Charging device for wearable electronic device

Abstract

A charging device according to an embodiment may comprise: a ring-type housing detachably attached to a finger-wearable electronic device with a ring shape; a thermoelectric circuit disposed in the ring-type housing; a rechargeable battery disposed in the ring-type housing and electrically connected to the thermoelectric circuit; and a power management circuit disposed in the ring-type housing. The power management circuit may be configured to transmit, to the finger-wearable electronic device, power acquired from the thermoelectric circuit on the basis of the charging device attached to the finger-wearable electronic device worn on a user's finger in order to charge the rechargeable battery of the finger-wearable electronic device.

Description

Charging devices for wearable electronic devices

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a charging device for a wearable electronic device.

[0002] Wearable electronic devices can be worn on a part of the user's body. For example, a wearable device may include a ring-shaped device intended to be worn by the user. To meet the user's needs, a charging device may be required to supply power to the wearable device while it is worn by the user.

[0003] The above information may be provided as background art to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the above is applicable as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0004] A charging device is disclosed. The charging device may include a ring-shaped housing detachably attached to a finger-worn electronic device having a ring shape, a thermoelectric circuit disposed within the ring-shaped housing, a rechargeable battery disposed within the ring-shaped housing and electrically connected to the thermoelectric circuit, and a power management circuit disposed within the ring-shaped housing. The power management circuit may be configured to transmit power obtained from the thermoelectric circuit to the finger-worn electronic device based on the charging device attached to the finger-worn electronic device worn on a user's finger to charge the battery of the finger-worn electronic device.

[0005] A charging device is disclosed. The charging device may include a ring-shaped housing detachably attached to a finger-worn electronic device having a ring shape. The ring-shaped housing may include a solar panel forming at least a portion of an outer surface of the ring-shaped housing and configured to convert light received from an exterior of the charging device into electric power. The charging device may include a rechargeable battery disposed within the ring-shaped housing and electrically connected to the solar panel, and a power management circuit. The power management circuit may be configured to transmit electric power obtained from the solar panel to the finger-worn electronic device based on the charging device attached to the finger-worn electronic device to charge the rechargeable battery of the finger-worn electronic device.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0007] Figure 2a illustrates an exemplary wearable device.

[0008] Figure 2b illustrates the internal structure of an exemplary wearable device.

[0009] FIG. 3A illustrates an exemplary charging device detached from a wearable device.

[0010] FIG. 3b illustrates an exemplary charging device attached to a wearable device.

[0011] FIG. 4A is a block diagram of an exemplary wearable device and a charging device.

[0012] Figures 4b and 4c illustrate the internal structure of the exemplary charging device of Figure 4a.

[0013] Figure 5a is a block diagram of an exemplary wearable device and a charging device.

[0014] Figures 5b and 5c illustrate the internal structure of the exemplary charging device of Figure 5a.

[0015] FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B are flow charts illustrating operations for charging an exemplary wearable device.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0017] Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment (100), an electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of an electronic device (104) or a 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)).

[0018] The processor (120) may control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) by executing, for example, software (e.g., program (140)), and may 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., sensor module (176) or communication module (190)) in volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in volatile memory (132), and store result data in nonvolatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may be a main processor (121) (e.g., central processing unit).

[0019] 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 a main processor (121) and an auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use lower 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0022] 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).

[0023] 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).

[0024] 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.

[0025] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

[0026] 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).

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0030] The haptic module (179) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0031] 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.

[0032] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0033] 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.

[0034] The communication module (190) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can verify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0035] 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.

[0036] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device via the at least one selected antenna. In some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

[0037] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. In one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band.

[0038] 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)).

[0039] 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.

[0040] Figure 2a illustrates an exemplary wearable device. Figure 2b illustrates the internal structure of the exemplary wearable device.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 2a, the wearable device (200) may include a housing (210).

[0042] The wearable device (200) can be worn by a user. The user may refer to a person wearing the wearable device (200). The wearable device (200) can be worn on the user's finger (20). For example, the wearable device (200) may be detachable from the user's finger (20). For example, the wearable device (200) may be worn by the user and thus come into contact with the user's finger (20).

[0043] For example, the wearable device (200) may be configured to obtain information related to the user through the user's finger (20) by being worn by the user. For example, the wearable device (200) may provide the user with information indicating the user's status based on the information obtained related to the user. For example, the wearable device (200) may be configured to display information indicating the user's status through a display module (not shown) of the wearable device (200) and / or an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) communicatively connected to the wearable device (200), thereby providing the user with information indicating the user's status. The wearable device (200) may be referred to as the electronic device (102) or electronic device (104) of FIG. 1, but is not limited thereto, in that it provides information related to a user wearing the wearable device (200) to the user through an electronic device (101) connected to the wearable device (200).

[0044] For example, the wearable device (200) may have a ring shape in order to be worn on the user's finger. The wearable device (200) may be referred to as a finger wearable electronic device in that it is worn on the user's finger (20). For example, the housing (210) of the wearable device (200) may have a ring shape. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The wearable device (200) may have a shape corresponding to the finger (20) in order to be worn on the user's finger (20).

[0045] The housing (210) may include a first surface (210a) (e.g., an inner surface) facing the finger (20) of the user on which the wearable device (200) is worn while the user is wearing the wearable device (200), and a second surface (210b) (e.g., an outer surface) opposite the first surface (210a). For example, at least a portion of the first surface (210a) may come into contact with the finger (20) of the user when the wearable device (200) is worn by the user. For example, the first surface (210a) may partially surround the finger (20) of the user on which the wearable device (200) is worn. For example, the first surface (210a) may partially cover the finger (20) of the user on which the wearable device (200) is worn. For example, the first surface (210a) may be configured to pressurize the user's finger (20) when the wearable device (200) is worn by the user, thereby fastening the wearable device (200) to the user's finger (20).

[0046] For example, the housing (210) may include a hole (215) formed by the first surface (210a). The hole (215) may be penetrated by the user's finger (20) while the wearable device (200) is worn by the user. The hole (215) may guide the wearing position of the finger (20) by providing a space for accommodating the user's finger (20).

[0047] For example, the second surface (210b) may form the exterior of the electronic device (101) together with the first surface (210a). For example, the second surface (210b) may form a ring-shaped housing (210) together with the first surface (210a). For example, the second surface (210b) may be a surface spaced apart from the user's finger (20) when the electronic device (101) is worn on the user's finger (20). For example, while the electronic device (101) is worn on the user's finger (20), the first surface (210a) may be the surface closest to the user's finger (20). The second surface (210b), which is opposite to the first surface (210a), may be the surface farthest from the finger (20). For example, the first surface (210a) may be referred to as the inner circumference surface of the housing (210). The second surface (210b), which is opposite to the first surface (210a), may be referred to as the outer circumference surface of the housing (210).

[0048] Although the wearable device (200) is described as being worn on the user's finger (20), the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto. It should be noted that the finger (20) exemplarily described in the present disclosure is merely intended to describe a part of the user's body on which the wearable device (200) is worn, and does not limit the location or object of the part of the user's body on which the wearable device (200) is worn, or limit the arrangement relationship between the finger (20) and the wearable device (200).

[0049] The housing (210) may include a first frame (211) defining a first surface (210a), and a second frame (212) defining a second surface (210b) and coupled to the first frame (211).

[0050] For example, the first frame (211) may be a portion including a first surface (210a) of the housing (210). For example, the first frame (211) may come into contact with a finger (20) of a user when the wearable device (200) is worn by the user. For example, referring to FIG. 2B, the first frame (211) may provide a medium for a path of light emitted from the light emitting unit (251). The first frame (211) may include, but is not limited to, at least one of silicon, epoxy, and acrylic.

[0051] For example, the second frame (212) can surround the first frame (211). For example, the second frame (212) can support the first frame (211). For example, the second frame (212) can form the exterior of the housing (210) together with the first frame (211). For example, the second frame (212) can be a portion of the housing (210) that includes a second surface (210b) opposite to the first surface (210a). The second frame (212) can include at least one of metal and titanium, but is not limited thereto. The housing (210) of the wearable device (200) can provide a variety of user experiences to the user by including the first frame (211) and the second frame (212) that include different materials.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 2B, the wearable device (200) may include electronic components within a housing (210) to perform functions of the wearable device (200). For example, the wearable device (200) may include a processor (201), a memory (202), a communication circuit (203), an antenna module (204), and a power management circuit (240). The power management circuit (240) may be implemented as at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0053] A wearable device (200) may include a battery (230) for charging the wearable device (200), and a printed circuit board (220) within a housing (210) connected to the battery (230). For example, a processor (201), a communication circuit (203), a memory (202), and a power management circuit (240) may be mounted on the printed circuit board (220). The power management circuit (240) may be configured to manage power supplied to the wearable device (200). For example, the battery (230) may include a coil (235) connected to the printed circuit board (220) and configured to receive power from an external power source for charging the battery (230). The battery (230) may be charged through the power supplied through the coil (235). The battery (230) may be connected to a printed circuit board (220) to supply power to at least some of the electronic components on the printed circuit board (220). The printed circuit board (220) may be at least one of a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) and a rigid flexible printed circuit board (RFPCB), but is not limited thereto.

[0054] The antenna module (204) and the coil (235) may be connected to each other. The antenna module (204) and the coil (235) may be referred to as a charging antenna and / or a flexible printed circuit board assembly (FPCB) including a charging antenna.

[0055] The processor (201) may be configured to control at least some of the electronic components within the wearable device (200). The processor (201) may control the electronic components within the wearable device (200) through communication with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) connected to the wearable device (200).

[0056] The communication circuit (203) can connect the external electronic device (101) and the wearable device (200). Through the communication circuit (203), the processor (201) can control at least some of the electronic components in the wearable device (200) based on a user input input to the external electronic device (101), or can cause an event for executing a function of the external electronic device (101). For example, the processor (201) of the wearable device (200) can be configured to execute an application of the external electronic device (101) through the communication circuit (203) and the processor in the external electronic device (101) (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1). However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0057] The electronic components included in the wearable device (200) are not limited to the configuration described above. For example, the wearable device (200) may include various sensors, including a temperature sensor, a proximity sensor, a motion sensor, and a pressure sensor.

[0058] A wearable device (200) may include a sensor (250) configured to detect biometric information about a user, including a light-emitting portion (251) facing a first surface (210a) of a housing (210) and a light-receiving portion (252) spaced apart from the light-emitting portion (251).

[0059] The processor (201) may be configured to emit light using the light emitting portion (251) of the sensor (250). The processor (201) may be configured to obtain information related to the external environment through at least a portion of the light emitted from the light emitting portion (251) and received by the light receiving portion (252) using the light receiving portion (252) of the sensor (250).

[0060] For example, the sensor (250) may be disposed in the internal space of the housing (210) between the first side (210a) and the second side (210b). For example, the sensor (250) may be disposed on a component (e.g., a printed circuit board (220)) of the wearable device (200) between the first side (210a) and the second side (210b). The sensor (250) may be electrically connected to the component. For example, the sensor (250) may be configured to sense a state of a user by using a finger (20) of the user worn on the wearable device (200). The wearable device (200) may be configured to provide the user with information related to the state through the sensed state of the user. For example, the sensor (250) may include, but is not limited to, at least one of an optical sensor or a heartrate measurement (HRM) sensor using photoplethysmography (PPG). The light emitting unit (251) may be referred to as a light emitting diode (LED), and the light receiving unit (252) may be referred to as a photo diode, but is not limited thereto.

[0061] For example, the light emitting unit (251) may be configured to emit light in a plurality of directions. A portion of the light emitted from the light emitting unit (251) in the plurality of directions may be reflected by a finger (20) of a user wearing the electronic device (101). For example, the light emitting unit (251) may be configured to emit light toward a finger (20) of a user wearing the wearable device (200). The light emitted from the light emitting unit (251) toward the finger (20) of the user may be reflected by the finger (20).

[0062] For example, the light receiving unit (252) may be configured to receive a portion of light emitted in a plurality of directions from the light emitting unit (251). For example, the light emitting unit (251) may be configured to emit light toward a finger (20) of a user wearing the electronic device (101). The light receiving unit (252) may be configured to receive a portion of light reflected by the finger (20) of the user. The light receiving unit (252) may be configured to receive the portion of the light through a space and / or a medium between the first surface (210a) and the second surface (210b) of the housing (210).

[0063] For example, the sensor (250) may be configured to detect the state of the user based on the light emitted from the light emitting unit (251) and reflected by the user's finger (20) being received by the light receiving unit (252). The electronic device (101) may be configured to obtain information related to the state of the user from the sensor (250). For example, the light emitting unit (251) may emit light toward the finger (20) of the user wearing the wearable device (200). The light receiving unit (252) may receive at least a portion of the light emitted from the light emitting unit (251) and reflected by the finger (20). The sensor (250) may be configured to detect the state of the user through at least a portion of the light reflected by the finger (20).

[0064] The light-emitting unit (251) may include a plurality of light-emitting units (251a, 251b, 251c). The plurality of light-emitting units (251a, 251b, 251c) may face the first surface (210a) of the housing (210) so as to emit light toward the finger (20) of the user wearing the wearable device (200). According to one embodiment, the light-receiving unit (252) may include a plurality of light-receiving units (252a, 252b, 252c). The plurality of light-receiving units (252a, 252b, 252c) may each face the first surface (210a) of the housing (210) to receive at least a portion of the light emitted from the light-emitting unit (251) and reflected by the finger (20) of the user wearing the wearable device (200).

[0065] The wearable device (200) may be configured to measure biometric information of the user through a sensor (250) while the user wears the wearable device (200). When the wearable device (200) is detached from the user for charging, the continuity of the measurement of the user's biometric information may be interrupted because the wearable device (200) is separated from the user's finger (20). A charging device for charging the wearable device (200) while the wearable device (200) is worn by the user is described through an exemplary illustration in FIG. 3A and below.

[0066] Figure 3a illustrates an exemplary charging device detached from a wearable device. Figure 3b illustrates an exemplary charging device attached to a wearable device.

[0067] Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, a wearable device (200) may be detachably attached to a user's finger (20). The wearable device (200) may have a ring shape so as to be detachably attached to the user's finger (20). For example, the wearable device (200) may include a housing (210) having a ring shape. The wearable device (200) may include a battery (230) within the housing (210) and a coil (235) for charging the battery (230). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the wearable device (200) may include structures and / or configurations exemplarily illustrated and described in FIGS. 2A and 2B. For example, a wearable device (200) may be configured to measure biometric information of a user through a sensor (250) while being worn on the user's finger (20) by including a sensor (250).

[0068] The charging device (300), like the wearable device (200), may be referred to as a wearable device that can be worn on a user's finger (20). For example, the charging device (300) may be referred to as a finger-worn electronic device and / or a charging device that can be worn on a user's finger. The charging device (300) may have a ring shape to be worn on the finger (20). For example, the wearable device (200) may be referred to as a smart ring for interacting with a user, and the charging device (300) may be referred to as a charging ring for supplying power to the wearable device (200). However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0069] The charging device (300) may include a housing (310) that is detachably attached to a wearable device (200) having a ring shape. For example, the housing (310) of the charging device (300) may have a ring shape to be worn on a user's finger (20), similar to the housing (210) of the wearable device (200).

[0070] For example, the housing (310) of the charging device (300) may be detachably attached to the housing (210) of the wearable device (200). For example, the housing (310) of the charging device (300) may include, similar to the housing (210) of the wearable device (200), an inner surface (310a) forming a hole (315) configured to be penetrated by a finger (20), and an outer surface (310b) opposite to the inner surface (310a). The inner surface (310a) may partially surround or enclose the finger (20) of the user while the charging device (300) is worn on the finger. The inner surface (310a) may be, for example, a surface that comes into contact with the finger (20) while the charging device (300) is worn on the finger (20).

[0071] For example, referring to FIG. 3A, the charging device (300) may be electrically disconnected from the wearable device (200) when detached from the wearable device (200). Referring to FIG. 3B, the charging device (300) may be electrically connected to the wearable device (200) to charge the wearable device (200) when attached to the wearable device (200).

[0072] For example, since the housing (310) of the charging device (300) is detachably attachable to the housing (210) of the wearable device (200), the charging device (300) can be worn on the user's finger (20) together with the wearable device (200) while being attached to the wearable device (200). For example, referring sequentially to FIGS. 3A and 3B , the charging device (300) can be worn on the user's finger (20) by being attached to the wearable device (200) while the wearable device (200) is being worn on the user's finger (20). The charging device (300) is configured to charge the wearable device (200) while the wearable device (200) is worn on the finger (20), thereby providing continuity in measuring biometric information of the user of the wearable device (200).

[0073] The charging device (300) may include a battery (330) disposed within the housing (310). Based on the power charged in the battery (330), the charging device (300) may be configured to charge the battery (230) of the wearable device (200).

[0074] For example, the charging device (300) may include a charging terminal (305) that is at least partially exposed to the exterior of the charging device (300) for wired charging. The charging terminal (305) may be configured to be detachably coupled to the charging terminal (205) of the wearable device (200) to transmit power from the battery (330) of the charging device (300) to the wearable device (200). For example, the charging terminal (205) of the wearable device (200) may be formed on a contact surface (e.g., the third surface (210c-1)) with the charging device (300). The charging terminal (305) of the charging device (300) configured to be coupled to the charging terminal (205) of the wearable device (200) may be formed on a contact surface (e.g., the first side (310c-1)) with the wearable device (200).

[0075] For example, the charging terminal (305) of the charging device (300) may be a plug (or connector) protruding from the housing (310) of the charging device (300). The charging terminal (205) of the wearable device (200) may be a receptacle (or connector) formed in the housing (310) of the wearable device (200) and corresponding to the plug. However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The wearable device (200) and the charging device (300) may be configured to charge the wearable device (200) through the charging terminals (205, 305) while the wearable device (200) is worn on the user's finger (20), by including charging terminals for wired charging corresponding to each other.

[0076] For example, the charging device (300) may include a coil (335) within a housing (310) for wireless charging. The coil (335) may be configured to supply power to the wearable device (200) by interacting with the coil (235) of the wearable device (200). For example, referring to FIG. 3B, the charging device (300) may be attached to the wearable device (200). Power may be supplied to the coil (335) from a battery (330) within the charging device (300). The coil (335) may be configured to form a magnetic field based on the supplied current. The magnetic field generated by the coil (335) may induce a current in the coil (235) of the wearable device (200) disposed adjacent to the coil (335). Through the current induced in the coil (235), the battery (230) in the wearable device (200) can be charged. The coil (335) of the charging device (300) can be referred to as a transmitter coil, and the coil (235) of the wearable device (200) can be referred to as a receiver coil, but the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0077] For example, the housing (210) of the wearable device (200) may define a third side (210c-1) extending from the first side (210a) to the second side (210b), and a fourth side (210c-2) opposite the third side (210c-1). The housing (310) of the charging device (300) may define a first side (310c-1) extending from the inner surface (310a) to the outer surface (310b), and a second side (310c-2) opposite the first side (310c-1).

[0078] For example, referring to FIG. 3B, the charging terminals (205, 305) may be coupled to each other to attach the first side (310c-1) of the charging device (300) to the third side (210c-1) of the wearable device (200). For example, the coil (235) of the wearable device (200) may be disposed adjacent to the third side (210c-1) of the housing (210) that is configured to be attached to the charging device (300). The coil (335) of the charging device (300) may be disposed adjacent to the first side (310c-1) configured to be attached to the wearable device (200) among the first side (310c-1) and the second side (310c-2) within the housing (310). By disposing the coils (235, 335) adjacent to each other while the charging device (300) is attached to the wearable device (200), the wearable device (200) may be configured to receive power from the charging device (300) through the coils (235, 335). However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0079] The charging device (300) may be configured to charge the wearable device (200) by being attached to the wearable device (200) so that the wearable device (200) is worn on the finger (20) of the user while the wearable device (200) is worn on the finger (20). The charging device (300) may be required to be supplied with power for charging the wearable device (200) while the wearable device (200) is worn on the finger (20) without a separate charging device for charging the battery (330) of the charging device (300). The charging device (300) for supplying the power is described through an exemplary illustration in FIG. 4A and below.

[0080] Fig. 4a is a block diagram of an exemplary wearable device and a charging device. Figs. 4b and 4c illustrate the internal structure of the exemplary charging device of Fig. 4a.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 4A, an exemplary charging device (300) for wireless charging with a wearable device (200) is illustrated. The wearable device (200) may include a processor (201), a memory (202), a communication circuit (203), a battery (230), a coil (235), a power management circuit (240), a sensor (250), a matching circuit (206), a regulator (207), a rectifier circuit (208), and a controller (209). The charging device (300) may include a processor (301), a memory (302), a battery (330), a coil (335), a matching circuit (306), and a regulator (307). However, this is merely an example for convenience of description, and for example, some of the components of the wearable device (200) and / or the charging device (300) exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 4A may be omitted, or additional components may be arranged. Additionally, the configurations of the wearable device (200) exemplarily illustrated and described in FIG. 4A may be placed within a housing of the wearable device (200) (e.g., housing (210) of FIG. 2A), and the configurations of the charging device (300) may be placed within a housing of the charging device (300) (e.g., housing (310) of FIG. 3A). However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0082] The charging device (300) may include a thermoelectric circuit (410). The thermoelectric circuit (410) may be electrically connected to a battery (330) and / or a power management circuit (340) of the charging device (300). For example, the thermoelectric circuit (410) may be configured to generate power based on the user's body heat. For example, the thermoelectric circuit (410) may generate power by utilizing heat generated from the user's finger (20) while the charging device (300) is worn on the user's finger (20). The battery (330) electrically connected to the thermoelectric circuit (410) may be charged by receiving the power. By including the thermoelectric circuit (410), the charging device (300) may receive power from the user's body heat without a separate device for charging the battery (330) of the charging device (300).

[0083] The thermoelectric circuit (410) may include a thermoelectric element (415) configured to convert heat from a finger of a user wearing the charging device (300) (e.g., the finger (20) of FIG. 2A) into electric power. For example, the thermoelectric element (415) may generate a voltage in the thermoelectric circuit (410) based on the body heat of the user. The thermoelectric element (415) may generate the voltage based on, for example, a temperature difference between the housing (310) of the charging device (300) worn on the user's finger (20) and the finger (20). Based on the voltage, the thermoelectric circuit (410) may generate electric power for charging the battery (330). However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0084] The power management circuit (340) of the charging device (300) may be configured to transmit power obtained from the thermoelectric circuit (410) to the wearable device (200) to charge the battery (230) of the wearable device (200), based on the charging device (300) attached to the wearable device (200) worn on the user's finger (e.g., the finger (20) of FIG. 2A).

[0085] For example, the thermoelectric circuit (410) may be configured to obtain a first power based on heat generated from a finger (20) of a user wearing the charging device (300). The power management circuit (340) may be configured to charge a battery (330) of the charging device (300) based on the first power. The power management circuit (340) may be configured to transmit a second power to the wearable device (200) to charge the battery (230) of the wearable device (200) based on the charging device (300) attached to the wearable device (200) worn on the finger (20) of the user. The power management circuit (340) may be configured to charge the battery (230) of the wearable device (200) by transmitting power to the wearable device (200) through the coils (235, 335), for example, based on the second power.

[0086] The power management circuit (340) of the charging device (300) can provide a voltage (e.g., a pogo voltage) to the regulator (307) through a power line based on the power supplied from the battery (330) (or a power supply circuit connected to the battery (330). The matching circuit (306) of the charging device (300) can match the impedance between the regulator (307) and the coil (335) to increase power transmission efficiency. The coil (335) of the charging device (300) can wirelessly transmit power to the wearable device (200) using a resonant frequency designated according to the voltage applied from the matching circuit (306). For example, the power management circuit (340) of the charging device (300) can be designed as an integrated chipset within the processor (301) of the charging device (300) as illustrated, but the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0087] The coil (235) (e.g., resonator) of the wearable device (200) can receive wireless power (e.g., AC power) from the charging device (300) using a designated resonant frequency. The power receiving circuit may further include components required to wirelessly receive power. The matching circuit (206) of the wearable device (200) may be configured to perform impedance matching to increase the efficiency of wireless power reception by matching at least one short-range wireless communication antenna (e.g., NFC antenna or wireless charging coil). The matching circuit (206) may be configured to apply AC1 voltage and AC2 voltage applied to both ends of the coil (235) to the rectifier circuit (208). For example, the matching circuit (206) may be configured to be electrically connected to the coil (235), the controller (209), the communication circuit (203), and / or the processor (201).

[0088] The rectifier circuit (208) of the wearable device (200) may be configured to rectify an alternating current (AC voltage) applied from a coil (235) into a direct current (DC voltage) and output the rectified DC voltage (e.g., DC voltage) to the regulator (207). The regulator (207) may be configured to convert the voltage (VRECT) rectified by the rectifier circuit (208) into a specific DC voltage (e.g., DC voltage) and process signals transmitted or received through communication with the charging device (300).

[0089] The power management circuit (240) of the wearable device (200) may include a charging circuit (245) and components for managing wireless charging, and may be configured to perform charging by applying a voltage (e.g., a specific direct current voltage (VBUS)) output from a regulator (207) to the charging circuit (245). The power management circuit (240) may provide charging power to the battery (230), for example, based on the voltage provided from the regulator (207). When a charging voltage is not provided from the charging device (300), the power management circuit (240) may receive power from the battery (230) and provide voltage to the processor (201) and / or the regulator (207).

[0090] The processor (201) of the wearable device (200) may store the state information and / or the control information of the wearable device (200) in the memory (202) based on obtaining the state information and / or the control information of the wearable device (200). The processor (201) may transmit the state information and / or the control information to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) and the charging device (300) of FIG. 1) by controlling the communication circuit (203). The controller (209) may perform an operation for resetting the wearable device (200) based on the occurrence of a lock-up event corresponding to an inoperable state of the processor (201) or the release of a wireless connection between the wearable device (200) and the external electronic device. The controller (209) may include, for example, a demodulator for decoding an NFC protocol.

[0091] The coil (335) of the charging device (300) may be configured to be aligned with the coil (235) of the wearable device (200) while the wearable device (200) is attached to the charging device (300) in order to transmit power to the wearable device (200) through wireless charging.

[0092] The wearable device (200) may include one or more magnets (260) for detachably attaching a charging device (300) to the wearable device (200). The charging device (300) may include one or more magnets (360) corresponding to the one or more magnets (260) of the wearable device (200). The one or more magnets (360) of the charging device (300) may be configured to detachably attach a housing (310) of the charging device (300) to a housing of the wearable device (200) (e.g., the housing (200) of FIG. 2A) based on a magnetic force generated by the one or more magnets (260) of the wearable device (200).

[0093] For example, one or more magnets (360) of the charging device (300) can guide the position of the coil (335) of the charging device (300) with respect to the coil (235) of the wearable device (200) while the wearable device (200) is attached to the charging device (300) through magnetic force with one or more magnets (260) of the wearable device (200). For example, the magnets (260, 360) can be configured to align the coils (235, 335) for wireless charging with each other by guiding the attachment position of the charging device (300) for charging the wearable device (200).

[0094] The memory (302) of the charging device (300) can store instructions. When the instructions are individually or collectively executed by the processor (301) of the charging device (300), the instructions can cause the charging device (300) to perform the following operations.

[0095] The processor (301) may be configured to identify a wearable device (200) attached to the charging device (300) through a sensor (350). For example, the sensor (350) may be configured to detect a change in a magnetic field between magnets (260, 360). The processor (301) may identify whether the charging device (300) is attached to the wearable device (200) through the change in the magnetic field between the magnets (260, 360). The sensor (350) may be disposed adjacent to one or more magnets (360) within the charging device (300) to detect a change in the magnetic field, for example. The sensor (350) may be referred to as a Hall sensor, but embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0096] The processor (301) may be configured to transmit power acquired through the thermoelectric circuit (410) to the wearable device (200) based on the electronic device (200) worn on the user's finger (20) together with the charging device (300). For example, the processor (301) may be configured to transmit power charged in the battery (330) through the thermoelectric circuit (410) to the wearable device (200) based on a connection between the wearable device (200) and the charging device (300) identified through the sensor (350). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the operations of the processor (301) as described above may be substantially identically or similarly performed by the processor (201) of the wearable device (200) (or instructions stored in the memory (202) executed by the processor (201).

[0097] Referring to FIGS. 4b and 4c, the structure of an exemplary charging device (300) including the thermoelectric element (415) of FIG. 4a is illustrated.

[0098] The one or more magnets (360) may include magnets (361, 362, 363) that are spaced apart from each other. The magnets (361, 362, 363) each correspond to the number of one or more magnets (260) of the wearable device (200) and interact with the one or more magnets (260) to detachably attach the charging device (300) to the wearable device (200). However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0099] The charging device (300) may include a filling member (420) that occupies an internal space of the housing (310) to fix the position of the thermoelectric circuit (410) (or thermoelectric element (415)) within the housing (310). For example, the filling member (420) may fix the positions of components of the charging device (300) within the housing (310) by filling part or all of the internal space of the housing (310). For example, the filling member (420) may be interposed between the inner frame (430) and the outer frame (440).

[0100] The housing (310) may define an inner surface (310a) configured to face the user's finger (20) when the charging device (300) is worn on the user's finger (20), and an outer surface (310b) opposite to the inner surface (310a). The thermoelectric element (415) may be arranged closer to the inner surface (310a) among the inner surface (310a) and the outer surface (310b). For example, the thermoelectric element (415) may be arranged within the housing (310). The thermoelectric element (415) may be arranged toward the inner surface (310a) that comes into contact with the user's finger (20) while the charging device (300) is worn on the user. For example, the thermoelectric element (415) may be arranged along the inner surface (310a) or around the inner surface (310a). For example, the distance between the inner surface (310a) and the thermoelectric element (415) may be smaller than the distance between the outer surface (310b) and the thermoelectric element (415). However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0101] Although the charging device (300) is described as including a battery (330) and a thermoelectric element (415), it is not limited thereto. For example, the charging device (300) may include batteries (331, 332, 333, 334) disposed within a housing (310), as illustrated. The charging device (300) may include a plurality of thermoelectric elements for providing power to the batteries (331, 332, 333, 334). For example, the plurality of thermoelectric elements may be included within a thermoelectric circuit (410). The plurality of thermoelectric elements may be disposed adjacent to, for example, the batteries (331, 332, 333, 334), respectively. The plurality of thermoelectric elements may be disposed toward an inner surface (310a) of the housing (310). For example, the inner frame (430) of the housing (310) may be formed of a material having a relatively high thermal conductivity in a portion corresponding to the plurality of thermoelectric elements. However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0102] The housing (310) may include an internal frame (430) that comes into contact with the user's finger (20) while the charging device (300) is worn on the user's finger (20) and forms the inner surface (310a). The thermoelectric element (415) may come into contact with the internal frame (430) so as to receive heat conducted from the user's finger (20) through the internal frame (430) within the housing (310). For example, the internal frame (430) may be a portion of the housing (310) that comes into contact with the user's finger (20). The internal frame (430) may conduct heat generated from the finger (20) to the inside of the housing (310) by coming into contact with the user's finger (20). For example, the inner frame (430) can form a hole (315) that is penetrated by the user's finger (20) by defining an inner surface (310a).

[0103] For example, the thermoelectric element (415) may be in thermal contact with the internal frame (430) within the housing (310). The thermoelectric element (415) may include, for example, a contact surface that contacts the internal frame (430) within the housing (310). For example, the thermoelectric element (415) may receive heat from the internal frame (430). For example, the thermoelectric element (415) may generate a voltage in the thermoelectric circuit (410) based on heat transferred from a user's finger (20) through the internal frame (430). The thermoelectric circuit (410) and / or the thermoelectric element (415) may be disposed adjacent to the battery (330) within the housing (310) to charge the battery (330) based on the voltage, but embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0104] For example, the outer frame (440) of the housing (310) may surround the inner frame (430). The outer frame (440) may form an outer surface (310b) of the housing (310). The outer frame (440) may be spaced apart from the inner frame (430). For example, the outer frame (440) may be spaced apart from or separated from the thermoelectric element (415). For example, the thermoelectric element (415) may be disposed adjacent to the inner frame (430) among the inner frame (430) and the outer frame (440). However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0105] The thermal conductivity of the inner frame (430) may be lower than that of the outer frame (440). The inner frame (430) may be formed, for example, from epoxy or polycarbonate (PC). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and for example, the thermal conductivity of the inner frame (430) may be higher than that of the outer frame (440). For example, the inner frame (430) may be formed from a material having relatively higher thermal conductivity than the outer frame (440). Since the inner frame (430) is formed from a material having relatively higher thermal conductivity, the charging device (300) may increase the thermal conductivity from the inner frame (430) to the thermoelectric element (415) in thermal contact with the inner frame (430).

[0106] The inner frame (430) may include a first portion (431) aligned with respect to the thermoelectric element (415), and a second portion (432) extending from the first portion (431) and partially surrounding the user's finger (20) together with the first portion (431) when the charging device (300) is worn on the user's finger (20). The thermal conductivity of the first portion (431) may be greater than the thermal conductivity of the second portion (432).

[0107] For example, the first part (431) may be a part to which the thermoelectric element (415) is attached. For example, the first part (431) may be in contact with the thermoelectric element (415). For example, the first part (431) may be disposed on and / or above the thermoelectric element (415). For example, the thermoelectric element (415) may overlap the first part (431) when viewed from above. For example, the first part (431) may be configured to transfer heat generated from the user's finger (20) to the thermoelectric element (415) by being in contact with the user's finger (20). For example, the second part (432) may be a part connected to the first part (431). The second part (432) may be a part that is separated or spaced from the thermoelectric element (415). For example, the second portion (432) may form a hole (315) for receiving a user's finger (20) together with the first portion (431). Since the thermal conductivity of the first portion (431) is greater than the thermal conductivity of the second portion (432), the inner frame (430) may increase the thermal conductivity to the thermoelectric element (415) through the inner frame (430). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, the first portion (431) may be formed of a plurality of regions of the inner frame (430) corresponding to positions where a plurality of thermoelectric elements are arranged. The first portion (431) of the inner frame (430) may be formed from substantially the same material as the outer frame (440), but the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0108] For example, the first portion (431) of the inner frame (430) may be formed from a metal material (m1) including at least one of silver (Ag), copper (Cu), platinum (Pt), or aluminum (Al). The second portion (432) of the inner frame (430) may be formed from a material (m2) including at least one of titanium (Ti), stainless steel, aluminum (Al), polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), or acrylate. However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The inner frame (430) can increase the thermal conductivity from the first part (431) to the thermoelectric element (415) by forming the first part (431) with which the thermoelectric element (415) comes into contact, from a metal material (m1) having a relatively higher thermal conductivity than the second part (432).

[0109] The first part (431) of the inner frame (430) can define an outer surface (431a) configured to come into contact with a user's finger (20), and a contact surface (431b) having a wave-shaped pattern (p) opposite to the outer surface (431a) and to which the thermoelectric element (415) is attached.

[0110] For example, the outer surface (431a) of the first part (431) may form an inner surface (310a) of the housing (310) having a circular curve shape together with the second part (432). The contact surface (431b) opposite to the outer surface (431a) may have a rough shape. For example, the contact surface (431b) of the first part (431) may have a wider area than the outer surface (431a) opposite to the contact surface (431b) by including a pattern (p) having a wave shape. For example, the thermoelectric element (415) may have a pattern corresponding to the pattern (p) having a wave shape. The thermoelectric element (415) may include, for example, a contact surface that is attached to be aligned with the contact surface (431b) of the first part (431). The first part (431) can increase the contact area with the thermoelectric element (415) by including a pattern (p) having a wave shape on the contact surface (431b) that comes into contact with the thermoelectric element (415). By increasing the contact area, the first part (431) can increase the thermal conductivity from the first part (431) to the thermoelectric element (415). However, the embodiment supported by the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and for example, the outer surface (431a) of the first part (431) configured to come into contact with the user's finger (20) may include a pattern (p) having a wave shape to increase the contact area with the finger (20). However, the embodiment supported by the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the housing (310) may include various structures and / or patterns for increasing the contact area with the thermoelectric element (415) and / or the user's finger (20).

[0111] FIG. 5A is a block diagram of an exemplary wearable device and a charging device. FIGS. 5B and 5C illustrate the internal structure of the exemplary charging device of FIG. 5A.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 5A, similar to FIG. 4A, an exemplary charging device (300) for wireless charging with a wearable device (200) is illustrated. The wearable device (200) may include a processor (201), a memory (202), a communication circuit (203), a battery (230), a coil (235), a power management circuit (240), a sensor (250), a matching circuit (206), a regulator (207), a rectifier circuit (208), and a controller (209). The charging device (300) may include a processor (301), a memory (302), a battery (330), a coil (335), a matching circuit (306), and a regulator (307). However, this is merely an example for the convenience of explanation, and for example, some of the components of the wearable device (200) and / or the charging device (300) exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 5A may be omitted, or additional components may be arranged. Hereinafter, redundant descriptions of components having the same reference numerals as those described in FIGS. 4A to 4C will be omitted.

[0113] The charging device (300) may include a housing (e.g., the housing (310) of FIG. 3A) that is detachably attached to the wearable device (200). The housing (310) may include a solar panel (510) that forms at least a portion of an outer surface of the housing (310) and is configured to convert light received from outside the charging device (300) into electric power. For example, the solar panel (510) may include a solar cell or a photovoltaic cell that is configured to generate electric current through light from outside the charging device (300). For example, the charging device (300) may include a photovoltaic circuit (520) that is electrically connected to the solar panel (510). The photoelectric circuit (520) may be configured to integrate or convert current generated from the solar panel (510) and then supply power to a battery (330) electrically connected to the photoelectric circuit (520).

[0114] The power management circuit (340) of the charging device (300) may be configured to transmit power obtained from the solar panel (510) to the wearable device (200) to charge the battery (230) of the wearable device (200), based on the charging device (300) attached to the wearable device (200).

[0115] For example, the power management circuit (340) may be configured to charge the battery (330) of the charging device (300) based on the first power obtained from the solar panel (510). The power management circuit (340) may be configured to transmit second power to the wearable device (200) to charge the battery (230) of the wearable device (200) based on the charging device (300) attached to the wearable device (200). The power management circuit (340) may be configured to charge the battery (230) of the wearable device (200) by transmitting power to the wearable device (200) through the coils (235, 335), for example, based on the second power.

[0116] Referring to FIGS. 5b and 5c, the structure of an exemplary charging device (300) including the solar panel (510) and photovoltaic circuit (520) of FIG. 5a is illustrated.

[0117] The housing (310) may define an inner surface (310a) configured to face the user's finger (20) when the charging device (300) is worn on the user's finger (20), and an outer surface (310b) opposite to the inner surface (310a). The solar panel (510) may form the outer surface (310b) among the inner surface (310a) and the outer surface (310b).

[0118] For example, the solar panel (510) may form part or all of the exterior (or outer surface) of the housing (310). For example, the solar panel (510) may be visible from the outside of the charging device (300) while the charging device (300) is worn on the user's finger (20) by defining an outer surface (310b). The solar panel (510) may not be covered by the finger (20) while the charging device (300) is worn on the finger (20), for example. The solar panel (510) may be configured to efficiently receive light from the outside by being visible from the outside while the charging device (300) is worn on the finger (20).

[0119] For example, the housing (310) may include an inner frame (430) forming an inner surface (310a) and an outer frame (440) forming an outer surface (310b). The solar panel (510) may correspond to the outer frame (440). For example, the solar panel (510) may surround the inner frame (430). For example, the solar panel (510) may be formed of a different material from the inner frame (430). However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0120] For example, a photoelectric circuit (520) electrically connected to a solar panel (510) may be disposed within a housing (310). The photoelectric circuit (520) may be disposed adjacent to a battery (330) to supply power to the battery (330) through the solar panel (510). The photoelectric circuit (520) may be disposed adjacent to an outer surface (310b) formed by the solar panel (510) and an inner surface (310a) opposite to the outer surface (310b), for example, to be connected to the solar panel (510). However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0121] FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B are flow charts illustrating operations for charging an exemplary wearable device.

[0122] The operations of FIGS. 6A and 6B may be performed by a processor (e.g., processor (201) of FIG. 2B) of a wearable device (e.g., wearable device (200) of FIG. 2A), but it should be noted that this is exemplary and that embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited to the exemplary operations and / or sequences illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B.

[0123] In operation (601), the processor (201) can obtain biometric information of the user through a sensor (e.g., sensor (250) of FIG. 2B) of the wearable device (200) while the wearable device (200) is worn on the user's finger (e.g., finger (20) of FIG. 2A). For example, the processor (201) can measure biometric information of the user through a portion of light emitted from a light emitting unit (e.g., light emitting unit (251) of FIG. 2B) of the sensor (250) that is reflected from the finger (20) on which the wearable device (200) is worn and received by the light receiving unit (252) of the sensor (250).

[0124] In operation (603), the processor (201) can identify whether a charging device (e.g., a charging device (300) of FIG. 3A) is attached to the wearable device (200) while the wearable device (200) is worn on the user's finger (20). For example, the wearable device (200) can include a Hall sensor configured to detect a change in the magnetic field. The processor (201) can identify whether the charging device (300) is attached to the wearable device (200) based on a change in the magnetic field between the magnets of the wearable device (200) and the charging device (300) detected through the Hall sensor (e.g., the magnets (260, 360) of FIG. 4A). If the above charging device (300) does not identify that it is attached to the wearable device (200), the processor (201) may perform operation (607).

[0125] Referring to FIG. 6A, in operation (605), the processor (201) may control the wearable device (200) and the charging device (300) to charge the battery (e.g., battery (230) of FIG. 2B) of the wearable device (200) connected to the charging device (300) with power obtained through a thermoelectric element (e.g., thermoelectric element (415) of FIG. 4A) of the charging device (300) based on the charging device (300) attached to the wearable device (200) while the wearable device (200) is worn on the user's finger (20). For example, the thermoelectric element (415) of the charging device (300) may be configured to charge the battery (e.g., the battery (330) of FIG. 3A) of the charging device (300) by converting heat from the finger (20) of the user wearing the charging device (300) into electric power. The processor (201) may control the wearable device (200) and the charging device (300) to charge the battery (230) of the wearable device (200) based on the electric power charged to the battery (330) of the charging device (300).

[0126] In operation (607), the processor (201) may identify whether the power charged in the wearable device (200) is less than a specified power. For example, the processor (201) may identify whether the power charged in the battery (230) of the wearable device (200) is less than a specified power corresponding to a minimum power for driving the wearable device (200). If the processor (201) does not identify that the power charged in the battery (230) is less than the specified power, the processor (201) may perform operation (601).

[0127] In operation (609), the processor (201) may control the wearable device (200) to change the wearable device (200) to a sleep mode based on the power charged in the wearable device (200) being less than a specified power. For example, the processor (201) may turn off the power of the wearable device (200) or change it to a low power mode based on identifying that the power charged in the battery (230) of the wearable device (200) is less than a specified power.

[0128] Referring to FIG. 6B, in operation (611), the processor (201) may control the wearable device (200) and the charging device (300) to charge the battery (230) of the wearable device (200) connected to the charging device (300) with power obtained through the solar panel (e.g., the solar panel (510) of FIG. 5A) of the charging device (300) based on the charging device (300) attached to the wearable device (200) while the wearable device (200) is worn on the user's finger (20). For example, the solar panel (510) of the charging device (300) may be configured to charge the battery (330) of the charging device (300) by converting light received from the outside of the charging device (300) into power. The processor (201) can control the wearable device (200) and the charging device (300) to charge the battery (230) of the wearable device (200) based on the power charged in the battery (330) of the charging device (300).

[0129] The technical problems to be achieved in the present disclosure are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present disclosure pertains.

[0130] As described above, a charging device (e.g., a charging device (300) of FIG. 3A) may include a ring-shaped housing (e.g., a housing (310) of FIG. 3A) detachably attached to a finger-worn electronic device (e.g., a wearable device (200) of FIG. 2A) having a ring shape, a thermoelectric circuit (e.g., a thermoelectric circuit (410) of FIG. 4A) disposed within the ring-shaped housing, a rechargeable battery (e.g., a battery (330) of FIG. 3A) electrically connected to the thermoelectric circuit, and a power management circuit (e.g., a power management circuit (340) of FIG. 4A) disposed within the ring-shaped housing. The power management circuit may be configured to transmit power obtained from the thermoelectric circuit to the finger-worn electronic device to charge a battery (e.g., battery (230) of FIG. 2b) of the finger-worn electronic device based on the charging device attached to the finger-worn electronic device worn on the user's finger.

[0131] For example, the thermoelectric circuit may include a thermoelectric element (e.g., thermoelectric element (415) of FIG. 4A) configured to convert heat from the finger of the user wearing the charging device into electric power.

[0132] For example, the ring-shaped housing may define an inner surface (e.g., inner surface (310a) of FIG. 3A) configured to face the user's finger when the charging device is worn on the user's finger, and an outer surface (e.g., outer surface (310b) of FIG. 3A) opposite the inner surface. The thermoelectric element may be arranged closer to the inner surface among the inner surface and the outer surface.

[0133] For example, the ring-shaped housing may include an internal frame (e.g., an internal frame (430) of FIG. 4B) that forms the inner surface and is in contact with the user's finger while the charging device is worn on the user's finger. The thermoelectric element may be in contact with the internal frame so as to receive heat conducted from the user's finger through the internal frame within the ring-shaped housing.

[0134] For example, the ring-shaped housing may further include an outer frame (e.g., an outer frame (440) of FIG. 4B) forming the outer surface. The thermal conductivity of the inner frame may be greater than the thermal conductivity of the outer frame.

[0135] For example, the inner frame may include a first portion aligned with the thermoelectric element (e.g., the first portion (431) of FIG. 4B), and a second portion extending from the first portion and partially surrounding the user's finger together with the first portion when the charging device is worn on the user's finger (e.g., the second portion (432) of FIG. 4B). The thermal conductivity of the first portion may be greater than the thermal conductivity of the second portion.

[0136] For example, the first part of the inner frame may be formed from a metal material (m1) including at least one of silver (Ag), copper (Cu), or platinum (Pt). The second part of the inner frame may be formed from a material (m2) including at least one of titanium (Ti), stainless steel, aluminum (Al), polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), or acrylate.

[0137] For example, the first portion of the inner frame may define a contact surface (e.g., contact surface (431b) of FIG. 4b) to which the thermoelectric element is attached and which has a wave-shaped pattern (e.g., pattern (p) of FIG. 4b).

[0138] For example, the thermoelectric circuit may be configured to obtain a first power based on heat generated from the finger of the user wearing the charging device. The power management circuit may be configured to charge the rechargeable battery of the charging device based on the first power. The power management circuit may be configured to transmit a second power to the finger-worn electronic device to charge the rechargeable battery of the finger-worn electronic device based on the charging device attached to the finger-worn electronic device worn on the finger of the user.

[0139] For example, the charging device may further include a charging terminal (e.g., charging terminal (305) of FIG. 3A) that is at least partially exposed to the exterior of the charging device and electrically connected to the power management circuit. The charging terminal of the charging device may be configured to be removably coupled to a charging terminal of the finger-worn electronic device (e.g., charging terminal (205) of FIG. 3A) for transmitting power to the finger-worn electronic device.

[0140] For example, the charging terminal of the charging device may be a plug that protrudes from the ring-shaped housing and is configured to engage with a receptacle corresponding to the charging terminal of the finger-worn electronic device.

[0141] For example, the charging device may further include a coil (e.g., coil (335) of FIG. 2A) disposed within the ring-shaped housing and electrically connected to the power management circuit. The coil of the charging device may be configured to be aligned with a coil of the finger-worn electronic device (e.g., coil (235) of FIG. 2B) while the finger-worn electronic device is attached to the charging device to transmit power to the finger-worn electronic device via wireless charging.

[0142] For example, the charging device may include one or more magnets (e.g., one or more magnets (360) of FIG. 4A) disposed within the ring-shaped housing and configured to detachably attach the ring-shaped housing to the finger-wearable electronic device based on a magnetic force generated by one or more magnets of the finger-wearable electronic device (e.g., one or more magnets (260) of FIG. 4A). The one or more magnets of the charging device may guide a position of the coil of the charging device relative to the coil of the finger-wearable electronic device through the magnetic force in the state in which the finger-wearable electronic device is attached to the charging device.

[0143] For example, the charging device may include at least one processor including a processing circuit (e.g., processor 301 of FIG. 4A), at least one sensor (e.g., sensor 350 of FIG. 4A), and a memory including instructions (e.g., memory 302 of FIG. 4A). The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the charging device to identify the finger-worn electronic device attached to the charging device via the at least one sensor. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the charging device to transmit the power obtained through the thermoelectric circuit to the finger-worn electronic device based on the finger-worn electronic device being worn on the finger of the user along with the charging device.

[0144] For example, the charging device may further include a filling member (e.g., filling member (420) of FIG. 4b) that occupies an inner space of the ring-shaped housing to fix the position of the thermoelectric circuit within the ring-shaped housing.

[0145] As described above, the charging device may include a ring-shaped housing detachably attached to a finger-worn electronic device having a ring shape. The ring-shaped housing may include a solar panel (e.g., solar panel (510) of FIG. 5A) that forms at least a portion of an outer surface of the ring-shaped housing and is configured to convert light received from an exterior of the charging device into electric power. The charging device may include a rechargeable battery disposed within the ring-shaped housing and electrically connected to the solar panel, and a power management circuit. The power management circuit may be configured to transmit electric power obtained from the solar panel to the finger-worn electronic device based on the charging device attached to the finger-worn electronic device to charge the rechargeable battery of the finger-worn electronic device.

[0146] For example, the ring-shaped housing may define an inner surface configured to face the user's finger when the charging device is worn on the user's finger, and an outer surface opposite the inner surface. The solar panel may form the outer surface among the inner and outer surfaces.

[0147] For example, the power management circuit may be configured to charge the rechargeable battery of the charging device based on the first power from the solar panel. The power management circuit may be configured to transmit a second power to the finger-worn electronic device to charge the rechargeable battery of the finger-worn electronic device based on the charging device attached to the finger-worn electronic device worn on the finger of the user.

[0148] For example, the charging device may further include a charging terminal that is at least partially exposed to the exterior of the charging device and electrically connected to the power management circuit. The charging terminal of the charging device may be configured to be removably coupled to the charging terminal of the finger-worn electronic device for transmitting the power to the finger-worn electronic device.

[0149] For example, the charging device may further include a coil disposed within the ring-shaped housing and electrically connected to the power management circuit. The coil of the charging device may be configured to be aligned with the coil of the finger-worn electronic device while the finger-worn electronic device is attached to the charging device to transmit power to the finger-worn electronic device via wireless charging.

[0150] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

[0151] Electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, electronic devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to the embodiments of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0152] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another 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.

[0153] The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0154] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (136) or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0155] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0156] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. In the charging device, A ring-shaped housing detachably attached to a finger-worn electronic device having a ring shape; A thermoelectric circuit disposed within the ring-shaped housing; A rechargeable battery disposed within the ring-shaped housing and electrically connected to the thermoelectric circuit; and A power management circuit is disposed within the ring-shaped housing, The above power management circuit, Based on the charging device attached to the finger-worn electronic device worn on the user's finger, the power obtained from the thermoelectric circuit is configured to be transmitted to the finger-worn electronic device to charge the battery of the finger-worn electronic device. Charging device.

2. In paragraph 1, The above thermoelectric circuit, A thermoelectric element configured to convert heat from the finger of the user wearing the charging device into electric power, Charging device.

3. In paragraph 2, The above ring-shaped housing, an inner surface configured to face the user's finger while the charging device is worn on the user's finger; and Define the outer surface opposite to the inner surface above, The above thermoelectric element is arranged closer to the inner surface among the inner surface and the outer surface. Charging device.

4. In paragraph 3, The above ring-shaped housing, The charging device is in contact with the user's finger while being worn on the user's finger, and includes an inner frame forming the inner surface, The thermoelectric element is in contact with the inner frame so as to receive heat conducted from the user's finger through the inner frame within the ring-shaped housing. Charging device.

5. In paragraph 4, The above ring-shaped housing, Further comprising an outer frame forming the outer surface, The thermal conductivity of the above inner frame is: greater than the thermal conductivity of the above outer frame, Charging device.

6. In paragraph 4, The above inner frame, a first part aligned with respect to the thermoelectric element; and extending from the first portion, and including a second portion that partially surrounds the user's finger together with the first portion while the charging device is worn on the user's finger; The thermal conductivity of the first part is, greater than the thermal conductivity of the second part above, Charging device.

7. In paragraph 6, The first part of the inner frame, formed from a metallic material containing at least one of silver, copper, or platinum; The second part of the inner frame, Formed from a material (m2) comprising at least one of titanium, stainless steel, aluminum, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate or acrylate, Charging device.

8. In paragraph 6, The first part of the inner frame, The above thermoelectric element is attached and defines a contact surface having a wave-shaped pattern, Charging device.

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, The above thermoelectric circuit, configured to obtain a first power based on heat generated from the finger of the user wearing the charging device; The above power management circuit: Charging the battery of the charging device based on the first power; and Based on the charging device attached to the finger-worn electronic device worn on the finger of the user, configured to transmit second power to the finger-worn electronic device to charge the battery of the finger-worn electronic device. Charging device.

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, further comprising a charging terminal at least partially exposed to the exterior of the charging device and electrically connected to the power management circuit; The charging terminal of the above charging device, configured to be detachably coupled to a charging terminal of the finger-worn electronic device to transmit the power to the finger-worn electronic device; Charging device.

11. In paragraph 10, The charging terminal of the charging device is a plug that protrudes from the ring-shaped housing and is configured to be engaged with a receptacle corresponding to the charging terminal of the finger-worn electronic device. Charging device.

12. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 11, further comprising a coil disposed within the ring-shaped housing and electrically connected to the power management circuit; The coil of the above charging device, wherein the finger-worn electronic device is configured to be aligned with a coil of the finger-worn electronic device while the finger-worn electronic device is attached to the charging device so as to transmit the power to the finger-worn electronic device via wireless charging. Charging device.

13. In paragraph 12, One or more magnets disposed within the ring-shaped housing and configured to detachably attach the ring-shaped housing to the finger-wearable electronic device based on a magnetic force generated by one or more magnets of the finger-wearable electronic device; The one or more magnets of the charging device, The finger-worn electronic device guides the position of the coil of the charging device relative to the coil of the finger-worn electronic device through the magnetic force within the state in which the finger-worn electronic device is attached to the charging device. Charging device.

14. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 13, At least one processor comprising a processing circuit; at least one sensor; and A memory comprising instructions, said instructions, when individually or collectively executed by said at least one processor, causing said charging device to: Identifying the finger-worn electronic device attached to the charging device through at least one sensor; Based on the finger-worn electronic device worn on the user's finger together with the charging device, causing the power obtained through the thermoelectric circuit to be transmitted to the finger-worn electronic device. Charging device.

15. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 14, Further comprising a filling member occupying the inner space of the ring-shaped housing to fix the position of the thermoelectric circuit within the ring-shaped housing. Charging device.

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