response to (or based on) the authentication request received through the antenna (224) connected to the first impedance matching circuit (401) and the second impedance matching circuit (402). As a non-limiting example, the authentication information may indicate a serial number of the accessory device (200-2), a color of the accessory device (200-2), and / or a material of the accessory device (200-2), or the authentication information may include data related to the serial number of the accessory device (200-2), the color of the accessory device (200-2), and / or the material of the accessory device (200-2). As a non-limiting example, the authentication information may be stored (at least temporarily) within a memory of the accessory device (200-2). For example, the integrated circuit (222-2) may, in response to (or based on) receiving the authentication request through the antenna (224) connected to the first impedance matching circuit (401) and the second impedance matching circuit (402), obtain (or read) the authentication information from the memory within the accessory device (200-2), and transmit a signal including the obtained authentication information through the antenna (224) connected to the first impedance matching circuit (401) and the second impedance matching circuit (402). As a non-limiting example, the integrated circuit (222-2) may transmit the authentication information through the antenna (224) using power obtained from the power supply circuit (400) through the linear regulator (410).As a non-limiting example, the memory of the accessory device (200-2) may store instructions that cause the integrated circuit (222-2) to receive the authentication request and transmit the authentication information, as well as the authentication information. As a non-limiting example, the instructions may be executed by the integrated circuit (222-2) (or a processing circuit (or control circuit) within the integrated circuit (222-2). As a non-limiting example, the memory of the accessory device (200-2) may be embedded within the receiver (202). As a non-limiting example, the memory of the accessory device (200-2) may be included within the integrated circuit (222-2) embedded within the receiver (202).
[0057] For example, the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) may receive the authentication information via the antenna of the electronic device (170). As a non-limiting example, the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) may receive the authentication information via the antenna of the electronic device (170) depending on the reader / writer mode. For example, the electronic device (170) may determine, based on the authentication information, whether the accessory device (200-2) was made by the manufacturer of the electronic device (170) and / or an authorized third-party accessory device manufacturer. As a non-limiting example, the electronic device (170) may recognize, based on the authentication information, that the accessory device (200-2) was made by the manufacturer of the electronic device (170) and / or an authorized third-party accessory device manufacturer.
[0058] For example, the integrated circuit (222-2) may control the switch (404) to disconnect the second impedance matching circuit (402) from the antenna (224) (or to disconnect the second impedance matching circuit (402) and the integrated circuit (222-2) from the antenna (224) based on transmitting the authentication information. For example, the integrated circuit (222-2) may perform the control of the switch (404) using power obtained from the power supply circuit (400) through the linear regulator (410).
[0059] For example, the antenna (224) used for the communication between the electronic device (170) within the receptor (202) and the accessory device (200-2) may be further used to assist communication between the electronic device (170) within the receptor (202) and an external electronic device while being disconnected from the second impedance matching circuit (402) under the control of the switch (404). For example, the electronic device (170) within the receptor (202) may transmit a signal to the external electronic device that is at least partially adjacent to or in contact with another side of the wall (204) opposite to the side of the wall (204) that is at least partially in contact with the electronic device (170) within the receptor (202). As a non-limiting example, the signal may be transmitted from the electronic device (170) according to a card emulation mode among the modes for NFC. For example, the signal may be transmitted to the external electronic device through the antenna of the electronic device (170) and the antenna (224) coupled with the antenna of the electronic device (170) and electrically connected to the first impedance matching circuit (401) among the first impedance matching circuit (401) and the second impedance matching circuit (402). For example, the signal radiated from the antenna of the electronic device (170) may be boosted by the antenna (224) coupled with the antenna of the electronic device (170) and electrically connected to the first impedance matching circuit (401) among the first impedance matching circuit (401) and the second impedance matching circuit (402). For example, the antenna (224) connected to the first impedance matching circuit (401) among the first impedance matching circuit (401) and the second impedance matching circuit (402) may be coupled with the antenna of the electronic device (170) within the receptor (202) so that the signal transmitted from the electronic device (170) within the receptor (202) has an enhanced reception quality within the external electronic device.
[0060] As a non-limiting example, the transmission frequency of the signal transmitted to the external electronic device through the antenna of the electronic device (170) and the antenna (224) while the electronic device (170) is positioned within the receiver (202) may correspond to the transmission frequency of the signal transmitted to the external electronic device through only the antenna of the electronic device (170) while the electronic device (170) is positioned outside the receiver (202). For example, since the antenna (224) is disconnected from the second impedance matching circuit (402) via the switch (404) after the authentication information is transmitted, the transmission frequency of the signal transmitted to the external electronic device via the antenna of the electronic device (170) and the antenna (224) while the electronic device (170) is positioned within the receiver (202) may be substantially the same as the transmission frequency of the signal transmitted to the external electronic device via only the antenna of the electronic device (170) while the electronic device (170) is positioned outside the receiver (202). For example, the second impedance matching circuit (402) may be connected to the antenna (224) via the switch (404) for the transmission frequency of the signal, including the authentication information, transmitted via the antenna (224).
[0061] As a non-limiting example, the transmission frequency of a signal transmitted from the electronic device (170) to the external electronic device through the antenna of the electronic device (170) and the antenna (224) coupled with the antenna of the electronic device (170) may correspond to the transmission frequency of a signal (e.g., the signal including the authentication information) transmitted from the accessory device (200-2) to the electronic device (170) through the antenna (224). As a non-limiting example, since the resonant frequency of the antenna (224) connected to the first impedance matching circuit (401) among the first impedance matching circuit (401) and the second impedance matching circuit (402) is different from the resonant frequency of the antenna (224) connected to both the first impedance matching circuit (401) and the second impedance matching circuit (402), the transmission frequency of a signal transmitted from the electronic device (170) to the external electronic device through the antenna of the electronic device (170) and the antenna (224) coupled with the antenna of the electronic device (170) and the transmission frequency of a signal (e.g., the signal including the authentication information) transmitted from the accessory device (200-2) to the electronic device (170) through the antenna (224) may be substantially about 13.56 (MHz). As a non-limiting example, the resonant frequency of the antenna (224) connected to the first impedance matching circuit (401) and / or connected to both the first impedance matching circuit (401) and the second impedance matching circuit (402) may be slightly (or marginally) higher than 13.56 (MHz). As a non-limiting example, the resonant frequency may be about 14 (MHz).
[0062] As a non-limiting example, the signal transmitted to the external electronic device through the antenna and antenna (224) of the electronic device (170) while the electronic device (170) is positioned within the receiver (202) may be transmitted in response to another signal transmitted from the external electronic device to the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202). For example, the another signal may be received from the external electronic device through the antenna (224) connected to the first impedance matching circuit (401) among the first impedance matching circuit (401) and the second impedance matching circuit (402) and the antenna of the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202). As a non-limiting example, the other signal may be boosted by an antenna (224) coupled to the antenna of the electronic device (170) within the receptor (202) and connected to the first impedance matching circuit (401) of the first impedance matching circuit (401) and the second impedance matching circuit (402). For example, the antenna (224) coupled to the first impedance matching circuit (401) of the first impedance matching circuit (401) and the second impedance matching circuit (402) may be coupled to the antenna of the electronic device (170) within the receptor (202) such that the signal transmitted from the external electronic device to the electronic device (170) within the receptor (202) has an enhanced reception quality within the electronic device (170) within the receptor (202).
[0063] As a non-limiting example, the accessory device (200-2) may further include a filter (403) for signals received from the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) (e.g., the signal including the authentication request) and / or signals transmitted to the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) (e.g., the signal including the authentication information). For example, the filter (403) may be used to transmit a signal on a frequency (or frequencies) within a reference frequency range via an antenna (224) connected to the first impedance matching circuit (401) and the second impedance matching circuit (402), and / or to acquire a signal on a frequency (or frequencies) within the reference frequency range within the integrated circuit (222-2) via an antenna (224) connected to the first impedance matching circuit (401) and the second impedance matching circuit (402). As a non-limiting example, the filter (403) may be embedded within the wall (204).
[0064] Although FIG. 4 illustrates an accessory device (200-2) including two impedance matching circuits (e.g., a first impedance matching circuit (401) and a second impedance matching circuit (402)), this is merely exemplary. The accessory device (200-2) may also include one impedance matching circuit (e.g., a second impedance matching circuit (402)) that is connected to or disconnected from the antenna (224).
[0065] As described above, the accessory device (200-2) according to one embodiment may include an antenna (224), which is a single antenna, to support communication between the electronic device (170) within the receptor (202) and the accessory device (200-2), as well as communication between the electronic device (170) within the receptor (202) and an external electronic device. For example, the accessory device (200-2) may include one or more impedance matching circuits (e.g., a second impedance matching circuit (402)) connected to or disconnected from the antenna (224) to adjust the resonant frequency of the antenna (224) depending on the function supported by the antenna (e.g., communication between the electronic device (170) within the receptor (202) and the accessory device (200-2) or communication between the electronic device (170) within the receptor (202) and an external electronic device).
[0066] For example, the accessory device (200) illustrated in FIG. 2 may further include circuitry available for providing information, such as a display (220). For example, an antenna (224) within the accessory device (200) further including the circuitry may further include one or more components (e.g., a linear regulator associated with the circuitry) for providing power to the circuitry, as well as communication between the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) and the accessory device (200) and communication between the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) and an external electronic device. Such an accessory device (200) is exemplified within the description of FIG. 5.
[0067] Referring to FIG. 5, the accessory device (200) may be implemented as an accessory device (200-3). According to an embodiment, the accessory device (200-3) may include an integrated circuit (222-3), an antenna (224), a power supply circuit (500) (e.g., corresponding to the power supply circuit (400) of FIG. 4), a first linear regulator (511) (or a first LDO (511)) (e.g., corresponding to the linear regulator (410) of FIG. 4), a second linear regulator (512) (or a second LDO (512)), and a circuit (520) available for providing information. Depending on the implementation, the first linear regulator (511) and / or the second linear regulator (512) may be omitted from the accessory device (200-3). For example, the power supply circuit (500) may be connected to the antenna (224). For example, the integrated circuit (222-3) may be connected to the antenna (224). For example, one or more nodes (590) connecting the antenna (224) to the power supply circuit (500) may also be connected to the integrated circuit (222-3). The path from the antenna (224) may be split into a path to the power supply circuit (500) and a path to the integrated circuit (222-3) via the one or more nodes (590). For example, the power supply circuit (500) and the integrated circuit (222-3) may be in parallel with the antenna (224).
[0068] The antenna (224) may be used for communication between the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) and the accessory device (200-3). For example, the antenna (224) may be used to assist communication between the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) and an external electronic device. For example, the antenna (224) may be used to obtain power from the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) for a circuit (520) available to provide the information.
[0069] For example, the communication between the electronic device (170) within the receptor (202) and the accessory device (200-3) performed (or executed) via the antenna (224) may include the exchange of authentication requests and authentication information as exemplified within the description of FIG. 2.
[0070] For example, an electronic device (170) positioned within a receptor (202) can detect a target (226). As a non-limiting example, the electronic device (170) can detect the target (226) based on receiving (or sensing) (or identifying) an external magnetic field from the target (226), which is a magnet, using a magnetic field sensor of the electronic device (170). For example, the electronic device (170) can recognize (or identify) (or confirm) that the electronic device (170) is positioned within the receptor (202) based on the detection.
[0071] For example, the electronic device (170) within the receptor (202) may, based on the detection, transmit one or more signals (or one or more RF signals) via an antenna of the electronic device (170) (e.g., an antenna of the electronic device (170) for NFC). As a non-limiting example, the one or more signals may be transmitted from the electronic device (170) according to the reader / writer mode among the modes for NFC. As a non-limiting example, the reader / writer mode may be triggered, initiated, or activated based on the detection.
[0072] For example, the one or more signals may be received via the antenna (224). As a non-limiting example, the one or more signals may include a signal including the authentication request, as exemplified below. For example, the power supply circuit (500) may obtain power from the one or more signals. For example, at least a portion of the power may be used to activate (or operate) (or trigger) (or initiate) the integrated circuit (222-3). For example, at least a portion of the power may be provided to the integrated circuit (222-3) from the power supply circuit (500) through the first linear regulator (511). For example, the integrated circuit (222-3) may be activated, initiated, operated, or triggered using the power provided from the power supply circuit (500) through the first linear regulator (511).
[0073] For example, the electronic device (170) within the receptor (202) may transmit the authentication request through an antenna of the electronic device (170) (e.g., an antenna of the electronic device (170) for NFC) based on the detection. As a non-limiting example, the electronic device (170) within the receptor (202) may transmit a signal (or RF signal) indicating the authentication request through the antenna of the electronic device (170) according to the reader / writer mode among the modes for NFC. As a non-limiting example, the reader / writer mode may be activated (or initiated) (or triggered) based on the detection.
[0074] For example, the integrated circuit (222-3) can receive the authentication request from the electronic device (170) through the antenna (224). For example, the integrated circuit (222-3) can receive the authentication request transmitted based on detecting the target (226) from the electronic device (170) located within the receptor (202) based on the first power obtained from the power supply circuit (500) through the first linear regulator (511), through the antenna (224), using the wireless communication circuit within the integrated circuit (222-3). For example, the integrated circuit (222-3) can transmit the authentication information through the antenna (224) using the wireless communication circuit in response to (or based on) the authentication request received through the antenna (224), based on the first power obtained from the power supply circuit (500) through the first linear regulator (511). As a non-limiting example, the authentication information may indicate a serial number of the accessory device (200-3), a color of the accessory device (200-3), and / or a material of the accessory device (200-3), or the authentication information may include data related to the serial number of the accessory device (200-3), the color of the accessory device (200-3), and / or the material of the accessory device (200-3). As a non-limiting example, the authentication information may be stored (at least temporarily) in a memory of the accessory device (200-3). For example, the integrated circuit (222-3) may, in response to (or based on) receiving the authentication request via the antenna (224), obtain (or read) the authentication information from the memory within the accessory device (200-3), and transmit a signal including the obtained authentication information via the antenna (224).As a non-limiting example, the integrated circuit (222-3) may transmit the authentication information through the antenna (224) using the first power obtained from the power supply circuit (500) through the first linear regulator (511). As a non-limiting example, the memory of the accessory device (200-3) may store instructions that cause the integrated circuit (222-3) to receive the authentication request and transmit the authentication information as well as the authentication information. As a non-limiting example, the instructions may be executed by the integrated circuit (222-3) (or a processing circuit (or control circuit) within the integrated circuit (222-3). As a non-limiting example, the memory of the accessory device (200-3) may be embedded within the receiver (202). As a non-limiting example, the memory of the accessory device (200-3) may be included within the integrated circuit (222-3) embedded within the receiver (202).
[0075] As a non-limiting example, the transmission frequency of a signal (e.g., the signal including the authentication information) transmitted through the antenna (224) of the accessory device (200-3) may be shifted from the transmission frequency of another signal transmitted through the antenna of an electronic device (170) located outside the receptor (202).
[0076] For example, the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) may receive the authentication information via the antenna of the electronic device (170). As a non-limiting example, the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) may receive the authentication information via the antenna of the electronic device (170) depending on the reader / writer mode. For example, the electronic device (170) may determine, based on the authentication information, whether the accessory device (200-3) was made by the manufacturer of the electronic device (170) and / or an authorized third-party accessory device manufacturer. As a non-limiting example, the electronic device (170) may recognize, based on the authentication information, that the accessory device (200-3) was made by the manufacturer of the electronic device (170) and / or an authorized third-party accessory device manufacturer.
[0077] For example, the antenna (224) used for the communication between the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) and the accessory device (200-3) may further be used to provide power to the circuit (520). For example, the circuit (520) may obtain second power from the power supply circuit (500) via the second linear regulator (512) using a signal (e.g., one or more of the signals) received from the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) via the antenna (224). The second power may be provided to the circuit (520) to provide the information. For example, the second power may be different from the first power. As a non-limiting example, the second power may be greater than the first power. For example, the circuit (520) may provide the information using the second power. As a non-limiting example, the circuit (520) that obtains the second power may be controlled by an integrated circuit (222-3) that performs according to the first power to provide the information. As a non-limiting example, the memory within the accessory device (200-3) (or the memory within the integrated circuit (222-3)) (or the memory embedded within the wall (204)) may (at least temporarily) store instructions that cause the integrated circuit (222-3) to control the circuit (520) to provide the information. For example, the instructions may be executed by the integrated circuit (222-3) (or a processing circuit within the integrated circuit (222-3)).
[0078] The circuit (520) can be implemented in various ways.
[0079] For example, the circuit (520) may include, be associated with, or be connected to the display (220) of FIG. 2. For example, the circuit (520) including the display (220) (or the circuit (520) associated with the display (220)) (or the circuit (520) connected to the display (220)) may provide the information by displaying the information on the display (220) using the second power. As a non-limiting example, the circuit (520) including the display (220) (or the circuit (520) associated with the display (220)) (or the circuit (520) connected to the display (220)) may be embedded within the cover (214). For example, the path for the second power from the power supply circuit (500) may extend across the hinge (218) to a circuit (520) embedded within the cover (214). For example, the information provided through the circuit (520) may be displayed via a display (220) on a second side of the cover (214) opposite the first side that at least partially contacts the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202), using the second power.
[0080] For example, the circuit (520) may include, be associated with, or be connected to one or more circuits for outputting sound (e.g., including a speaker). For example, a circuit (520) including one or more circuits (or a circuit (520) associated with one or more circuits) (or a circuit (520) connected to one or more circuits) may provide the information by outputting sound using the second power.
[0081] For example, the antenna (224) used to perform (or execute) the communication between the electronic device (170) within the receptor (202) and the accessory device (200-3) and to obtain power to output (or provide) the information via the circuit (520) may further be used to assist communication between the electronic device (170) within the receptor (202) and an external electronic device. For example, the electronic device (170) within the receptor (202) may transmit a signal to the external electronic device that is at least partially adjacent to or in contact with another surface of the wall (204) opposite to the surface of the wall (204) that is at least partially in contact with the electronic device (170) within the receptor (202). As a non-limiting example, the signal may be transmitted from the electronic device (170) according to a card emulation mode among the modes for NFC. For example, the signal may be transmitted to the external electronic device via the antenna of the electronic device (170) and the antenna (224) coupled with the antenna of the electronic device (170). For example, the signal radiated from the antenna of the electronic device (170) may be boosted by the antenna (224) coupled with the antenna of the electronic device (170). For example, the antenna (224) may be coupled with the antenna of the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) such that the signal transmitted from the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) has enhanced reception quality within the external electronic device.
[0082] As a non-limiting example, the transmission frequency of the signal transmitted to the external electronic device via the antenna of the electronic device (170) and the antenna (224) while the electronic device (170) is positioned within the receiver (202) may be shifted from the transmission frequency of the signal transmitted to the external electronic device via only the antenna of the electronic device (170) while the electronic device (170) is positioned outside the receiver (202).
[0083] As a non-limiting example, the transmission frequency of the signal transmitted to the external electronic device through the antenna of the electronic device (170) and the antenna (224) while the electronic device (170) is positioned within the receptacle (202) may be about 14 (MHz) shifted from about 13.56 (MHz) which is the transmission frequency of the signal transmitted through the antenna of the electronic device (170) while the electronic device (170) is positioned outside the receptacle (202). As a non-limiting example, the resonant frequency of the antenna (224) may be slightly (or marginally) higher than 13.56 (MHz). For example, the resonant frequency may be about 14 (MHz).
[0084] As a non-limiting example, the transmission frequency of the signal transmitted to the external electronic device via the antenna and antenna (224) of the electronic device (170) while the electronic device (170) is positioned within the receptacle (202) may be about 13.56 (MHz), which is the transmission frequency of the signal transmitted via the antenna of the electronic device (170) while the electronic device (170) is positioned outside the receptacle (202). As a non-limiting example, the electronic device (170) within the receptacle (202) may, based on detection of a target (226), acquire the signal on a different transmission frequency (e.g., about 14 (MHz)) that is shifted from the transmission frequency (e.g., about 13.56 (MHz)) of the signal transmitted to the external electronic device from the electronic device (170) positioned outside the receptacle (202), and transmit the signal on the different transmission frequency via the antenna of the electronic device (170). As a non-limiting example, the signal on the other transmission frequency may be acquired based on the detection and the authentication information. For example, the other transmission frequency (e.g., about 14 (MHz)) of the signal transmitted to the external electronic device may be shifted by the antenna (224) to the transmission frequency (e.g., about 13.56 (MHz)). For example, the transmission frequency of the signal transmitted through the antenna and antenna (224) of the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) may be substantially the same as the transmission frequency of the signal transmitted through the antenna of the electronic device (170) outside the receiver (202). For example, the electronic device (170) may (at least temporarily) store instructions for the operations for the shifting exemplified above within a memory of the electronic device (170). The above instructions may be executed by a processing circuit of an electronic device (170) (e.g., a processor (720) of FIG. 7).
[0085] As a non-limiting example, the signal transmitted to the external electronic device via the antenna (224) of the electronic device (170) while the electronic device (170) is positioned within the receiver (202) may be transmitted in response to another signal transmitted from the external electronic device to the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202). For example, the another signal may be received from the external electronic device via the antenna (224) and the antenna of the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202). As a non-limiting example, the another signal may be boosted by the antenna (224) coupled with the antenna of the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202). For example, the antenna (224) may be coupled with the antenna of the electronic device (170) within the receptor (202) such that the signal transmitted from the external electronic device to the electronic device (170) within the receptor (202) has enhanced reception quality within the electronic device (170) within the receptor (202).
[0086] As a non-limiting example, the accessory device (200-3) may (further) include one or more impedance matching circuits connected to the antenna (224) to set a resonant frequency of the antenna (224) (or a transmission frequency of a signal transmitted via the antenna (224). For example, the accessory device (200-3) may include, as the one or more impedance matching circuits, a first impedance matching circuit (501) connected to the antenna (224) and a second impedance matching circuit (502) connected to the antenna (224) via the first impedance matching circuit (501). As a non-limiting example, the one or more impedance matching circuits may be embedded within the wall (204).
[0087] As a non-limiting example, the accessory device (200-3) may (further) include a filter (503) for signals received from the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) (e.g., the signal including the authentication request) and / or signals transmitted to the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) (e.g., the signal including the authentication information). For example, the filter (503) may be used to transmit a signal on a frequency (or frequencies) within a reference frequency range via the antenna (224) and / or to acquire a signal on a frequency (or frequencies) within the reference frequency range within the integrated circuit (222-3) via the antenna (224). As a non-limiting example, the filter (503) may be embedded within the wall (204).
[0088] As described above, the accessory device (200-3) may include an antenna (224), which is a single antenna, to support communication between the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) and the accessory device (200-3), communication between the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) and an external electronic device, and providing power to the circuit (520) to provide information.
[0089] For example, since the antenna (224) is used for both performing communication between the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) and the accessory device (200-1), performing communication between the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) and an external electronic device, and providing power to the circuit (520) to provide information, one or more components (e.g., one or more impedance matching circuits and switches) may be required to shift (or adjust) (or change) (or set) the resonant frequency of the antenna (224). Such one or more components are exemplified in the description of FIG. 6.
[0090] Referring to FIG. 6, the accessory device (200) can be implemented as an accessory device (200-4). The accessory device (200-4) includes an integrated circuit (222-4), an antenna (224), a power supply circuit (600) (e.g., corresponding to the power supply circuit (500) of FIG. 5), a first impedance matching circuit (601) (e.g., corresponding to the first impedance matching circuit (401) of FIG. 4), a second impedance matching circuit (602) (e.g., corresponding to the second impedance matching circuit (402) of FIG. 4), a switch (604) (e.g., corresponding to the switch (404) of FIG. 4), a first linear regulator (611) (or a first LDO (611)) (e.g., corresponding to the first linear regulator (511) of FIG. 5), a second linear regulator (612) (or a second LDO (611)) (e.g., corresponding to the second linear regulator (512) of FIG. 5). ), and circuit (520). As a non-limiting example, the power supply circuit (600), the first impedance matching circuit (601), the second impedance matching circuit (602), the switch (604), the first linear regulator (611), the second linear regulator (612), and / or the circuit (520) may be embedded within the wall (204). Depending on the implementation, the first linear regulator (611) and / or the second linear regulator (612) may be omitted from the accessory device (200-4). As a non-limiting example, the circuit (520) may also be embedded within the cover (214). For example, the power supply circuit (600) may be connected to the antenna (224). For example, one or more nodes (690) connecting the antenna (224) to the power supply circuit (600) may also be connectable to the integrated circuit (222-4). The path from the antenna (224) may be split into a path to the power supply circuit (600) and a path to the integrated circuit (222-4) via the one or more nodes (690). For example, the power supply circuit (600) and the integrated circuit (222-4) may be in parallel with the antenna (224).
[0091] Antenna (224) may be used for communication between an electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) and an accessory device (200-4). Antenna (224) may be used to assist communication between an electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) and an external electronic device. Antenna (224) may be used to obtain power for circuitry (520) available to provide the information from the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202).
[0092] For example, the communication between the electronic device (170) within the receptor (202) and the accessory device (200-4) performed (or executed) via the antenna (224) may include the exchange of authentication requests and authentication information as exemplified within the description of FIG. 2.
[0093] For example, an electronic device (170) positioned within a receptor (202) can detect a target (226). As a non-limiting example, the electronic device (170) can detect the target (226) based on receiving (or sensing) (or identifying) an external magnetic field from the target (226), which is a magnet, using a magnetic field sensor of the electronic device (170). For example, the electronic device (170) can recognize (or identify) (or confirm) that the electronic device (170) is positioned within the receptor (202) based on the detection.
[0094] For example, the electronic device (170) within the receptor (202) may, based on the detection, transmit one or more signals (or one or more RF signals) via an antenna of the electronic device (170) (e.g., an antenna of the electronic device (170) for NFC). As a non-limiting example, the one or more signals may be transmitted from the electronic device (170) according to the reader / writer mode among the modes for NFC. As a non-limiting example, the reader / writer mode may be triggered, initiated, or activated based on the detection.
[0095] For example, the one or more signals may be received via the antenna (224). As a non-limiting example, the one or more signals may include a signal including the authentication request, as exemplified below. As a non-limiting example, the one or more signals may be received while the integrated circuit (222-4) and the second impedance matching circuit (602) are disconnected from the antenna (224) via the switch (604). For example, the one or more signals may be received via the antenna (224) connected to the first impedance matching circuit (601) among the first impedance matching circuit (601) and the second impedance matching circuit (602). For example, the power supply circuit (600) may obtain power from the one or more signals. For example, at least a portion of the power may be used to activate (or operate) the integrated circuit (222-4). For example, at least a portion of the power may be used to control the switch (604). For example, at least a portion of the power may be provided to the integrated circuit (222-4) from the power supply circuit (600) through the first linear regulator (611). For example, the integrated circuit (222-4) may be activated, initiated, or operated using the first power provided from the power supply circuit (600) through the first linear regulator (611). For example, the activated integrated circuit (222-4) may control the switch (604) using the first power provided from the power supply circuit (600) through the first linear regulator (611). For example, the switch (604) can electrically connect the second impedance matching circuit (602) (or the second impedance matching circuit (602) and the integrated circuit (222-4)) to the antenna (224) under the above control of the integrated circuit (222-4).For example, the second impedance matching circuit (602) may be electrically connected to the antenna (224) through the first impedance matching circuit (601), or may be electrically connected to the antenna (224) through the first impedance matching circuit (601) and the filter (603), according to a path formed by the switch (604) based on the above control of the integrated circuit (222-4).
[0096] For example, the electronic device (170) within the receptor (202) may transmit the authentication request through an antenna of the electronic device (170) (e.g., an antenna of the electronic device (170) for NFC) based on the detection. As a non-limiting example, the electronic device (170) within the receptor (202) may transmit a signal (or RF signal) indicating the authentication request through the antenna of the electronic device (170) according to the reader / writer mode among the modes for NFC. As a non-limiting example, the reader / writer mode may be activated (or initiated) (or triggered) based on the detection.
[0097] For example, the integrated circuit (222-4) may receive the authentication request from the electronic device (170) through the antenna (224) connected to the first impedance matching circuit (601) and the second impedance matching circuit (602) using the wireless communication circuit within the integrated circuit (222-4). For example, the integrated circuit (222-4) may transmit the authentication information through the antenna (224) connected to the first impedance matching circuit (601) and the second impedance matching circuit (602) using the wireless communication circuit in response to (or based on) the authentication request received through the antenna (224) connected to the first impedance matching circuit (601) and the second impedance matching circuit (602). As a non-limiting example, the authentication information may indicate a serial number of the accessory device (200-4), a color of the accessory device (200-4), and / or a material of the accessory device (200-4), or the authentication information may include data related to the serial number of the accessory device (200-4), the color of the accessory device (200-4), and / or the material of the accessory device (200-4). As a non-limiting example, the authentication information may be stored (at least temporarily) within a memory of the accessory device (200-4). For example, the integrated circuit (222-4) may, in response to (or based on) receiving the authentication request through the antenna (224) connected to the first impedance matching circuit (601) and the second impedance matching circuit (602), obtain (or read) the authentication information from the memory within the accessory device (200-4), and transmit a signal including the obtained authentication information through the antenna (224) connected to the first impedance matching circuit (601) and the second impedance matching circuit (602).As a non-limiting example, the integrated circuit (222-4) may transmit the authentication information via the antenna (224) using the first power obtained from the power supply circuit (600) via the first linear regulator (611). As a non-limiting example, the memory of the accessory device (200-4) may store instructions that cause the integrated circuit (222-4) to receive the authentication request and transmit the authentication information as well as the authentication information. As a non-limiting example, the instructions may be executed by the integrated circuit (222-4) (or a processing circuit (or control circuit) within the integrated circuit (222-4). As a non-limiting example, the memory of the accessory device (200-4) may be embedded within the receiver (202). As a non-limiting example, the memory of the accessory device (200-4) may be included within an integrated circuit (222-4) embedded within the receptor (202).
[0098] For example, the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) may receive the authentication information via the antenna of the electronic device (170). As a non-limiting example, the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) may receive the authentication information via the antenna of the electronic device (170) depending on the reader / writer mode. For example, the electronic device (170) may determine, based on the authentication information, whether the accessory device (200-4) was made by the manufacturer of the electronic device (170) and / or an authorized third-party accessory device manufacturer. As a non-limiting example, the electronic device (170) may recognize, based on the authentication information, that the accessory device (200-4) was made by the manufacturer of the electronic device (170) and / or an authorized third-party accessory device manufacturer.
[0099] For example, the integrated circuit (222-4) can control the switch (604) to disconnect the second impedance matching circuit (602) from the antenna (224) (or to disconnect the second impedance matching circuit (602) and the integrated circuit (222-4) from the antenna (224) based on transmitting the authentication information. For example, the integrated circuit (222-4) can perform the control of the switch (604) using the first power obtained from the power supply circuit (600) through the first linear regulator (611).
[0100] For example, the antenna (224) used for the communication between the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) and the accessory device (200-4) may further be used to provide power to the circuit (520). For example, the circuit (520) may obtain second power from the power supply circuit (600) via the second linear regulator (612) using a signal (e.g., one or more of the signals) received from the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) via the antenna (224). The second power may be provided to the circuit (520) to provide the information. For example, the second power may be different from the first power. As a non-limiting example, the second power may be greater than the first power. For example, the circuit (520) may provide the information using the second power. As a non-limiting example, the circuit (520) that obtains the second power may be controlled by an integrated circuit (222-4) that performs according to the first power to provide the information. As a non-limiting example, the memory within the accessory device (200-4) (or the memory within the integrated circuit (222-4)) (or the memory embedded within the wall (204)) may (at least temporarily) store instructions that cause the integrated circuit (222-4) to control the circuit (520) to provide the information. For example, the instructions may be executed by the integrated circuit (222-4) (or a processing circuit within the integrated circuit (222-4)).
[0101] The circuit (520) can be implemented in various ways.
[0102] For example, the circuit (520) may include, be associated with, or be connected to the display (220) of FIG. 2. For example, the circuit (520) including the display (220) (or the circuit (520) associated with the display (220)) (or the circuit (520) connected to the display (220)) may provide the information by displaying the information on the display (220) using the second power. As a non-limiting example, the circuit (520) including the display (220) (or the circuit (520) associated with the display (220)) (or the circuit (520) connected to the display (220)) may be embedded within the cover (214). For example, the path for the second power from the power supply circuit (500) may extend across the hinge (218) to a circuit (520) embedded within the cover (214). For example, the information provided through the circuit (520) may be displayed via a display (220) on a second side of the cover (214) opposite the first side that at least partially contacts the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202), using the second power.
[0103] For example, the circuit (520) may include, be associated with, or be connected to one or more circuits for outputting sound (e.g., including a speaker). For example, a circuit (520) including one or more circuits (or a circuit (520) associated with one or more circuits) (or a circuit (520) connected to one or more circuits) may provide the information by outputting sound using the second power.
[0104] For example, the antenna (224) used to perform (or execute) the communication between the electronic device (170) within the receptor (202) and the accessory device (200-4) and to obtain power to output (or provide) the information via the circuit (520) may further be used to assist communication between the electronic device (170) within the receptor (202) and the external electronic device while being disconnected from the second impedance matching circuit (602) under the control of the switch (604). For example, the electronic device (170) within the receptor (202) may transmit a signal to the external electronic device that is at least partially in contact with another side of the wall (204) opposite to the side of the wall (204) that is at least partially in contact with the electronic device (170) within the receptor (202). As a non-limiting example, the signal may be transmitted from the electronic device (170) according to a card emulation mode among the modes for NFC. For example, the signal may be transmitted to the external electronic device through the antenna of the electronic device (170) and the antenna (224) coupled with the antenna of the electronic device (170) and connected to the first impedance matching circuit (601) among the first impedance matching circuit (601) and the second impedance matching circuit (602). For example, the signal radiated from the antenna of the electronic device (170) may be boosted by the antenna (224) coupled with the antenna of the electronic device (170) and connected to the first impedance matching circuit (601) among the first impedance matching circuit (601) and the second impedance matching circuit (602).For example, the antenna (224) connected to the first impedance matching circuit (601) among the first impedance matching circuit (601) and the second impedance matching circuit (602) may be coupled with the antenna of the electronic device (170) within the receptor (202) so that the signal transmitted from the electronic device (170) within the receptor (202) has an enhanced reception quality within the external electronic device.
[0105] As a non-limiting example, the transmission frequency of the signal transmitted to the external electronic device through the antenna of the electronic device (170) and the antenna (224) while the electronic device (170) is positioned within the receiver (202) may correspond to the transmission frequency of the signal transmitted to the external electronic device through only the antenna of the electronic device (170) while the electronic device (170) is positioned outside the receiver (202). For example, since the antenna (224) is disconnected from the second impedance matching circuit (602) via the switch (604) after the authentication information is transmitted, the transmission frequency of the signal transmitted to the external electronic device through the antenna of the electronic device (170) and the antenna (224) while the electronic device (170) is positioned within the receiver (202) may be substantially the same as the transmission frequency of the signal transmitted to the external electronic device through only the antenna of the electronic device (170) while the electronic device (170) is positioned outside the receiver (202).
[0106] As a non-limiting example, the transmission frequency of a signal transmitted from the electronic device (170) to the external electronic device through the antenna of the electronic device (170) and the antenna (224) coupled with the antenna of the electronic device (170) may correspond to the transmission frequency of a signal (e.g., the signal including the authentication information) transmitted from the accessory device (200-4) to the electronic device (170) through the antenna (224). As a non-limiting example, since the resonant frequency of the antenna (224) connected to the first impedance matching circuit (601) among the first impedance matching circuit (601) and the second impedance matching circuit (602) is different from the resonant frequency of the antenna (224) connected to both the first impedance matching circuit (601) and the second impedance matching circuit (602), the transmission frequency of a signal transmitted from the electronic device (170) to the external electronic device through the antenna of the electronic device (170) and the antenna (224) coupled with the antenna of the electronic device (170) and the transmission frequency of a signal (e.g., the signal including the authentication information) transmitted from the accessory device (200-4) to the electronic device (170) through the antenna (224) may be substantially about 13.56 (MHz). As a non-limiting example, the resonant frequency of the antenna (224) connected to the first impedance matching circuit (601) and / or connected to both the first impedance matching circuit (601) and the second impedance matching circuit (602) may be slightly or marginally higher than 13.56 (MHz). For example, the resonant frequency may be about 14 (MHz).
[0107] As a non-limiting example, the signal transmitted to the external electronic device through the antenna and antenna (224) of the electronic device (170) while the electronic device (170) is positioned within the receiver (202) may be transmitted in response to another signal transmitted from the external electronic device to the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202). For example, the another signal may be received from the external electronic device through the antenna (224) connected to the first impedance matching circuit (401) among the first impedance matching circuit (601) and the second impedance matching circuit (602) and the antenna of the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202). As a non-limiting example, the other signal may be boosted by an antenna (224) coupled to the antenna of the electronic device (170) within the receptor (202) and connected to the first impedance matching circuit (601) of the first impedance matching circuit (601) and the second impedance matching circuit (602). For example, the antenna (224) coupled to the first impedance matching circuit (601) of the first impedance matching circuit (601) and the second impedance matching circuit (602) may be coupled to the antenna of the electronic device (170) within the receptor (202) such that the signal transmitted from the external electronic device to the electronic device (170) within the receptor (202) has an enhanced reception quality within the electronic device (170) within the receptor (202).
[0108] As a non-limiting example, the accessory device (200-4) may further include a filter (603) for signals received from the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) (e.g., the signal including the authentication request) and / or signals transmitted to the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) (e.g., the signal including the authentication information). For example, the filter (603) may be used to transmit a signal on a frequency (or frequencies) within a reference frequency range via an antenna (224) connected to the first impedance matching circuit (601) and the second impedance matching circuit (602), and / or to acquire a signal on a frequency (or frequencies) within the reference frequency range within the integrated circuit (222-4) via an antenna (224) connected to the first impedance matching circuit (601) and the second impedance matching circuit (602). As a non-limiting example, the filter (603) may be embedded within the wall (204).
[0109] Although FIG. 6 illustrates an accessory device (200-4) including two impedance matching circuits (e.g., a first impedance matching circuit (601) and a second impedance matching circuit (602)), this is merely exemplary. The accessory device (200-4) may also include one impedance matching circuit (e.g., a second impedance matching circuit (602)) that is connected to or disconnected from the antenna (224).
[0110] As described above, the accessory device (200-4) may include an antenna (224), which is a single antenna, to support communication between the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) and the accessory device (200-4), communication between the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) and an external electronic device, and providing power to the circuit (520) to provide information. For example, the accessory device (200-4) may include one or more impedance matching circuits (e.g., a second impedance matching circuit (602)) connected to or disconnected from the antenna (224) to adjust the resonant frequency of the antenna (224) depending on the function supported by the antenna (224) (e.g., communication between the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) and the accessory device (200-4) or communication between the electronic device (170) within the receiver (202) and an external electronic device).
[0111] FIGS. 2 through 6 illustrate accessory devices (e.g., accessory device (200), accessory device (200-1), accessory device (200-2), accessory device (200-3), and accessory device (200-4)) used with an electronic device (170). However, this is merely exemplary. It should be noted that the above descriptions apply to accessory devices used with portable electronic devices (e.g., smartphones or tablets) and other wearable devices (e.g., smartwatches or head mounted devices (HMDs)). For example, the accessory device used with the wearable device, which is an HMD, may include a single antenna, such as antenna (224). The accessory device may include at least some of the components of the accessory devices illustrated in the descriptions of FIGS. 2 through 6. The single antenna of the accessory device may support, through at least some of the operations exemplified in the descriptions of FIGS. 2 through 6, performing communication between the wearable device within a receptor of the accessory device and the accessory device, performing communication between the wearable device within a receptor of the accessory device and an external electronic device (e.g., including electronic device (170)), and obtaining power from the wearable device to display information on a display of the accessory device. For example, the information may be used to indicate a state of a body part (e.g., an eye) of a user wearing the wearable device.
[0112] The electronic device (170) exemplified in the description of FIGS. 1 to 6 can be implemented as the electronic device (701) exemplified in the description of FIG. 7.
[0113] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an electronic device (701) within a network environment (700) according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 7, in the network environment (700), the electronic device (701) may communicate with the electronic device (702) via a first network (798) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of the electronic device (704) or the server (708) via a second network (799) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). In one embodiment, the electronic device (701) may communicate with the electronic device (704) via the server (708). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (701) may include a processor (720), a memory (730), an input module (750), an audio output module (755), a display module (760), an audio module (770), a sensor module (776), an interface (777), a connection terminal (778), a haptic module (779), a camera module (780), a power management module (788), a battery (789), a communication module (790), a subscriber identification module (796), or an antenna module (797). In some embodiments, the electronic device (701) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (778)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (776), the camera module (780), or the antenna module (797)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (760)).
[0114] The processor (720) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (740)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (701) connected to the processor (720) and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or operations, the processor (720) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (776) or a communication module (790)) in a volatile memory (732), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (732), and store result data in a non-volatile memory (734). According to one embodiment, the processor (720) may include a main processor (721) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (723) (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 (721). For example, when the electronic device (701) includes the main processor (721) and the auxiliary processor (723), the auxiliary processor (723) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (721) or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor (723) may be implemented separately from the main processor (721) or as a part thereof.
[0115] The auxiliary processor (723) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (760), a sensor module (776), or a communication module (790)) of the electronic device (701), for example, on behalf of the main processor (721) while the main processor (721) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (721) while the main processor (721) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (723) (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 (780) or a communication module (790)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (723) (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 (701) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (708)). 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.
[0116] The memory (730) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor (720) or the sensor module (776)) of the electronic device (701). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., the program (740)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (730) can include a volatile memory (732) or a non-volatile memory (734).
[0117] The program (740) may be stored as software in the memory (730) and may include, for example, an operating system (742), middleware (744), or an application (746).
[0118] The input module (750) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (701) (e.g., a processor (720)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (701). The input module (750) 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).
[0119] The audio output module (755) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (701). The audio output module (755) 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.
[0120] The display module (760) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (701). The display module (760) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. In one embodiment, the display module (760) 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.
[0121] The audio module (770) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (770) can acquire sound through the input module (750), output sound through the sound output module (755), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (702)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (701).
[0122] The sensor module (776) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (701) 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 (776) 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.
[0123] The interface (777) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (701) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (702)). In one embodiment, the interface (777) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.
[0124] The connection terminal (778) may include a connector through which the electronic device (701) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (702)). In one embodiment, the connection terminal (778) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).
[0125] The haptic module (779) 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 (779) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.
[0126] The camera module (780) can capture still images and videos. According to one embodiment, the camera module (780) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.
[0127] The power management module (788) can manage the power supplied to the electronic device (701). According to one embodiment, the power management module (788) can be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).
[0128] A battery (789) may power at least one component of the electronic device (701). In one embodiment, the battery (789) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.
[0129] The communication module (790) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (701) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (702), electronic device (704), or server (708)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (790) may operate independently from the processor (720) (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 (790) may include a wireless communication module (792) (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 (794) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Any of these communication modules may communicate with an external electronic device (704) via a first network (798) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (799) (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 may 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 (792) may use subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (796) to verify or authenticate the electronic device (701) within a communication network such as the first network (798) or the second network (799).
[0130] The wireless communication module (792) 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 communications (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (792) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (792) may 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 (792) may support various requirements specified in the electronic device (701), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (704)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (799)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (792) 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.
[0131] The antenna module (797) 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 (797) 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 (797) 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 (798) or the second network (799), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by the communication module (790). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (790) and the 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 (797).
[0132] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (797) 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.
[0133] 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)).
[0134] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (701) and an external electronic device (704) via a server (708) connected to a second network (799). Each of the external electronic devices (702 or 704) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (701). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (701) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (702, 704, or 708). For example, when the electronic device (701) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (701) 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 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 (701). The electronic device (701) 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 (701) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (704) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (708) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (704) or the server (708) may be included in the second network (799).The electronic device (701) 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.
[0135] As described above, an accessory device (e.g., accessory device (200-3) or accessory device (200-4)) can be used with an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (170)). The accessory device can include a receptacle (e.g., receptacle (202)) that includes a bottom wall (e.g., wall (204)) and side walls (e.g., side walls (208)) extending from the bottom wall. The bottom wall and the side walls can define an internal volume having a size and shape that receives the electronic device. The accessory device can include an antenna (e.g., antenna (224)) for near field communication (NFC) embedded within the bottom wall. The accessory device is connected to the antenna and provides a power supply usable for obtaining power for components of the accessory device from the electronic device positioned within the receptacle via the antenna. The accessory device may include a circuit (e.g., a power supply circuit (500) or a power supply circuit (600)). The accessory device may include a first linear regulator (e.g., a first linear regulator (511) or a first linear regulator (611)) connected to the power supply circuit. The accessory device may include a second linear regulator (e.g., a second linear regulator (512) or a second linear regulator (612)) connected to the power supply circuit. The accessory device may include an integrated circuit (e.g., an integrated circuit (222-3) or an integrated circuit (222-4)) connected to the antenna and connected to the power supply circuit via the first linear regulator, and including a wireless communication circuit for NFC and a memory.One or more nodes connecting the power supply circuit and the antenna may also be connected to the integrated circuit. The accessory device may include a circuit (e.g., circuit (520)) connected to the power supply circuit via the second linear regulator and available for providing information. The memory may store instructions that cause the integrated circuit to support communication with the electronic device, which is performed via the antenna, to authenticate the accessory device within the electronic device located within the receiver.
[0136] For example, the accessory device may further include a magnet (e.g., a target (226)) embedded within the bottom wall and emitting an external magnetic field detectable by a magnetic field sensor of the electronic device positioned within the receptacle. The memory may store instructions that cause the integrated circuit to support the communication by receiving, through the antenna, using the wireless communication circuit, an authentication request transmitted based on detecting the external magnetic field from the electronic device positioned within the receptacle, according to a first power obtained from the power supply circuit through the first linear regulator, and transmitting, in response to the authentication request, authentication information through the antenna using the wireless communication circuit, according to the first power.
[0137] For example, the information may be provided through the circuit according to the second power obtained from the power supply circuit through the second linear regulator.
[0138] For example, the antenna of the accessory device may be coupled with an antenna of the electronic device located within the receptor.
[0139] For example, the bottom wall may include a first surface that at least partially contacts the electronic device positioned within the receptacle and a second surface opposite the first surface. The antenna of the accessory device may be coupled with the antenna of the electronic device positioned within the receptacle to facilitate communication between the electronic device positioned within the receptacle and an external electronic device contacted on the second surface.
[0140] For example, the transmission frequency of a signal including the authentication information transmitted through the antenna of the accessory device may be shifted from the transmission frequency of another signal transmitted through the antenna of the electronic device located outside the receptor.
[0141] For example, the transmission frequency of a signal transmitted through the antenna of the accessory device for the communication between the electronic device within the receptor and the external electronic device may be shifted from the transmission frequency of a signal transmitted through the antenna of the accessory device for the communication between the electronic device outside the receptor and the external electronic device.
[0142] For example, the memory may store instructions that cause the integrated circuit to control the circuit according to the first power to provide the information according to the second power.
[0143] For example, the accessory device may further include a cover (e.g., cover (214)) and a hinge (e.g., hinge (218)) that allows relative movement between the cover and the receptacle. The cover is configured to rotate relative to the side walls via the hinge and is usable to conceal or protect the electronic device positioned within the receptacle, and may include a first side at least partially in contact with the electronic device positioned within the receptacle and a second side opposite the first side. The information provided through the circuit may be displayed on the second side.
[0144] For example, the path for the second power from the power supply circuit can extend across the hinge to the circuit embedded within the cover.
[0145] For example, the authentication information may be related to at least one of a serial number of the accessory device, a color of the accessory device, or a material of the accessory device.
[0146] For example, the authentication request and the authentication information may be available to determine whether the accessory device was manufactured by at least one of the manufacturer of the electronic device or an approved third party accessory device manufacturer.
[0147] For example, the accessory device may further include a switch (e.g., switch (604)) embedded within the floor wall and connected to the one or more nodes, a first impedance matching circuit (e.g., first impedance matching circuit (601)) embedded within the floor wall and connected to the antenna and connected to the one or more nodes, and a second impedance matching circuit (e.g., second impedance matching circuit (602)) embedded within the floor wall and connected to the integrated circuit and connected to the one or more nodes via the switch. The power supply circuit may be connected to the antenna via the first impedance matching circuit. The switch may be usable to connect the integrated circuit to the antenna via the first impedance matching circuit and the second impedance matching circuit.
[0148] For example, the memory controls the switch to change the state of the switch from a first state that disconnects the second impedance matching circuit from the one or more nodes to a second state that connects the second impedance matching circuit to the one or more nodes, according to the first power obtained from the power supply circuit through the first linear regulator, and while the integrated circuit is connected to the antenna through the first impedance matching circuit and the second impedance matching circuit according to the switch in the second state, receives an authentication request transmitted based on detecting the external magnetic field from the electronic device located within the receptor, using the wireless communication circuit, through the antenna, according to the first power, and transmits authentication information using the wireless communication circuit through the antenna in response to the authentication request, and controls the switch to change the state of the switch from the second state to the first state based on transmitting the authentication information. It can store instructions that cause circuits.
[0149] For example, the transmission frequency of a signal transmitted through the antenna connected to the first impedance matching circuit and the second impedance matching circuit through the switch may be different from the transmission frequency of a signal transmitted through the antenna connected to the first impedance matching circuit through the switch and disconnected from the second impedance matching circuit.
[0150] As described above, an accessory device (e.g., accessory device (200-2)) may be used with an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (170)). The accessory device may include a receptacle (e.g., receptacle (202)) that includes a bottom wall (e.g., wall (204)) and side walls (e.g., side walls (208)) extending from the bottom wall. The bottom wall and the side walls may define an internal volume having a size and shape that receives the electronic device. The accessory device may include an antenna for near field communication (NFC) (e.g., antenna (224)) embedded within the bottom wall. The accessory device may include a power supply circuit (e.g., power supply circuit (400)) connected to the antenna and usable to obtain power for components of the accessory device from the electronic device positioned within the receptacle via the antenna. The accessory device may include a switch (e.g., switch (404)). One or more nodes connecting the power supply circuit and the antenna may also be connected to the switch. The accessory device may include an integrated circuit (e.g., integrated circuit (222-2)) connectable to the antenna via the switch and including wireless communication circuitry for NFC and memory. The memory may store instructions that cause the integrated circuit to control the switch to set the state of the switch to a first state that disconnects the integrated circuit from the antenna and to control the switch to set the state of the switch to a second state that connects the integrated circuit to the antenna.
[0151] For example, the accessory device may further include a magnet (e.g., target (226)) embedded within the bottom wall and emitting an external magnetic field detectable by a magnetic field sensor of the electronic device positioned within the receptor. The memory may store instructions that cause the integrated circuit to control the switch to change the state of the switch from the first state to the second state according to the power obtained from the power supply circuit, and to receive, through the antenna, using the wireless communication circuit, an authentication request transmitted based on detecting the external magnetic field from the electronic device located within the receptacle according to the power obtained from the power supply circuit while the integrated circuit is connected to the antenna according to the switch in the second state, and to transmit, in response to the authentication request, authentication information using the wireless communication circuit through the antenna according to the first power, and to control the switch to change the state of the switch from the second state to the first state based on transmitting the authentication information.
[0152] For example, the bottom wall may include a first surface that is at least partially in contact with the electronic device positioned within the receiver and a second surface opposite the first surface. For example, the antenna of the accessory device may be available to assist communication between the electronic device positioned within the receiver and an external electronic device in contact with the second surface while the state of the switch is in the first state.
[0153] For example, the accessory device may include a first impedance matching circuit connected to the antenna and connected to the one or more nodes, and a second impedance matching circuit connected to the integrated circuit and connectable to the one or more nodes via the switch. A transmission frequency of a signal transmitted through the antenna connected to the first impedance matching circuit and the second impedance matching circuit according to the switch in the second state may be different from a transmission frequency of a signal transmitted through the antenna connected to the first impedance matching circuit and disconnected from the second impedance matching circuit according to the switch in the first state.
[0154] For example, the accessory device may further include a linear regulator embedded within the bottom wall. For example, the integrated circuit may be connected to the power supply circuit via the linear regulator.
[0155] Electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to the embodiments of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.
[0156] 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.
[0157] 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).
[0158] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (740)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (736) or an external memory (738)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (701)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (720)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (701)) 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.
[0159] 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 commodity between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or 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.
[0160] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.
Claims
1. In an accessory device for use with an electronic device, A receptacle comprising a bottom wall and side walls extending from the bottom wall, the bottom wall and the side walls defining an internal volume having a size and shape to receive the electronic device; An antenna for near field communication (NFC) embedded within the above floor wall; A power supply circuit connected to said antenna and usable for obtaining power for components of said accessory device from said electronic device positioned within said receptor via said antenna; A first linear regulator connected to the above power supply circuit; A second linear regulator connected to the above power supply circuit; An integrated circuit including a wireless communication circuit for NFC, connected to the antenna and connected to the power supply circuit through the first linear regulator, one or more nodes connecting the power supply circuit and the antenna are also connected to the integrated circuit; and A circuit connected to the power supply circuit through the second linear regulator and available to provide information, The above integrated circuit, configured to support communication with said electronic device via said antenna to authenticate said accessory device within said electronic device positioned within said receptor; Accessory devices.
2. In claim 1, further comprising a magnet embedded within said floor wall and emitting an external magnetic field detectable by a magnetic field sensor of said electronic device positioned within said receptor; The above contact circuit is, An authentication request transmitted based on detecting the external magnetic field from the electronic device located within the receptor according to the first power obtained through the first linear regulator from the power supply circuit is received through the antenna, using the wireless communication circuit, and the communication is supported by transmitting authentication information through the antenna, using the wireless communication circuit, in response to the authentication request according to the first power. Accessory devices.
3. In claim 2, the information is: According to the second power obtained through the second linear regulator from the above power supply circuit, provided through the circuit, Accessory devices.
4. In claim 3, the antenna of the accessory device, coupled with an antenna of said electronic device located within said receptor; Accessory devices.
5. In claim 4, the floor wall, comprising a first side at least partially in contact with the electronic device positioned within the receptor and a second side opposite the first side; The antenna of the above accessory device, Coupled with the antenna of the electronic device positioned within the receptor to assist communication between the electronic device positioned within the receptor and an external electronic device contacted on the second surface; Accessory devices.
6. In claim 5, the transmission frequency of the signal including the authentication information transmitted through the antenna of the accessory device is, shifted from the transmission frequency of another signal transmitted through said antenna of said electronic device located outside said receptor; Accessory devices.
7. In claim 6, the transmission frequency of the signal transmitted through the antenna of the accessory device for the communication between the electronic device in the receptor and the external electronic device is, Shifted from the transmission frequency of a signal transmitted through the antenna of the accessory device for communication between the electronic device outside the said receptor and the external electronic device, Accessory devices.
8. In claim 3, the integrated circuit, Further configured to control the circuit according to the first power, to provide the information according to the second power. Accessory devices.
9. In claim 3, cover; and further comprising a hinge allowing relative movement between the cover and the receptor; The above cover, configured to rotate relatively to the side walls through the hinge, usable to conceal or protect the electronic device located within the receptor; comprising a first side at least partially in contact with the electronic device positioned within the receptor and a second side opposite the first side; The above information provided through the above circuit is, As shown on the second side above, Accessory devices.
10. In claim 9, the path for the second power from the power supply circuit is: extending across said hinge to said circuit embedded within said cover, Accessory devices.
11. In claim 2, the authentication information is: Associated with at least one of the serial number of the accessory device, the color of the accessory device, or the material of the accessory device; Accessory devices.
12. In claim 2, the authentication request and the authentication information are, available to determine whether said accessory device was made by the manufacturer of said electronic device or at least one of an approved third party accessory device manufacturer; Accessory devices.
13. In claim 1, A switch embedded within the floor wall and connected to one or more of the nodes; a first impedance matching circuit embedded within said floor wall and connected to said antenna and connected to said one or more nodes; and a second impedance matching circuit embedded within said floor wall and connected to said integrated circuit and connected to said one or more nodes via said switch; The above power supply circuit, connected to the antenna through the first impedance matching circuit, The above switch is, Available for connecting the integrated circuit to the antenna through the first impedance matching circuit and the second impedance matching circuit. Accessory devices.
14. In claim 13, the integrated circuit, Controlling the switch to change the state of the switch from a first state that disconnects the second impedance matching circuit from the one or more nodes to a second state that connects the second impedance matching circuit to the one or more nodes, according to the first power obtained through the first linear regulator from the power supply circuit; While the above integrated circuit is connected to the antenna through the first impedance matching circuit and the second impedance matching circuit according to the switch within the second state: According to the first power, an authentication request transmitted from the electronic device located within the receptor is received through the antenna, using the wireless communication circuit; and In accordance with the first power, in response to the authentication request, authentication information is transmitted using the wireless communication circuit through the antenna, and Based on transmitting said authentication information, said switch is configured to be controlled to change said state of said switch from said second state to said first state. Accessory devices.
15. In claim 13, the transmission frequency of the signal transmitted through the antenna connected to the first impedance matching circuit and the second impedance matching circuit through the switch is, A signal transmitted through the antenna connected to the first impedance matching circuit through the switch and disconnected from the second impedance matching circuit has a different transmission frequency, Accessory devices.
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