Electronic device for detecting magnetic saturation in wireless power transmission system, operating method therefor, and recording medium

Abstract

Disclosed are an electronic device for detecting magnetic saturation in a wireless power transmission system and an operating method therefor. The electronic device may include one or more processors, a memory for storing commands, and a magnetic sensor. When executed by the one or more processors, the commands may control the electronic device to perform the following operations. The electronic device may acquire magnetic field information through the magnetic sensor. The electronic device may determine power control information of a wireless charger for preventing the occurrence of magnetic saturation of the electronic device by using the acquired magnetic field information and a magnetic saturation level pre-stored for the electronic device.

Description

Electronic device for detecting magnetic saturation in a wireless power transmission system, method of operation thereof, and recording medium

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an electronic device for detecting magnetic saturation in a wireless power transmission system, an operating method thereof, and a recording medium.

[0002] Wireless power transmission technology is a method of transmitting power using an electromagnetic field induced in a coil. A wireless power transmission device generates an electromagnetic field by applying a current to a transmitting coil, and an induced electromotive force is formed in a receiving coil of a wireless power receiving device by the generated electromagnetic field, thereby allowing power to be transmitted wirelessly.

[0003] With the recent release of the magnetic power profile (MPP) for wireless charging in Qi 2.0, a wireless charging standard, a technology that uses magnets to align the coils of two electronic devices and conduct wireless charging is being reviewed.

[0004] The above information may be provided as background art to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the above is applicable as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0005] According to one embodiment, an electronic device may include one or more processors, a memory including one or more storage media storing instructions, and a magnetic sensor. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the one or more processors, may cause the one or more processors to obtain magnetic field information through the magnetic sensor, and determine power control information of a wireless charger to prevent magnetic saturation of the electronic device by using the obtained magnetic field information and a magnetic saturation level stored in advance for the electronic device.

[0006] According to one embodiment, an operating method of an electronic device may acquire magnetic field information via a magnetic sensor. The operating method of the electronic device may determine power control information of a wireless charger to prevent magnetic saturation of the electronic device by using the acquired magnetic field information and a magnetic saturation level stored in advance for the electronic device.

[0007] According to one embodiment, instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium, when executed by one or more processors, can cause the electronic device to perform operations of a method of operating the electronic device.

[0008] In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a wireless power transmission system according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of a wireless power transmission device and a wireless power reception device according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the structure of a wireless power transmission system for applying a specific type of wireless charging technology according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method for detecting magnetic saturation of a magnetic body performed by an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the structure of a magnetic member included in a cover device according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a method for forming a magnet member included in a cover device according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 8A and FIG. 8C are conceptual diagrams for determining a charging current of a wireless charger in a wireless power transmission system according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for detecting magnetic saturation using a cover device in a wireless power transmission system according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B are diagrams illustrating a magnetic saturation detection method according to a cover device according to one embodiment.

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In the description with reference to the attached drawings, identical components will be assigned the same reference numerals regardless of the drawing numbers, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) within a network environment (100) according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 1, in the network environment (100), the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of the electronic device (104) or the server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

[0021] The processor (120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store result data in a non-volatile memory (134). The processor (120) may also be implemented as a system on chip (SoC) or an integrated circuit (IC) that performs processing. The processor (120) may include one or more processors, and the operations of the electronic device (101) described in the present disclosure may be performed by a single processor or by a combination of multiple processors. When the operations of the electronic device (101) are performed by a combination of multiple processors, any one processor included in the combination of processors may perform some of the operations of the electronic device (101). For example, the processor (120) may correspond to multiple processors that collectively perform a plurality of operations by dividing them among the processors.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together with the main processor (121). For example, when the electronic device (101) includes the main processor (121) and the auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0023] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (160), a sensor module (176), or a communication module (190)) of the electronic device (101), for example, on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.

[0024] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor (120) or the sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., the program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include a volatile memory (132) or a non-volatile memory (134). The memory (130) can store at least one instruction executable by the processor (120). The memory (130) can include one or more memories, and instructions for controlling the processor (120) to perform operations of the electronic device (101) described in the present disclosure can be stored in one memory or can be divided and stored in multiple memories.

[0025] The program (140) may be stored as software in the memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0026] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The input module (150) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0027] The audio output module (155) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output module (155) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. In one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0028] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external device (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector, and a control circuit for controlling the device. According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch. The display module (160) may be implemented with an illustrative foldable structure and / or a rollable structure. For example, the size of the display screen of the display module (160) may be reduced when folded, and may be expanded when unfolded.

[0029] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150), output sound through the sound output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

[0030] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0031] The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). In one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0032] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector that allows the electronic device (101) to be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0033] A haptic module (179) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. In one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0034] The camera module (180) can capture still images and videos. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0035] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented, for example, as at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0036] A battery (189) may power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0037] The communication module (190) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., a Wi-Fi communication module, a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can verify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0038] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) can support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

[0039] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. In some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

[0040] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high frequency band.

[0041] At least some of the above components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)).

[0042] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102 or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included in the second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0043] Electronic devices according to various embodiments disclosed in this disclosure may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0044] The various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In the present disclosure, each of the phrases "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B, or C," "at least one of A, B, and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among the phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0045] The term "module" used in various embodiments of the present disclosure may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0046] Various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (136) or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (101) of FIG. 1). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (120)) of a machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)) may call at least one command among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a commodity between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0048] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and arranged in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include one or more processors (120), a memory (130) including one or more storage media for storing commands, and a magnetic sensor. When the commands are individually or collectively executed by the one or more processors (120), the commands may acquire magnetic field information through the magnetic sensor, and determine power control information of a wireless charger for preventing magnetic saturation of the electronic device (101) by using the acquired magnetic field information and a magnetic saturation level stored in advance for the electronic device (101).

[0050] According to one embodiment, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by one or more processors (120), may cause the electronic device (101) to identify a DC offset generated by a magnetic member included in a cover device through magnetic field information, and determine power control information of a wireless charger for preventing magnetic saturation of the electronic device (101) by using a difference between a magnetic flux density corresponding to the identified DC offset and a magnetic flux density corresponding to a pre-stored magnetic saturation level.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by one or more processors (120), cause the electronic device (101) to determine power control information of the wireless charger, in a situation where power is supplied from the wireless charger according to the determined power control information, determine whether magnetic saturation of the electronic device (101) has occurred by using magnetic field information acquired through a magnetic sensor and a pre-stored magnetic saturation level.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by one or more processors (120), may cause the electronic device (101) to identify whether the sum of the magnetic field intensities of individual directions constituting the magnetic field information is within a predetermined range of a pre-stored magnetic saturation level, and, if it is identified that the sum of the magnetic field intensities of individual directions is within a predetermined range of the pre-stored magnetic saturation level, determine whether magnetic saturation of the electronic device (101) has occurred by comparing the magnetic field intensities of individual directions constituting the magnetic field information with the pre-stored magnetic saturation level.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the instructions, when executed individually or collectively by one or more processors (120), may cause the electronic device (101) to determine that magnetic saturation has occurred in the electronic device (101) if at least one individual direction magnetic field strength among the individual direction magnetic field strengths constituting the magnetic field information is identified as exceeding a pre-stored magnetic saturation level.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the instructions, when executed individually or collectively by one or more processors (120), may cause the electronic device (101) to determine that magnetic saturation has occurred in the electronic device (101) if two or more individual direction magnetic field intensities constituting the magnetic field information are identified as exceeding a pre-stored magnetic saturation level.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by one or more processors (120), cause the electronic device (101) to repeatedly reduce power supplied to the electronic device (101) based on power control information transmitted to the wireless charger when it is determined that magnetic saturation has occurred, update magnetic field information in a state where an induced current flows in a receiving coil of the electronic device according to the repeatedly reduced power, and determine power control information corresponding to power in which magnetic saturation has not occurred as power control information of the wireless charger when it is determined that magnetic saturation has not occurred in the electronic device (101) using the updated magnetic field information and a magnetic saturation level stored in advance for the electronic device (101).

[0056] According to one embodiment, the power control information of the wireless charger may be data related to the control of components within the wireless charger to determine the charging current flowing to the transmitting coil of the wireless charger.

[0057]

[0058] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a wireless power transmission system according to one embodiment.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 2, the wireless power transmission system (200) may be composed of a wireless power transmission device (210) and a wireless power reception device (220). More specifically, the wireless power transmission system (200) may supply an alternating current to a transmission coil through an external power source applied to the wireless power transmission device (210). The alternating current supplied in this manner may generate a magnetic field in the wireless power transmission device (210).

[0060] The wireless power receiving device (220) of the wireless power transmission system (200) can perform wireless charging by generating an alternating current in a receiving coil using a magnetic field generated in the wireless power transmitting device (210).

[0061] At this time, the wireless power transmission device (210) of the wireless power transmission system (200) may be, for example, a wireless charging pad, a wireless charging dock, or a wireless charging puck, but the examples of such wireless power transmission devices (210) are only one example and are not limited to the above examples.

[0062] In addition, the wireless power receiving device (220) of the wireless power transmission system (200) may be, for example, a portable electronic device such as a smartphone, a smartwatch, a tablet computer, or a laptop computer; however, the examples of the wireless power receiving device (220) are only one example and are not limited to the above examples.

[0063]

[0064] FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of a wireless power transmission device and a wireless power reception device according to one embodiment.

[0065] Referring to Fig. 3, the wireless power transmission system (300) may be composed of a wireless charging circuit of a wireless power transmission device (310) and a circuit of a wireless power reception device (320). First, the wireless power transmission device (310) may perform wireless charging by controlling components of a circuit for wireless power transmission through a controller (311). The controller (311) controls an inverter (312) while wireless charging is being performed to generate an AC current. can generate, and the AC current generated in this way A magnetic field can be generated in the transmitting coil (313) of the wireless power transmitting device (310). The capacitor (314) of the wireless power transmitting device (310) can form a resonant circuit together with the transmitting coil (313) to transmit maximum power at a specific frequency.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the wireless power receiving device (320) can perform wireless charging by controlling the components of the circuit for wireless power reception through the controller (321). While wireless charging is performed, an AC current is generated in the receiving coil (322) of the wireless power receiving device (320) by the magnetic field generated in the wireless power transmitting device (310). can be generated. The controller (321) uses the rectifier (323) of the wireless power receiving device (320) to generate AC power ( ) is a rectified DC power supply ( ) can be converted into DC power ( ) can be used to charge the battery of the wireless power receiving device (320).

[0067] According to one embodiment, the capacitor (324) of the wireless power receiving device (320) may form a resonant circuit together with the receiving coil (322) to receive maximum power at a specific frequency. The capacitor (325) of the wireless power receiving device (320) may be used to set the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit, and may operate together with the capacitor (324) to adjust the resonant characteristics of the resonant circuit, thereby maintaining maximum energy transfer efficiency.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the controller (321) of the wireless power receiving device (320) can control the switch (326) to perform frequency conversion for a wireless charging standard (e.g., magnetic power profile (MPP)) in a preset manner.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the wireless power transmission device (310) and the wireless power reception device (320) may include a communication circuit (327) for exchanging data between them. For example, the wireless power reception device (320) may transmit the status of the battery or the amount of power received to the wireless power transmission device (310) through the communication circuit (327), and the wireless power transmission device (310) may adjust the required power output based on the information transmitted in this manner.

[0070]

[0071] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the structure of a wireless power transmission system for applying a specific type of wireless charging technology according to one embodiment.

[0072] The existing wireless charging standard, Qi, defines the baseline power profile (BPP) and the extended power profile (EPP). For example, the BPP wireless charging technology relates to a wireless power transfer system that supports power transfer of 5W, and the EPP wireless charging technology relates to a wireless power transfer system that supports power transfer in a range greater than 5W and less than 30W.

[0073] The newly proposed wireless charging standard, Qi 2.0, defines a magnetic power profile (MPP). This MPP wireless charging technology can improve charging efficiency by aligning the transmitting coil of a wireless power transmitter with the receiving coil of a wireless power receiver using magnets.

[0074] In order to perform wireless charging using this MPP wireless charging technology, it may be very important to detect whether magnetic saturation of the magnetic material present on the wireless power receiving device side occurs. In one embodiment, the wireless charging technology may be technology related to the MPP method, and in the following, the wireless power transmitting device may be referred to as a wireless charger, and the wireless power receiving device may be referred to as an electronic device.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 4, according to one embodiment, the cover device (410) may include a magnetic member (411) in one area. The magnetic member (411) within the cover device (410) may be a result of a plurality of magnets arranged in a circular shape. However, the shape of the magnetic member (411) is merely an example and is not limited to the above example.

[0076] According to one embodiment, a cover device (410) including a magnetic member (411) can be fastened to an electronic device (420). Through this structure, when wirelessly charging is performed, the magnetic member (411) of the cover device (410) and the magnetic member included in the wireless charger are coupled, thereby aligning a transmitting coil included in the wireless charger and a receiving coil included in the electronic device (420).

[0077] In the fastening structure (430) of the cover device (410) and the electronic device (420), the electronic device (420) can obtain magnetic field information through a magnetic sensor (421) arranged in one area, and can detect whether magnetic saturation occurs for a magnetic body (e.g., a sensor, a wireless charging receiving circuit, a magnetic core of a receiving coil, a camera) of the electronic device (420) using the obtained magnetic field information. At this time, the magnetic sensor (421) may be a geomagnetic sensor (magnetometer) or a Hall IC sensor, but the type of the magnetic sensor (421) is only one example and is not limited to the above example.

[0078] More specifically, in the fastening structure (430) of the cover device (410) and the electronic device (420), the magnetic field strength for each direction of the magnetic field obtained through the magnetic sensor (421) and the sum of the magnetic field strengths of the individual directions may vary depending on the shape, polarity, strength, grade, or magnetization structure of the magnetic member (411) included in the cover device (410).

[0079] The electronic device (420) can determine whether magnetic saturation occurs in the magnetic body of the electronic device (420) by using the magnetic field information acquired through the magnetic sensor (421) and the magnetic saturation level stored in advance for the magnetic body of the electronic device (420). At this time, the electronic device (420) can control the charging current of the wireless charger before magnetic saturation occurs in the magnetic body, thereby reducing the possibility of damage due to overcurrent caused by magnetic saturation of the magnetic body, and reducing the electromagnetic wave influence due to harmonics caused by nonlinear characteristics.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the cover device may include a magnetic member having a plurality of magnets arranged in an array form and a magnetic shielding material arranged on one surface of the magnetic member.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the cover device can be implemented to generate a magnetic field deviation in one area using a magnet member and a magnetic shielding material.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the magnet member is configured such that among the plurality of magnets, a magnet corresponding to an area closest to the magnetic sensor is distinguished as a molded magnet, and at least one of the shape, polarity, strength, grade, or magnetization structure of the distinguished molded magnet can be changed.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the magnetic shielding material may have a segmented region formed in the region furthest from the magnetic sensor of the electronic device (101) to which the cover device is fastened.

[0084]

[0085] FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method for detecting magnetic saturation of a magnetic body performed by an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0086] According to one embodiment, one or more processors (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1) included in an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the wireless power receiving device (320) of FIG. 3, and the electronic device (420) of FIG. 4) may obtain magnetic field information in an area of ​​the electronic device through a magnetic sensor (511) disposed in an area of ​​the electronic device, as in step (510). At this time, the magnetic sensor (511) disposed in an area of ​​the electronic device may be the same as the magnetic sensor (421) disclosed in FIG. 4.

[0087] According to one embodiment, by examining the acquired magnetic field distribution, it can be confirmed that there is a difference between the magnetic field pattern when magnetic saturation occurs in the magnetic body of the electronic device and the magnetic field pattern when magnetic saturation does not occur in the magnetic body of the electronic device (normal state).

[0088] According to one embodiment, one or more processors may set a magnetic saturation level for determining whether magnetic saturation occurs in a magnetic body by using magnetic field information when magnetic saturation occurs in a magnetic body among the magnetic field information constituting the acquired magnetic field distribution as in step (520).

[0089] More specifically, one or more processors can decompose magnetic field information when magnetic saturation occurs in a magnetic body into magnetic field strengths for individual directions and the sum of magnetic field strengths for individual directions to set a magnetic saturation level, and set a magnetic saturation level for determining whether magnetic saturation occurs for each magnetic field strength.

[0090] For example, one or more processors may provide magnetic field information in the x-direction when magnetic saturation occurs in a magnetic material ( ), magnetic field strength in the y-axis direction ( ), magnetic field strength in the z-axis direction ( ) and the sum of the magnetic field strengths in individual directions ( ) can be decomposed into. Here, both the magnetic field strength in each direction and the sum of the magnetic field strengths in each direction can have vector values.

[0091] One or more processors may be configured to measure the magnetic field strength of individual directions in this manner ( , and ) and the sum of the magnetic field strengths in individual directions ( ) can be used to identify a threshold value at which magnetic saturation is likely to occur in a magnetic body for each magnetic field strength. One or more processors can set and store the threshold value of the magnetic field strength identified in this way as a reference value for determining whether magnetic saturation occurs in the magnetic body. At this time, the reference value may mean a magnetic saturation level.

[0092] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device is later placed on a wireless charger and wireless charging is performed, one or more processors may acquire magnetic field information from a magnetic sensor (511) placed in an area of ​​the electronic device. The one or more processors may determine whether magnetic saturation has occurred in the magnetic body of the electronic device by comparing the acquired magnetic field information with a pre-stored magnetic saturation level, as in step (530).

[0093] According to one embodiment, one or more processors are configured to sum the magnetic field strengths of individual directions among the acquired magnetic field information. ) can be compared with the pre-stored magnetic saturation level to primarily determine whether magnetic saturation has occurred in the magnetic material. The sum of the magnetic field strength ( ) is the magnetic field strength in each direction ( , and ) can be the sum of their centuries. For example, , , If the measurement related values ​​are 52, -12, -229 can be a value of 235. Or, may be a value calculated using at least some of the magnetic field intensities of individual directions. However, such The method of calculation is only one example and is not limited to the above example.

[0094] According to one embodiment, one or more processors are configured to: (a) measure the strength of individual directions of the acquired magnetic field information; , and ) can be considered to determine whether magnetic saturation occurs in a magnetic material. For example, one or more processors can determine the sum of the magnetic field strengths in individual directions ( ) based on the results of the primary judgment using the strength of each direction ( , and ) can be used to more accurately determine whether magnetic saturation has occurred in a magnetic material.

[0095] According to one embodiment, one or more processors may be configured to: measure the strength of multiple directions of the acquired magnetic field information (e.g., , and ) can be considered to determine whether magnetic saturation occurs in a magnetic material.

[0096]

[0097] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the structure of a magnetic member included in a cover device according to one embodiment.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 6, a magnetic member (e.g., a magnetic member (411) of FIG. 4) included in a cover device (e.g., a cover device (410) of FIG. 4) may be a result of a plurality of magnets being arranged in a circular array shape. However, the shape of the magnetic member is merely one example and is not limited to the above example.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 6, each of the plurality of magnets constituting the magnetic member may have a form in which two sub-magnets (610, 620) having different polarities and magnetized in a first direction (e.g., vertical direction) are arranged in a second direction (e.g., horizontal direction) with a constant gap (non-magnetic zone) (630).

[0100] In one embodiment, the non-magnetic zone may be an empty region, or a non-conductive material may be disposed therein.

[0101] According to one embodiment, by forming a portion of a magnetic member included in a cover device, a change in a magnetic field may be generated in the portion. One or more processors (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1) included in an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the wireless power receiving device (320) of FIG. 3, and the electronic device (420) of FIG. 4) may obtain the change in the magnetic field generated in this manner through a magnetic sensor (the magnetic sensor (421) of FIG. 4, the magnetic sensor (511) of FIG. 5) to determine whether magnetic saturation has occurred in a magnetic body of the electronic device. For example, the processor may compare the magnetic field information obtained through the magnetic sensor with a pre-stored magnetic saturation level to determine whether magnetic saturation has occurred in the magnetic body of the electronic device, and may control the charging current of the wireless charger based on the result of the determination of whether magnetic saturation has occurred.

[0102] According to one embodiment, a magnetic member included in a cover device may have a magnetic shielding material (DC shield) (640) arranged on one surface of a plurality of magnets arranged in a circular array shape. Such a magnetic shielding material (640) may be implemented in a circular shape, similar to the magnetic member, to reduce the influence of a magnetic field generated by the plurality of magnets on a component of the electronic device and / or a receiving coil. Alternatively, the magnetic shielding material (640) may be implemented in a form in which some sections are segmented through molding, thereby generating a magnetic field change in the corresponding area.

[0103]

[0104] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a method for forming a magnet member included in a cover device according to one embodiment.

[0105] According to one embodiment, a change in a magnetic field can be generated by molding a portion of a magnetic member (e.g., a magnetic member (411) of FIG. 4) included in a cover device (e.g., a cover device (410) of FIG. 4). More specifically, among a plurality of magnets constituting the magnetic member included in the cover device, a magnet corresponding to a region closest to a magnetic sensor (e.g., a magnetic sensor (421) of FIG. 4, a magnetic sensor (511) of FIG. 5) of an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, a wireless power receiving device (320) of FIG. 3, an electronic device (420) of FIG. 4)) can be identified as a molded magnet. In one embodiment, a change in a magnetic field measured by a magnetic sensor can be generated through a region in which the molded magnet exists by molding the identified molded magnet by applying the methods below.

[0106] According to one embodiment with reference to the drawing (710) of FIG. 7, the magnetization area of ​​the molded magnet may be formed differently from the magnetization areas of other magnets. For example, unlike the magnetization areas of other magnets formed to be wider than the air gap area, it can be confirmed that the magnetization area of ​​the molded magnet is formed to be narrower than the air gap area. In this way, the magnetized magnet formed to have a magnetization area narrower than the air gap area may have a weaker magnetic field intensity compared to other magnets due to a reduction in volume. In other words, a decrease in the magnetic field intensity generated in the molded magnet may cause a change in the magnetic field of the magnetic sensor.

[0107] In addition, according to one embodiment with reference to the drawing (720) of FIG. 7, the magnetic strength of the molded magnet may be molded differently from the magnetic strengths of the other magnets. For example, it can be confirmed that the magnetic strength of the molded magnet is molded to N48 grade, unlike the other magnets that are molded to N45 grade. In this way, the molded magnet that is molded to have a higher grade of magnetic strength than the other magnets may have a stronger magnetic field than the other magnets. That is, an increase in the magnetic field strength generated by the molded magnet may cause a change in the magnetic field to the magnetic sensor. However, the method for molding the magnetic strength of the molded magnet is only one example and is not limited to the above example. For example, the molded magnet may be molded to have a lower grade of magnetic strength than the other magnets, and a decrease in the magnetic field strength generated by the molded magnet may cause a change in the magnetic field to the magnetic sensor.

[0108] In addition, according to one embodiment of the drawing (730) of FIG. 7, the thickness of the molded magnet may be molded differently from the thicknesses of the other magnets. For example, it can be confirmed that the molded magnet is molded thicker than the thicknesses of the other magnets. In this way, the molded magnet molded thicker than the other magnets may have a stronger magnetic field than the other magnets. That is, an increase in the magnetic field intensity generated by the molded magnet may cause a change in the magnetic field toward the magnetic sensor. However, the method for molding the thickness of the molded magnet is only one example and is not limited to the above example. For example, the molded magnet may be molded thinner than the other magnets, and a decrease in the magnetic field intensity generated by the molded magnet may cause a change in the magnetic field toward the magnetic sensor.

[0109] Additionally, according to one embodiment with reference to Figure 7 (740), the shape of the molded magnet may be molded differently from the shapes of other magnets. In this way, a molded magnet molded into a different shape compared to other magnets may have a different magnetic field strength compared to other magnets, which may result in a change in the magnetic field of the magnetic sensor.

[0110]

[0111] FIG. 8A and FIG. 8C are conceptual diagrams for determining a charging current of a wireless charger in a wireless power transmission system according to one embodiment.

[0112] According to one embodiment, one or more processors (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1) included in an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the wireless power receiving device (320) of FIG. 3, the electronic device (420) of FIG. 4) may obtain initial magnetic field information in a state where no charging current flows from a wireless charger through a magnetic sensor (the magnetic sensor (421) of FIG. 4, the magnetic sensor (511) of FIG. 5). The processor may obtain the sum of the magnetic field strengths ( ) can identify the DC offset generated by the magnet member (e.g., the magnet member (411) of FIG. 4) included in the cover device (e.g., the cover device (410) of FIG. 4) as shown in FIG. 8a.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the processor can identify a magnetic saturation level for a magnetic material included in an electronic device, as illustrated in FIG. 8A. The magnetic saturation level for the magnetic material can be determined in advance based on information reflected during the design of the electronic device.

[0114] The processor can identify the difference (810) between the magnetic field strength, i.e., the magnetic flux density corresponding to the identified DC offset using the initial magnetic field information and the magnetic flux density corresponding to the magnetic saturation level of the magnetic body that is determined and stored in advance. The processor can control the power supplied from the wireless charger to prevent magnetic saturation of the magnetic body by converting the difference (810) between the identified magnetic flux densities into current information.

[0115] FIG. 8b illustrates magnetic field information acquired through a magnetic sensor of an electronic device in a state where an alternating current, which is an induced current, flows in the receiving coil of the electronic device according to the power supplied from the wireless charger. According to one embodiment, when a cover device including a magnetic member is fastened to the electronic device, it can be confirmed that a DC offset is generated due to the magnetic member. Accordingly, the magnetic flux density acquired through the magnetic sensor of the electronic device can be determined as the sum (820) of the magnetic flux density due to the DC offset and the magnetic flux density due to the alternating current, which is an induced current, flowing in the receiving coil.

[0116] In one embodiment, when a cover device that does not include a magnetic member is attached to an electronic device, it can be confirmed that no separate DC offset occurs. This allows the magnetic flux density acquired through the magnetic sensor of the electronic device to be determined as the magnetic flux density (830) due to the induced current, which is an alternating current flowing in the receiving coil.

[0117] In the example of Fig. 8b, when a cover device including a magnetic member and a cover device not including a magnetic member are fastened to an electronic device, it can be seen that the maximum value of the magnetic flux density obtained through the magnetic sensor of the electronic device is less than the magnetic flux density corresponding to a pre-stored magnetic saturation level. In this case, the processor can determine that magnetic saturation has not occurred in the magnetic body of the electronic device. For example, the electronic device may be in a state where the power supplied from the wireless charger is low (e.g., 5 W), and may be in a state where a direct current of 1 A is supplied to a battery and / or a load through a rectifier (e.g., the rectifier (323) of Fig. 3).

[0118] According to one embodiment, the DC offset generated by the magnetic member included in the cover device may vary depending on noise or temperature changes occurring in the electronic device. When the temperature of the electronic device increases during the process of charging the battery through the wireless charger, the maximum value of the magnetic flux density acquired through the magnetic sensor of the electronic device may increase due to the change in the DC offset. If the maximum value of the magnetic flux density acquired through the magnetic sensor of the electronic device approaches or exceeds the magnetic flux density corresponding to a pre-stored magnetic saturation level, the electronic device may experience magnetic saturation in the magnetic material, which may result in the possibility of damage due to overcurrent, or may experience increased electromagnetic wave influence due to harmonics generated due to nonlinear characteristics.

[0119] Accordingly, the processor can periodically obtain information on changes in the DC offset through the magnetic sensor during the wireless charging process, and can determine the possibility of magnetic saturation of the magnetic body based on the obtained information on changes in the DC offset. If it is determined that there is a possibility of magnetic saturation of the magnetic body, the processor can reduce the possibility of magnetic saturation of the magnetic body by reducing the power supplied from the wireless charger. According to one embodiment, the processor can repeatedly reduce the power supply from the wireless charger until the possibility of magnetic saturation of the magnetic body no longer exists.

[0120] In the embodiment of FIGS. 8A and 8B, the processor obtains the sum of the magnetic field strengths of individual directions from among the magnetic field information obtained through the magnetic sensor. ) was used to determine the possibility of magnetic saturation of the magnetic material. However, the processor uses the magnetic field strengths in individual directions among the magnetic field information acquired through the magnetic sensor, i.e., the magnetic field strength in the x-axis direction ( ), magnetic field strength in the y-axis direction ( ) and magnetic field strength in the z-axis direction ( ) can be used to more accurately determine the possibility of magnetic saturation occurring in a magnetic material.

[0121] More specifically, the processor can decompose the pre-stored magnetic saturation level for the magnetic material into magnetic field strengths in individual directions, as shown in FIG. 8c, to determine a reference value at which magnetic saturation is likely to occur in each direction.

[0122] The processor calculates the sum of the magnetic field strengths of individual directions among the magnetic field information obtained through the magnetic sensor. ) is close to the pre-stored magnetic saturation level (e.g. If it is determined that there is a possibility of magnetic saturation in the magnetic material (within 5%), additionally the magnetic field strengths in individual directions ( , and ) can be compared with the pre-stored magnetic saturation level to more accurately determine whether magnetic saturation occurs in the magnetic material.

[0123] For example, referring to FIG. 8c, a thick line (840) represents a DC offset generated by a magnetic member of a cover device before power is supplied from a wireless charger. A thin line (850) represents a magnetic field intensity in an individual direction acquired through a magnetic sensor in a situation where a first magnitude of power (e.g., 1 A) is supplied from a wireless charger, and a dotted line (860) represents a magnetic field intensity in an individual direction acquired through a magnetic sensor in a situation where a second magnitude of power (e.g., 2 A) is supplied from the wireless charger.

[0124] In one embodiment, if any of the individual directional magnetic field intensities acquired through the magnetic sensor does not exceed a pre-stored magnetic saturation level, the processor may determine that magnetic saturation has not occurred in the magnetic body of the electronic device. In this case, the processor may maintain power supplied from the wireless charger.

[0125] According to one embodiment, if at least one individual directional magnetic field strength or a combination of two or more individual directional magnetic field strengths obtained through the magnetic sensor exceeds a pre-stored magnetic saturation level, the processor may determine that magnetic saturation has occurred in the magnetic body of the electronic device. In this case, the processor may reduce the power supplied from the wireless charger by modifying the power control information.

[0126]

[0127] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for detecting magnetic saturation using a cover device in a wireless power transmission system according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, at least one of the operations in FIG. 9 may be performed simultaneously or in parallel with other operations, and the order between the operations may be changed. In addition, at least one of the operations may be omitted, and other operations may be additionally performed. The operations illustrated in FIG. 9 may be performed by a processor (e.g., processor 120) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 101 of FIG. 1, wireless power receiving device 320 of FIG. 3, electronic device 420 of FIG. 4).

[0128] According to one embodiment, in operation (910), when an electronic device is placed on a wireless charger and wireless charging is performed, the processor can determine whether the wireless charger is a wireless charger that applies MPP wireless charging technology. More specifically, when wireless charging is performed through a wireless charger, the processor can determine whether the wireless charger is a wireless charger that applies MPP wireless charging technology through packet exchange with the wireless charger and set a charging mode.

[0129] According to one embodiment, when wireless charging is performed through a wireless charger, the processor may transmit an XID (eXchange IDentifier) ​​packet supporting the MPP method to the wireless charger. If it is identified through packet exchange that the wireless charger does not support the MPP method of wireless charging technology, the processor may perform wireless charging with the wireless charger using the existing baseline power profile (BPP) method or the extended power profile (EPP) method in operation (920).

[0130] In one embodiment, if the wireless charger is identified as supporting MPP wireless charging technology through packet exchange, the processor may perform additional operations to determine power supplied from the wireless charger.

[0131] In operation (930), the processor can obtain magnetic field information through a magnetic sensor (magnetic sensor (421) of FIG. 4, magnetic sensor (511) of FIG. 5) placed in an area of ​​the electronic device. At this time, the obtained magnetic field information is the magnetic field strength in the x-axis direction ( ), magnetic field strength in the y-axis direction ( ), magnetic field strength in the z-axis direction ( ) and / or the sum of the magnetic field strengths in individual directions ( ) may include information based on at least one of the following:

[0132] In operation (940), the processor may determine power control information of the wireless charger to prevent magnetic saturation of the magnetic body by using magnetic field information acquired through the magnetic sensor and a predetermined magnetic saturation level for the magnetic body of the electronic device.

[0133] According to one embodiment, the processor is configured to calculate the sum of the magnetic field strengths of the individual directions constituting the magnetic field information acquired through the magnetic sensor. ) can identify a DC offset generated by a magnetic member included in the cover device. The processor can determine a reference value of a charging current to prevent magnetic saturation of the corresponding magnetic body by converting the difference between the magnetic flux density corresponding to the identified DC offset and the magnetic flux density corresponding to a predetermined magnetic saturation level into current information. The charging current may refer to an alternating current flowing in a transmitting coil of a wireless charger.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the processor may determine power control information of the wireless charger for controlling power supplied from the wireless charger based on the reference value of the determined charging current and transmit the determined power control information to the wireless charger. More specifically, the power control information of the wireless charger may be data related to the control of components within the wireless charger so that the charging current flowing through the transmitting coil of the wireless charger remains within the reference value. For example, the power control information may include data that can change the magnitude of the charging current supplied to the transmitting coil by adjusting the output voltage of an oscillator included in the wireless charger. Alternatively, the power control information may include data that can change the degree of amplification of the charging current supplied to the transmitting coil by adjusting the gain of an amplifier included in the wireless charger. However, the types of such power control information are merely examples and are not limited to the above examples.

[0135] In operation (950), the processor can update magnetic field information in a state where an induced current flows in a receiving coil of an electronic device based on power supplied from a wireless charger according to power control information.

[0136] In operation (960), the processor can determine whether magnetic saturation has occurred in the magnetic body by using the updated magnetic field information and the magnetic saturation level stored in advance for the magnetic body.

[0137] If it is determined that magnetic saturation has occurred in the magnetic material, the processor may reduce the power supplied from the wireless charger through power control information transmitted to the wireless charger. In one embodiment, the processor may redetermine the power control information so that the power supplied from the wireless charger is reduced by a certain amount.

[0138] In one embodiment, the processor may re-determine the power control information so that the power supplied from the wireless charger is reduced in proportion to the degree of magnetic saturation that has occurred in the current magnetic material.

[0139] The processor can update the magnetic field information of the state in which the induced current flows in the receiving coil of the electronic device based on the reduced power, and can re-determine whether magnetic saturation has occurred in the magnetic body using the updated magnetic field information and the magnetic saturation level stored in advance for the magnetic body. If it is determined that magnetic saturation has not occurred in the magnetic body, the processor can determine the power control information corresponding to the corresponding power as the final power control information, as in operation (970).

[0140] According to one embodiment, the operating method of the electronic device (101) may acquire magnetic field information through a magnetic sensor. The operating method of the electronic device (101) may determine power control information of a wireless charger to prevent magnetic saturation of the electronic device by using the acquired magnetic field information and a magnetic saturation level stored in advance for the electronic device.

[0141] According to one embodiment, the operation of determining power control information of a wireless charger may identify a DC offset generated by a magnetic member included in a cover device through magnetic field information. The operation of determining power control information of the wireless charger may determine power control information of the wireless charger to prevent magnetic saturation of the electronic device by utilizing the difference between the magnetic flux density corresponding to the identified DC offset and the magnetic flux density corresponding to a pre-stored magnetic saturation level.

[0142] According to one embodiment, the operation of determining power control information of a wireless charger can determine whether magnetic saturation of an electronic device (101) occurs by using magnetic field information acquired through a magnetic sensor and a pre-stored magnetic saturation level in a situation where power is supplied from the wireless charger according to the determined power control information.

[0143] According to one embodiment, the operation of determining whether magnetic saturation occurs in the electronic device (101) may identify whether the sum of the magnetic field intensities of individual directions constituting the magnetic field information exists within a predetermined range of a pre-stored magnetic saturation level. The operation of determining whether magnetic saturation occurs in the electronic device (101) may determine whether magnetic saturation occurs in the electronic device by comparing the magnetic field intensities of individual directions constituting the magnetic field information with the pre-stored magnetic saturation level when it is identified that the sum of the magnetic field intensities of individual directions exists within a predetermined range of a pre-stored magnetic saturation level.

[0144] According to one embodiment, the operation of determining whether magnetic saturation has occurred in the electronic device (101) may determine that magnetic saturation has occurred in the electronic device (101) if at least one individual direction magnetic field intensity among the individual direction magnetic field intensities constituting the magnetic field information is identified as exceeding a pre-stored magnetic saturation level.

[0145] According to one embodiment, the operation of determining whether magnetic saturation has occurred in the electronic device (101) may determine that magnetic saturation has occurred in the electronic device (101) if two or more individual direction magnetic field intensities among the individual direction magnetic field intensities constituting the magnetic field information are identified as exceeding a pre-stored magnetic saturation level.

[0146] According to one embodiment, the operating method of the electronic device (101) may repeatedly reduce the power supplied to the electronic device (101) based on power control information transmitted to the wireless charger when it is determined that magnetic saturation has occurred in the electronic device (101). The operating method of the electronic device (101) may repeatedly update magnetic field information in a state where an induced current flows in a receiving coil of the electronic device according to the reduced power. The operating method of the electronic device (101) may determine power control information corresponding to power in which magnetic saturation has not occurred as power control information by using the updated magnetic field information and a magnetic saturation level stored in advance for the electronic device (101) when it is determined that magnetic saturation has not occurred in the electronic device (101).

[0147] According to one embodiment, the power control information of the wireless charger may be data related to the control of components within the wireless charger to determine the charging current flowing to the transmitting coil of the wireless charger.

[0148]

[0149] FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B are diagrams illustrating a magnetic saturation detection method according to a cover device according to one embodiment.

[0150] According to one embodiment, FIG. 10A illustrates a case where a cover device (e.g., cover device (410) of FIG. 4) includes a counterfeit magnet, resulting in a high DC offset due to the counterfeit magnet. A counterfeit magnet may refer to a magnet that does not have the shape, polarity, strength, grade, or magnetization structure specified by the manufacturer.

[0151] Referring to Fig. 10a, in the case (1010) where separate power control information for the wireless charger is not determined, no separate problem occurs when a first magnitude of power (e.g., 1 A) (1011) is supplied from the wireless charger. However, when a second magnitude of power (e.g., 2 A) (1012) is supplied from the wireless charger, the possibility of magnetic saturation occurring in the magnetic body may increase.

[0152] Accordingly, even if a cover device including a fake magnet with a high DC offset is fastened, a processor (e.g., processor (120)) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, wireless power receiving device (320) of FIG. 3, electronic device (420) of FIG. 4) can prevent magnetic saturation of a magnetic body in advance by determining power control information of a wireless charger based on the difference between the magnetic flux density corresponding to the DC offset identified through the magnetic field information of the magnetic sensor and the magnetic flux density corresponding to a pre-stored magnetic saturation level.

[0153] According to one embodiment, in the case of a case (1020) that determines power control information for a wireless charger, no separate problem occurs when a first magnitude of power (e.g., 1 A) (1021) is supplied from the wireless charger. However, when a second magnitude of power is supplied from the wireless charger, magnetic saturation occurs in the magnetic body, so the processor can re-determine the power control information for the wireless charger so that a third magnitude of power (e.g., 1.8 A) (1022) is supplied from the wireless charger, and as a result, it can be confirmed that magnetic saturation does not occur in the magnetic body. That is, the processor can set a range for the charging current of the wireless charger by considering the DC offset so that magnetic saturation does not occur in the magnetic body.

[0154] Meanwhile, Fig. 10b shows a case (1030) including a genuine magnet in the cover device. Referring to Fig. 10b, it can be confirmed that the genuine magnet has a low DC offset, so that even when the wireless charger supplies not only the first magnitude of power (1031) but also the second magnitude of power (1032), magnetic saturation does not occur in the magnetic body.

[0155]

[0156] The embodiments of the present invention disclosed in this specification and drawings are merely specific examples presented to easily explain the technical contents according to the embodiments of the present invention and to help understand the embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the embodiments of the present invention should be interpreted as including all changes or modified forms derived based on the technical idea of ​​the embodiments of the present invention in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. In an electronic device (101; 420), One or more processors (120); A memory (130) comprising one or more storage media for storing commands; and magnetic sensor (421; 511) Including, The above commands, when individually or collectively executed by the one or more processors (120), cause the electronic device (101; 420) to: Obtain magnetic field information through the above magnetic sensor (421; 511), Using the acquired magnetic field information and the magnetic saturation level stored in advance for the electronic device (101; 420), power control information of the wireless charger is determined to prevent magnetic saturation of the electronic device (101; 420). Electronic devices (101; 420).

2. In paragraph 1, The above commands, when individually or collectively executed by the one or more processors (120), cause the electronic device (101; 420) to: Identify the DC offset generated by the magnet member included in the cover device (410) through the above magnetic field information, Determine power control information of the wireless charger to prevent magnetic saturation of the electronic device (101; 420) by using the difference between the magnetic flux density corresponding to the identified DC offset and the magnetic flux density corresponding to the pre-stored magnetic saturation level. Electronic devices (101; 420).

3. In any one of paragraphs 1 and 2, The above commands, when individually or collectively executed by the one or more processors (120), cause the electronic device (101; 420) to: In a situation where power is supplied from the wireless charger according to the determined power control information, the magnetic field information obtained through the magnetic sensor (421; 511) and the pre-stored magnetic saturation level are used to determine whether magnetic saturation of the electronic device (101; 420) occurs. Electronic devices (101; 420).

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, The above commands, when individually or collectively executed by the one or more processors (120), cause the electronic device (101; 420) to: Identifying whether the sum of the magnetic field strengths of the individual directions constituting the above magnetic field information exists within a certain range of the pre-stored magnetic saturation levels, If the sum of the magnetic field strengths of the individual directions is identified as being within a certain range of the pre-stored magnetic saturation level, the magnetic field strengths of the individual directions constituting the magnetic field information are compared with the pre-stored magnetic saturation level to determine whether magnetic saturation of the electronic device (101; 420) occurs. Electronic devices (101; 420).

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, The above commands, when individually or collectively executed by the one or more processors (120), cause the electronic device (101; 420) to: If at least one individual direction magnetic field strength among the individual direction magnetic field strengths constituting the above magnetic field information is identified as exceeding the magnetic saturation level for the individual direction stored in advance, it is determined that magnetic saturation has occurred in the electronic device (101; 420). Electronic devices (101; 420).

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, The above commands, when individually or collectively executed by the one or more processors (120), cause the electronic device (101; 420) to: When two or more individual direction magnetic field intensities among the individual direction magnetic field intensities constituting the above magnetic field information are identified as exceeding the pre-stored magnetic saturation level, it is determined that magnetic saturation has occurred in the electronic device (101; 420). Electronic devices (101; 420).

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, The above commands, when individually or collectively executed by the one or more processors (120), cause the electronic device (101; 420) to: If it is determined that magnetic saturation has occurred in the electronic device (101; 420), the power supplied to the electronic device (101) is repeatedly reduced based on the power control information transmitted to the wireless charger. The magnetic field information of the state in which an induced current flows in the receiving coil of the electronic device (101; 420) according to the reduced power is updated repeatedly as above, If it is determined that magnetic saturation has not occurred in the electronic device (101; 420) using the updated magnetic field information and the magnetic saturation level stored in advance for the electronic device (101; 420), power control information corresponding to the power for which magnetic saturation has not occurred is determined as power control information of the wireless charger. Electronic devices (101; 420).

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, The power control information of the above wireless charger is: Data related to the control of components within the wireless charger to determine the charging current flowing in the transmitting coil of the wireless charger, Electronic devices (101; 420).

9. In the operating method of an electronic device (101; 420), An operation of acquiring magnetic field information through a magnetic sensor (421; 511); and An operation of determining power control information of a wireless charger to prevent magnetic saturation of the electronic device (101; 420) by using the acquired magnetic field information and the magnetic saturation level stored in advance for the electronic device (101; 420). A method of operation including:

10. In paragraph 9, The operation of determining the power control information of the above wireless charger is: An operation of identifying a DC offset generated by a magnetic member included in a cover device (410) through the above magnetic field information; and An operation of determining power control information of the wireless charger to prevent magnetic saturation of the electronic device (101; 420) by using the difference between the magnetic flux density corresponding to the identified DC offset and the magnetic flux density corresponding to the pre-stored magnetic saturation level. A method of operation including:

11. In any one of paragraphs 9 to 10, The operation of determining the power control information of the above wireless charger is: In a situation where power is supplied from the wireless charger according to the determined power control information, an operation of determining whether magnetic saturation of the electronic device (101; 420) occurs using the magnetic field information acquired through the magnetic sensor (421; 511) and the magnetic saturation level stored in advance. A method of operation that further includes:

12. In any one of paragraphs 9 to 11, The operation of determining whether magnetic saturation of the above electronic device (101; 420) occurs is as follows: An operation of identifying whether the sum of the magnetic field strengths of the individual directions constituting the magnetic field information is within a certain range of the pre-stored magnetic saturation level; and An operation of determining whether magnetic saturation of the electronic device (101; 420) occurs by comparing the magnetic field intensities of the individual directions constituting the magnetic field information with the pre-stored magnetic saturation level when the sum of the magnetic field intensities of the individual directions is identified to be within a certain range of the pre-stored magnetic saturation level. A method of operation including:

13. In the cover device (410), A plurality of single magnets arranged in an array form; and Magnetic shielding material placed on one side of the above single magnets Including, The above cover device (410) is A cover device (410) implemented to generate a magnetic field deviation in a specific area by using the above plurality of single magnets and the above magnetic shielding material.

14. In paragraph 13, The above plurality of single magnets are, A cover device (410) in which a single magnet corresponding to the area closest to the magnetic sensor (421; 511) is distinguished as a molded magnet, and at least one of the shape, grade or magnetization structure of the distinguished molded magnet is changed.

15. In any one of paragraphs 13 to 14, The above magnetic shielding material is, A cover device (410) in which a segmented area is formed in the area furthest from the magnetic sensor (421; 511) of the electronic device (101; 420) to which the cover device (410) is coupled.

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