Wearable device for performing diagnostic operation, and operating method thereof

Abstract

This wearable device can generate a second voltage on the basis of a first voltage used by a motor, consume, through a discharge circuit including one or more resistors, electromotive force generated by the motor if the second voltage is greater than or equal to a reference voltage, output a diagnostic voltage generated on the basis of the first voltage, the resistor in the discharge circuit, and one or more electrical elements, and determine whether the discharge circuit is in an abnormal state on the basis of at least one from among the voltage value of the second voltage or the voltage value of the diagnostic voltage.

Description

Wearable device performing diagnostic operation and method of operating the same

[0001] Certain embodiments relate to a wearable device performing a diagnostic operation and a method of operating the same.

[0002] As we enter an aging society, the number of people complaining of difficulty and pain in walking due to muscle weakness or joint problems caused by aging is increasing. This has led to growing interest in walking assistance devices that can help elderly people, others with weakened muscles, or those with joint or muscle disorders exercise and / or facilitate walking.

[0003] According to one embodiment, a wearable device may include a motor, a conversion circuit that generates a second voltage based on a first voltage used by the motor, a discharge circuit that includes one or more resistors and consumes electromotive force generated by the motor through the one or more resistors when the second voltage is higher than a reference voltage, a diagnostic circuit that includes one or more electrical circuit elements (e.g., resistor(s)) and outputs a diagnostic voltage generated based on the first voltage, the resistance in the discharge circuit, and the electrical elements, and at least one processor. The processor(s) including the processing circuit may individually and / or collectively receive the second voltage from the conversion circuit and may receive the outputted diagnostic voltage from the diagnostic circuit. The processor(s) may individually and / or collectively determine whether the discharge circuit is in an abnormal state based on at least one of a voltage value of the second voltage or a voltage value of the received diagnostic voltage.

[0004] According to one embodiment, a wearable device may include a motor, a first circuit including one or more electrical circuit elements and determining whether the motor is in an overvoltage state based on a first voltage utilized by the motor, a second circuit including one or more resistors and consuming electromotive force generated by the motor through the resistors, and at least one processor including a processing circuit. The first circuit may output a second voltage generated based on the first voltage to the processor, and may output a diagnostic voltage generated based on the first voltage, the resistor in the second circuit, and the electrical elements to the processor. The processor(s) may individually and / or collectively determine whether the second circuit is in an abnormal state based on at least one of a voltage value of the second voltage or a voltage value of the diagnostic voltage.

[0005] According to one embodiment, a method of operating a wearable device may include an operation of generating a second voltage based on a first voltage used by a motor of the wearable device, an operation of consuming electromotive force generated by the motor through a discharge circuit including one or more resistors when the second voltage is equal to or higher than a reference voltage, an operation of generating a diagnostic voltage based on the first voltage, a resistor in the discharge circuit, and one or more electrical elements, and an operation of determining whether the discharge circuit is in an abnormal state based on at least one of a voltage value of the second voltage or a voltage value of the diagnostic voltage.

[0006] In one embodiment, the wearable device may dissipate excess electromotive force generated from the motor into heat energy through a discharge circuit (e.g., one or more resistors within the discharge circuit).

[0007] According to one embodiment, the wearable device may diagnose or check the discharge circuit at the user's request or periodically before starting exercise, during exercise, or after exercise.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the wearable device can perform different diagnostic operations on the discharge circuit depending on the amount of electromotive force generated by the motor, thereby reducing the amount of battery power that may be consumed when diagnosing the discharge circuit.

[0009] The above-described and other aspects, features, and advantages of specific embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining an overview of a wearable device worn on a user's body according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an exercise management system including a wearable device and an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates a rear schematic diagram of a wearable device according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates a left side view of a wearable device according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating the configuration of a control system of a wearable device according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a wearable device and an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a wearable device according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating examples of a conversion circuit, a comparison circuit, a control circuit, a discharge circuit, a diagnostic circuit, a first switch circuit, and a second switch circuit of a wearable device according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating an example of a diagnostic operation of a wearable device according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are drawings illustrating examples of diagnostic operations of a wearable device when the motor electromotive force of the wearable device is not consumed according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIGS. 12, 13, and 14 are diagrams illustrating examples of diagnostic operations of a wearable device when motor electromotive force of the wearable device is consumed according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a diagnostic operation when a wearable device according to one embodiment is in a state before a user starts exercising or in a state after exercising.

[0022] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a diagnostic operation when a wearable device according to one embodiment is in a state of a user exercising.

[0023] FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a wearable device according to one embodiment.

[0024] Specific structural or functional descriptions of the embodiments are disclosed for illustrative purposes only and may be modified and implemented in various forms. Therefore, the actual implementation is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and the scope of this specification includes modifications, equivalents, or alternatives within the technical concepts described in the embodiments.

[0025] Although terms such as "first" or "second" may be used to describe various components, these terms should be interpreted solely to distinguish one component from another. For example, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may also be referred to as a first component.

[0026] When a component is described as being "connected," "coupled," or "joined" to another component, the first component may be directly connected, coupled, or joined to the second component, but at least a third component may be "connected," "coupled," or "joined" between the first and second components. Thus, for example, "connected" can cover both direct and indirect connections.

[0027] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this specification, the terms "comprises" or "has" should be understood to indicate the presence of a described feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof, but not to exclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0028] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted to have a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0029] Hereinafter, specific embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the description with reference to the attached drawings, identical components are assigned the same reference numerals regardless of the drawing numbers, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining an overview of a wearable device worn on a user's body according to one embodiment.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, a wearable device (100) may be a device worn on a user's body to assist the user's walking, exercise, and / or work. In one embodiment, the wearable device (100) may also be used to measure the user's physical ability (e.g., walking ability, exercise ability, exercise posture). In embodiments, the term 'wearable device' may be replaced with 'wearable robot', 'walking assistance device', or 'exercise assistance device'. The user may be a human or an animal, but is not limited thereto. The wearable device (100) may be worn on the user's body (e.g., lower body (legs, ankles, knees, etc.), upper body (torso, arms, wrists, etc.), or waist) to apply an external force of assistance force and / or resistance force to the user's body movement. Assistance is a force applied in the same direction as the user's body movement, representing a force that assists the user's body movement. Resistance is a force applied in the opposite direction, representing a force that impedes the user's body movement. The term "resistance" can also be referred to as "exercise load."

[0032] In one embodiment, the wearable device (100) may operate in a walking assistance mode to assist the user's walking. In the walking assistance mode, the wearable device (100) may assist the user's walking by applying an assistive force generated from the driving module (120) of the wearable device (100) to the user's body. The wearable device (100) may assist the user's walking force, thereby enabling the user to walk independently or to walk for a long time, thereby expanding the user's walking ability. The wearable device (100) may also help improve the walking of a pedestrian with abnormal walking habits or walking posture.

[0033] In one embodiment, the wearable device (100) may operate in an exercise assistance mode (or resistance mode) to enhance the user's exercise effect. In the exercise assistance mode (or resistance mode), the wearable device (100) may impede the user's body movement or provide resistance to the user's body movement by applying a resistance force generated from the driving module (120) to the user's body. If the wearable device (100) is a hip-type wearable device worn on the user's waist (or pelvis) and legs (e.g., thighs), the wearable device (100) may provide exercise load to the user's leg movement while being worn on the legs, thereby further enhancing the exercise effect on the user's legs. In one embodiment, the wearable device (100) may also apply an assistive force to the user's body to assist the user's exercise. For example, when a disabled person or an elderly person wears a wearable device (100) to exercise, the wearable device (100) may provide assistive force to assist body movements during the exercise. In one embodiment, the wearable device (100) may provide a combination of assistive force and resistance force by exercise section or time section, such as providing assistive force in some exercise sections and resistance force in other exercise sections.

[0034] In one embodiment, the wearable device (100) may operate in a physical ability measurement mode for measuring a user's physical ability. The wearable device (100) may measure the user's movement information using sensors (e.g., an angle sensor (125), an inertial measurement unit (IMU) (135)) provided in the wearable device (100) while the user is walking or exercising, and may evaluate the user's physical ability based on the measured movement information. For example, the user's gait index or exercise ability index (e.g., muscle strength, endurance, balance, exercise movement) may be estimated through the user's movement information measured by the wearable device (100). The physical ability measurement mode may include an exercise movement measurement mode for measuring the user's exercise movement.

[0035] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, for convenience of explanation, a hip-type wearable device (100) as illustrated in FIG. 1 is described as an example, but is not limited thereto. As described above, the wearable device (100) may be worn on other body parts (e.g., upper arms, lower arms, hands, calves, feet) other than the waist and legs (particularly, thighs), and the shape and configuration of the wearable device (100) may vary depending on the body part on which it is worn.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the wearable device (100) may include a support frame for supporting the user's body when the wearable device (100) is worn on the user's body (e.g., leg support frame (50, 55) and waist support frame (20) of FIG. 3), a sensor module for obtaining sensor data including movement information about the user's body movement (e.g., leg movement, upper body movement) (e.g., sensor module (520) of FIG. 5A including at least one sensor), a driving module (120) for generating a torque applied to the user's leg (e.g., driving module (35, 45) of FIG. 3), and a control module (130) for controlling the wearable device (100) (e.g., control module (510) of FIGS. 5A and 5B including a processing circuit).

[0037] The sensor module may include an angle sensor (125) and an inertial measurement device (135). The angle sensor (125) may measure a rotation angle of a leg support frame of the wearable device (100) corresponding to a hip joint angle value of the user. The rotation angle of the leg support frame measured by the angle sensor (125) may be estimated to be a hip joint angle value (or leg angle value) of the user. The angle sensor (125) may include, for example, an encoder and / or a hall sensor. In one embodiment, the angle sensors (125) may be located near the right hip joint and the left hip joint of the user, respectively. The inertial measurement device (135) may include an acceleration sensor and / or an angular velocity sensor, and may measure changes in acceleration and / or angular velocity according to the user's movement. The inertial measurement device (135) can measure, for example, a movement value of the user's upper body corresponding to a movement value of the waist support frame (or base body (base body (80) of FIG. 3)) of the wearable device (100). The movement value of the waist support frame measured by the inertial measurement device (135) can be estimated as a movement value of the user's upper body.

[0038] In one embodiment, the control module (130) and the inertial measurement device (135) may be placed within the base body of the wearable device (100) (e.g., the base body (80) of FIG. 3). The base body may be positioned at the user's waist (waist area) while the user wears the wearable device (100). The base body may be formed or attached to the outside of the waist support frame of the wearable device (100). The base body may be mounted on the user's waist to provide a cushioning feeling to the user's waist and may support the user's waist together with the waist support frame.

[0039] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an exercise management system including a wearable device and an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 2, the exercise management system (200) may include a wearable device (100) worn on a user's body, an electronic device (210), another wearable device (220), and a server (230). In one embodiment, the exercise management system (200) may omit at least one of these devices (e.g., another wearable device (220) or the server (230)) or may add one or more other devices (e.g., a dedicated controller device of the wearable device (100)).

[0041] In one embodiment, the wearable device (100) may be worn on the user's body in a walking assistance mode to assist the user's movements. For example, the wearable device (100) may be worn on the user's leg to generate an assistive force to assist the user's leg movements, thereby assisting the user's walking.

[0042] In one embodiment, the wearable device (100) may generate and apply to the user's body a resistance force to hinder the user's body movement or an assistive force to assist the user's body movement in order to enhance the user's exercise effect in an exercise assistance mode (or resistance mode). In the exercise assistance mode, the user may select an exercise program (e.g., squats, split lunges, dumbbell squats, lunges and knee ups, stretching, etc.) to be exercised using the wearable device (100) through the electronic device (210) and / or an exercise intensity to be applied to the wearable device (100). The wearable device (100) may control the drive module of the wearable device (100) according to the exercise program selected by the user, and may acquire sensor data including information on the user's movement through the sensor module. The wearable device (100) may adjust the strength of the resistance force or the assistive force to be applied to the user according to the exercise intensity selected by the user. For example, the wearable device (100) can control the drive module to generate a resistance corresponding to the exercise intensity selected by the user.

[0043] In one embodiment, the wearable device (100) may be used to measure a user's physical ability in conjunction with an electronic device (210). The wearable device (100) may operate in a physical ability measurement mode, which is a mode for measuring the user's physical ability under the control of the electronic device (210), and may transmit sensor data acquired by the user's movements in the physical ability measurement mode to the electronic device (210). The electronic device (210) may analyze the sensor data received from the wearable device (100) to estimate the user's physical ability.

[0044] The electronic device (210) can communicate with the wearable device (100), remotely control the wearable device (100), or provide the user with status information about the status of the wearable device (100) (e.g., booting status, charging status, sensing status, error status). The electronic device (210) can receive sensor data acquired by a sensor of the wearable device (100) from the wearable device (100), and estimate the user's physical ability or exercise result based on the received sensor data. In one embodiment, when the user wears the wearable device (100) and exercises, the wearable device (100) can acquire sensor data including movement information of the user using sensors, and transmit the acquired sensor data to the electronic device (210). The electronic device (210) can extract the user's movement value from the sensor data, and evaluate the user's exercise motion based on the extracted movement value. The electronic device (210) can provide the user with exercise motion measurement values ​​and exercise motion evaluation information for the user's exercise motion through a graphical user interface.

[0045] In one embodiment, the electronic device (210) may execute a program (e.g., an application) for controlling the wearable device (100), and the user may adjust the operation or setting values ​​(e.g., the torque intensity output from the driving module (e.g., the driving module (35, 45) of FIG. 3), the volume of the audio output from the sound output module (e.g., the sound output module (550) of FIGS. 5A and 5B), the brightness of the light unit (e.g., the light unit (85) of FIG. 3)) of the wearable device (100) through the program. The program executed in the electronic device (210) may provide a graphical user interface (GUI) for interaction with the user. The electronic device (210) may be a device of various forms. For example, the electronic device (210) may include, but is not limited to, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, an access point, a portable multimedia device, or a home appliance device (e.g., a television, an audio device, a projector device).

[0046] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (210) may be connected to the server (230) using short-range wireless communication or cellular communication. The server (230) may receive user profile information of a user using the wearable device (100) from the electronic device (210) and store and manage the received user profile information. The user profile information may include, for example, information on at least one of name, age, gender, height, weight, or body mass index (BMI). The server (230) may receive exercise history information on exercise performed by the user from the electronic device (210) and store and manage the received exercise history information. The server (230) may provide various exercise programs or physical ability measurement programs that may be provided to the user to the electronic device (210).

[0047] According to one embodiment, the wearable device (100) and / or the electronic device (210) may be connected to another wearable device (220). The other wearable device (220) may be, for example, wireless earphones (222), a smartwatch (224), or smartglasses (226), but is not limited to the aforementioned devices. In one embodiment, the smartwatch (224) may measure a bio-signal including heart rate information of the user, and transmit the measured bio-signal to the electronic device (210) and / or the wearable device (100). The electronic device (210) may estimate heart rate information of the user (e.g., current heart rate, maximum heart rate, average heart rate) based on the bio-signal received from the smartwatch (224), and may provide the estimated heart rate information to the user.

[0048] In one embodiment, the user's exercise result information, physical ability information, and / or exercise motion evaluation information evaluated by the electronic device (210) may be transmitted to another wearable device (220) and provided to the user through the other wearable device (220). Status information of the wearable device (100) may also be transmitted to another wearable device (220) and provided to the user through the other wearable device (220). In one embodiment, the wearable device (100), the electronic device (210), and the other wearable device (220) may be connected to each other through wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth communication, Wi-Fi communication).

[0049] In one embodiment, the wearable device (100) may provide (or output) feedback (e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, tactile feedback) corresponding to the state of the wearable device (100) according to a control signal received from the electronic device (210). For example, the wearable device (100) may provide visual feedback through a light unit (e.g., light unit (85) of FIG. 3) and may provide auditory feedback through an audio output module (e.g., audio output module (550) of FIGS. 5A and 5B). The wearable device (100) may include a haptic module and may provide tactile feedback in the form of vibration to the user's body through the haptic module. The electronic device (210) may also provide (or output) feedback (e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, tactile feedback) corresponding to the state of the wearable device (100).

[0050] In one embodiment, the electronic device (210) may present personalized exercise goals to the user in an exercise assistance mode. The personalized exercise goals may include exercise volume targets for each of the exercise types (e.g., strength training, balance training, aerobic training) that the user wishes to perform, as determined by the electronic device (210) and / or the server (230). When the server (230) determines the exercise volume targets, the server (230) may transmit information about the determined exercise volume targets to the electronic device (210). The electronic device (210) may present exercise volume targets for the exercise types of strength training, aerobic training, and balance training in a personalized manner according to the exercise program to be performed (e.g., squats, split lunges, lunge and knee-ups) and / or the user's physical characteristics (e.g., age, height, weight, BMI). The electronic device (210) may display a GUI screen indicating the exercise volume targets for each exercise type on the display.

[0051] In one embodiment, the electronic device (210) and / or the server (230) may include a database storing information on a plurality of exercise programs that may be provided to the user through the wearable device (100). To achieve the user's exercise goal, the electronic device (210) and / or the server (230) may recommend an exercise program suitable for the user. The exercise goal may include, for example, at least one of muscle strength improvement, physical strength improvement, cardiopulmonary endurance improvement, core stability improvement, flexibility improvement, or symmetry improvement. The electronic device (210) and / or the server (230) may store and manage exercise programs performed by the user and the results of the exercise programs performed.

[0052] Figure 3 illustrates a rear schematic diagram of a wearable device according to one embodiment. Figure 4 illustrates a left side view of the wearable device according to one embodiment.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a wearable device (100) according to one embodiment may include a base body (80), a waist support frame (20), a driving module (35, 45), a leg support frame (50, 55), a thigh fastening part (1, 2), and a waist fastening part (60). The base body (80) may include a lighting unit (85). In one embodiment, the wearable device (100) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the lighting unit (85)), or may have one or more other components (e.g., a haptic module) added.

[0054] The base body (80) can be positioned on the user's lower back while the user wears the wearable device (100). The base body (80) can be mounted on the user's lower back to provide a cushioning feeling to the user's lower back and support the user's lower back. The base body (80) can be hung over the user's buttocks (hip area) to prevent or reduce the wearable device (100) from being pulled downward by gravity while the user wears the wearable device (100). The base body (80) can distribute a portion of the weight of the wearable device (100) to the user's lower back while the user wears the wearable device (100). The base body (80) can be directly or indirectly connected to the lower back support frame (20). Both ends of the base body (80) can be provided with lower back support frame connection elements (not shown) that can be directly or indirectly connected to the lower back support frame (20).

[0055] In one embodiment, a lighting unit (85) may be disposed on the exterior of the base body (80). The lighting unit (85) may include one or more light sources (e.g., light emitting diodes (LEDs)). The lighting unit (85) may emit light under the control of a control module (not shown) (e.g., the control module (510) of FIGS. 5A and 5B, including a processing circuit). According to an embodiment, the control module may control the lighting unit (85) so that visual feedback corresponding to the status of the wearable device (100) may be provided (or output) to the user through the lighting unit (85).

[0056] The lumbar support frame (20) may extend from both ends of the base body (80). The user's lower back may be accommodated on the inside of the lumbar support frame (20). The lumbar support frame (20) may include at least one rigid body beam. Each beam may have a curved shape having a predetermined curvature so as to surround the user's lower back. A lumbar fastening part (60) may be connected to an end of the lumbar support frame (20). A driving module (35, 45) may be connected to the lumbar support frame (20).

[0057] In one embodiment, a control module, an inertial measurement device (not shown) (e.g., the inertial measurement device (135) of FIG. 1, the inertial measurement device (522) of FIG. 5B), a communication module (not shown) (e.g., the communication module (516) of FIGS. 5A and 5B, including a communication circuit), and a battery (not shown) may be arranged inside the base body (80). The base body (80) may protect the control module, the inertial measurement device, the communication module, and the battery. The control module may generate a control signal for controlling the operation of the wearable device (100). The control module may include a control circuit including a processor and a memory for controlling the actuators of the drive modules (35, 45). The control module may further include a power supply module (not shown) for supplying power from the battery to each component of the wearable device (100).

[0058] In one embodiment, the wearable device (100) may include a sensor module (not shown) (e.g., sensor module (520) of FIG. 5A) that obtains sensor data from one or more sensors. The sensor module may obtain sensor data that changes according to the user's movement. In one embodiment, the sensor module may obtain sensor data including movement information of the user and / or movement information of components of the wearable device (100). The sensor module may include, but is not limited to, an inertial measurement device (e.g., inertial measurement device (135) of FIG. 1, inertial measurement device (522) of FIG. 5B) for measuring a movement value of the user's upper body or a movement value of the waist support frame (20) and an angle sensor (e.g., angle sensor (125) of FIG. 1, first angle sensor (524) and second angle sensor (524-1) of FIG. 5B) for measuring a hip joint angle value of the user or a movement value of the leg support frames (50, 55). For example, the sensor module may further include at least one of a position sensor, a temperature sensor, a biosignal sensor, or a proximity sensor.

[0059] The waist fastening member (60) can be connected to the waist support frame (20) and can secure the waist support frame (20) to the user's waist. The waist fastening member (60) can include, for example, a pair of belts.

[0060] The drive module (35, 45) can generate an external force (or torque) applied to the user's body based on a control signal generated by the control module. For example, the drive module (35, 45) can generate an assistive force or a resistance force applied to the user's leg. In one embodiment, the drive module (35, 45) can include a first drive module (45) positioned corresponding to the user's right hip joint position and a second drive module (35) positioned corresponding to the user's left hip joint position. The first drive module (45) can include a first actuator and a first joint member, and the second drive module (35) can include a second actuator and a second joint member. The first actuator can provide power transmitted to the first joint member, and the second actuator can provide power transmitted to the second joint member. The first actuator and the second actuator may each include a motor that receives power from a battery and generates force (or torque). When powered and driven, the motor may generate a force to assist the user's body movements (assistive force) or a force to impede the user's body movements (resistive force). For example, the motor may be a three-phase motor. In one embodiment, the control module may control the strength and direction of the force generated by the motor by adjusting the voltage and / or current supplied to the motor.

[0061] In one embodiment, the first joint member and the second joint member may receive power from the first actuator and the second actuator, respectively, and apply an external force to the user's body based on the received power. The first joint member and the second joint member may be disposed at positions corresponding to the user's joints, respectively. One side of the first joint member may be connected to the first actuator, and the other side may be connected to the first leg support frame (55). The first joint member may be rotated by the power received from the first actuator. An encoder or a hall sensor that may function as an angle sensor for measuring a rotation angle of the first joint member (corresponding to the user's joint angle) may be disposed on one side of the first joint member. One side of the second joint member may be connected to the second actuator, and the other side may be connected to the second leg support frame (50). The second joint member may be rotated by the power received from the second actuator. An encoder or hall sensor that can act as an angle sensor for measuring a rotation angle of the second joint member may also be arranged on one side of the second joint member.

[0062] In one embodiment, the first actuator may be disposed laterally of the first joint member, and the second actuator may be disposed laterally of the second joint member. The rotational axis of the first actuator and the rotational axis of the first joint member may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other, and the rotational axis of the second actuator and the rotational axis of the second joint member may also be disposed to be spaced apart from each other. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the actuator and the joint member may share a rotational axis. In one embodiment, each actuator may be disposed to be spaced apart from the joint member. In this case, the drive module (35, 45) may further include a power transmission module (not shown) that transmits power from the actuator to the joint member. The power transmission module may be a rotating body such as a gear, or a longitudinal member such as a wire, a cable, a string, a spring, a belt, or a chain. However, the scope of the embodiment is not limited by the positional relationship between the actuator and joint member and the power transmission structure described above.

[0063] In one embodiment, the leg support frame (50, 55) can support the user's leg (e.g., thigh) when the wearable device (100) is worn on the user's leg. The leg support frame (50, 55) can transmit power (torque) generated from, for example, the driving module (35, 45) to the user's thigh, and the power can act as an external force applied to the movement of the user's leg. One end of the leg support frame (50, 55) can be connected to a joint member and rotated, and the other end of the leg support frame (50, 55) is connected to a thigh fastening part (1, 2), so that the leg support frame (50, 55) can support the user's thigh while transmitting the power generated from the driving module (35, 45) to the user's thigh. For example, the leg support frame (50, 55) can push or pull the user's thigh. The leg support frame (50, 55) can extend along the length direction of the user's thigh. The leg support frame (50, 55) can be folded to wrap around at least a portion of the user's thigh. The leg support frame (50, 55) can include a first leg support frame (55) for supporting the user's right leg and a second leg support frame (50) for supporting the user's left leg.

[0064] The thigh fastening parts (1, 2) are connected to the leg support frame (50, 55) and can fix the leg support frame (50, 55) to the thigh. The thigh fastening parts (1, 2) may include a first thigh fastening part (2) for fixing the first leg support frame (55) to the user's right thigh and a second thigh fastening part (1) for fixing the second leg support frame (50) to the user's left thigh.

[0065] In one embodiment, the first thigh fastening part (2) may include a first cover, a first fastening frame, and a first strap, and the second thigh fastening part (1) may include a second cover, a second fastening frame, and a second strap. The first cover and the second cover may apply a torque generated from the driving module (35, 45) to the user's thigh. The first cover and the second cover may be disposed on one side of the user's thigh and may push or pull the user's thigh. The first cover and the second cover may be disposed on the front side of the user's thigh, for example. The first cover and the second cover may be disposed along the circumferential direction of the user's thigh. The first cover and the second cover may extend in both directions with the other end of the leg support frame (50, 55) as the center, and may include a curved surface corresponding to the user's thigh. One end of the first cover and the second cover may be connected to the fastening frame, and the other end may be connected to the strap.

[0066] The first fastening frame and the second fastening frame may be arranged to, for example, surround at least a portion of the user's thigh, thereby preventing or reducing the user's thigh from being dislodged from the leg support frame (50, 55). The first fastening frame may have a fastening structure connecting the first cover and the first strap, and the second fastening frame may have a fastening structure connecting the second cover and the second strap.

[0067] The first strap may encircle the user's right thigh, the remaining portion not covered by the first cover and the first fastening frame, and the second strap may encircle the user's left thigh, the remaining portion not covered by the second cover and the second fastening frame. The first strap and the second strap may comprise, for example, an elastic material (e.g., a band).

[0068]

[0069] FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating the configuration of a control system of a wearable device according to one embodiment.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 5A, a wearable device (500) (e.g., wearable device (100)) may include a control module (510), a communication module (516), a sensor module (520), a driving module (530), an input module (540), and an audio output module (550). In one embodiment, at least one of these components (e.g., audio output module (550)) may be omitted, or one or more other components (e.g., haptic module) may be added to the wearable device (500).

[0071] The drive module (530) may include a motor (534) capable of generating power (e.g., torque) and a motor driver circuit (532) for driving the motor (534). In the embodiment of FIG. 5A, the drive module (530) including one motor driver circuit (532) and one motor (534) is illustrated, but this is merely an example. Referring to FIG. 5B, as in the wearable device (500-1) illustrated in FIG. 5B, the number of motor driver circuits (532, 532-1) and the number of motors (534, 534-1) may be plural (e.g., two or more). A drive module (530) including a motor driver circuit (532) and a motor (534) may correspond to the first drive module (45) of FIG. 3, and a drive module (530-1) including a motor driver circuit (532-1) and a motor (534-1) may correspond to the second drive module (35) of FIG. 3. The description of each of the motor driver circuit (532) and the motor (534) described below may also be applied to the motor driver circuit (532-1) and the motor (534-1) illustrated in FIG. 5b.

[0072] Returning to FIG. 5A, the sensor module (520) may include a sensor circuit including at least one sensor. The sensor module (520) may include sensor data including movement information of the user or movement information of the wearable device (500). The sensor module (520) may transmit the acquired sensor data to the control module (510). The sensor module (520) may include an inertial measurement device (522) and an angle sensor (e.g., a first angle sensor (524) and a second angle sensor (524-1)) as illustrated in FIG. 5B. The inertial measurement device (522) may measure movement values ​​of the user's upper body. For example, the inertial measurement device (522) may sense accelerations of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis and angular velocities of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis according to the movement of the user. The inertial measurement device (522) can be used to measure, for example, at least one of forward and backward tilt, left and right tilt, or rotation of the user's body. In addition, the inertial measurement device (522) can obtain movement values ​​(e.g., acceleration values ​​and angular velocity values) of a lumbar support frame (e.g., lumbar support frame (20) of FIG. 3) of the wearable device. The movement values ​​of the lumbar support frame can correspond to movement values ​​of the user's upper body.

[0073] The angle sensor can measure a hip joint angle value according to the movement of the user's legs. Sensor data that can be measured by the angle sensor can include, for example, information on the hip joint angle value of the right leg, the hip joint angle value of the left leg, and the movement direction of the legs. For example, the first angle sensor (524) of FIG. 5B can obtain the hip joint angle value of the user's right leg, and the second angle sensor (524-1) can obtain the hip joint angle value of the user's left leg. Each of the first angle sensor (524) and the second angle sensor (524-1) can include, for example, an encoder and / or a Hall sensor. In addition, the angle sensor can obtain a movement value of the leg support frame of the wearable device (500). For example, the first angle sensor (524) can obtain a movement value of the first leg support frame (55), and the second angle sensor (524-1) can obtain a movement value of the second leg support frame (50). The movement value of the leg support frame can correspond to the hip joint angle value.

[0074] In one embodiment, the sensor module (520) may further include at least one of a position sensor for obtaining a position value of the wearable device (500), a proximity sensor for detecting the proximity of an object, a biosignal sensor for detecting a biosignal of a user, or a temperature sensor for measuring an ambient temperature.

[0075] The input module (540) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the wearable device (500) (e.g., a processor (512)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the wearable device (500). The input module (540) can include an input component circuit. The input module (540) can include, for example, a key (e.g., a button) or a touch screen.

[0076] The audio output module (550) can output audio signals to the outside of the wearable device (500). The audio output module (550) can provide auditory feedback to the user. For example, the audio output module (550) can include a speaker that plays a guide audio signal (e.g., a driving start sound, an operation error notification sound, an exercise start notification sound), a music content, or a guide voice to audibly inform specific information (e.g., exercise result information, exercise movement evaluation information).

[0077] In one embodiment, the wearable device (500) may further include a battery (not shown) for supplying power to each component of the wearable device (500). The wearable device (500) may convert the power of the battery to an operating voltage of each component of the wearable device (500) and supply the converted power to each component.

[0078] The drive module (530) can generate an external force applied to the user's leg under the control of the control module (510). The drive module (530) can generate a torque applied to the user's leg based on a control signal generated by the control module (510). The control module (510) can transmit the control signal to the motor driver circuit (532). The motor driver circuit (532) can control the operation of the motor (534) by generating a current signal (or voltage signal) corresponding to the control signal and supplying the current signal to the motor (534). In some cases, the current signal may not be supplied to the motor (534). When the motor (534) is driven by supplying a current signal to the motor (534), the motor (534) can generate a torque for an assistive force that assists the movement of the user's leg or a resistive force that hinders the movement of the leg.

[0079] The control module (510) controls the overall operation of the wearable device (500) and can generate control signals for controlling each component (e.g., communication module (516), driving module (530)). The control module (510) may include a processor (512) and a memory (514).

[0080] The processor (512) may, for example, execute software to control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of the wearable device (500) connected to the processor (512) and perform various data processing or calculations. The software may include an application for providing a GUI. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or calculation, the processor (512) may store instructions or data received from another component (e.g., a communication module (516)) in the memory (514), process the instructions or data stored in the memory (514), and store the result data after the processing in the memory (514). According to one embodiment, the processor (512) may include a main processor (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together therewith. The auxiliary processor may be implemented separately from the main processor or as part of it.

[0081] Each "processor" herein may include a processing circuit and / or multiple processors. For example, the term "processor," as used herein, including in the claims, may include various processing circuits, including at least one processor, one or more of which may be configured to individually and / or collectively perform the various functions described herein in a distributed manner. As used herein, when "processor," "at least one processor," and "one or more processors" are described as being configured to perform various functions, these terms may include, for example, without limitation, a situation where one processor performs some of the functions and other processor(s) perform the remainder of the functions, and also a situation where a single processor may perform all of the functions. Additionally, the at least one processor may include a combination of processors that perform the various functions enumerated / disclosed, for example, in a distributed manner. The at least one processor may execute program instructions to achieve or perform the various functions.

[0082] The memory (514) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., processor (512)) of the control module (510). The data can include, for example, input data or output data for software, sensor data, and commands related thereto. The memory (514) can include volatile memory or non-volatile memory (e.g., RAM, DRAM, SRAM).

[0083] The communication module (516) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the control module (510) and other components of the wearable device (500) or an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (210) or another wearable device (220) of FIG. 2), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (516) may include a communication circuit for performing a communication function. The communication module (516) may, for example, receive a control signal from an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (210)) and transmit sensor data acquired by the sensor module (520) to the electronic device. According to one embodiment, the communication module (516) may operate independently from the processor (512) and may include one or more communication processors (not shown) that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (516) may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) and / or a wired communication module. Any of these communication modules may communicate with other components of the wearable device (500) and / or external electronic devices via a short-range communication network such as, for example, Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), or infrared data association (IrDA), or 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).

[0084] In one embodiment, the wearable device (500, 500-1) may further include a haptic module (not shown). The haptic module may provide tactile feedback to the user under the control of the processor (512). The haptic module may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus that the user may perceive through a tactile or kinesthetic sense. The haptic module may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device. In one embodiment, the haptic module may be located in at least one of the base body (e.g., the base body (80)), the first thigh fastening portion (2), or the second thigh fastening portion (1).

[0085] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a wearable device and an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 6, the wearable device (100) can communicate with the electronic device (210). For example, the electronic device (210) may be a user terminal of a user using the wearable device (100) or a dedicated controller device for the wearable device (100). According to one embodiment, the wearable device (100) and the electronic device (210) may be connected to each other through short-range wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth communication, Wi-Fi communication).

[0087] In one embodiment, the electronic device (210) may execute an application to check the status of the wearable device (100) or to control or operate the wearable device (100). By executing the application, a screen of a user interface (UI) for controlling the operation of the wearable device (100) or determining the operation mode of the wearable device (100) may be displayed on the display (212) of the electronic device (210). The UI may be, for example, a graphical user interface (GUI).

[0088] In one embodiment, a user may input a command to control the operation of the wearable device (100) (e.g., a command to execute a walking assistance mode, an exercise assistance mode, or a physical ability measurement mode) or change the settings of the wearable device (100) through a GUI screen on a display (212) of the electronic device (210). The electronic device (210) may generate a control command (or a control signal) corresponding to the motion control command or setting change command input by the user, and transmit the generated control command to the wearable device (100). The wearable device (100) may operate according to the received control command, and transmit a control result according to the control command and / or sensor data measured by a sensor module of the wearable device (100) to the electronic device (210). The electronic device (210) may analyze the control result and / or sensor data to provide the user with result information (e.g., walking ability information, exercise ability information, exercise movement evaluation information) through the GUI screen.

[0089] In one embodiment, the wearable device (100) may receive a diagnostic request from the electronic device (210). The wearable device (100) may perform a diagnostic operation (e.g., a fault diagnostic operation for a discharge circuit to be described later) according to the diagnostic request received from the electronic device (210).

[0090] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a wearable device according to one embodiment.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 7, a wearable device (700) (e.g., wearable device (100), wearable device (500), wearable device (500-1)) according to one embodiment may include a conversion circuit (710), a comparison circuit (711), a processor (712) (e.g., processor (512)), a control circuit (713), a discharge circuit (714), a first switch circuit (715), a second switch circuit (716), a diagnosis circuit (717), a motor (718), a power supply (719), a battery (720), and a communication module (721).

[0092] According to one embodiment, the conversion circuit (710), the comparison circuit (711), the control circuit (713), the discharge circuit (714), the first switch circuit (715), the second switch circuit (716), and the diagnostic circuit (717) may be circuits for the motor (718). The motor (718) of the wearable device (700) may be a motor for providing an external force to one leg. The wearable device (700) may further include another motor for providing an external force to the other leg, and may include a conversion circuit, a comparison circuit, a control circuit, a discharge circuit, a first switch circuit, a second switch circuit, and a diagnostic circuit for the other motor. The description of each of the conversion circuit (710), the comparison circuit (711), the control circuit (713), the discharge circuit (714), the first switch circuit (715), the second switch circuit (716), and the diagnostic circuit (717) can be applied to each of the conversion circuit, the comparison circuit, the control circuit, the discharge circuit, the first switch circuit, the second switch circuit, and the diagnostic circuit for other motors.

[0093] According to one embodiment, at least some or all of the conversion circuit (710), the comparison circuit (711), the control circuit (713), the first switch circuit (715), the second switch circuit (716), or the diagnostic circuit (717) may be implemented as a diagnostic module.

[0094] According to one embodiment, at least some or all of the conversion circuit (710), the comparison circuit (711), the processor (712), the control circuit (713), the first switch circuit (715), the second switch circuit (716), the diagnostic circuit (717), or the communication module (721) may be located on a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB on which some components of the wearable device (700) (e.g., at least some or all of the conversion circuit (710), the comparison circuit (711), the processor (712), the control circuit (713), the first switch circuit (715), the second switch circuit (716), the diagnostic circuit (717), or the communication module (721)) are located may represent a first PBA (or main PBA). As will be described later, heat may be generated by the discharge circuit (714), and the discharge circuit (714) may be separated from the first PBA (or spaced apart by a certain distance or more) so that the heat generated by the discharge circuit (714) may have minimal effect on the first PBA.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the power supply (719) can generate a static power supply (VCC) required by the wearable device (700). For example, the power supply (719) can provide VCC to a comparison circuit (711) and a control circuit (713), etc.

[0096] According to one embodiment, when a user of a wearable device (700) moves, a motor (718) may move (or rotate) due to the user's movement. The movement (or rotation) of the motor (718) may generate electromotive force (hereinafter referred to as "motor electromotive force").

[0097] According to one embodiment, the converter circuit (710) can generate a voltage (VDC) based on the voltage of the power source used by the motor (718) (or the voltage input to the motor (718)) (VMOT).

[0098] The voltage (VMOT) may represent, for example, the voltage of the motor electromotive force. For example, in the resistance mode of the wearable device (700), the motor (718) may utilize the motor electromotive force to generate an external force (or torque) to be provided to the user. In the exercise state described below, the motor (718) may receive the motor electromotive force and generate an external force (or torque) to be provided to the user.

[0099] The voltage (VMOT) may represent, for example, the voltage of the battery (720). For example, as described below, in a state before starting exercise (or at the end of exercise), the wearable device (700) may supply power from the battery (720) to the motor (718) to determine whether the discharge circuit (714) is in a normal state.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the conversion circuit (710) may include a plurality of resistors, and may generate the voltage (VDC) by converting the voltage (VMOT) into the voltage (VDC) through voltage division using the plurality of resistors. According to one embodiment, the conversion circuit (710) may include an operational amplifier (OP AMP), and may generate the voltage (VDC) by converting the voltage (VMOT) into the voltage (VDC) through the OP AMP.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the comparison circuit (711) may compare the voltage (VDC) received from the conversion circuit (710) with the reference voltage (VREF). The comparison circuit (711) may output a first signal (e.g., a voltage signal) when the voltage (VDC) is greater than or equal to the reference voltage (VREF). A state in which the voltage (VDC) is greater than or equal to the reference voltage (VREF) may indicate an overvoltage state of the motor (718) or a state in which excessive motor electromotive force is generated in the motor (718). The comparison circuit (711) may not output the first signal when the voltage (VDC) is less than the reference voltage (VREF).

[0102] According to one embodiment, the second switch circuit (716) may cause the motor electromotive force to be transferred to the discharge circuit (714) when receiving the first signal from the comparison circuit (711).

[0103] According to one embodiment, the discharge circuit (714) may include one or more resistors and may consume motor electromotive force through the one or more resistors. The voltage of the motor electromotive force may be higher than the voltage of the battery (720), and thus the motor electromotive force may damage components of the wearable device (700), such as the processor (712), etc. To prevent or reduce such damage, the discharge circuit (714) may consume the motor electromotive force through the one or more resistors when the voltage of the motor electromotive force is above a certain level.

[0104] According to one embodiment, in an overvoltage state of the motor (718), the processor (712) may receive a voltage (VDC) from the conversion circuit (710). The processor (712) may determine whether the discharge circuit (714) is in an abnormal state based on a change (or change pattern) of the received voltage (VDC). For example, if the processor (712) determines that the voltage (VDC) is increasing through a change in the voltage (VDC) during a certain time period (e.g., a time period from the time when the voltage (VDC) is higher than the reference voltage (VREF) to the time when △t has elapsed), the processor may determine that the discharge circuit (714) is in a first abnormal state (e.g., an electrical open state of the resistance of the discharge circuit (714) and / or a state in which the wire harness of the discharge circuit (714) is disconnected). If the processor (712) determines that the voltage (VDC) is decreasing beyond a certain level through changes in the voltage (VDC) over a certain period of time, the processor (712) may determine that the discharge circuit (714) is in a second abnormal state (e.g., an electrical short state of the resistance of the discharge circuit (714) and / or a state in which the wire harness of the discharge circuit (714) is shorted). If the processor (712) determines that the voltage (VDC) is decreasing to a certain level through changes in the voltage (VDC) over a certain period of time, the processor (712) may determine that the discharge circuit (714) is in a normal state.

[0105] According to one embodiment, in an overvoltage state, a current sensor (not shown) may sense the current of the discharge circuit (714) to obtain a current value and transmit the obtained current value to the processor (712). The processor (712) may determine whether the discharge circuit (714) is in an abnormal state based on the received current value. For example, if the received current value corresponds to a predetermined current value (or a normal current value), the processor (712) may determine that the discharge circuit (714) is in a normal state. If the received current value corresponds to 0, the processor (712) may determine that the discharge circuit (714) is in a first abnormal state (e.g., an electrical open state of the resistance of the discharge circuit (714) and / or a state in which the wire harness of the discharge circuit (714) is disconnected). If the received current value corresponds to a value that is a certain level or greater than the set current value (or normal current value), the processor (712) can determine that the discharge circuit (714) is in a second abnormal state (e.g., an electrical short state of the resistance of the discharge circuit (714) and / or a state in which the wire harness of the discharge circuit (714) is short-circuited).

[0106] According to one embodiment, the processor (712) can determine whether the discharge circuit (714) is in an abnormal state based on the voltage (V_DIAF) of the diagnostic circuit (717) when there is no overvoltage condition (e.g., when the voltage (VDC) is less than the reference voltage (VREF).

[0107] According to one embodiment, when there is no overvoltage state, the processor (712) may generate a diagnostic request signal (DIAG_CON) for the discharge circuit (714). For example, the processor (712) may receive a diagnostic request for the discharge circuit (714) from the electronic device (210) through the communication module (721) and may generate the diagnostic request signal (DIAG_CON) according to the received diagnostic request. As another example, the processor (712) may periodically generate the diagnostic request signal (DIAG_CON). The processor (712) may periodically generate the diagnostic request signal (DIAG_CON) so as to periodically monitor whether the discharge circuit (714) is in an abnormal state.

[0108] In one embodiment, when there is no overvoltage condition, the processor (712) may control the first switch circuit (715) to allow the battery (720) voltage to be transferred to the discharge circuit (714).

[0109] According to one embodiment, the control circuit (713) can output a second signal (e.g., a voltage having a low value (V_FDIAG)) for controlling the first switch circuit (715) based on the diagnostic request signal.

[0110] According to one embodiment, the first switch circuit (715) may electrically connect the discharge circuit (714) and the diagnostic circuit (717) when receiving a second signal (e.g., a voltage having a low value (V_FDIAG)) from the control circuit (713).

[0111] According to one embodiment, the diagnostic circuit (717) may include one or more electrical elements (e.g., resistors, etc.). When the diagnostic circuit (717) is electrically connected to the discharge circuit (714) through the first switch circuit (715), the diagnostic circuit (717) may generate a diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG) based on the voltage of the motor electromotive force (VMOT), one or more resistors in the discharge circuit (714), and one or more electrical elements in the diagnostic circuit (717). The diagnostic circuit (717) may transmit the diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG) to the processor (712).

[0112] According to one embodiment, the processor (712) may determine whether the discharge circuit (714) is in an abnormal state based on the voltage value of the diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG) received from the diagnostic circuit (717). For example, the processor (712) may determine that the discharge circuit (714) is in a normal state when the voltage value of the diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG) corresponds to a predetermined voltage value (or a normal voltage value). The processor (712) may determine that the discharge circuit (714) is in a first abnormal state (e.g., an electrical open state of a resistor of the discharge circuit (714) and / or a state in which a wire harness of the discharge circuit (714) is disconnected) when the voltage value of the diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG) corresponds to 0. The processor (712) can determine that the discharge circuit (714) is in a second abnormal state (e.g., an electrical short state of the resistance of the discharge circuit (714) and / or a short state of the wire harness of the discharge circuit (714)) when the voltage value of the diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG) is greater than a predetermined voltage value (or a normal voltage value).

[0113] According to one embodiment, when the processor (712) determines that the discharge circuit (714) is in an abnormal state (e.g., a first abnormal state or a second abnormal state), the processor (712) may control the communication module (721) to transmit a report indicating that the discharge circuit (714) is in an abnormal state to at least one of a cloud server or an electronic device (210).

[0114] In one embodiment, if the processor (712) determines that the discharge circuit (714) is in an abnormal state while the wearable device (700) is providing an external force (or torque) to the user, the processor (712) may control the motor (718) to stop providing the external force (or torque) to the user. The processor (712) may control the motor to stop driving.

[0115] According to one embodiment, the processor (712) can control a lighting unit (85) including one or more LEDs to use the motor electromotive force as a power source when the motor (718) is in an overvoltage state. The lighting unit (85) can output light corresponding to the state of the wearable device (700) (e.g., an abnormal state, etc.).

[0116] In one embodiment, the processor (712) may provide a heating function to the user based on the heat generated by the motor electromotive force consumed by the discharge circuit (714) when the motor (718) is in an overvoltage state. For example, the processor (712) may determine that the temperature of the wearable device (700) is below a certain temperature due to cold weather. Additionally, the motor (718) may be in an overvoltage state. The processor (712) may provide a heating function to the user based on the heat generated by the motor electromotive force consumed by the discharge circuit (714).

[0117] According to one embodiment, the wearable device (700) can charge the battery (720) based on the motor electromotive force. For example, the wearable device (700) can include a rectifier (or rectifying circuit) and can convert the motor electromotive force into power that can charge the battery (720) through the rectifier. When the voltage of the motor electromotive force exceeds the charging allowable voltage of the battery (720), the wearable device (700) can consume the motor electromotive force through the discharge circuit (714) and / or use the motor electromotive force as a power source for the lighting unit (85).

[0118]

[0119] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating examples of a conversion circuit, a comparison circuit, a control circuit, a discharge circuit, a diagnostic circuit, a first switch circuit, and a second switch circuit of a wearable device according to one embodiment.

[0120] The circuit (800) of FIG. 8 may include a conversion circuit (710), a comparison circuit (711), a control circuit (713), a discharge circuit (714), a diagnostic circuit (717), a first switch circuit (715), and a second switch circuit (716).

[0121] The voltage (VMOT) (801) illustrated in FIG. 8 may represent the voltage of the power source used by the motor (718) (or the voltage input to the motor (718)) (e.g., the voltage of the motor electromotive force or the voltage of the battery (720)).

[0122] In the example illustrated in FIG. 8, the conversion circuit (710) may include a plurality of resistors (R1, R2, R3, R4). In the example illustrated in FIG. 8, the conversion circuit (710) may be expressed differently as a voltage divider circuit.

[0123] According to one embodiment, the conversion circuit (710) can convert the voltage (VMOT) into a voltage (VDC) that can be input to the processor (712) through voltage division using resistors (R1, R2, R3, R4). When the conversion circuit (710) receives the voltage (VMOT), it can output the voltage (VDC) by performing voltage division using resistors (R1, R2, R3, R4). The voltage (VDC) is the voltage of the node (810) and can be expressed by the following mathematical expression 1.

[0124] [Mathematical Formula 1]

[0125]

[0126] According to one embodiment, unlike the example illustrated in FIG. 8, the conversion circuit (710) may include an OP AMP and may convert the voltage (VMOT) into a voltage (VDC) through the OP AMP.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the processor (712) may receive a voltage (VDC) from the conversion circuit (710). As described in detail below, the processor (712) may determine whether the discharge circuit (714) is in an abnormal state based on the amount of change in the voltage (VDC).

[0128] According to one embodiment, the comparison circuit (711) may include a comparator (811). The comparator (811) may compare a voltage (VDC) with a reference voltage (VREF). The comparator (811) may output a first signal (e.g., a voltage signal) to the second switch circuit (716) if the voltage (VDC) is higher than the reference voltage (VREF).

[0129] According to one embodiment, the second switch circuit (716) may include a transistor (TR1) (816-1) and a transistor (F_BEMF) (816-2). When the second switch circuit (716) receives a first signal from the comparison circuit (711), the voltage (VOV) of the node (816-3) may have a low value (e.g., 4.2 V) due to the resistors (R6, R7) in the second switch circuit (716). When the second switch circuit (716) does not receive the first signal from the comparison circuit (711), the voltage (VOV) of the node (816-3) may have a high value (e.g., 5 V).

[0130] According to one embodiment, when a high voltage (VOV) is applied to the gate of the transistor (TR1) (816-1), the transistor (TR1) (816-1) can output a voltage. When the transistor (TR1) (816-1) outputs a voltage, the voltage (VBC) can have a high value (e.g., 5 V). When the high voltage (VBC) is applied to the gate of the transistor (F_BEMF) (816-2), the transistor (F_BEMF) (816-2) can be turned on. The second switch circuit (716) can be in a turned-on state. The high voltage (VBC) can correspond to a signal (or control signal) that can turn on the transistor (F_BEMF) (816-2). When the transistor (F_BEMF) (816-2) is turned on, motor electromotive force can be transmitted to the discharge circuit (714).

[0131] According to one embodiment, the discharge circuit (714) may include a plurality of resistors (R_BEMF_1, R_BEMF_2, R_BEMF_3, R_BEMF_4), a plurality of wire harnesses (814-1, 814-2), and a plurality of connectors (814-3, 814-4). Depending on the implementation, the discharge circuit (714) may refer only to a circuit composed of the resistors (R_BEMF_1, R_BEMF_2, R_BEMF_3, R_BEMF_4). In this case, the discharge circuit (714) may be connected to a first PBA (or main PBA) (e.g., a PBA including the processor (712)) through the wire harnesses (814-1, 814-2) and the connectors (814-3, 814-4). A conversion circuit (710), a comparison circuit (711), a processor (712), a control circuit (713), a diagnostic circuit (717), a first switch circuit (715), a second switch circuit (716), a power supply (719), and a communication module (721) including a communication circuit may be located on a PCB. Connectors (814-3, 814-4) may allow the discharge circuit (714) to be connected or disconnected from the PCB. Depending on the implementation, the connectors (814-3, 814-4) may be omitted. If the connectors (814-3, 814-4) are omitted, the discharge circuit (714) may be connected to the PCB by soldering.

[0132] According to one embodiment, the discharge circuit (714) can consume motor electromotive force through a plurality of resistors (R_BEMF_1, R_BEMF_2, R_BEMF_3, R_BEMF_4). In the example illustrated in FIG. 8, the discharge circuit (714) includes four resistors (R_BEMF_1, R_BEMF_2, R_BEMF_3, R_BEMF_4), but this is merely exemplary.

[0133] According to one embodiment, in an overvoltage state (or a state in which the discharge circuit (714) consumes motor electromotive force), the processor (712) can determine whether the discharge circuit (714) is in an abnormal state based on at least one of a change in voltage (VDC) or a current value of the current of the discharge circuit (714). This will be described later with reference to FIGS. 12, 13, and 14.

[0134] According to one embodiment, when not in an overvoltage condition, the processor (712) may generate a diagnostic request signal (DIAG_CON) for the discharge circuit (714). In the example illustrated in FIG. 8, the voltage source (813) may indicate the diagnostic request signal (DIAG_CON).

[0135] According to one embodiment, when the control circuit (713) receives a diagnostic request signal (DIAG_CON) from the processor (712), it can output a second signal (e.g., a voltage having a low value (V_FDIAG)) that turns on the first switch circuit (715).

[0136] According to one embodiment, the first switch circuit (715) may include a transistor (F_DIAG) (815). A second signal (e.g., a voltage (V_FDIAG) having a low value) of the control circuit (713) may be applied to the gate of the transistor (F_DIAG) (815). Accordingly, the transistor (F_DIAG) (815) may be turned on. In other words, the first switch circuit (715) may be in a turned-on state. When the transistor (F_DIAG) (815) is turned on, the discharge circuit (714) and the diagnostic circuit (717) may be electrically connected.

[0137] According to one embodiment, the diagnostic circuit (717) may include a plurality of resistors (R_EXT, RDIAG_1, RDIAG_2). When the diagnostic circuit (717) is electrically connected to the discharge circuit (714), the diagnostic circuit (717) may output a diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG). For example, the voltage (VMOT) may be voltage-divided by the plurality of resistors (R_EXT, RDIAG_1, RDIAG_2) of the diagnostic circuit (717), the plurality of resistors (R_BEMF_1, R_BEMF_2, R_BEMF_3, R_BEMF_4) of the discharge circuit (714), and the resistor (RDS_FDIAG) of the transistor (F_DIAG) (815) (e.g., the resistor between the source and the drain of the transistor (F_DIAG) (815)) (e.g., the resistor (RDS_FDIAG) (1011) of FIG. 10). By this voltage distribution, the diagnostic circuit (717) can output a diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG). In the example illustrated in FIG. 8, the voltage of node (817) may correspond to the diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG). The voltage value of the diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG) can be expressed, for example, by the following mathematical expression 2.

[0138] [Equation 2]

[0139]

[0140]

[0141] According to one embodiment, the processor (712) may receive a diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG) from the diagnostic circuit (717). The processor (712) may determine whether the discharge circuit (714) is in an abnormal state based on the voltage value of the diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG). For example, the processor (712) may determine that the discharge circuit (714) is in a normal state when the voltage value of the diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG) corresponds to a predetermined voltage value (or a normal voltage value) at a given voltage (VMOT) (or voltage (VDC)). The processor (712) may determine that the discharge circuit (714) is in a first abnormal state when the voltage value of the diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG) corresponds to 0 at a given voltage (VMOT) (or voltage (VDC)). The processor (712) can determine that the discharge circuit (714) is in a second abnormal state when the voltage value of the diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG) at the given voltage (VMOT) (or voltage (VDC)) is greater than the set voltage value (or normal voltage value).

[0142] According to one embodiment, the wearable device (700) may include a temperature sensor (not shown) (e.g., a Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) thermistor) capable of measuring the temperature of the transistor (F_BEMF) (816-2). The processor (712) may receive a temperature value of the transistor (F_BEMF) (816-2) from the temperature sensor. If the received temperature value exceeds a threshold temperature value, the processor (712) may determine that the discharge circuit (714) is in a second abnormal state.

[0143] FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating an example of a diagnostic operation of a wearable device according to one embodiment.

[0144] In FIG. 9, the waveform (910) of the diagnostic request signal (DIAG_CON), the waveform (920) of the voltage (VBC), the waveform (930) of the voltage (VMOT), the waveform (940) of the voltage (VOV), the waveform (950) of the diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG), and the waveform (960) of the voltage (V_FDIAG) are shown.

[0145] As shown in the waveform (910) of FIG. 9, the processor (712) may generate a first diagnostic request signal. For example, the processor (712) may generate the first diagnostic request signal when a cycle of the diagnostic request signal arrives or when a diagnostic request is received.

[0146] When the first diagnostic request signal occurs, there may be an overvoltage condition. As shown in the waveform (940), in the overvoltage condition, the voltage (VOV) may have a low value (e.g., 4.2 V) (VOV=low). If VOV=low, the transistor (TR1) (816-1) may be turned on. As a result, as shown in the waveform (920), the voltage (VBC) may have a high value (e.g., 5 V) (VBC=high). If VBC=high, the transistor (F_BEMF) (816-2) may be turned on and the discharge circuit (714) may consume motor electromotive force. Depending on the embodiment, a different type of transistor than the transistor (TR1) (816-1) may be used instead of the transistor (TR1) (816-1) and / or a different type of transistor than the transistor (F_BEMF) (816-2) may be used instead of the transistor (F_BEMF) (816-2). In this case, the discharge circuit (714) may consume motor electromotive force when VOV=high and VBC=low (or when VOV=high / VBC=high or when VOV=low / VBC=low).

[0147] The first diagnostic request signal generated by the processor (712) may be transmitted to the control circuit (713). When the processor (712) generates the first diagnostic request signal, if there is an overvoltage state, the control circuit (713) may control the control circuit (713) so that the transistor (F_DIAG) (815) is not turned on even if the control circuit (713) receives the first diagnostic request signal. When there is an overvoltage state when the first diagnostic request signal is generated, as shown in the waveform (960), a voltage (e.g., a voltage (V_FDIAG) having a low value) that can turn on the transistor (F_DIAG) (815) may not be applied to the gate of the transistor (F_DIAG) (815). As will be described later, in the overvoltage state of the motor (718), the processor (712) may determine whether the discharge circuit (714) is in an abnormal state through a change in the voltage (VDC).

[0148] The processor (712) may generate a second diagnostic request signal. For example, the processor (712) may generate the second diagnostic request signal when the diagnostic request signal cycle arrives or when a diagnostic request is received.

[0149] When the second diagnostic request signal is generated, there may not be an overvoltage condition. As shown in waveform (940), in an overvoltage condition, the voltage (VOV) may have a high value (e.g., 5 V), and as shown in waveform (920), the voltage (VBC) may have a low value (e.g., approximately 0 V).

[0150] The processor (712) can transmit a second diagnostic request signal to the control circuit (713). The processor (712) can control the control circuit (713) so that the control circuit (713) can turn on the transistor (F_DIAG) (815) when the second diagnostic request signal is generated and there is no overvoltage condition. When the second diagnostic request signal is generated and there is no overvoltage condition, the control circuit (713) can apply a voltage (e.g., a voltage (V_FDIAG) having a low value (e.g., about 0 V)) to the gate of the transistor (F_DIAG) (815) at a level capable of turning on the transistor (F_DIAG) (815), as shown in the waveform (960). Depending on the embodiment, a different type of transistor may be used instead of the transistor (F_DIAG) (815). In this case, the different type of transistor may be turned on when V_FDIAG=high.

[0151] When the transistor (F_DIAG) (815) is turned on, the diagnostic circuit (717) and the discharge circuit (714) can be electrically connected directly or indirectly, and the diagnostic circuit (717) can output a diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG) to the processor (712).

[0152] The processor (712) can determine whether the discharge circuit (714) is in an abnormal state based on the voltage value of the diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG).

[0153] FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are drawings illustrating examples of diagnostic operations of a wearable device when the motor electromotive force of the wearable device is not consumed according to one embodiment.

[0154] In FIG. 10, an example of an equivalent circuit (1000) of the circuit (800) of FIG. 8 is shown when the motor electromotive force of the wearable device (700) is not consumed by the discharge circuit (714) (or when the motor (718) is not in an overvoltage state).

[0155] In the example illustrated in FIG. 10, the voltage (VMOT) may represent, for example, the voltage of the battery (720) applied to the motor (718). For example, in a state before starting exercise (or in a state after exercise), the wearable device (700) may provide power from the battery (720) to the motor (718) so as to determine whether the discharge circuit (714) is in a normal state. The voltage of the battery (720) may be applied to the motor (718).

[0156] According to one embodiment, the resistance value of the resistor (R_EXT) (1010) may be determined so as to satisfy a first condition of reducing power consumption of the battery (720) and a second condition of distinguishing a diagnostic voltage value when the discharge circuit (714) is in an abnormal state from a diagnostic voltage value when the discharge circuit (714) is in a normal state. For example, if the resistance value of the resistor (R_EXT) (1010) is small, a relatively large amount of current may flow through the resistors (R_BEMF_1, R_BEMF_2, R_BEMF_3, R_BEMF_4), and the power consumption of the battery (720) may increase due to the resistors (R_BEMF_1, R_BEMF_2, R_BEMF_3, R_BEMF_4). If the resistance value of the resistor (R_EXT) (1010) is large, the ratio between the equivalent resistances of the resistors (R_BEMF_1, R_BEMF_2, R_BEMF_3, R_BEMF_4) and the resistor (R_EXT) (1010) may increase. As a result, there may be almost no difference between the diagnostic voltage value when the discharge circuit (714) is in an abnormal state and the diagnostic voltage value when the discharge circuit (714) is in a normal state. It may be difficult to distinguish between the diagnostic voltage value when the discharge circuit (714) is in an abnormal state and the diagnostic voltage value when the discharge circuit (714) is in a normal state. Accordingly, the resistance value of the resistor (R_EXT) (1010) may be determined to an appropriate level so as to lower the power consumption of the battery (720) and to distinguish between the diagnostic voltage value when the discharge circuit (714) is in an abnormal state and the diagnostic voltage value when the discharge circuit (714) is in a normal state. In the embodiment described below, the resistance value of the resistor (R_EXT) (1010) may be, for example, 4 kΩ, but is not limited thereto.

[0157] In the example illustrated in FIG. 10, the resistor (R_EXT) (1010) may be one, but is not limited thereto. Resistors connected in series and / or in parallel may be used instead of the resistor (R_EXT) (1010). For example, the resistance value of the resistor (R_EXT) (1010) may be 4 kΩ. In another example, instead of the 4 kΩ resistor (R_EXT) (1010), two resistors of 2 kΩ connected indirectly or directly in series may be used, or two resistors of 8 kΩ connected indirectly or directly in parallel may be used.

[0158] The resistor (RDS_FDIAG) (1011) may represent the resistance between the source and the drain of the transistor (F_DIAG) (815). The resistance value of the resistor (RDS_FDIAG) (1011) may be, for example, several mΩ. When a voltage capable of turning on the transistor (F_DIAG) (815) (e.g., a voltage (V_FDIAG) having a low value or V_FDIAG=low) is applied to the gate of the transistor (F_DIAG) (815), the resistor (RDS_FDIAG) (1011) may be generated.

[0159] According to one embodiment, the processor (712) may generate a diagnostic request signal (DIAG_CON) when the motor (718) is not in an overvoltage state. The processor (712) may check whether the second switch circuit (716) is turned on (or operates) using the voltage value of the voltage (VBC) when the motor (718) is not in an overvoltage state. For example, the processor (712) may check that the second switch circuit (716) is turned off if the voltage value of the voltage (VBC) is a low value when the motor (718) is not in an overvoltage state. The processor (712) may check that the second switch circuit (716) is turned on if the voltage value of the voltage (VBC) is a high value when the motor (718) is not in an overvoltage state.

[0160] According to one embodiment, if a diagnostic request signal (DIAG_CON) is generated and the motor (718) is not in an overvoltage state, the comparator (811) may not output the first signal (e.g., voltage signal). The voltage (VOV) may have a high value, that is, VOV=high. The processor (712) may periodically generate the diagnostic request signal (DIAG_CON) so as to periodically monitor whether the discharge circuit (714) is in an abnormal state, for example. The motor (718) may be in an overvoltage state when the diagnostic request signal (DIAG_CON) (e.g., the first diagnostic request signal of FIG. 9) is generated. When the motor (718) is in an overvoltage state, the processor (712) may generate the diagnostic request signal (DIAG_CON) (e.g., the first diagnostic request signal of FIG. 9). When the motor (718) is in an overvoltage state, as will be described later with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14, the processor (712) can determine whether the discharge circuit (714) is in an abnormal state through a change in voltage (VDC).

[0161] According to one embodiment, the control circuit (713) may receive a diagnostic request signal (DIAG_CON) from the processor (712) and output a voltage (e.g., a voltage (V_FDIAG) having a low value or V_FDIAG=low) capable of turning on the transistor (F_DIAG) (815) to the first switch circuit (715). As in the example described above, when the voltage (V_FDIAG) having a low value is applied to the gate of the transistor (F_DIAG) (815) of the first switch circuit (715), the discharge circuit (714) and the diagnostic circuit (717) may be electrically connected indirectly or directly.

[0162] According to one embodiment, when the discharge circuit (714) and the diagnostic circuit (717) are electrically directly or indirectly connected, the voltage (VMOT) may be distributed to the resistors (R_BEMF_1, R_BEMF_2, R_BEMF_3, R_BEMF_4), the resistor (RDS_FDIAG) (1011), and the resistor (R_EXT) (1010) of the discharge circuit (714). The diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG) may be determined by the voltage applied to the resistor (R_EXT) (1010) and the resistors (RDIAG_1 and RDIAG_2). For example, the voltage value of the diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG) may be expressed as in the above mathematical equation 2.

[0163] According to one embodiment, the processor (712) can receive a diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG) from the diagnostic circuit (717). The processor (712) can convert the diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG) into a digital signal through an analog to digital converter (ADC). The processor (712) can determine whether the discharge circuit (714) is in an abnormal state based on the voltage value of the diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG). An embodiment in which the processor (712) determines whether the discharge circuit (714) is in an abnormal state based on the voltage value of the diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG) is described with reference to FIG. 11.

[0164] According to one embodiment, the resistance value of the resistor (R_EXT) (1010) may be greater than the resistance value of each of the resistors (R_BEMF_1, R_BEMF_2, R_BEMF_3, R_BEMF_4).

[0165] In FIG. 11, the waveform (1110) of the voltage (VMOT), the waveform (1120) of the voltage (VOV), and the waveform (1130) of the diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG) are shown.

[0166] In the example illustrated in FIG. 11, the resistance value of each of the resistors (R_BEMF_1, R_BEMF_2, R_BEMF_3, R_BEMF_4) of FIG. 10 may be, for example, 50Ω, the resistance value of the resistor (RDS_FDIAG) (1011) of FIG. 10 may be, for example, 10mΩ, the resistance value of the resistor (R_EXT) (1010) may be, for example, 4kΩ, the resistance value of the resistor (RDIAG_1) may be, for example, 100kΩ, and the resistance value of the resistor (RDIAG_2) may be, for example, 10kΩ.

[0167] In the example illustrated in FIG. 11, the voltage at which the wearable device (700) can operate by receiving power from the battery (720) or motor electromotive force may be, for example, 16 V, the minimum voltage may be 12 V, and the reference voltage (VREF) may be 40 V.

[0168] In the example illustrated in FIG. 11, at time point (t), the motor (718) may be in an overvoltage state.

[0169] If the motor (718) is not in an overvoltage state, the voltage (VOV) may have a high value. For example, the comparison circuit (711) may not output the first voltage signal described above if the motor (718) is not in an overvoltage state. As a result, the voltage (VOV) may have a high value. The comparison circuit (711) may control the second switch circuit (716) so that the voltage (VOV) has a high value if the motor (718) is not in an overvoltage state. The comparison circuit (711) may output the first signal described above if the motor (718) is in an overvoltage state, so that the voltage (VOV) may have a low value. The comparison circuit (711) may control the second switch circuit (716) so that the voltage (VOV) has a low value if the motor (718) is in an overvoltage state.

[0170] The processor (712) can receive a diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG) from the diagnostic circuit (717) and determine whether the discharge circuit (714) is in an abnormal state based on the voltage value of the diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG).

[0171] Table 1 below shows examples of the normal voltage value of the diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG) at voltage (VMOT) (or voltage (VDC)), the voltage value of the diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG) when the discharge circuit (714) is in the first abnormal state, and the voltage value of the diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG) when the discharge circuit (714) is in the second abnormal state.

[0172] Voltage (VMOT) (or Voltage (VDC)) Diagnostic Voltage (V_DIAG) Normal condition 1st abnormal condition 2nd abnormal condition 12V 1.077V 0V 1.091V 16V 1.436V 0V 1.455V 20V 1.795V 0V 1.818V 30V 2.692V 0V 2.727V 40V --- 50V ---

[0173] When the voltage (VMOT) is 12 V, the normal voltage value may be, for example, 1.077 V, when the voltage (VMOT) is 16 V, the normal voltage value may be, for example, 1.436 V, when the voltage (VMOT) is 20 V, the normal voltage value may be, for example, 1.795 V, and when the voltage (VMOT) is 30 V, the normal voltage value may be, for example, 2.692 V.

[0174] In the voltage (VMOT), the processor (712) can determine that the discharge circuit (714) is in a normal state if the voltage value of the diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG) corresponds to a normal voltage value. In the voltage (VMOT), the processor (712) can determine that the discharge circuit (714) is in a first abnormal state if the voltage value of the diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG) corresponds to 0. In the voltage (VMOT), the processor (712) can determine that the discharge circuit (714) is in a second abnormal state if the voltage value of the diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG) is greater than the normal voltage value. For example, in the VMOT=16V, the processor (712) can determine that the discharge circuit (714) is in a normal state if the voltage value of the diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG) corresponds to a normal voltage value (e.g., 1.436V). At VMOT=16V, the processor (712) can determine that the discharge circuit (714) is in the first abnormal state if the voltage value of the diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG) corresponds to 0V. At VMOT=16V, the processor (712) can determine that the discharge circuit (714) is in the second abnormal state if the voltage value of the diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG) corresponds to a value greater than the normal voltage value (e.g., 1.455V).

[0175] According to one embodiment, when VMOT is 40 V or higher, it may be an overvoltage state, and the diagnostic circuit (717) may not output a diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG). When in an overvoltage state, the processor (712) may determine whether the discharge circuit (714) is in an abnormal state based on at least one of a change in the voltage (VDC) or a current value of the current of the discharge circuit (714). This will be described with reference to FIGS. 12, 13, and 14.

[0176]

[0177] FIGS. 12, 13, and 14 are drawings illustrating examples of diagnostic operations of a wearable device when the electromotive force of a motor of the wearable device is consumed according to one embodiment.

[0178] In FIG. 12, an example of an equivalent circuit (1200) of the circuit (800) of FIG. 8 is shown when the motor electromotive force of the wearable device (700) is consumed by the discharge circuit (714) (or when the motor (718) is in an overvoltage state).

[0179] In the example illustrated in FIG. 12, the voltage (VMOT) may represent the voltage of the motor electromotive force. For example, in the resistance mode, the wearable device (700) may provide motor electromotive force to the motor (718) so that resistance can be provided to the user. The voltage of the motor electromotive force may be applied to the motor (718).

[0180] The resistor (RDS_FBEMF) (1210) may represent the resistance between the source and drain of the transistor (F_BEMF) (816-2). When a voltage (VBC) capable of turning on the transistor (F_BEMF) (816-2) (e.g., a voltage (VBC) having a high value or VBC=high) is applied to the gate of the transistor (F_BEMF) (816-2), the resistor (RDS_FBEMF) (1210) may be generated.

[0181] When the voltage (VOV) has a low value, the voltage (VBC) can have a high value, and the voltage (VBC) having the high value can be applied to the gate of the transistor (F_BEMF) (816-2). In this case, the transistor (F_BEMF) (816-2) can be turned on. When the transistor (F_BEMF) (816-2) is turned on, the discharge circuit (714) can consume motor electromotive force through a plurality of resistors (R_BEMF_1, R_BEMF_2, R_BEMF_3, R_BEMF_4).

[0182] The processor (712) can receive the voltage (VOV) from the second switch circuit (716) and can detect (or determine) whether an overvoltage condition has occurred based on the voltage value of the voltage (VOV). For example, the processor (712) can detect (or determine) that an overvoltage condition has occurred when the voltage (VOV) has a low value. The processor (712) can detect (or determine) that an overvoltage condition has not occurred when the voltage (VOV) has a high value.

[0183] The processor (712) can receive the voltage (VBC) from the second switch circuit (716) and check (or determine) whether the discharge circuit (714) is consuming motor electromotive force based on the voltage value of the voltage (VBC). For example, the processor (712) can check (or determine) that the discharge circuit (714) is not consuming motor electromotive force when the voltage (VBC) has a low value. The processor (712) can check (or determine) that the discharge circuit (714) is consuming motor electromotive force when the voltage (VBC) has a high value.

[0184] The processor (712) can receive the voltage (VDC) from the comparison circuit (716), and can determine whether the discharge circuit (714) is in an abnormal state through the change in the voltage (VDC) (or the change pattern of the voltage (VDC)) after an overvoltage condition occurs. This will be described with reference to FIG. 13.

[0185] In Fig. 13, a graph (1310) of VDC change when the discharge circuit (714) is in the first abnormal state, a graph (1320) of VDC change when the discharge circuit (714) is in the normal state, and a graph (1330) of VDC change when the discharge circuit (714) is in the second abnormal state are shown.

[0186] In the example illustrated in FIG. 13, the resistance value of each of the resistors (R_BEMF_1, R_BEMF_2, R_BEMF_3, R_BEMF_4) of FIG. 12 may be, for example, 50Ω, and the resistance value of the resistor (RDS_FBEMF) (1210) of FIG. 12 may be, for example, 10mΩ.

[0187] At point (t1) in FIG. 13, the motor (718) may be in an overvoltage state.

[0188] The processor (712) can store the voltage value (e.g., voltage value (V1) of FIG. 13) of the voltage (VDC) when the motor (718) is in an overvoltage state (or when VOV=low or when VBC=high) in a memory (or buffer) (not shown).

[0189] The processor (712) can determine whether the discharge circuit (714) is in an abnormal state based on a VDC change (or VDC change pattern) during a certain time period (e.g., a time period (△t) from time point (t1) to time point (t2)).

[0190] For example, the processor (712) can obtain the voltage value of the voltage (VDC) (e.g., voltage value (V3)) at time (t2). The processor (712) can determine that the voltage (VDC) is decreasing during △t through the voltage value (V1) and the voltage value (V3). In an overvoltage state, the discharge circuit (714) can consume motor electromotive force, and when the motor electromotive force is consumed, the voltage (VMOT) and the voltage (VDC) can decrease. The processor (712) can determine whether the discharge circuit (714) is in an abnormal state through the amount of change (or decrease) in the voltage (VDC) during a certain period of time in a state in which the motor electromotive force is consumed by the discharge circuit (714). The processor (712) can determine whether the amount of change (or decrease) in VDC (e.g., V3-V1) during △t corresponds to a certain level (e.g., a normal voltage change (or decrease) level). A certain level (e.g., a normal voltage change (or decrease) level) can be determined, for example, by at least one, two, or more, or all of the resistance values ​​of each of the resistors (e.g., resistors (R_BEMF_1, R_BEMF_2, R_BEMF_3, R_BEMF_4, RDS_FBEMF)). The processor (712) can determine that the discharge circuit (714) is in a normal state when the amount of change in VDC during △t corresponds to a certain level.

[0191] For another example, the processor (712) can obtain a voltage value of the voltage (VDC) (e.g., voltage value (V4)) at time (t2). The processor (712) can determine that the voltage (VDC) is decreasing during △t through the voltage value (V1) and the voltage value (V4). The processor (712) can determine that the discharge circuit (714) is in a second abnormal state because the amount of change in VDC (or amount of decrease in VDC) (e.g., V4-V1) during △t may exceed a certain level (e.g., a normal voltage change (or decrease) level). When at least one of the resistors (R_BEMF_1, R_BEMF_2, R_BEMF_3, R_BEMF_4) of the discharge circuit (714) is in a short-circuit state and / or when at least one of the wire harnesses (814-1, 814-2) is in a short-circuit state, a relatively large current may flow in the discharge circuit (714). As a result, the amount of change in VDC (or the amount of decrease in VDC) (e.g., V4-V1) during △t may exceed a certain level, and the processor (712) may determine that the discharge circuit (714) is in a second abnormal state when the amount of change in VDC (or the amount of decrease in VDC) (e.g., V4-V1) during △t exceeds the certain level.

[0192] For another example, the processor (712) can obtain the voltage value of the voltage (VDC) (e.g., voltage value (V2)) at time (t2). The processor (712) can determine that the voltage (VDC) is increasing during △t through the voltage value (V1) and the voltage value (V2). The processor (712) can determine that the VDC change amount (or VDC increase amount) (e.g., V2-V1) during △t is greater than 0. If the motor electromotive force is not consumed by the discharge circuit (714) in an overvoltage state, the voltage (VDC) can increase. If the voltage (VDC) increases during a certain time period (e.g., △t), the processor (712) can determine that the discharge circuit (714) is in a first abnormal state.

[0193] The processor (712) can receive the current value of the current of the discharge circuit (714) from a current sensor (not shown) and determine whether the discharge circuit (714) is in an abnormal state based on the received current value. This will be described with reference to FIG. 14.

[0194] Referring to FIG. 14, the waveform (1410) of the current of the discharge circuit (714), the waveform (1420) of the voltage (VBC), the waveform (1430) of the voltage (VMOT), and the waveform (1440) of the voltage (VOV) are illustrated.

[0195] In the example illustrated in FIG. 14, at time point (t), the motor (718) may be in an overvoltage state.

[0196] When the motor (718) is in an overvoltage state, the processor (712) can determine whether the discharge circuit (714) is in an abnormal state based on the current value received from the current sensor (e.g., the current value of the current of the discharge circuit (714)). Table 2 below shows examples of the current value of the current of the discharge circuit (714) in a normal state, the current value of the current of the discharge circuit (714) in a first abnormal state, and the current value of the current of the discharge circuit (714) in a second abnormal state, respectively, at voltage (VMOT) (or voltage (VDC)).

[0197] Current of voltage (VMOT) (or voltage (VDC)) discharge circuit (714) Normal state 1st abnormal state 2nd abnormal state 12V0A0A0A16V0A0A0A20V0A0A0A30V0A0A0A40V0.799A0A 50V0.999A0A

[0198] When the voltage (VMOT) is 40 V, the steady current value of the discharge circuit (714) may be, for example, 0.799 A, and when the voltage (VMOT) is 50 V, the steady current value of the discharge circuit (714) may be, for example, 0.999 A.

[0199] In the voltage of the overvoltage state (VMOT), the processor (712) can determine that the discharge circuit (714) is in a normal state if the current value received from the current sensor corresponds to a normal current value. In the voltage of the overvoltage state (VMOT), the processor (712) can determine that the discharge circuit (714) is in a first abnormal state if the received current value corresponds to 0. In the voltage of the overvoltage state (VMOT), the processor (712) can determine that the discharge circuit (714) is in a second abnormal state if the received current value exceeds a certain level of the normal current value. For example, in VMOT=40V, the processor (712) can determine that the discharge circuit (714) is in a normal state if the received current value (e.g., the current value of the current of the discharge circuit (714)) corresponds to a normal current value (e.g., 0.799A). At VMOT=40V, the processor (712) can determine that the discharge circuit (714) is in the first abnormal state if the received current value (e.g., the current value of the current of the discharge circuit (714)) corresponds to 0A. At VMOT=40V, the processor (712) can determine that the discharge circuit (714) is in the second abnormal state if the received current value (e.g., the current value of the current of the discharge circuit (714)) exceeds the normal current value by a certain level.

[0200]

[0201] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a diagnostic operation when a wearable device according to one embodiment is in a state before a user starts exercising or in a state after exercising.

[0202] Referring to FIG. 15, in operation 1511, the wearable device (700) may receive a user request (e.g., a request to drive the wearable device (700) or a request to terminate driving the wearable device (700)) from at least one of the user, the electronic device (210), or another wearable device (220).

[0203] When there is a request to drive the wearable device (700), the wearable device (700) can determine the operating state of the wearable device (700) (or the user's state) as a state before starting exercise. Depending on the embodiment, the request to drive the wearable device (700) may include, for example, information indicating an operating mode (e.g., resistance mode) of the wearable device (700) and / or information regarding the magnitude of an external force that the wearable device (700) will provide to the user.

[0204] When there is a request to terminate operation of the wearable device (700), the wearable device (700) can determine the operating state of the wearable device (700) (or the user's state) as an exercise termination state. The operation termination request may include, for example, a user input for turning off the power of the wearable device (700).

[0205] In the state before starting exercise and the state after finishing exercise, the wearable device (700) may not provide external force to the user.

[0206] The wearable device (700) can initiate (or perform) a diagnostic operation by supplying power from the battery (720) to the motor (718) when there is a user request (e.g., a request to start or end the operation of the wearable device (700)). In a state before starting exercise and a state after ending exercise, the voltage of the battery (720) can correspond to the voltage used by the motor (718) (or the voltage applied to the motor (718)) (VMOT).

[0207] The wearable device (700) can generate a voltage (VDC) based on the voltage (VMOT). For example, the wearable device (700) can input the voltage (VMOT) to a voltage distribution circuit and generate the voltage (VDC) through the voltage distribution circuit. The wearable device (700) can convert the voltage (VMOT) into a voltage (VDC) through a voltage distribution method. For another example, the wearable device (700) can input the voltage (VMOT) to an OP AMP and generate (VDC) through the OP AMP. The wearable device (700) can convert the voltage (VMOT) into a voltage (VDC) through the OP AMP.

[0208] At operation 1512, the wearable device (700) can determine whether the voltage (VDC) is less than the reference voltage (VREF).

[0209] The wearable device (700) can determine whether the voltage (VBC) is low in operation 1513 when the voltage (VDC) is less than the reference voltage (VREF) (operation 1512 - yes). The wearable device (700) can determine whether the voltage (VBC) has a low value.

[0210] The wearable device (700) can determine whether the diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG) is 0 in operation 1514 when the voltage (VBC) = low (operation 1513 - yes).

[0211] The wearable device (700) may generate a diagnostic request signal in operation 1515 when the diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG) is 0 (operation 1514-Yes).

[0212] When the wearable device (700) generates a diagnostic request signal, it can determine whether the diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG) has a normal voltage value (e.g., in Table 1 above, when VMOT=12V, the normal voltage value is 1.077V, when VMOT=16V, the normal voltage value is 1.436V, when VMOT=20V, the normal voltage value is 1.795V, when VMOT=30V, the normal voltage value is 2.692V, etc.) in operation 1516.

[0213] If the diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG) has a normal voltage value (operation 1516 - Yes), the wearable device (700) may determine that the discharge circuit (714) is in a normal state in operation 1517. If the wearable device (700) determines that the discharge circuit (714) is in a normal state, the wearable device (700) may perform an operation according to a user request. For example, if there is a drive request for the wearable device (700) in a state before starting exercise, the wearable device (700) may start providing an external force to the user in response to the drive request. By the wearable device (700) starting to provide an external force to the user, the wearable device (700) may be in a state during exercise (or an exercise state). If there is a drive termination request for the wearable device (700) in a state after exercise, the wearable device (700) may turn off power in response to the drive termination request.

[0214] The wearable device (700) can determine whether the diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG) has 0 in operation 1518 if the diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG) does not have a normal voltage value (operation 1516-No).

[0215] If the diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG) is 0 (operation 1518 - Yes), the wearable device (700) may determine that the discharge circuit (714) is in a first abnormal state (e.g., an electrical open state of the resistance of the discharge circuit (714) and / or a state in which the wire harness of the discharge circuit (714) is disconnected) in operation 1519. If the discharge circuit (714) is in the first abnormal state, the wearable device (700) may transmit a report indicating that the wearable device (700) is in the abnormal state (e.g., the first abnormal state) to the cloud server in operation 1524.

[0216] If the diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG) does not have 0 (operation 1518-No) and the diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG) is greater than the normal voltage value, the wearable device (700) may determine that the discharge circuit (714) is in a second abnormal state (e.g., an electrical short state of the resistor of the discharge circuit (714) and / or a state in which the wire harness of the discharge circuit (714) is shorted) in operation 1520. For example, when VMOT=12V, the normal voltage value may be 1.077V, and the voltage value of the diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG) may be 1.091V. In this case, the wearable device (700) may check that the voltage value of the diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG) is greater than the normal voltage value and may determine that the discharge circuit (714) is in the second abnormal state. When the discharge circuit (714) is in the second abnormal state, the wearable device (700) may transmit a report indicating that the wearable device (700) is in the abnormal state (e.g., the second abnormal state) to the cloud server in operation 1524.

[0217] Returning to operation 1512, if the wearable device (700) determines that VDC is greater than or equal to VREF (operation 1512-No), it can determine whether the battery (720) is in an abnormal state in operation 1521. For example, if the battery (720) is in an abnormal state, such as when a problem occurs in the protection circuit of the battery (720), excessive voltage (or excessive current) may be generated by the battery (720). In this case, VDC may be greater than or equal to VREF. The wearable device (700) can determine whether the battery (720) is in an abnormal state if VDC is greater than or equal to VREF.

[0218] The wearable device (700) may determine that the main PBA of the wearable device (700) is in an abnormal state in operation 1522 when the battery (720) is in a normal state (operation 1521-No). The main PBA may represent, for example, a PCB where a processor (712) including a processing circuit, a communication module (721) including a communication circuit, etc. are located. The wearable device (700) may transmit a report indicating that the wearable device (700) is in an abnormal state (e.g., a report indicating that the main PBA of the wearable device (700) is in an abnormal state) to a cloud server in operation 1524.

[0219] The wearable device (700) can detect a battery failure in operation 1523 when the battery is in an abnormal state (operation 1521 - Yes). The wearable device (700) can transmit a report indicating that the wearable device (700) is in an abnormal state (e.g., a report indicating that the battery is faulty) to a cloud server in operation 1524.

[0220] The embodiments described through FIGS. 1 to 14 can be applied to the embodiments of FIG. 15.

[0221] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a diagnostic operation when a wearable device according to one embodiment is in a state of a user exercising.

[0222] Referring to FIG. 16, in operation 1611, the wearable device (700) may provide an external force to the user. The state during exercise (or exercise state) may include, for example, a state in which the wearable device (700) provides an external force to the user.

[0223] In a state of movement, motor electromotive force may be generated by the user's movement, and the voltage of the generated motor electromotive force may be applied to the motor (718). In a state of movement, the voltage of the motor electromotive force may correspond to the voltage used by the motor (718) (or the voltage applied to the motor (718)) (VMOT).

[0224] The wearable device (700) can generate a voltage (VDC) based on the voltage (VMOT). For example, the wearable device (700) can input the voltage (VMOT) to a voltage distribution circuit and generate the voltage (VDC) through the voltage distribution circuit. The wearable device (700) can convert the voltage (VMOT) into a voltage (VDC) through a voltage distribution method. For another example, the wearable device (700) can input the voltage (VMOT) to an OP AMP and generate (VDC) through the OP AMP. The wearable device (700) can convert the voltage (VMOT) into a voltage (VDC) through the OP AMP.

[0225] At operation 1612, the wearable device (700) can determine whether the voltage (VDC) exceeds the reference voltage (VREF).

[0226] The wearable device (700) can check the change in the voltage (VDC) in operation 1613 when the voltage (VDC) exceeds the reference voltage (VREF) (operation 1612-Yes). For example, the wearable device (700) can check the change in the voltage (VDC) based on the voltage value of the voltage (VDC) at a second time point (e.g., time point (t2) of FIG. 13) and the voltage value of the voltage (VDC) at a first time point (e.g., time point (t1) of FIG. 13) (e.g., V1 of FIG. 13).

[0227] In operation 1614, the wearable device (700) can determine whether the voltage (VDC) has increased. For example, the wearable device (700) can determine that the voltage (VDC) has increased if the voltage value at the second time point (e.g., V2 of FIG. 13) is greater than the voltage value at the first time point (e.g., V1 of FIG. 13).

[0228] When the wearable device (700) determines that the voltage (VDC) has increased (operation 1014 - Yes), it can determine that the discharge circuit (714) is in the first abnormal state in operation 1615.

[0229] If the wearable device (700) determines that the voltage (VDC) has not increased (operation 1614-No), it can determine whether the voltage (VDC) decrease is above a certain level in operation 1616. For example, the wearable device (700) can determine whether the amount of change in VDC during △t (e.g., the difference between the second time point and the first time point) corresponds to a certain level.

[0230] If the wearable device (700) determines that the voltage (VDC) decrease is above a certain level (operation 1616 - Yes), the wearable device (700) may determine that the discharge circuit (714) is in the second abnormal state in operation 1617. For example, as described through FIG. 13, the wearable device (700) may determine that the discharge circuit (714) is in the second abnormal state if the VDC change amount (or VDC decrease amount) (e.g., V4 - V1) during △t exceeds a certain level.

[0231] If the wearable device (700) determines that the voltage (VDC) decrease is at a certain level (operation 1616-No), the wearable device (700) may determine that the discharge circuit (714) is in a normal state in operation 1618. For example, as described with reference to FIG. 13, the wearable device (700) may determine that the discharge circuit (714) is in a normal state if the VDC change amount (e.g., V3-V1) during △t corresponds to a certain level.

[0232] In operation 1612, the wearable device (700) may determine that the voltage (VDC) does not exceed the reference voltage (VREF). In this case, the wearable device (700) may generate a diagnostic request signal in operation 1619. For example, the wearable device (700) may generate the diagnostic request signal based on a diagnostic request received from an electronic device (210) wirelessly connected to the wearable device (700) or may generate the diagnostic request signal when the cycle of the diagnostic request signal arrives.

[0233] The wearable device (700) can determine whether the diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG) has a normal voltage value in operation 1620 after generating a diagnostic request signal.

[0234] The wearable device (700) can determine that the discharge circuit (714) is in a normal state in operation 1618 when the diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG) has a normal voltage value (operation 1620-Yes).

[0235] The wearable device (700) can determine whether the diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG) has 0 in operation 1621 if the diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG) does not have a normal voltage value (operation 1620-No).

[0236] The wearable device (700) can determine that the discharge circuit (714) is in the first abnormal state in operation 1622 when the diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG) is 0 (operation 1621-Yes).

[0237] The wearable device (700) can determine that the discharge circuit (714) is in the second abnormal state in operation 1623 if the diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG) does not have 0 (operation 1621-No) and the diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG) is greater than the normal voltage value.

[0238] If the wearable device (700) determines that the discharge circuit (714) is in an abnormal state (e.g., a first abnormal state or a second abnormal state), the wearable device (700) may stop driving the motor in operation 1624, and may transmit a report indicating that the wearable device (700) is in an abnormal state (e.g., a first abnormal state or a second abnormal state) to the cloud server in operation 1625.

[0239] The embodiments described through FIGS. 1 to 14 can be applied to the embodiments of FIG. 16.

[0240] FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a wearable device according to one embodiment.

[0241] Referring to FIG. 17, a wearable device (1700) (e.g., wearable device (100), wearable device (500), wearable device (500-1), wearable device (700)) according to one embodiment may include a processor (1710) (e.g., processor (512) and / or processor (712)), a driving module (1720) (e.g., driving module (35, 45), driving module (530)), a first circuit (1730), and a second circuit (1740).

[0242] The drive module (1720) may include one or more motors (718).

[0243] According to one embodiment, the processor (1710) and the first circuit (1730) may be included in a first PBA, and the second circuit (1740) may be included in a second PBA. The second circuit (1740) may be connected to the first PBA, for example, via one or more wire harnesses.

[0244] According to one embodiment, the first circuit (1730) may include one or more electrical components and / or one or more transistors. The first circuit (1730) may include at least some or all of a conversion circuit (710), a comparison circuit (711), a control circuit (713), a diagnostic circuit (717), a first switch circuit (715), or a second switch circuit (716).

[0245] According to one embodiment, the second circuit (1740) may include one or more resistors. The second circuit (1740) may include a discharge circuit (714).

[0246] According to one embodiment, the first circuit (1730) can generate a second voltage (VDC) based on a first voltage (VMOT) utilized by the motor (718) (e.g., a voltage of the battery (720) or a voltage of the motor electromotive force). The first circuit (1730) can determine whether the motor (718) is in an overvoltage state based on at least one of the first voltage or the second voltage.

[0247] According to one embodiment, the second circuit (1740) may consume motor electromotive force through one or more resistors. For example, when the motor (718) is in an overvoltage state, a transistor (e.g., transistor (F_BEMF) (816-2)) within the first circuit (1730) may be turned on, and the second circuit (1740) may consume motor electromotive force through one or more resistors due to the turned-on transistor.

[0248] According to one embodiment, the first circuit (1730) can output (or transmit) a second voltage (VDC) to the processor (1710). The first circuit (1730) can generate a diagnostic voltage (e.g., a diagnostic voltage (V_DIAG)) based on the first voltage (VMOT), a resistance within the second circuit (1740), and an electrical component (e.g., a resistor (R_EXT), etc.), and can output (or transmit) the generated diagnostic voltage to the processor (1710).

[0249] According to one embodiment, the processor (1710) can determine whether the second circuit (1740) is in an abnormal state based on at least one of the voltage value of the second voltage (VDC) or the voltage value of the diagnostic voltage.

[0250] According to one embodiment, the processor (1710) may determine whether the second circuit (1740) is in an abnormal state based on the amount of change in VDC during a time period (e.g., △t described above) from a first point in time (e.g., a point in time when the motor is determined to be in an overvoltage state or a point in time when the converted voltage (VDC) is greater than or equal to a reference voltage) to a second point in time. If the processor (1710) determines that the motor is not in an overvoltage state, the processor (1710) may determine whether the second circuit (1740) is in an abnormal state based on the voltage value of the diagnostic voltage.

[0251] The embodiments described through FIGS. 1 to 16 can be applied to the embodiments of FIG. 17.

[0252] According to one embodiment, a wearable device (100; 500; 500-1; 700; 1700) may include a motor (718), a conversion circuit (710) that generates a second voltage (e.g., VDC) based on a first voltage (e.g., VMOT) used by the motor, a discharge circuit (714) that includes one or more resistors and consumes electromotive force generated by the motor through the resistors when the second voltage is higher than a reference voltage, a diagnostic circuit (717) that includes one or more electrical elements and outputs a diagnostic voltage generated based on the first voltage, the resistors in the discharge circuit, and the electrical elements, and a processor (512; 712; 1710) that receives the second voltage from the conversion circuit, receives the outputted diagnostic voltage from the diagnostic circuit, and determines whether the discharge circuit is in an abnormal state based on at least one of a voltage value of the second voltage or a voltage value of the received diagnostic voltage.

[0253] The above abnormal state may include a first abnormal state indicating that the discharge circuit is in an electrical open state or a second abnormal state indicating that the discharge circuit is in an electrical short state.

[0254] The processor can determine whether the discharge circuit is in an abnormal state through the amount of change in the second voltage during a time interval (e.g., △t in FIG. 13) from a first time point (e.g., t1 in FIG. 13) when the second voltage is higher than the reference voltage to a second time point (e.g., t2 in FIG. 13).

[0255] The processor can determine whether the discharge circuit is in an abnormal state based on the current value of the current flowing in the discharge circuit when the second voltage is higher than the reference voltage.

[0256] The processor can determine whether the discharge circuit is in an abnormal state based on the voltage value of the received diagnostic voltage when the second voltage is less than the reference voltage.

[0257] The processor may determine whether a voltage value of the received diagnostic voltage corresponds to a first voltage value (e.g., a normal voltage value) when a diagnostic request signal for the discharge circuit is received in a state before or after a user wearing the wearable device starts exercising or in a state after the user finishes exercising. If the voltage value of the received diagnostic voltage does not correspond to the first voltage value, the processor may determine whether the voltage value of the received diagnostic voltage is greater than the first voltage value or corresponds to a second voltage value (e.g., 0). If the voltage value of the received diagnostic voltage corresponds to the second voltage value, the processor may determine that the discharge circuit is in a first abnormal state. If the voltage value of the received diagnostic voltage is greater than the first voltage value, the processor may determine that the discharge circuit is in a second abnormal state.

[0258] The processor can determine whether the discharge circuit is in an abnormal state through a change in the second voltage during exercise of a user wearing the wearable device.

[0259] The processor may obtain a voltage value (e.g., V1 of FIG. 13) of the second voltage at a first point in time when the second voltage is greater than or equal to the reference voltage. The processor may obtain a voltage value (e.g., V2, V3, or V4 of FIG. 13) of the second voltage at a second point in time after a predetermined period of time has elapsed from the first point in time. The processor may determine that the discharge circuit is in a first abnormal state when the second voltage value is greater than the first voltage value. The processor may determine that the discharge circuit is in a second abnormal state when the second voltage value is less than the first voltage value by a predetermined level.

[0260] The processor may cause the first switch circuit (715) to be turned on so that the diagnostic circuit is indirectly or directly electrically connected to the discharge circuit when the second voltage is less than the reference voltage at a time when there is a diagnostic request signal for the discharge circuit. The processor may determine whether the discharge circuit is in an abnormal state based on a voltage value of the received diagnostic voltage. The processor may cause the first switch circuit to be turned off when the second voltage is greater than or equal to the reference voltage at a time when there is a diagnostic request signal for the discharge circuit. The processor may determine whether the discharge circuit is in an abnormal state based on a voltage value of the second voltage.

[0261] The above diagnostic request signal may be generated based on a diagnostic request received from an electronic device (210) wirelessly connected to the wearable device or may be generated when the cycle of the diagnostic request signal arrives.

[0262] If the processor determines that the discharge circuit is in an abnormal state, it can control a report indicating that the discharge circuit is in an abnormal state to be sent to at least one of a cloud server or a user's electronic device (210).

[0263] The processor may control the motor to provide torque to the user while the user is exercising while wearing the wearable device. If the processor determines that the discharge circuit is in an abnormal state while exercising, the processor may control the motor to stop providing torque to the user.

[0264] The wearable device may include one or more LEDs that output light corresponding to a state of the wearable device (e.g., charging state, abnormal state, etc.). The processor may control the LED to use the electromotive force as a power source for the LED.

[0265] The wearable device may include a first switch circuit positioned between the discharge circuit and the diagnostic circuit and connecting the discharge circuit and the diagnostic circuit when turned on.

[0266] The wearable device may further include a comparison circuit (711) that compares the second voltage with the reference voltage, and a second switch circuit (716) that is in a turn-on state or a turn-off state based on a comparison result of the comparison circuit.

[0267] The above discharge circuit can receive and consume the electromotive force when the second switch circuit is in a turn-on state.

[0268] According to one embodiment, a wearable device (100; 500; 500-1; 700; 1700) may include a motor (718), a first circuit (130) including one or more electrical elements and determining whether the motor is in an overvoltage state based on a first voltage used by the motor, a second circuit (1740) including one or more resistors and consuming electromotive force generated by the motor through the resistors, and a processor (512; 712; 1710). The first circuit may output a second voltage generated based on the first voltage to the processor, and may output a diagnostic voltage generated based on the first voltage, the resistor in the second circuit, and the electrical elements to the processor. The processor may determine whether the second circuit is in an abnormal state based on at least one of a voltage value of the second voltage or a voltage value of the diagnostic voltage.

[0269] The above abnormal state may correspond to a first abnormal state including an electrical open state of the second circuit or a second abnormal state including an electrical short state of the second circuit.

[0270] The above first circuit can determine that the motor is in an overvoltage state when the second voltage is higher than the reference voltage.

[0271] The processor can determine whether the second circuit is in an abnormal state based on the amount of change in the second voltage during the time period from the first time point to the second time point when the motor is determined to be in an overvoltage state. If the processor determines that the motor is not in an overvoltage state, the processor can determine whether the second circuit is in an abnormal state based on the voltage value of the diagnostic voltage.

[0272] According to one embodiment, a method of operating a wearable device (100; 500; 500-1; 700; 1700) may include an operation of generating a second voltage based on a first voltage used by a motor of the wearable device (hereinafter, a first operation), an operation of consuming electromotive force generated by the motor through a discharge circuit including one or more resistors when the second voltage is higher than a reference voltage (hereinafter, a second operation), an operation of generating a diagnostic voltage based on the first voltage, a resistor in the discharge circuit, and one or more electrical elements (hereinafter, a second operation), and an operation of determining whether the discharge circuit is in an abnormal state based on at least one of a voltage value of the second voltage or a voltage value of the diagnostic voltage (hereinafter, a fourth operation).

[0273] The fourth operation may include an operation of determining whether the discharge circuit is in an abnormal state through a change in the second voltage during a time period from a first time point to a second time point when the second voltage is higher than the reference voltage.

[0274] The fourth operation may include an operation of determining whether the discharge circuit is in an abnormal state based on a current value of a current flowing in the discharge circuit when the second voltage is higher than the reference voltage.

[0275] The fourth operation may include an operation of determining whether the discharge circuit is in an abnormal state based on the voltage value of the diagnostic voltage when the second voltage is less than the reference voltage.

[0276] The operating method of the wearable device may include an operation of generating a diagnostic request signal for the discharge circuit. The fourth operation may include an operation of determining whether a voltage value of the diagnostic voltage corresponds to a first voltage value when the diagnostic request signal is present, an operation of determining whether the voltage value of the diagnostic voltage is greater than the first voltage value or corresponds to a second voltage value when the voltage value of the diagnostic voltage does not correspond to the first voltage value, an operation of determining that the discharge circuit is in a first abnormal state when the voltage value of the diagnostic voltage corresponds to the second voltage value, and an operation of determining that the discharge circuit is in a second abnormal state when the voltage value of the diagnostic voltage is greater than the first voltage value.

[0277] The fourth operation may include an operation of determining whether the discharge circuit is in an abnormal state through a change in the second voltage while the user wearing the wearable device is exercising.

[0278] The fourth operation may include an operation of turning on the first switch circuit so that the diagnostic circuit is electrically connected indirectly or directly with the discharge circuit when the second voltage is less than the reference voltage at the time of the diagnostic request signal for the discharge circuit, an operation of determining whether the discharge circuit is in an abnormal state based on the voltage value of the diagnostic voltage, an operation of turning off the first switch circuit when the second voltage is greater than or equal to the reference voltage at the time of the diagnostic request signal for the discharge circuit, and an operation of determining whether the discharge circuit is in an abnormal state based on the voltage value of the second voltage. As used herein, "based on" may cover "at least based on."

[0279] Each embodiment may be used in combination with other embodiment(s) described herein.

[0280] The method of operating the wearable device may include an operation of sending a report indicating that the discharge circuit is in an abnormal state to at least one of a cloud server or a user's electronic device when the discharge circuit is determined to be in an abnormal state.

[0281] The operating method of the wearable device may include an operation of controlling the motor so that the motor provides torque to the user while the user is exercising while wearing the wearable device, and an operation of controlling the motor so that it stops providing torque to the user when the discharge circuit is determined to be in an abnormal state while the user is exercising.

[0282] The method of operating the wearable device may include an operation of controlling the LEDs to use the electromotive force as a power source for the LEDs.

[0283] The embodiments described above may be implemented using hardware components, software components, and / or a combination of hardware components and software components. For example, the devices, methods, and components described in the embodiments may be implemented using a general-purpose computer or a special-purpose computer, such as, for example, a processor, a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic unit (PLU), a microprocessor, or any other device capable of executing instructions and responding to them. The processing device may execute an operating system (OS) and software applications running on the operating system. Furthermore, the processing device may access, store, manipulate, process, and generate data in response to the execution of the software. For ease of understanding, the processing device is sometimes described as being used alone; however, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the processing device may include multiple processing elements and / or multiple types of processing elements. For example, a processing unit may include multiple processors, or a processor and a controller. Other processing configurations, such as parallel processors, are also possible.

[0284] Each "module" here can contain a circuit.

[0285] Software may include a computer program, code, instructions, or a combination of one or more of these, and may configure a processing device to perform a desired operation or may independently or collectively command the processing device. The software and / or data may be stored on any type of machine, component, physical device, virtual equipment, computer storage medium, or device for interpretation by the processing device or for providing instructions or data to the processing device. The software may also be distributed over networked computer systems and stored or executed in a distributed manner. The software and data may be stored on a computer-readable recording medium.

[0286] The method according to the embodiment may be implemented in the form of program commands that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may store program commands, data files, data structures, etc., alone or in combination, and the program commands recorded on the medium may be those specially designed and configured for the embodiment or may be those known to and available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of the computer-readable recording medium include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, and hardware devices specially configured to store and execute program commands such as ROMs, RAMs, and flash memories. Examples of program commands include not only machine language codes such as those generated by a compiler, but also high-level language codes that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc.

[0287] The hardware devices described above may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operations of the embodiments, and vice versa.

[0288] Although the embodiments have been described with limited drawings as described above, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various technical modifications and variations can be applied based on the drawings. For example, suitable results can be achieved even if the described techniques are performed in a different order from the described method, and / or components of the described systems, structures, devices, circuits, etc. are combined or combined in a different form from the described method, or are replaced or substituted with other components or equivalents. While the present disclosure has been illustrated and described with reference to various embodiments, it will be understood that the various embodiments are intended to be illustrative rather than limiting. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes in form and detail can be made without departing from the true spirit and full scope of the present disclosure, including the appended claims and their equivalents. It will also be appreciated that any embodiment(s) described herein can be used in conjunction with any other embodiment(s) described herein.

[0289] Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the claims also fall within the scope of the claims set forth below.

Claims

1. In a wearable device (100; 500; 500-1; 700; 1700), motor (718); A conversion circuit (710) that generates a second voltage based on the first voltage used by the above motor; A discharge circuit (714) including one or more resistors and consuming electromotive force generated by the motor through at least one of the resistors when the second voltage is higher than the reference voltage; A diagnostic circuit (717) including one or more electrical circuit elements and outputting a diagnostic voltage generated based on the first voltage, the resistance in the discharge circuit, and the electrical circuit elements; and At least one processor (512; 712; 1710) comprising a processing circuit Including, The at least one processor, individually and / or collectively, receives the second voltage from the conversion circuit, receives the output diagnostic voltage from the diagnostic circuit, and determines whether the discharge circuit is in an abnormal state based on at least one of the voltage value of the second voltage or the voltage value of the received diagnostic voltage. Wearable devices.

2. In paragraph 1, The above abnormal state corresponds to a first abnormal state including an electrical open state of the discharge circuit or a second abnormal state including an electrical short state of the discharge circuit, wherein said one or more electrical circuit elements include a resistor, Wearable devices.

3. In paragraph 1, At least one of said processors, individually and / or collectively, At least, it is determined whether the discharge circuit is in an abnormal state through the amount of change in the second voltage during the time period from the first time point to the second time point when the second voltage is higher than the reference voltage. Wearable devices.

4. In paragraph 1, At least one of the processors, individually and / or collectively, If the second voltage is higher than the reference voltage, it is determined whether the discharge circuit is in an abnormal state based on at least the current value of the current flowing in the discharge circuit. Wearable devices.

5. In paragraph 1, At least one of the processors, individually and / or collectively, If the second voltage is less than the reference voltage, it is determined whether the discharge circuit is in an abnormal state based on the voltage value of the received diagnostic voltage. Wearable devices.

6. In paragraph 1, At least one of the processors, individually and / or collectively, If there is a diagnostic request signal for the discharge circuit in a state before or after the start of exercise of a user wearing the wearable device, it is determined whether the voltage value of the received diagnostic voltage corresponds to a first voltage value, and if the voltage value of the received diagnostic voltage does not correspond to the first voltage value, it is determined whether the voltage value of the received diagnostic voltage is greater than the first voltage value or corresponds to a second voltage value, and if the voltage value of the received diagnostic voltage corresponds to the second voltage value, it is determined that the discharge circuit is in a first abnormal state, and if the voltage value of the received diagnostic voltage is greater than the first voltage value, it is determined that the discharge circuit is in a second abnormal state. Including, Wearable devices.

7. In paragraph 1, At least one of the processors, individually and / or collectively, It is determined whether the discharge circuit is in an abnormal state through a change in the second voltage while the user wearing the wearable device is exercising. Wearable devices.

8. In paragraph 7, At least one of the processors, individually and / or collectively, Obtaining the voltage value of the second voltage at a first point in time when the second voltage is higher than the reference voltage, obtaining the voltage value of the second voltage at a second point in time when a predetermined time has elapsed from the first point in time, determining that the discharge circuit is in a first abnormal state if the voltage value at the second point in time is greater than the voltage value at the first point in time, and determining that the discharge circuit is in a second abnormal state if the voltage value at the second point in time is lower than the voltage value at the first point in time by a predetermined level. Including, Wearable devices.

9. In paragraph 1, At least one of the processors, individually and / or collectively, When the second voltage is less than the reference voltage at the time of the diagnostic request signal for the discharge circuit, the first switch circuit is turned on so that the diagnostic circuit is electrically connected to the discharge circuit, and it is determined whether the discharge circuit is in an abnormal state based on the voltage value of the received diagnostic voltage, and when the second voltage is more than the reference voltage at the time of the diagnostic request signal for the discharge circuit, the first switch circuit is turned off, and it is determined whether the discharge circuit is in an abnormal state based on the voltage value of the second voltage. Wearable devices.

10. In paragraph 9, The above diagnostic request signal is, generated based on a diagnostic request received from an electronic device wirelessly connected to the wearable device and / or generated based on the arrival of a cycle of the diagnostic request signal, Wearable devices.

11. In paragraph 1, At least one of the processors, individually and / or collectively, If it is determined that the above discharge circuit is in an abnormal state, a report indicating that the above discharge circuit is in an abnormal state is controlled to be sent to at least one of the cloud server or the user's electronic device. Including, Wearable devices.

12. In paragraph 1, At least one of the processors, individually and / or collectively, Controlling the motor so that the motor provides torque to the user while the user is exercising while wearing the wearable device, and controlling the motor to stop providing torque to the user when the discharge circuit is determined to be in an abnormal state while the user is exercising. Wearable devices.

13. In paragraph 1, comprising one or more LEDs that output light corresponding to the state of the wearable device; At least one of the processors, individually and / or collectively, Controlling said one or more LEDs to use said electromotive force as a power source for said one or more LEDs; Wearable devices.

14. In paragraph 1, At least a first switching circuit positioned between the discharge circuit and the diagnostic circuit, and connecting the discharge circuit and the diagnostic circuit when in a turned-on state; A comparison circuit for comparing the second voltage with the reference voltage; and A second switch circuit in a turn-on state and / or a turn-off state based on the comparison result of the above comparison circuit. Including more, The above discharge circuit receives and consumes the electromotive force when the second switch circuit is turned on. Wearable devices.

15. In the operating method of a wearable device (100; 500; 500-1; 700; 1700), An operation of generating a second voltage based on a first voltage used by a motor of the wearable device; An operation of consuming electromotive force generated by the motor at least through a discharge circuit when the second voltage is equal to or higher than the reference voltage, the discharge circuit including one or more resistors; An operation of generating a diagnostic voltage based on the first voltage, the resistance within the discharge circuit, and one or more electrical circuit elements; and An operation for determining whether the discharge circuit is in an abnormal state based on at least one of the voltage value of the second voltage or the voltage value of the diagnostic voltage. Including, Method of operation of a wearable device.

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