Electronic device for detecting external pressure and error occurrence and control method thereof

Abstract

An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device includes: a transistor including a drain terminal to which a first voltage source is connected; a first conductor including one end connected to a gate terminal of the transistor; a second conductor including one end connected to a source terminal of the transistor; a first resistor which connects the first power voltage source to the other end of the first conductor; a second resistor which connects the ground to the other end of the second conductor; and one or more processors which identifies whether the first conductor and the second conductor are in contact with each other according to an external pressure, wherein the processor can identify whether an error has occurred in the electronic device, on the basis of a first voltage of the other end of the first conductor and a second voltage of the other end of the second conductor.

Description

Electronic device for detecting external pressure and occurrence of error and its control method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device and a method for controlling the same, and more particularly, to an electronic device for detecting external pressure and the occurrence of an error, and a method for controlling the same.

[0002] Advances in electronic technology have led to the development of electronic devices offering a variety of functions. In particular, robots, home appliances, and mobile electronic devices have been developed recently, and safety is becoming a crucial consideration.

[0003] To ensure the safety functions of devices such as the above, Safety PLC (Safety Controller, Safety Bumper) is used, but it is expensive because it includes multiple hardware modules and controllers, and it is difficult to miniaturize because a hardware module is required for each sensor or switch, and there is a problem that the hardware module needs to be changed when the product specifications are changed.

[0004] To overcome these problems, Safety MCU was developed instead of Safety PLC.

[0005]

[0006] *Safety MCUs integrate the functions of multiple hardware modules and controllers into a single MCU software unit, enabling them to be inexpensive and miniaturized. Furthermore, software can be modified to accommodate changes in product specifications, making them applicable to a wide range of products.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure for achieving the above object, an electronic device includes a transistor including a drain terminal connected to a first voltage source, a first conductor including one end connected to a gate terminal of the transistor, a second conductor including one end connected to a source terminal of the transistor, a first resistor connecting the first voltage source and the other end of the first conductor, a second resistor connecting the other end of the second conductor and a ground, and at least one processor for identifying whether the first conductor and the second conductor are in contact based on an external pressure, wherein the processor can identify whether an error has occurred in the electronic device based on a first voltage at the other end of the first conductor and a second voltage at the other end of the second conductor.

[0008] Additionally, the processor can identify that no error has occurred in the electronic device if the first voltage and the second voltage are the same, and can identify that an error has occurred in the electronic device if the first voltage and the second voltage are different.

[0009] And, the processor can identify that the first conductor and the second conductor are in contact when the first voltage and the second voltage are low values, identify that the first conductor and the second conductor are not in contact when the first voltage and the second voltage are high values, and identify that an error has occurred in the electronic device when the first voltage is high and the second voltage is low values.

[0010] Additionally, the electronic device is included in the external device, and the processor can control the external device based on contact information indicating that the first conductor and the second conductor have come into contact or error information indicating that an error has occurred in the electronic device.

[0011] And, the first resistor may have a resistance value greater than that of the second resistor so that the first voltage and the second voltage are identified as low values ​​when the first conductor and the second conductor are in contact.

[0012] Additionally, a third resistor connecting the gate terminal of the transistor and the ground may be further included.

[0013] And, it further includes a first photo coupler including one end connected to the other end of the first conductor and the other end connected to a second voltage source, and a second photo coupler including one end connected to the other end of the second conductor and the other end connected to the second voltage source, and the processor can identify whether an error has occurred in the electronic device based on the other end of the first photo coupler and the other end of the second photo coupler.

[0014] Additionally, the first voltage source can change its voltage, and the second voltage source can provide a voltage for driving the processor.

[0015] And, it further includes a first Schmitt trigger circuit including one end connected to the other end of the first photo coupler and a second Schmitt trigger circuit including one end connected to the other end of the second photo coupler, and the processor can identify whether an error has occurred in the electronic device based on the other end of the first Schmitt trigger circuit and the other end of the second Schmitt trigger circuit.

[0016] In addition, the device further includes a switch connecting the first conductor and the second conductor, and the processor can identify whether an error has occurred in the switch based on the first voltage and the second voltage.

[0017] Meanwhile, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for controlling an electronic device may include a step of identifying whether a first conductor, which includes one end connected to a gate terminal of a transistor, a first voltage source connected to a drain terminal, and the other end connected to the first voltage source through a first resistor, and a second conductor, which includes one end connected to a source terminal of the transistor and the other end connected to ground through a second resistor, are in contact with each other, depending on an external pressure, and a step of identifying whether an error has occurred in the electronic device based on a first voltage at the other end of the first conductor and a second voltage at the other end of the second conductor.

[0018] In addition, the step of identifying whether the error has occurred can identify that no error has occurred in the electronic device if the first voltage and the second voltage are the same, and can identify that an error has occurred in the electronic device if the first voltage and the second voltage are different.

[0019] And, the step of identifying whether the error has occurred can identify that the first conductor and the second conductor are in contact when the first voltage and the second voltage are low values, identify that the first conductor and the second conductor are not in contact when the first voltage and the second voltage are high values, and identify that an error has occurred in the electronic device when the first voltage is a high value and the second voltage is a low value.

[0020] Additionally, the electronic device is included in an external device, and the control method may further include a step of controlling the external device based on contact information indicating that the first conductor and the second conductor have come into contact or error information indicating that an error has occurred in the electronic device.

[0021] And, the first resistor may have a resistance value greater than that of the second resistor so that the first voltage and the second voltage are identified as low values ​​when the first conductor and the second conductor are in contact.

[0022] Additionally, the electronic device may further include a third resistor connecting the gate terminal of the transistor and the ground.

[0023] And, the electronic device further includes a first photo coupler including one end connected to the other end of the first conductor and the other end connected to a second voltage source, and a second photo coupler including one end connected to the other end of the second conductor and the other end connected to the second voltage source, and the step of identifying whether an error has occurred can identify whether an error has occurred in the electronic device based on the other end of the first photo coupler and the other end of the second photo coupler.

[0024] Additionally, the first voltage source can change its voltage, and the second voltage source can provide a voltage for driving a processor included in the electronic device.

[0025] And, the electronic device further includes a first Schmitt trigger circuit including one end connected to the other end of the first photocoupler and a second Schmitt trigger circuit including one end connected to the other end of the second photocoupler, and the step of identifying whether an error has occurred can identify whether an error has occurred in the electronic device based on the other end of the first Schmitt trigger circuit and the other end of the second Schmitt trigger circuit.

[0026] In addition, the electronic device further includes a switch connecting the first conductor and the second conductor, and the step of identifying whether an error has occurred can identify whether an error has occurred in the switch based on the first voltage and the second voltage.

[0027] FIGS. 1A to 1D are drawings illustrating a Safety Bumper to help understand the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an operation of identifying a state of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIGS. 5 and 6 are block diagrams illustrating the structure and use of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a control method of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide an electronic device and a control method thereof for identifying whether an error has occurred in the electronic device as well as an external pressure applied to the electronic device.

[0034] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0035] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0036] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0037] In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0038] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0039] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being “coupled” or “connected” to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicatively,” it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0040] The terms “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0041] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0042] When we say that a component is “on” another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0043] The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0044] The operating principle and embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings below.

[0045] FIGS. 1A to 1D are drawings illustrating a Safety Bumper to help understand the present disclosure.

[0046] A safety bumper may be a device for detecting external pressure.

[0047]

[0048] *For example, the Safety Bumper can identify external pressure by detecting whether two conductors are in contact. For example, if the first conductor of the Safety Bumper is represented by the AC line in Fig. 1a, and the second conductor of the Safety Bumper is represented by the BD line in Fig. 1a, and whether the two conductors are in contact is indicated by a switch, whether the two conductors are in contact can be identified based on GPIO 1 and GPIO 2. If both GPIO 1 and GPIO 2 are 0, it can be identified that the two conductors are in contact and external pressure is applied, and if GPIO 1 is 5 and GPIO 2 is 0, it can be identified that the two conductors are not in contact and external pressure is not applied.

[0049] However, if a line error occurs, such as a break in the first or second conductor, GPIO 1 may be 5 and GPIO 2 may be 0. That is, according to Fig. 1a, it is impossible to distinguish between a case where the two conductors are not in contact and a line error.

[0050] To solve this problem, in Fig. 1b, a signal of a certain pattern is output from one port of the processor, and an error can be identified based on a signal received from another port. However, a timer for signal output, an interrupt for input, etc. are required, which complicates the circuit and increases manufacturing costs.

[0051] Alternatively, as in Fig. 1c, whether there is an error may be identified based on the status of the resistance values ​​of each of the four ports of the Safety Bumper, or as in Fig. 1d, whether there is an error may be identified based on the status of the resistance values ​​of two ports of the Safety Bumper. However, in the case of Figs. 1c and 1d, four differential input ADC channels are required, and the method using the ADC is highly likely to result in misjudgment because it is affected by the length of the Safety Bumper, the applied voltage, the temperature, etc.

[0052] FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of an electronic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] The electronic device (100) may be a device for detecting external pressure. For example, the electronic device (100) may be a device for detecting external pressure applied to the electronic device (100) based on whether two conductors are in contact, and may be referred to as a Safety Bumper, a Safety MCU, or the like.

[0054] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the electronic device (100) may include a transistor (110) including a drain terminal to which a first voltage source (V1) is connected, a first conductor (120) including one end connected to a gate terminal of the transistor (110), a second conductor (130) including one end connected to a source terminal of the transistor (110), a first resistor (R1, 140) connecting the other end of the first conductor (120) and the first voltage source, and a second resistor (R2, 150) connecting the other end of the second conductor (130) and ground. In FIG. 2, for convenience of explanation, the first conductor (120) is represented as an AC line, the second conductor (130) is represented as a BD line, and the presence or absence of contact is indicated as a switch (210). Here, the first resistor (140) may have a resistance value greater than that of the second resistor (150) so that the first voltage and the second voltage are identified as low values ​​when the first conductor (120) and the second conductor (130) are in contact.

[0055] The GPIO 1 pin and the GPIO 2 pin can be applied with voltage at the other end of the first conductor (120) and voltage at the other end of the second conductor (130), respectively. Here, the GPIO pin is a general-purpose input / output pin, and may be a digital signal pin of an integrated circuit or an electric circuit board whose operation, including input or output, can be controlled by a user at runtime.

[0056] The electronic device (100) may further include a third resistor (R3, 220) connecting the gate terminal of the transistor (110) and ground.

[0057] The electronic device (100) may further include one or more processors (160) that identify whether the first conductor (120) and the second conductor (130) are in contact with each other based on external pressure. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the electronic device (100) may be implemented in a form in which the processor (160) is excluded. In this case, the electronic device (100) is connected to an external device and may provide information on whether there is contact and whether there is an error to the processor of the external device through the GPIO 1 pin and the GPIO 2 pin. For convenience of explanation, the electronic device (100) is described below as including the processor (160).

[0058] The one or more processors may include one or more of a CPU, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an APU (Accelerated Processing Unit), a MIC (Many Integrated Core), an NPU (Neural Processing Unit), a hardware accelerator, or a machine learning accelerator. The one or more processors may control one or any combination of other components of the electronic device (100) and perform operations related to communication or data processing. The one or more processors may execute one or more programs or instructions stored in a memory. For example, the one or more processors may perform a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure by executing one or more instructions stored in a memory.

[0059] When a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes multiple operations, the multiple operations may be performed by one processor or by multiple processors. For example, when a first operation, a second operation, and a third operation are performed by a method according to an embodiment, the first operation, the second operation, and the third operation may all be performed by the first processor, or the first operation and the second operation may be performed by the first processor (e.g., a general-purpose processor) and the third operation may be performed by the second processor (e.g., an artificial intelligence-specific processor).

[0060] One or more processors may be implemented as a single core processor including one core, or may be implemented as one or more multicore processors including multiple cores (e.g., homogeneous multicore or heterogeneous multicore). When one or more processors are implemented as a multicore processor, each of the multiple cores included in the multicore processor may include internal processor memory, such as cache memory or on-chip memory, and a common cache shared by the multiple cores may be included in the multicore processor. In addition, each of the multiple cores (or some of the multiple cores) included in the multicore processor may independently read and execute a program instruction for implementing a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, or all (or some) of the multiple cores may be linked to read and execute a program instruction for implementing a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] When a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of operations, the plurality of operations may be performed by one core among the plurality of cores included in a multi-core processor, or may be performed by the plurality of cores. For example, when a first operation, a second operation, and a third operation are performed by a method according to an embodiment, the first operation, the second operation, and the third operation may all be performed by a first core included in the multi-core processor, or the first operation and the second operation may be performed by a first core included in the multi-core processor, and the third operation may be performed by a second core included in the multi-core processor.

[0062] In embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more processors may mean a system on a chip (SoC) in which at least one processor and other electronic components are integrated, a single-core processor, a multi-core processor, or a core included in a single-core processor or a multi-core processor, wherein the core may be implemented as a CPU, a GPU, an APU, a MIC, an NPU, a hardware accelerator, or a machine learning accelerator, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. However, for convenience of explanation, the operation of the electronic device (100) is described below using the expression processor (160).

[0063] The processor (160) can identify whether an error has occurred in the electronic device (100) based on the first voltage at the other end of the first conductor (120) and the second voltage at the other end of the second conductor (130).

[0064] For example, the processor (160) can identify that no error has occurred in the electronic device (100) if the first voltage and the second voltage are the same, and can identify that an error has occurred in the electronic device (100) if the first voltage and the second voltage are different.

[0065] For example, the processor (160) can identify that the first conductor (120) and the second conductor (130) are in contact when the first voltage and the second voltage are low values, identify that the first conductor (120) and the second conductor (130) are not in contact when the first voltage and the second voltage are high values, and identify that an error has occurred in the electronic device (100) when the first voltage is high and the second voltage is low values.

[0066] The electronic device (100) is included in the external device, and the processor (160) can control the external device based on contact information indicating that the first conductor (120) and the second conductor (130) have come into contact or error information indicating that an error has occurred in the electronic device (100). For example, the external device is a robot, the electronic device (100) is attached to the hand of the robot, and the processor (160) can identify that the robot hand has picked up an object based on the contact information, and can maintain the object without increasing the pressure applied to the hand of the robot.

[0067] Through the above operation, the electronic device (100) can detect contact information through a simple circuit configuration while also detecting whether an error has occurred.

[0068] Additionally, since only simple components such as transistors are added, the manufacturing cost of the electronic device (100) can also be reduced.

[0069] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an operation of identifying a state of an electronic device (100) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0070] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the processor (160) can identify that the first conductor and the second conductor are in contact when the first voltage at the other end of the first conductor (120) and the second voltage at the other end of the second conductor (130) are low values, identify that the first conductor and the second conductor are not in contact when the first voltage and the second voltage are high values, and identify that an error has occurred in the electronic device (100) when the first voltage is high and the second voltage is low value. In FIG. 3, for convenience of explanation, the high value is represented as 5 and the low value is represented as 0, but these values ​​can be changed in any number of ways.

[0071] Below, the first voltage and the second voltage are described with reference to the circuit of Fig. 2.

[0072] First, when external pressure is not applied, the first conductor (120) and the second conductor (130) may not be in contact. In this case, the transistor (110) is turned on by the voltage of the first voltage source (V1) having a high value, and the drain terminal and the source terminal of the transistor (110) are connected, so that the voltage of the first voltage source (V1) having a high value, similar to the drain terminal, may be applied to the source terminal. Accordingly, the first voltage and the second voltage have high values, and the processor (160) can identify that the first conductor (120) and the second conductor (130) are not in contact.

[0073] When external pressure is applied, the first conductor (120) and the second conductor (130) may be brought into contact. In this case, a path connecting the first voltage source (V1), the first resistor (140), the contact portion, the second resistor (150) / the third resistor (220), and the ground is formed, and the voltage of the contact portion can be determined through the voltage distribution of the first resistor (140) and the second resistor (150) / the third resistor (220). Here, the resistance value of the first resistor (140) is set to be greater than that of the second resistor (150), and as the contact portion has a low value, the transistor (110) can also be turned off. Accordingly, the first voltage and the second voltage have low values, and the processor (160) can identify that the first conductor (120) and the second conductor (130) are in contact.

[0074] When an error occurs in the electronic device (100), such as when the first conductor (120) or the second conductor (130) is disconnected, the first voltage may have a high value due to the voltage of the first voltage source (V1). On the other hand, a low value is applied to the gate of the transistor (110), and the second voltage may have a low value as the transistor (110) is turned off. The processor (160) can identify that an error has occurred in the electronic device (100) because the first voltage is a high value and the second voltage is a low value.

[0075] FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of an electronic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] The electronic device (100) further includes a first photo coupler (410) having one end connected to the other end of the first conductor (120) and the other end connected to a second voltage source (V2), and a second photo coupler (420) having one end connected to the other end of the second conductor (130) and the other end connected to the second voltage source (V2), and the processor (160) may identify whether an error has occurred in the electronic device (100) based on the other end of the first photo coupler (410) and the other end of the second photo coupler (420). In addition, the electronic device (100) may further include a resistor formed between the other end of the first photo coupler (410) and the second voltage source (V2) and a resistor formed between the other end of the second photo coupler (420) and the second voltage source (V2).

[0077] Here, the second voltage source (V2) can provide a voltage for driving the processor (160). In addition, the photocoupler is an optical composite element that optically combines a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element and embeds them in a single package for the purpose of transmitting an electric signal while electrically insulating the circuits. Since one end and the other end are insulated, even if the voltage of the first voltage source (V1) is changed, it does not affect the driving voltage of the processor (160), so the voltage of the first voltage source (V1) can be changed as much as necessary.

[0078] Compared to FIG. 2, in FIG. 2, the first voltage source (V1) must provide a voltage for driving the processor (160), and if it is a different voltage, the processor (160) may not be driven or may be damaged. On the other hand, if the electronic device (100) further includes a photo coupler, contact may be detected with a voltage other than the voltage for driving the processor (160), and thus expandability may be improved.

[0079] Alternatively, the electronic device (100) may further include, as illustrated in FIG. 4, a first Schmitt trigger circuit (430) including one end connected to the other end of the first photo coupler (410) and a second Schmitt trigger circuit (440) including one end connected to the other end of the second photo coupler (420), in addition to the first photo coupler (410) and the second photo coupler (420), and the processor (160) may identify whether an error has occurred in the electronic device (100) based on the other end of the first Schmitt trigger circuit (430) and the other end of the second Schmitt trigger circuit (440). The Schmitt trigger circuit is a circuit that converts any input waveform into a square wave, so that the distinction between high and low values ​​can be made more clear.

[0080] Meanwhile, in FIGS. 2 and 4, the contact between the first conductor (120) and the second conductor (130) is expressed as a switch, but the present disclosure may also be applied to a configuration in which a switch is actually used. For example, the electronic device (100) further includes a switch connecting the first conductor (120) and the second conductor (130), and the processor (160) may identify whether an error has occurred in the switch based on the first voltage and the second voltage.

[0081] Through the structure described above, it is easy to change the input voltage, so it can be applied to various devices.

[0082] FIGS. 5 and 6 are block diagrams for explaining the structure and use of an electronic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0083] The electronic device (100) may be implemented in a form that does not include a processor (160). For example, the electronic device (100) may be implemented in a form that includes a transistor (110) including a drain terminal to which a first voltage source (V1) is connected, a first conductor (120) including one end connected to a gate terminal of the transistor (110), a second conductor (130) including one end connected to a source terminal of the transistor (110), a first resistor (140) connecting the first voltage source and the other end of the first conductor (120), a second resistor (150) connecting the other end of the second conductor (130) and ground, and a third resistor (220) connecting the gate terminal of the transistor (110) and ground.

[0084] In this case, the electronic device (100) can provide the voltage of the other end of the first conductor (120) and the voltage of the other end of the second conductor (130) as outputs through the GPIO 1 pin and the GPIO 2 pin, respectively.

[0085] Alternatively, the electronic device (100) may further include a first photo coupler (410) including one end connected to the other end of the first conductor (120) and the other end connected to the second voltage source (V2), and a second photo coupler (420) including one end connected to the other end of the second conductor (130) and the other end connected to the second voltage source (V2). The electronic device (100) may further include a resistor formed between the other end of the first photo coupler (410) and the second voltage source (V2) and a resistor formed between the other end of the second photo coupler (420) and the second voltage source (V2).

[0086] In this case, the voltage at the other end of the first photo coupler (410) may be determined based on the voltage at the other end of the first conductor (120), and the voltage at the other end of the second photo coupler (420) may be determined based on the voltage at the other end of the second conductor (130). The electronic device (100) may provide the voltage at the other end of the first photo coupler (410) and the voltage at the other end of the second photo coupler (420) as outputs through the GPIO 1 pin and the GPIO 2 pin, respectively.

[0087] Alternatively, the electronic device (100) may further include a first Schmitt trigger circuit (430) including one end connected to the other end of the first photo coupler (410) and a second Schmitt trigger circuit (440) including one end connected to the other end of the second photo coupler (420), in addition to the first photo coupler (410) and the second photo coupler (420).

[0088] In this case, the electronic device (100) can provide the voltage of the other end of the first Schmitt trigger circuit (430) and the voltage of the other end of the second Schmitt trigger circuit (440) as outputs through the GPIO 1 pin and the GPIO 2 pin, respectively.

[0089] The electronic device (100) can be used by being connected to an external device (200), as illustrated in FIG. 5. Here, the external device (200) includes a processor (160), but in FIG. 5, for convenience of explanation, the electronic device (100) is illustrated as including the processor (160) as the electronic device (100) is connected to the external device (200).

[0090] In this case, as the electronic device (100) is connected to the external device (200), the GPIO 1 pin and the GPIO 2 pin can be connected to the processor (160). In addition, the electronic device (100) operates by receiving voltage from the external device (200), and the processor (160) can identify whether external pressure is applied to the electronic device (100) and whether an error has occurred in the electronic device (100) based on the voltage of the GPIO 1 pin and the GPIO 2 pin.

[0091] Alternatively, the electronic device (100) may be implemented in a form that further includes a processor (160), as illustrated in FIG. 6. In this case, the processor (160) is connected to the GPIO 1 pin and the GPIO 2 pin, and can identify whether external pressure is applied to the electronic device (100) and whether an error has occurred in the electronic device (100) based on the voltage of the GPIO 1 pin and the GPIO 2 pin. The electronic device (100) further includes a communication interface, and the processor (160) can control the communication interface to transmit information on whether there is contact or error information indicating that an error has occurred in the electronic device (100) to the external device (200).

[0092] Here, the communication interface is a configuration that performs communication with various types of external devices according to various types of communication methods. For example, the electronic device (100) can perform communication with an external device through the communication interface.

[0093] The communication interface may include a Wi-Fi module, a Bluetooth module, an infrared communication module, and a wireless communication module. Here, each communication module may be implemented in the form of at least one hardware chip.

[0094] Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules communicate via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, respectively. When using a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth module, connection information, such as the SSID and session key, is first transmitted and received. This information is then used to establish a communication connection before various other information can be transmitted and received. Infrared communication modules use infrared data association (IrDA) technology, which wirelessly transmits data over short distances using infrared light, which lies between visible light and millimeter waves.

[0095] In addition to the above-described communication method, the wireless communication module may include at least one communication chip that performs communication according to various wireless communication standards such as zigbee, 3G (3rd Generation), 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project), LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (LTE Advanced), 4G (4th Generation), 5G (5th Generation), etc.

[0096] Alternatively, the communication interface may include a wired communication interface such as HDMI, DP, Thunderbolt, USB, RGB, D-SUB, DVI, etc.

[0097] In addition, the communication interface may include at least one of a Local Area Network (LAN) module, an Ethernet module, or a wired communication module that performs communication using a pair cable, a coaxial cable, or a fiber optic cable.

[0098] FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a control method of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0099] Depending on the external pressure, the contact between a first conductor including one end connected to the gate terminal of a transistor connected to the drain terminal of a first voltage source and the other end connected to the first voltage source through a first resistor and a second conductor including one end connected to the source terminal of the transistor and the other end connected to ground through a second resistor is identified (S710). Then, based on the first voltage at the other end of the first conductor and the second voltage at the other end of the second conductor, the occurrence of an error in the electronic device is identified (S720).

[0100] In addition, the step (S720) of identifying whether an error has occurred can identify that no error has occurred in the electronic device if the first voltage and the second voltage are the same, and can identify that an error has occurred in the electronic device if the first voltage and the second voltage are different.

[0101] And, the step (S720) of identifying whether an error has occurred can identify that the first conductor and the second conductor are in contact when the first voltage and the second voltage are low values, identify that the first conductor and the second conductor are not in contact when the first voltage and the second voltage are high values, and identify that an error has occurred in the electronic device when the first voltage is high and the second voltage is low values.

[0102] Additionally, the electronic device is included in the external device, and the control method may further include a step of controlling the external device based on contact information indicating that the first conductor and the second conductor have been in contact or error information indicating that an error has occurred in the electronic device.

[0103] And, the first resistor may have a resistance value greater than that of the second resistor so that the first voltage and the second voltage are identified as low values ​​when the first conductor and the second conductor are in contact.

[0104] Additionally, the electronic device may further include a third resistor connecting the gate terminal of the transistor and ground.

[0105] And, the electronic device further includes a first photo coupler including one end connected to the other end of the first conductor and the other end connected to a second voltage source, and a second photo coupler including one end connected to the other end of the second conductor and the other end connected to the second voltage source, and the step (S720) of identifying whether an error has occurred can identify whether an error has occurred in the electronic device based on the other end of the first photo coupler and the other end of the second photo coupler.

[0106] Additionally, the first voltage source can change voltage, and the second voltage source can provide voltage for driving a processor included in the electronic device.

[0107] And, the electronic device further includes a first Schmitt trigger circuit including one end connected to the other end of the first photo coupler and a second Schmitt trigger circuit including one end connected to the other end of the second photo coupler, and the step (S720) of identifying whether an error has occurred can identify whether an error has occurred in the electronic device based on the other end of the first Schmitt trigger circuit and the other end of the second Schmitt trigger circuit.

[0108] In addition, the electronic device further includes a switch connecting the first conductor and the second conductor, and the step (S720) of identifying whether an error has occurred can identify whether an error has occurred in the switch based on the first voltage and the second voltage.

[0109] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure as described above, an electronic device can detect contact information through a simple circuit configuration while also detecting whether an error has occurred.

[0110] Additionally, since only simple components such as transistors are added, the manufacturing cost of electronic devices can be reduced.

[0111] And, through the structure described above, it is easy to change the input voltage, so it can be applied to various devices.

[0112] Meanwhile, according to a temporary example of the present disclosure, the various embodiments described above can be implemented as software including instructions stored in a machine-readable storage medium that can be read by a machine (e.g., a computer). The device is a device that can call instructions stored from the storage medium and operate according to the called instructions, and may include an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (A)) according to the disclosed embodiments. When an instruction is executed by a processor, the processor can perform a function corresponding to the instruction directly or by using other components under the control of the processor. The instruction may include code generated or executed by a compiler or interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' means that the storage medium does not contain a signal and is tangible, but does not distinguish between data being stored semi-permanently or temporarily in the storage medium.

[0113] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the method according to the various embodiments described above may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or online through an application store (e.g., Play Store™). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0114] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the various embodiments described above may be implemented in a computer-readable recording medium or a similar device using software, hardware, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the embodiments described herein may be implemented by the processor itself. In a software implementation, embodiments such as the procedures and functions described herein may be implemented as separate software. Each software may perform one or more functions and operations described herein.

[0115] Meanwhile, computer instructions for performing processing operations of a device according to the various embodiments described above may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The computer instructions stored in such a non-transitory computer-readable medium, when executed by a processor of a specific device, cause the specific device to perform processing operations in the device according to the various embodiments described above. A non-transitory computer-readable medium refers to a medium that permanently stores data and can be read by a device, rather than a medium that stores data for a short period of time, such as a register, cache, or memory. Specific examples of non-transitory computer-readable media may include a CD, DVD, hard disk, Blu-ray disk, USB, memory card, or ROM.

[0116] In addition, each of the components (e.g., modules or programs) according to the various embodiments described above may be composed of a single or multiple entities, and some of the corresponding sub-components described above may be omitted, or other sub-components may be further included in various embodiments. Alternatively or additionally, some components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single entity, which may perform the same or similar functions as those performed by each of the corresponding components prior to integration. Operations performed by modules, programs or other components according to various embodiments may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively or heuristically, or at least some operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or other operations may be added.

[0117] Although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications may be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains without departing from the gist of the present disclosure as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical idea or prospect of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. In electronic devices, A transistor having a drain terminal to which a first voltage source is connected; A first conductor having one end connected to the gate terminal of the transistor; A second conductor having one end connected to the source terminal of the transistor; A first resistor connecting the first voltage source and the other end of the first conductor; A second resistor connecting the ground and the other end of the second conductor; and comprising one or more processors for identifying whether the first conductor and the second conductor are in contact based on external pressure; The above processor, An electronic device that identifies whether an error has occurred in the electronic device based on a first voltage at the other end of the first conductor and a second voltage at the other end of the second conductor.

2. In paragraph 1, The above processor, If the first voltage and the second voltage are the same, it is determined that no error has occurred in the electronic device; An electronic device that identifies that an error has occurred in the electronic device if the first voltage and the second voltage are different.

3. In paragraph 2, The above processor, When the first voltage and the second voltage are low values, the first conductor and the second conductor are identified as being in contact, When the first voltage and the second voltage are high values, it is identified that the first conductor and the second conductor are not in contact, An electronic device that identifies that an error has occurred in the electronic device when the first voltage is a high value and the second voltage is a low value.

4. In paragraph 3, The above electronic device, Included in external devices, The above processor, An electronic device that controls the external device based on contact information indicating that the first conductor and the second conductor have come into contact or error information indicating that an error has occurred in the electronic device.

5. In paragraph 1, The above first resistance is, An electronic device, wherein when the first conductor and the second conductor are in contact, the resistance value is greater than that of the second resistor so that the first voltage and the second voltage are identified as low values.

6. In paragraph 1, An electronic device further comprising a third resistor connecting the gate terminal of the transistor and the ground.

7. In paragraph 1, A first photocoupler including one end connected to the other end of the first conductor and the other end connected to a second voltage source; and Further comprising a second photocoupler including one end connected to the other end of the second conductor and the other end connected to the second voltage source; The above processor, An electronic device that identifies whether an error has occurred in the electronic device based on the other end of the first photo coupler and the other end of the second photo coupler.

8. In paragraph 7, The above first voltage source is, The voltage can be changed, The second voltage source is, An electronic device providing voltage for driving the above processor.

9. In paragraph 7, A first Schmitt trigger circuit including one end connected to the other end of the first photocoupler; and Further comprising a second Schmitt trigger circuit having one end connected to the other end of the second photocoupler; The above processor, An electronic device that identifies whether an error has occurred in the electronic device based on the other end of the first Schmitt trigger circuit and the other end of the second Schmitt trigger circuit.

10. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a switch connecting the first conductor and the second conductor; The above processor, An electronic device that identifies whether an error has occurred in the switch based on the first voltage and the second voltage.

11. In a method for controlling an electronic device, A step of identifying whether a first conductor including one end connected to a gate terminal of a transistor connected to a drain terminal of a first voltage source and the other end connected to the first voltage source through a first resistor and a second conductor including one end connected to a source terminal of the transistor and the other end connected to ground through a second resistor are in contact, depending on an external pressure; and A control method, comprising: a step of identifying whether an error has occurred in the electronic device based on a first voltage at the other end of the first conductor and a second voltage at the other end of the second conductor.

12. In paragraph 11, The steps for identifying whether the above error has occurred are: If the first voltage and the second voltage are the same, it is determined that no error has occurred in the electronic device; A control method for identifying that an error has occurred in the electronic device when the first voltage and the second voltage are different.

13. In paragraph 12, The steps for identifying whether the above error has occurred are: When the first voltage and the second voltage are low values, the first conductor and the second conductor are identified as being in contact, When the first voltage and the second voltage are high values, it is identified that the first conductor and the second conductor are not in contact, A control method for identifying that an error has occurred in the electronic device when the first voltage is a high value and the second voltage is a low value.

14. In paragraph 13, The above electronic device, Included in external devices, The above control method is, A control method further comprising: a step of controlling the external device based on contact information indicating that the first conductor and the second conductor have come into contact or error information indicating that an error has occurred in the electronic device.

15. In paragraph 11, The above first resistance is, A control method wherein, when the first conductor and the second conductor are in contact, the resistance value is greater than that of the second resistor so that the first voltage and the second voltage are identified as low values.

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