Electronic device including conductive pattern for providing signal
The integration of a piezoelectric layer and conductive pattern in wearable devices addresses the power and aesthetic challenges of existing touch sensors by detecting user input through signal reflection, enhancing efficiency and reducing power consumption.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/KR2025/012793
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-10-16
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-05
AI Technical Summary
Wearable devices require larger battery capacity and are aesthetically unsightly due to the need for touch sensors and separate wireless communication circuits for user input detection, leading to increased power consumption.
The wearable device incorporates a piezoelectric layer and conductive pattern to detect user input by reflecting wireless signals, eliminating the need for additional sensors and reducing power consumption by using a piezoelectric layer to change signal frequencies based on user input.
This approach allows for user input detection with reduced power consumption and improved aesthetics by utilizing the piezoelectric layer to reflect wireless signals, enabling efficient communication with external devices.
Smart Images

Figure KR2025012793_05032026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
An electronic device comprising a conductive pattern for providing a signal
[0001] The descriptions below relate to electronic devices that include conductive patterns for providing signals.
[0002] Portable communication devices can take various forms, such as smartphones, tablets, and wearable devices. Wearable devices are gaining popularity because they offer various interactions when connected to other devices, such as a user's smartphone, while also tracking various biometric parameters, such as heart rate, sleep patterns, and activity levels. Ring-type wearable devices, designed to be worn on the user's finger, are being developed as alternative wearable form factors to wearable devices such as wristwatches, glasses, and clothing.
[0003] The above information may be provided as background art to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the above-described matters constitute prior art related to the present disclosure.
[0004] A ring-type wearable device according to embodiments of the present disclosure is provided. The wearable device may include: a housing forming an exterior of the wearable device; a non-conductive structure including a portion exposed to the outside with respect to the housing, the non-conductive structure having a first surface on which the portion exposed to the outside is disposed and a second surface opposite the first surface; a conductive pattern disposed on the second surface of the non-conductive structure; a piezoelectric layer; the piezoelectric layer having a first surface coupled to the conductive pattern and a second surface opposite the first surface; a connecting member disposed on the second surface of the piezoelectric layer and connected to the conductive pattern; and a radiator configured to be connected to the connecting member. The conductive pattern between the non-conductive structure and the piezoelectric layer may be configured to reflect a signal component of a first frequency in response to a wireless signal received through the radiator in a first state before receiving a user input including a contact with the non-conductive structure. The conductive pattern between the non-conductive structure and the piezoelectric layer may be configured to reflect a signal component of a second frequency different from the first frequency in response to a wireless signal received through the radiator in a second state according to the user input to the non-conductive structure.
[0005] An electronic device according to embodiments of the present disclosure is provided. The electronic device may include an antenna; a coupler connected to the antenna; a wireless communication circuit connected to the coupler; at least one processor including a processing circuit; and a memory storing instructions. The instructions are executed by the at least one processor.
[0006] When executed collectively or individually, the electronic device may cause the electronic device to perform a procedure for pairing with a wearable device through the wireless communication circuit, receive information about a resonant frequency of a conductive pattern of the wearable device from the wearable device through the wireless communication circuit, transmit a wireless signal corresponding to the resonant frequency through the wireless communication circuit, determine whether a backscatter signal corresponding to the wireless signal having an intensity less than a threshold value is detected, determine whether a user pattern associated with reception of the backscatter signal is detected after the backscatter signal having an intensity less than the threshold value is detected, and, upon determining that the user pattern is detected, cause a function corresponding to the user pattern to be executed.
[0007] A wearable device according to embodiments of the present disclosure is provided. The wearable device may include a housing defining an exterior appearance of the wearable device; a non-conductive structure coupled to the housing; a piezoelectric layer disposed below the non-conductive structure; a conductive portion inserted between the non-conductive structure and the piezoelectric layer for contact with the non-conductive structure; and an antenna. The antenna is connectable to the piezoelectric layer such that a wireless signal received from a host device through the antenna is transmitted to the conductive portion through the piezoelectric layer, thereby causing the conductive portion to transmit a reflected signal while pressure is applied to the piezoelectric layer through the non-conductive structure.
[0008] A user input system according to embodiments of the present disclosure is provided. The user input system may include a host device configured to transmit a wireless signal; and a wearable device. The wearable device may include a housing; a non-conductive structure coupled to the housing; a piezoelectric layer disposed below the non-conductive structure; a conductive portion inserted between the non-conductive structure and the piezoelectric layer for contact with the non-conductive structure; and an antenna connectable to the piezoelectric layer. The wearable device may be configured to receive the wireless signal from the host device through the antenna, and transmit a backscatter signal through the antenna while the wireless signal is provided to the conductive portion through the piezoelectric layer and pressure is applied to the piezoelectric layer through the non-conductive structure. The host device may be configured to determine whether a user pattern is detected based on whether a backscatter signal having an intensity less than a threshold value is detected, and to execute a function corresponding to the user pattern based on a determination that the user pattern is detected.
[0009] Figure 1 shows the communication environment of a wearable device.
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a wearable device including a conductive pattern disposed between a non-conductive structure and a piezoelectric layer.
[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a wearable device including a conductive pattern disposed between a non-conductive structure and a piezoelectric layer.
[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a wearable device including a conductive pattern disposed between a non-conductive structure and a piezoelectric layer.
[0013] Figures 5a and 5b show examples of conductive patterns.
[0014] Figures 6a and 6b illustrate examples of electronic devices for receiving user input using a wearable device.
[0015] Figure 7 illustrates an example of an electronic device for receiving user input using a wearable device.
[0016] Figure 8 shows the operation flow of a wearable device for providing user input using the wearable device.
[0017] Figure 9 illustrates the operation flow of an electronic device for receiving user input using a wearable device.
[0018] Figure 10 illustrates exemplary components of a wearable device.
[0019] Figure 11 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment.
[0020] The terms used in this disclosure are used only to describe specific embodiments and may not be intended to limit the scope of other embodiments. The singular expression may include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art described in this disclosure. Terms defined in general dictionaries among the terms used in this disclosure may be interpreted as having the same or similar meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this disclosure. In some cases, even if a term is defined in this disclosure, it cannot be interpreted to exclude embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0021] The various embodiments of the present disclosure described below illustrate a hardware-based approach as an example. However, since the various embodiments of the present disclosure include techniques utilizing both hardware and software, the various embodiments of the present disclosure do not exclude a software-based approach.
[0022] In the following description, terms referring to parts of electronic devices (e.g., substrate, PCB (printed circuit board), FPCB (flexible PCB), module, antenna, antenna element, circuit, processor, chip, component, device), terms referring to the shape of parts (e.g., structure, structure, support, contact, protrusion), terms referring to connections between structures (e.g., connection, contact, support, contact structure, conductive member, assembly), terms referring to circuits (e.g., PCB, FPCB, signal line, feeding line, data line, RF signal line, antenna line, RF path, RF module, RF circuit, splitter, divider, coupler, combiner), etc. are examples for convenience of description. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the terms described below, and other terms having equivalent technical meanings may be used. In addition, the terms '...bu', '...gi', '...mul', '...che', etc. used below may mean at least one shape structure or a unit that processes a function.
[0023] In addition, in the present disclosure, expressions such as "more than" or "less than" may be used to determine whether a specific condition is satisfied or fulfilled, but this is merely a description for expressing an example and does not exclude descriptions such as "more than" or "less than." A condition described as "more than" may be replaced with "more than," a condition described as "less than" may be replaced with "less than," and a condition described as "more than and less than" may be replaced with "more than and less than." In addition, hereinafter, "A" to "B" mean at least one of elements from A (including A) to B (including B). hereinafter, "C" and / or "D" mean at least one of "C" or "D," that is, including {"C", "D", "C" and "D"}.
[0024] Figure 1 shows the communication environment of a wearable device.
[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, a communication environment (100) may include a wearable device (101). A user (105) may wear the wearable device (101). For example, the wearable device (101) may be worn on at least a part of the user's (105) body (e.g., a finger of a hand (110)). As an example, the wearable device (101) may be a ring-type device. The wearable device (101) may communicate with an external electronic device (130) (e.g., a smartphone, a smartwatch, or other communication device). For example, the wearable device (101) may receive a signal from the external electronic device (130). The wearable device (101) may transmit a signal to the external electronic device (130). A user (105) can control an external electronic device (130) through a wearable device (101). The user (105) can control the external electronic device (130) through a user input to the wearable device (101). A signal transmitted from the wearable device (101) or a pattern of the signal (e.g., a change in intensity) can be recognized as an input to the external electronic device (130).
[0026] Technological advancements have dramatically reduced the size and power consumption of devices that can measure human biometric information (e.g., body temperature, blood oxygen saturation, heart rate, or breathing patterns). Wearable devices can receive user input and transmit said user input to external electronic devices. To perform these operations, wearable devices may, for example, include touch sensors for acquiring user touch input and circuits for detecting touch input that occurs periodically. These components not only require a larger battery capacity, but can also be aesthetically unsightly due to the limited space required to accommodate the components. Furthermore, if the wearable device transmits a wireless signal representing the user input to an external electronic device via a separate wireless communication circuit (e.g., Bluetooth low energy (BLE) circuit), power may be consumed for generating and radiating the wireless signal.
[0027] To address the above-described issues, embodiments of the present disclosure can detect user input via a piezoelectric layer and allow an external electronic device to recognize user input on the wearable device by reflecting a wireless signal via a conductive pattern on the piezoelectric layer. Examples of wearable devices including the piezoelectric layer and the conductive pattern are described below with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4 .
[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a wearable device (e.g., wearable device (101)) including a conductive pattern disposed between a non-conductive structure and a piezoelectric layer. Like reference numerals may be used for like descriptions. The conductive pattern may be referred to as a conductive portion.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 2, the wearable device (101) may include a housing (210), a radiator (220) (e.g., which may be or function as an antenna of the wearable device (101) and may be interchangeably referred to as an antenna (220) throughout the present disclosure), a non-conductive structure (230), a conductive pattern (240), a piezoelectric layer (250), and / or a connecting member (260). For example, the wearable device (101) may be a ring-type device. The housing (210) may be a ring-type structure and may have a shape for a user's finger. The radiator (220) may be a conductive portion used to transmit or receive a wireless signal. For example, the radiator (220) may be a substrate (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)) or a plated portion (e.g., a laser direct structuring (LDS)) arranged along a circle within the housing (210).
[0030] According to one embodiment, the wearable device (101) may include a non-conductive structure (230). The non-conductive structure (230) may include a portion that is exposed to the outside with respect to the housing (210). For example, at least a portion of the non-conductive structure (230) may be used as a decoration of the wearable device (101). The non-conductive structure (230) may have a first surface corresponding to the portion that is exposed to the outside and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The second surface may not be exposed to the outside. The second surface of the non-conductive structure (230) may be combined with a conductive pattern (240) and a piezoelectric layer (250) described below. The non-conductive structure (230) may include a material for transmitting pressure to the piezoelectric layer (250) based on a user's input (e.g., a pressing input, a touch input, or a rubbing input). In one embodiment, the non-conductive structure (230) may include a crystalline material (e.g., a crystal-like material). The non-conductive structure (230) may have a repeating atomic / molecular structure. For example, the non-conductive structure (230) may be a diamond (e.g., a cubic system). For example, the non-conductive structure (230) may be a ruby or an emerald (e.g., a trigonal system). For example, the non-conductive structure (230) may be a topaz (e.g., a hexagonal system). In another embodiment, the non-conductive structure (230) may include an amorphous material. For example, the non-conductive structure (230) may include glass. In addition to the examples described above, the non-conductive structure (230) may include other materials. For example, the non-conductive structure (230) may include a material having a hardness greater than a certain level to transmit pressure according to a user's input to the piezoelectric layer.
[0031] According to various embodiments, the wearable device (101) may be configured to receive a wireless signal from a host device (130) via an antenna, and / or to connect the antenna to a piezoelectric layer (250), and / or to transmit the wireless signal to a conductive portion (240) via the piezoelectric layer (250), and / or to cause the conductive portion (240) to transmit a reflected signal (or to use the conductive portion (240) to transmit a reflected signal). For example, the wearable device (101) may be configured to cause the conductive portion (240) to transmit a reflected signal in response to pressure applied to the piezoelectric layer (250) via a non-conductive structure (230).
[0032] In one embodiment, the wearable device (101) may include a conductive pattern (240). The conductive pattern (240) may be disposed on a second surface of the non-conductive structure (230). As an example, the wearable device (101) may include a piezoelectric layer (250). The piezoelectric layer (250) may be referred to as a piezoelectric plate, a piezoelectric material, a piezoelectric substrate, a piezoelectric element, a piezoelectric film, a piezoelectric structure, a piezoelectric circuit, and / or equivalent technical / structural terms in addition to the piezoelectric layer. The piezoelectric layer (250) may include a first surface coupled to the conductive pattern (240) and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The piezoelectric layer (250) may include a specific material (e.g., zinc oxide or quartz) to convert a wireless signal into a mechanical vibration or to convert a mechanical vibration into a wireless signal. A conductive pattern (240) may be disposed between a non-conductive structure (230) and a piezoelectric layer (250). When a non-conductive structure (230) including a specific material (e.g., a crystalline material, crystals, diamond, glass) and / or having a hardness higher than a certain level and a piezoelectric layer (250) are bonded to each other, a piezoelectric substrate for transmitting acoustic waves may be formed. The piezoelectric substrate may be understood as a surface acoustic wave (SAW) device. When the conductive pattern (240) is disposed between the non-conductive structure (230) and the piezoelectric layer (250), the conductive pattern (240) may function as an interdigital transducer (IDT) (e.g., an aluminum (Al) IDT). The conductive pattern (240) may include a plurality of electrodes. The characteristics of the IDT may be determined by the spacing between the electrodes of the conductive pattern (240), the width of the electrodes, and / or the number of electrodes. For example, the electrodes may be arranged in a finger-like manner. For example, the conductive pattern (240) may have a comb shape. The specific shape of the conductive pattern (240) is described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B .
[0033] According to one embodiment, the wearable device (101) may include a connecting member (260). For example, the connecting member (260) may be disposed on the second surface of the piezoelectric layer (250). The conductive pattern (240) may be electrically connected to the connecting member (260) through a first path (241). The connecting member (260) may be electrically connected to the radiator (220) through a second path (261). The radiator (220) and the conductive pattern (240) may be electrically connected through the first path (241), the connecting member (260), and the second path (261). A wireless signal received through the radiator (220) may be provided to the conductive pattern (240). A wireless signal from the conductive pattern (240) can be transmitted to an external electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (130)) via the radiator (220).
[0034] A wearable device (101) according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be used as a control device for providing a user input to an external electronic device (130). A user input on the wearable device (101) may be transmitted to the external electronic device (130). The wearable device (101) may, in response to a user input on a non-conductive structure (230), reflect a wireless signal through a conductive pattern (240) on a piezoelectric layer (250). The reflected wireless signal may be transmitted to the external electronic device (130) through a radiator (220). Depending on the pattern of the reflected wireless signal, the external electronic device (130) may recognize the user input. For example, the conductive pattern (240) may be configured to reflect a wireless signal of the external electronic device (130) at a specific frequency, and then no longer reflect a wireless signal at the specific frequency when the user input is received. For example, depending on the pressure applied to the piezoelectric layer (250), the speed of an acoustic wave within the piezoelectric layer (250) changes. Due to the changing speed, the resonant frequency within the piezoelectric substrate may change. Through the above principle, the frequency of the wireless signal of the conductive pattern (240) may change. The conductive pattern (240) may be configured to reflect a signal component of a first frequency among the wireless signals received through the radiator (220). The first frequency may be shifted to a second frequency depending on the presence or absence of a user input through the non-conductive structure (230). When a user input is applied to the non-conductive structure (230), the mechanical vibration characteristics between molecules of the piezoelectric layer (250) may change. Since the mechanical vibration characteristics between molecules of the piezoelectric layer (250) change, the frequency of the signal reflected by the conductive pattern (240) may change. The external electronic device (130) can recognize user input on the wearable device (101) as the reflected signal changes.Recognition of user input in an external electronic device (130) is described in detail through FIGS. 6a and 6b.
[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a wearable device (e.g., a wearable device (101)) including a conductive pattern (e.g., a conductive pattern (240)) positioned between a non-conductive structure (e.g., a non-conductive structure (230)) and a piezoelectric layer (e.g., a piezoelectric layer (250)). The same reference numerals may be used for the same description.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 3, the wearable device (101) may include a housing (210), a radiator (220), a non-conductive structure (230), a conductive pattern (240), a first conductive via (245a), a second conductive via (245b), a piezoelectric layer (250), a first connecting member (260a), and / or a second connecting member (260b). The wearable device (101) may be a ring-type device. For example, the housing (210) may be a ring-type structure and may have a shape for a user's finger. The descriptions of FIG. 2 may be referenced for the housing (210). The radiator (220) may be a conductive portion used to transmit or receive a wireless signal. The descriptions of FIG. 2 may be referenced for the radiator (220). The non-conductive structure (230) may include a portion that is exposed to the outside with respect to the housing (210). For the non-conductive structure (230), the descriptions of FIG. 2 may be referred to. The conductive pattern (240) may be disposed on the second surface of the non-conductive structure (230). The conductive pattern (240) may be disposed between the non-conductive structure (230) and the piezoelectric layer (250). For the conductive pattern (240), the descriptions of FIG. 2 may be referred to. The piezoelectric layer (250) may include a first surface coupled to the conductive pattern (240) and a second surface opposite to the first surface. For the piezoelectric layer (250), the descriptions of FIG. 2 may be referred to.
[0037] In one embodiment, a first conductive via (245a) and / or a second conductive via (245b) may be disposed within the piezoelectric layer (250). The first conductive via (245a) may connect a first end of the conductive pattern (240) and a first connection member (260a). The first connection member (260a) may be disposed on a second surface of the piezoelectric layer (250). For example, the first connection member (260a) may be a conductive member for electrically connecting a PCB (not shown) and the conductive via (245a), and may be a solder bump (or may be referred to as a bump, a solder ball, or a soldering). The second conductive via (245b) may connect a second end of the conductive pattern (240) and the second connection member (260b). The second connecting member (260b) may be disposed on the second surface of the piezoelectric layer (250). For example, the second connecting member (260b) may be a solder bump (or may be referred to as a bump, solder ball, or soldering) as a conductive member for electrically connecting a PCB (not shown) and a conductive via (245b).
[0038] In one embodiment, the wearable device (101) may include a switching circuit (360). The switching circuit (360) may be configured to selectively connect the radiator (220) to one of the first connecting member (260a) and the wireless communication circuit (380). For example, when the switching circuit (360) connects the radiator (220) and the first connecting member (260a), the conductive pattern (240) may be electrically connected to the radiator (220) through the first conductive via (245a) and the first connecting member (260a).
[0039] According to one embodiment, the wearable device (101) may include a matching circuit (370). The matching circuit (370) may be connected to a second connecting member (260b). The conductive pattern (240) may include resonant patterns. The resonant patterns may include a first resonant pattern and a second resonant pattern. The first resonant pattern may include a plurality of electrodes. The second resonant pattern may include a plurality of electrodes. The first resonant pattern may include a first end of the conductive pattern (240). The second resonant pattern may include a second end of the conductive pattern (240). The first resonant pattern may be configured to reflect a signal component corresponding to a resonant frequency of the conductive pattern (240) among a wireless signal input through the first end. The first resonant pattern may be configured to transmit a signal component other than the resonant frequency among the wireless signal to the second resonant pattern. For example, the first resonance pattern can convert the signal component into a mechanical wave and transmit the mechanical wave to the second resonance pattern. The second resonance pattern can convert the mechanical wave into an electrical signal and transmit the electrical signal to the matching circuit (370). As the first resonance pattern reflects the signal component of the resonance frequency, the reflected signal component can be radiated to the outside through the switching circuit (360) and the radiator (220). For example, the reflected signal component can be transmitted to an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device (130)). A user input on the non-conductive structure (230) can change the pressure within the piezoelectric layer (250). The change in the pressure can change the mechanical vibration characteristics between molecules. As the pressure within the piezoelectric layer (250) changes, the speed of a surface acoustic wave propagating through the surface of the piezoelectric layer (250) can change. A change in speed can cause a change in frequency.When the resonant frequency of the conductive pattern (240) changes, the frequency of the signal component reflected by the conductive pattern (240) may change. Accordingly, the magnitude and phase of the signal transmitted to the external electronic device (130) may change. Since the signal transmitted from the external electronic device (130) mainly includes a signal component of a specific frequency, the intensity of a signal component having a frequency other than the specific frequency may be much smaller than the intensity of the signal component of the specific frequency. Accordingly, the intensity of a signal component (e.g., a signal component having a changed frequency) transmitted to the external electronic device (130) after a user input on the non-conductive structure (230) may be smaller than the intensity of a signal component (e.g., a signal component having the specific frequency) transmitted to the external electronic device (130) before the user input on the non-conductive structure (230). For example, if a signal component of a specific frequency is repeatedly received and then no longer received, the external electronic device (130) can recognize that the resonant frequency of the wearable device (101) has changed. By recognizing that the pattern of signal transmission has changed, the external electronic device (130) can detect a user input from the wearable device (101).
[0040] According to various embodiments, the wearable device (101) may be configured to receive a wireless signal from a host device (130) (e.g., an external electronic device 130) via an antenna, and / or connect the antenna to a piezoelectric layer (250), and / or transmit the wireless signal to a conductive portion (240) via the piezoelectric layer (250), and / or cause the conductive portion (240) to transmit a reflected signal (or cause the conductive portion (240) to transmit a reflected signal). For example, the wearable device (101) may be configured to cause the conductive portion (240) to transmit a reflected signal in response to pressure applied to the piezoelectric layer (250) via a non-conductive structure (230).
[0041] According to one embodiment, the wearable device (101) can transmit a wireless signal through the wireless communication circuit (380). For example, the wearable device (101) can transmit a BLE signal. The wireless communication circuit (380) can include a BLE communication circuit. As another example, the wearable device (101) can transmit a Wi-Fi signal. The wireless communication circuit (380) can include a wireless LAN communication circuit. According to one embodiment, the wireless communication circuit (380) may include a control circuit (e.g., a microcontroller unit (MCU)) for controlling the switching circuit (360). For example, the wireless communication circuit (380) may correspond to an integrated chip (IC) including the BLE communication circuit and the MCU. The MCU of the wireless communication circuit (380) may transmit a control signal (377) to the switching circuit (360). The connection state of the switching circuit (360) may be controlled according to the control signal (377). The wearable device (101) may selectively transmit a wireless signal using the wireless communication circuit (380) and a reflected signal using the conductive pattern (240). The wearable device (101) may control the switching circuit (360) to connect the radiator (220) and the conductive pattern (240) in a first state. The wearable device (101) may control the switching circuit (360) to connect the radiator (220) and the conductive pattern (240) in a second state. A switching circuit (360) can be controlled to connect the radiator (220) and the wireless communication circuit (380). For example, the switching circuit (360) can be a single pole double throw (SPDT).
[0042] According to one embodiment, the wearable device (101) can perform BLE communication with an external electronic device (130). The wearable device (101) can perform a BLE connection with the external electronic device (130) through the radiator (220). The switching circuit (360) can connect the radiator (220) and the wireless communication circuit (380). As a non-limiting example, when the wearable device (101) boots, the switching circuit (360) can connect the radiator (220) and the wireless communication circuit (380). While the switching circuit (360) connects the radiator (220) and the wireless communication circuit (380), the wearable device (101) can continuously monitor the beacon signal. The external electronic device (130) can repeatedly transmit the beacon signal. The wearable device (101) may search for the beacon signal and then perform a pairing procedure with an external electronic device (130) based on the beacon signal. After a connection is established according to the pairing procedure, if there is no data communication for a certain period of time, the wearable device (101) may operate in a BLE idle mode. In the BLE idle mode, the wearable device (101) may operate in an active state according to a designated cycle to monitor whether a wireless signal is received. In the BLE idle mode, the wearable device (101) may operate in a sleep state to reduce power consumption except for the time when it operates in the active state. According to one embodiment, in the sleep state, the wearable device (101) may electrically connect the radiator (220) and the conductive pattern (240) through the switching circuit (360). For example, the wearable device (101) can control the switching circuit (360) to connect the radiator (220) and the conductive pattern (240) in the sleep state. When pressure is applied to the non-conductive structure (230) by a user (e.g., the user (105)), the resonant frequency of the conductive pattern (240) on the piezoelectric layer (250) can be changed.For example, as the resonant frequency shifts from the first frequency to the second frequency, the signal component corresponding to the first frequency may no longer be reflected by the conductive pattern (240). The signal component corresponding to the first frequency may be transmitted to the matching circuit (370). The wearable device (101) may change the resonant frequency in response to a user input that provides the pressure to the non-conductive structure (230), thereby notifying the external electronic device (130) of the presence of the user input. The external electronic device (130) may continuously transmit a wireless signal that is the resonant frequency of the conductive pattern (240). The external electronic device (130) may recognize the user input through a change in the reception of a backscatter signal corresponding to the wireless signal.
[0043] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a wearable device (e.g., a wearable device (101)) including a conductive pattern (e.g., a conductive pattern (240)) positioned between a non-conductive structure (e.g., a non-conductive structure (230)) and a piezoelectric layer (e.g., a piezoelectric layer (250)). The same reference numerals may be used for the same description.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 4, the wearable device (101) may include a housing (210), a radiator (220), a non-conductive structure (230), a conductive pattern (240), a first conductive via (245a), a second conductive via (245b), a piezoelectric layer (250), a first connecting member (260a), and / or a second connecting member (260b). The wearable device (101) may be a ring-type device. For example, the housing (210) may be a ring-type structure and may have a shape for a user's finger. The descriptions of FIG. 2 may be referenced for the housing (210). The radiator (220) may be a conductive portion used to transmit or receive a wireless signal. The descriptions of FIG. 2 may be referenced for the radiator (220). The non-conductive structure (230) may include a portion that is exposed to the outside with respect to the housing (210). For the non-conductive structure (230), the descriptions of FIG. 2 may be referred to. The conductive pattern (240) may be disposed on the second surface of the non-conductive structure (230). The conductive pattern (240) may be disposed between the non-conductive structure (230) and the piezoelectric layer (250). For the conductive pattern (240), the descriptions of FIG. 2 may be referred to. The piezoelectric layer (250) may include a first surface coupled to the conductive pattern (240) and a second surface opposite to the first surface. For the piezoelectric layer (250), the descriptions of FIG. 2 may be referred to.
[0045] According to one embodiment, the wearable device (101) may include a support portion (410). The non-conductive structure (230) may include a portion that is exposed to the outside. The piezoelectric layer (250) may be connected to the PCB (420) via a first connection member (260a) and a second connection member (260b). The support portion (410) may be used to support a laminated structure including the non-conductive structure (230), the conductive pattern (240), and the piezoelectric layer (250). The support portion (410) may be arranged to surround the non-conductive structure (230) and the piezoelectric layer (250). For example, when viewed in one direction (e.g., the (-) x-axis direction), the support portion (410) may include a first portion (410a) formed on one side and a second portion (410b) formed on the other side opposite to the one side.
[0046] According to one embodiment, the wearable device (101) may include a PCB (420). The PCB (420) may include a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. For example, a first connection member (260a) and a second connection member (260b) may be disposed on the first surface of the PCB (420). A plurality of components may be disposed on the second surface of the PCB (420). For example, a three-axis sensor (401), a biosensor (402) (e.g., a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, a heart rate monitoring (HRM) sensor), a switching circuit (360), a micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) sensor (404), a temperature sensor (405), and / or a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) (406) may be disposed on the second surface of the PCB (420).
[0047] In one embodiment, the first connecting member (260a) may be connected to the radiator (220) via a switching circuit (360). For example, the first connecting member (260a) may be connected to the switching circuit (360) on the second side of the PCB (420) via wiring and vias on the first side of the PCB (420). The switching circuit (360) may be connected to the radiator (220) via wiring of the PCB (420).
[0048] According to one embodiment, the second connecting member (260b) may be connected to a matching circuit (370). For example, the matching circuit (370) may be disposed on the first surface or the second surface of the PCB (420).
[0049] As a non-limiting example, the wearable device (101) may include various components in addition to the components described above. For example, the wearable device (101) may include a conductive portion (440) for wireless charging. The conductive portion (440) may be referred to as a charging coil, a charging antenna, a conductive coil, and / or equivalent technical terms. As a non-limiting example, the conductive portion (440) may be used as a near-field communication (NFC) coil. For example, the wearable device (101) may include a battery (450) for supplying power.
[0050] A wearable device (101) according to embodiments of the present disclosure can be used as a device for controlling an external electronic device (130) according to a user input. Based on a signal reflected through a conductive pattern (240) in the wearable device (101), the wearable device (101) can be used as an input / output device for user input. By reflecting the received signal through the physical characteristics of the conductive pattern (240) and the piezoelectric layer (250) without using an additional sensor or wireless communication circuit, power consumption can be reduced. According to one embodiment, the conductive pattern (240) can be electrically connected to the radiator (220) as shown in FIG. 2 or can be electrically connected to the radiator (220) through a switching circuit (360) as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Accordingly, the conductive pattern (240) may be configured to reflect a radio signal having a resonant frequency of the conductive pattern (240) among the radio signals received through the radiator (220). As an electrical signal corresponding to the radio signal is supplied to the conductive pattern (240), a surface acoustic wave may be generated. The conductive pattern (240) may function as a resonator that totally reflects the electrical signal according to the resonant frequency of the conductive pattern (240) and passes signal components having frequencies different from the resonant frequency.
[0051] Figures 5a and 5b illustrate examples of conductive patterns (e.g., conductive pattern (240)). Like reference numerals may be used for like descriptions.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 5A, a conductive pattern (240) according to one embodiment may include a first resonant pattern (541) and a second resonant pattern (542). The first resonant pattern (541) may include a first end (551) for receiving a wireless signal (510). The second resonant pattern (542) may include a second end (552) connected to a matching circuit (370).
[0053] According to one embodiment, the first resonant pattern (541) may include a plurality of electrodes. The first resonant pattern (541) may be configured to convert an electrical signal into a mechanical wave depending on the spacing between the electrodes (555), the width of each electrode, and / or the number of electrodes.
[0054] According to one embodiment, the second resonant pattern (542) may include a plurality of electrodes. The second resonant pattern (542) may be configured to convert a mechanical wave into an electrical signal depending on the spacing between the electrodes, the width of each electrode, and / or the number of electrodes. For example, the first resonant pattern (541) may convert a received electrical signal into a mechanical wave. The first resonant pattern (541) may transmit the converted mechanical wave to the second resonant pattern (542). The second resonant pattern (542) may convert the mechanical wave back into an electrical signal. In this conversion process, a frequency-selective characteristic may be determined depending on the IDT characteristic of the first resonant pattern (541) and / or the IDT characteristic of the second resonant pattern (542).
[0055] In one embodiment, the spacing between the electrodes (555) may affect the resonant frequency reflected through the first resonant pattern (541). For example, the spacing between the electrodes (555) may be determined based on the following mathematical equation.
[0056] <Mathematical Formula 1>
[0057]
[0058] p represents the pitch between electrodes (e.g., the spacing between electrode centers) (555), v represents the propagation speed of surface waves (or surface acoustic waves) on the piezoelectric layer (250), and w represents the resonant frequency.
[0059] The first resonant pattern (541) and / or the second resonant pattern (542) may be configured to reflect a signal component corresponding to a resonant frequency among the wireless signal (510). For example, the first resonant pattern (541) may be configured to reflect a signal component corresponding to the resonant frequency among the wireless signal (510). For example, the second resonant pattern (542) may be configured to reflect a signal component corresponding to the resonant frequency among the wireless signal (510). For example, both the first resonant pattern (541) and the second resonant pattern (542) may be configured to reflect a signal component corresponding to the resonant frequency among the wireless signal (510). A signal component having a frequency different from the resonant frequency among the wireless signal (510) may be transmitted to the matching circuit (370) through the second resonant pattern (542). For example, if the frequency of the wireless signal (510) is a signal having a resonant frequency, the second resonant pattern (542) may be configured to totally reflect the wireless signal (510). As the wireless signal (510) is totally reflected, the second resonant pattern (542) may not transmit a separate mechanical wave to the matching circuit (370). The second resonant pattern (542) may be configured to reflect a signal component corresponding to the resonant frequency among the wireless signal (520). As a non-limiting example, the first resonant pattern (541) may be used for total reflection of the wireless signal (510). As an example, as the wireless signal (510) is totally reflected in the first resonant pattern (542), a separate mechanical wave may not be transmitted to the matching circuit (370). A signal component having a frequency different from the resonant frequency among the wireless signal (520) may be transmitted to the matching circuit (370). For example, if the frequency of the wireless signal (520) is different from the resonant frequency, the conductive pattern (240) (e.g., the first resonant pattern (541) and / or the second resonant pattern (542)) can pass all of the wireless signal (520).
[0060] Referring to Fig. 5b, the conductive pattern (240) may include a first resonant pattern (541) and a second resonant pattern (542). For the first resonant pattern (541) and the second resonant pattern (542), the descriptions of Fig. 5a may be referred to. The molecular bonds in the piezoelectric layer (250) may be strained due to external pressure. If the mechanical vibration characteristics between molecules change, the speed of the elastic wave may also change. As the speed changes, the resonant frequency may change. For example, referring to [Mathematical Formula 1], the resonant frequency according to the change in speed may change as shown in the mathematical formula below.
[0061] <Mathematical Formula 2>
[0062]
[0063]
[0064] Figures 6a and 6b illustrate examples of an electronic device (e.g., an external electronic device (130)) for receiving user input using a wearable device (e.g., a wearable device (101)). The same reference numbers may be used for the same description.
[0065] Referring to FIG. 6A, the wearable device (101) may include a housing (210), a radiator (220), a non-conductive structure (230), a conductive pattern (240), a first conductive via (245a), a second conductive via (245b), a piezoelectric layer (250), a first connecting member (260a), and / or a second connecting member (260b). The wearable device (101) may include a switching circuit (360), a matching circuit (370), and / or a wireless communication circuit (380). For each component of the wearable device (101), the descriptions of FIG. 3 may be referred to. The wearable device (101) may communicate with an external electronic device (130).
[0066] According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (130) may include a processor (610), a wireless communication circuit (620), a coupler (659), or an antenna (699) connected to the coupler (659). The wireless communication circuit (620) may include a digital processing circuit (630) for digital signal processing. The wireless communication circuit (620) may include a DAC (633a) and a power amplifier (PA) (641a) for a transmit path. The wireless communication circuit (620) may include an ADC (633b) and a low noise amplifier (LNA) (641b) for a receive path. The wireless communication circuit (620) may include a switching circuit (643) for connecting one of the transmit path and the receive path to the coupler (659). The wireless communication circuit (620) may include a leakage detection circuit (650) and an ADC (635) for a feedback path (670).
[0067] According to one embodiment, the wearable device (101) can operate in a user input mode. In the user input mode, the wearable device (101) can control the switching circuit (360) to connect the conductive pattern (240) and the radiator (220). The external electronic device (130) can transmit a wireless signal (610) having a resonant frequency of the conductive pattern (240) of the wearable device (101). The external electronic device (130) can transmit the wireless signal (610) through a transmission path (e.g., a DAC (633a) or a PA (641a)), a coupler (659), and an antenna (699). The external electronic device (130) can continuously transmit the wireless signal (610). For example, the external electronic device (130) can periodically transmit the wireless signal (610). While the conductive pattern (240) and the radiator (220) are connected through the switching circuit (360), and before a user input is received by the non-conductive structure (230), the conductive pattern (240) of the wearable device (101) can be configured to reflect most of the wireless signal (610). Since the signal incident through the radiator (220) is reflected by the conductive pattern (240), the external electronic device (130) can receive a backscatter signal (615) corresponding to the wireless signal (610).
[0068] An external electronic device (130) can receive a backscatter signal (615) through an antenna (699). The backscatter signal (615) received through the antenna (699) can be provided to a leakage detection circuit (650) through a feedback path (670). Depending on the implementation of the circuit, at least a portion of the wireless signal (610) (hereinafter, referred to as a leakage signal) can leak and enter through the feedback path (670). The leakage detection circuit (650) can receive the feedback signal. The feedback signal can include the backscatter signal (615) and the leakage signal. The leakage detection circuit (650) can identify the backscatter signal (615) from the feedback signal and provide the backscatter signal (615) to an ADC (635). For example, the leakage detection circuit (650) can identify the backscatter signal (615) from the feedback signal based on phase difference information due to a path difference between the leakage circuit and the backscatter signal (615). The leakage detection circuit (650) can identify the backscatter signal (615) by removing the leakage signal from the feedback signal or reducing a component of the leakage signal. The backscatter signal (615) can be transmitted to the digital processing circuit (630) and / or the processor (610) through the ADC (635). The external electronic device (130) can recognize a device (e.g., a wearable device (101)) configured to reflect a wireless signal (610) by receiving the backscatter signal (615). For example, if the external electronic device (130) periodically transmits a wireless signal (610), the external electronic device (130) can periodically receive the backscatter signal (615). The external electronic device (130) can recognize the wearable device (101) based on the reception of the backscatter signal (615).
[0069] Referring to FIG. 6B, a wearable device (101) according to one embodiment may include a conductive pattern (240) disposed between a non-conductive structure (230) and a piezoelectric layer (250). The conductive pattern (240) may be configured to reflect a signal component of a resonant frequency and transmit a signal component of a frequency different from the resonant frequency. A user input (570) may be provided to the non-conductive structure (230) of the wearable device (101). For example, the user input (570) may be an input in which a finger of a user (e.g., the user (105)) touches or presses the non-conductive structure (230). As pressure is applied to the non-conductive structure (230) in one direction (D1), the pressure may also be transmitted to the piezoelectric layer (250) bonded to the second surface (e.g., the surface opposite to the first surface exposed to the outside) of the non-conductive structure (230). Depending on the pressure on the piezoelectric layer (250), the propagation speed in the piezoelectric layer (250) may vary. If the propagation speeds of the surface acoustic wave formed on the conductive pattern (240) and the piezoelectric layer (250) vary, the resonance frequency may also vary.
[0070] As the resonant frequency changes, the frequency of the reflected signal may also change. For example, the external electronic device (130) may transmit a wireless signal (610) at a frequency corresponding to the resonant frequency (w1) before the user input (570). The frequency of the wireless signal (610) may correspond to w1. Meanwhile, in the state according to the user input (570), the resonant frequency of the conductive pattern (240) may change. The resonant frequency of the conductive pattern (240) may change from w1 to w2. In the state according to the user input (570), the conductive pattern (240) may not reflect the wireless signal (610). In an implementation example, the conductive pattern (240) may transmit a backscatter signal (615) with an intensity below a detection threshold. The wireless signal (610) may be reflected from the conductive pattern (240) with a small intensity. The conductive pattern (240) can transmit the wireless signal (610) to the matching circuit (370). After the user input (570), the radiator (220) no longer transmits the backscatter signal to the external electronic device (130) or transmits a backscatter signal (675) with a weak intensity, so that the external electronic device (130) may have difficulty detecting the backscatter signal corresponding to the wireless signal (610). The external electronic device (130) can monitor the backscatter signal through the leakage detection circuit (650). The external electronic device (130) can recognize the user input (570) in the wearable device (101) based on the change in the signal characteristic of the backscatter signal. For example, as the amount of the backscatter signal is greatly reduced, the external electronic device (130) can recognize the user input (570) in the wearable device (101). For example, as the amount of change in the phase of the backscatter signal increases significantly, the external electronic device (130) can recognize the user input (570) in the wearable device (101).
[0071] In the manner described above, the wearable device (101) can transmit the presence or absence of a user input (570) to the external electronic device (130). For example, the user (105) can repeatedly bring a part of the user's body (e.g., a finger) into contact with and without contacting the non-conductive structure (230) in a pattern known to the external electronic device (130). The wearable device (101) can transmit a backscatter signal (615) according to the repetition and then transmit a backscatter signal (675) (a signal transmitted with an intensity below a detection threshold). The external electronic device (130) can receive the backscatter signal (615) according to the repetition and then receive the backscatter signal (675). Depending on the reception pattern of the backscatter signal, the external electronic device (130) can recognize a user input corresponding to the reception pattern. The external electronic device (130) can execute a function corresponding to the user input.
[0072] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of an electronic device (e.g., an external electronic device (130)) for receiving user input using a wearable device (e.g., a wearable device (101)). While FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a single resonant frequency, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. FIG. 7 illustrates the structure of a wearable device (101) utilizing multiple conductive patterns and the operations of an external electronic device (130).
[0073] Referring to FIG. 7, the wearable device (101) may include a housing (210), a radiator (220), a non-conductive structure (230), a conductive pattern (240), a first conductive via (245a), a second conductive via (245b), a piezoelectric layer (250), a first connecting member (260a), and / or a second connecting member (260b). The wearable device (101) may include a switching circuit (360), a matching circuit (370), and / or a wireless communication circuit (380). For each component of the wearable device (101), the descriptions of FIG. 3 may be referred to. The non-conductive structure (230) may be referred to as a first non-conductive structure. The conductive pattern (240) may be referred to as a first conductive pattern. The piezoelectric layer (250) may be referred to as a first piezoelectric layer. The conductive pattern (240) on the piezoelectric layer (250) may be configured to reflect a signal of the first resonant frequency (w1). According to one embodiment, the first connecting member (260a) may be electrically connected to the radiator (220) via a switching circuit (360). The second connecting member (260b) may be electrically connected to a third connecting member (762a) described below.
[0074] According to one embodiment, the wearable device (101) may include a second non-conductive structure (732), a second conductive pattern (742) (which may also be referred to as a second conductive portion throughout the present disclosure), and a second piezoelectric layer (752). The second conductive pattern (742) on the second piezoelectric layer (752) may be configured to reflect a signal at a second resonant frequency (w2). The second non-conductive structure (732) may include a first side on which an externally exposed portion is disposed and a second side opposite the first side. The second side of the second non-conductive structure (732) may be coupled to the first side of the second piezoelectric layer (752). The second conductive pattern (742) may be disposed on the first side of the second piezoelectric layer (752). A second conductive pattern (742) may be disposed between a second non-conductive structure (732) and a second piezoelectric layer (752). A first end of the second conductive pattern (742) may be connected to a third connecting member (762a) through a third conductive via (745a). A second end of the second conductive pattern (742) may be connected to a fourth connecting member (762b) through a fourth conductive via (745b). The second piezoelectric layer (752) may include a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The third connecting member (762a) and the fourth connecting member (762b) may be disposed on the second surface of the second piezoelectric layer (752). In one embodiment, the third connecting member (762a) may be electrically connected to the second connecting member (260b). The fourth connecting member (762b) may be electrically connected to the fifth connecting member (763a) described below. As a non-limiting example, each of the third connecting member (762a) and the fourth connecting member (762b) may be a solder bump (or may be referred to as a bump, solder ball, or soldering).
[0075] The second non-conductive structure (732) may include a material for transmitting pressure to the second piezoelectric layer (752) based on a user input (e.g., a pressing input, a touch input, or a rubbing input). In one embodiment, the second non-conductive structure (732) may include a crystalline material (e.g., a crystal material). The second non-conductive structure (732) may have a repeating atomic / molecular structure. For example, the second non-conductive structure (732) may be a diamond (e.g., a cubic system). For example, the non-second non-conductive structure (732) may be a ruby or an emerald (e.g., a trigonal system). For example, the second non-conductive structure (732) may be a topaz (e.g., a hexagonal system). In another embodiment, the second non-conductive structure (732) may include an amorphous material. For example, the second non-conductive structure (732) may include glass.
[0076] According to one embodiment, the wearable device (101) may include a third non-conductive structure (733), a third conductive pattern (743), and a third piezoelectric layer (753). The third conductive pattern (743) on the third piezoelectric layer (753) may be configured to reflect a signal of a third resonant frequency (w3). The third non-conductive structure (733) may include a first surface on which an externally exposed portion is disposed and a second surface opposite the first surface. The second surface of the third non-conductive structure (733) may be coupled to the first surface of the third piezoelectric layer (753). The third conductive pattern (743) may be disposed on the first surface of the third piezoelectric layer (753). The third conductive pattern (743) may be disposed between the third non-conductive structure (733) and the third piezoelectric layer (753). A first end of the third conductive pattern (743) may be connected to a fifth connecting member (763a) through a fifth conductive via (746a). A second end of the third conductive pattern (743) may be connected to a sixth connecting member (763b) through a sixth conductive via (746b). The third piezoelectric layer (753) may include the first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The fifth connecting member (763a) and the sixth connecting member (763b) may be disposed on the second surface of the third piezoelectric layer (753). In one embodiment, the fifth connecting member (763a) may be electrically connected to the fourth connecting member (762b). The sixth connecting member (763b) may be electrically connected to the matching circuit (370). As a non-limiting example, each of the fifth connecting member (763a) and the sixth connecting member (763b) may be a solder bump (or may be referred to as a bump, solder ball, or soldering).
[0077] The third non-conductive structure (733) may include a material for transmitting pressure to the third piezoelectric layer (753) based on a user input (e.g., a pressing input, a touch input, or a rubbing input). In one embodiment, the third non-conductive structure (733) may include a crystalline material (e.g., a crystal material). The third non-conductive structure (733) may have a repeating atomic / molecular structure. For example, the third non-conductive structure (733) may be a diamond (e.g., a cubic system). For example, the non-third non-conductive structure (733) may be a ruby or an emerald (e.g., a trigonal system). For example, the third non-conductive structure (733) may be a topaz (e.g., a hexagonal system). In another embodiment, the third non-conductive structure (733) may include an amorphous material. For example, the third non-conductive structure (733) may include glass.
[0078] According to one embodiment, the wearable device (101) may include a plurality of decorative portions (e.g., three decorative portions). The decorative portions may be electrically connected to each other. For example, the decorative portions may be connected in a daisy chain manner. Each decorative portion may correspond to a portion of the non-conductive structure that is exposed to the outside. A user input for each non-conductive structure of the wearable device (101) may change the resonant frequency in the corresponding conductive pattern. For example, when at least a part of the user's body (e.g., a hand) comes into contact with the first non-conductive structure (230), the resonant frequency in the first conductive pattern (240) on the first piezoelectric layer (250) may change. For example, the resonant frequency in the first conductive pattern (240) may change from w1 to w4. For example, when at least a part of a user's body (e.g., a hand) comes into contact with the second non-conductive structure (732), the resonant frequency of the second conductive pattern (742) on the second piezoelectric layer (752) may change. For example, the resonant frequency of the second conductive pattern (742) may change from w2 to w5. For example, when at least a part of a user's body (e.g., a hand) comes into contact with the third non-conductive structure (733), the resonant frequency of the third conductive pattern (743) on the third piezoelectric layer (753) may change. For example, the resonant frequency of the third conductive pattern (743) may change from w3 to w6.
[0079] According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (130) can transmit a first wireless signal (711), a second wireless signal (712), and a third wireless signal (713). The external electronic device (130) can transmit the first wireless signal (711), the second wireless signal (712), and the third wireless signal (713) in a time-interleaved manner. For example, the external electronic device (130) can transmit the first wireless signal (711) in a first time interval, the second wireless signal (712) in a second time interval following the first time interval, and the third wireless signal (713) in a third time interval following the second time interval. The frequency of the first wireless signal (711) can correspond to w1. The frequency of the second wireless signal (712) can correspond to w2. The frequency of the third wireless signal (713) can correspond to w3.
[0080] According to one embodiment, the wearable device (101) can electrically connect the first conductive pattern (240) to the radiator (220) through the switching circuit (360). The first conductive pattern (240) can be configured to reflect a signal component having a frequency corresponding to w1 among wireless signals from the external electronic device (130). The external electronic device (101) can receive a first scattered signal (721) based on the reflection. The frequency of the first backscatter signal (721) can correspond to w1. The second conductive pattern (742) can be configured to reflect a signal component having a frequency corresponding to w2 among wireless signals from the external electronic device (130). The external electronic device (101) can receive a second backscatter signal (722) based on the reflection. The frequency of the second backscatter signal (722) can correspond to w2. The third conductive pattern (743) may be configured to reflect a signal component having a frequency corresponding to w3 among wireless signals from an external electronic device (130). The external electronic device (101) may receive a third backscatter signal (723) based on the reflection. The frequency of the third backscatter signal (723) may correspond to w3.
[0081] In one embodiment, the external electronic device (130) can recognize the user's input or output based on a change in the reception pattern of reflected signals, e.g., backscatter signals. For example, when the user's finger presses the second non-conductive structure (732), the resonant frequency of the second conductive pattern (742) can change from w2 to w5. As the resonant frequency changes, the second conductive pattern (742) can be configured to reflect a signal component having a frequency different from w2. As a result, the external electronic device (130) can detect that the intensity of the signal having a frequency corresponding to w2 is a threshold value. In addition, for example, if a user swipes the portions in the order of the first non-conductive structure (230) exposed to the outside, the portion of the second non-conductive structure (732) exposed to the outside, and the portion of the third non-conductive structure (733) exposed to the outside, the wearable device (101) may not reflect the first wireless signal (711) having a frequency of w1, then may not reflect the second wireless signal (712) having a frequency of w2, and then may not reflect the third wireless signal (713) having a frequency of w3. Accordingly, the external electronic device (130) may recognize the user's swipe input by sequentially decreasing the intensity of the first backscatter signal (721), the second backscatter signal (722), and the third backscatter signal (723) in the received feedback signal.
[0082] Although three decorative parts are illustrated in FIG. 7, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. A wearable device (101) including two decorative parts or four or more decorative parts may also be understood as an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, the wearable device (101) may include a first non-conductive structure (230) and a second non-conductive structure (732) corresponding to the two decorative parts. Here, the fourth connecting member (762b) may be electrically connected to the matching circuit (370).
[0083] Figure 8 illustrates an operational flow of a wearable device (e.g., wearable device (101)) for providing user input using the wearable device. The same reference numbers may be used for the same description.
[0084] Referring to FIG. 8, in operation (801), the wearable device (101) may control a switching circuit (e.g., a switching circuit (360)) to connect a wireless communication circuit (e.g., a wireless communication circuit (380)) and a radiator (e.g., a radiator (220)). For example, the wearable device (101) may control the switching circuit (360) to connect the wireless communication circuit (380) and the radiator (220) when booting. The wireless communication circuit (380) may be used to transmit or receive a signal for BLE communication. The wearable device (101) may perform a BLE connection procedure with an external electronic device (e.g., an external electronic device (130)) through the wireless communication circuit (380) and the radiator (220).
[0085] In operation (803), the wearable device (101) may transmit information about a resonant frequency to an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device (130)). For example, the wearable device (101) may transmit information about the resonant frequency to the external electronic device (130) via a BLE connection. The information about the resonant frequency represents a resonant frequency according to electrodes of a conductive pattern (240) located on a piezoelectric layer (e.g., the piezoelectric layer (250)) of the wearable device (101). The resonant frequency represents the resonant frequency of the conductive pattern (240) in a free state of the wearable device (101), for example, in a state in which there is no user input (e.g., a user input (570)) to a decorative portion (e.g., a part of a non-conductive structure (230) exposed to the outside) of the wearable device (101). As an example, the resonant frequency may refer to w.
[0086] In operation (805), the wearable device (101) may enter an idle mode while in a paired state with an external electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (130)). If there is no data to be transmitted or received for a certain period of time, the wearable device (101) may enter an idle mode (e.g., BLE idle mode) to reduce battery consumption.
[0087] In operation (807), the wearable device (101) can control a switching circuit (e.g., a switching circuit (360)) to connect a conductive pattern (e.g., a conductive pattern (240)) and a radiator (e.g., a radiator (220)) disposed between a piezoelectric layer (e.g., a piezoelectric layer (250)) and a non-conductive structure (e.g., a non-conductive structure (230)). The wearable device (101) is in BLE idle mode, and can transmit a signal using the conductive pattern (240) and the piezoelectric layer (250). For the above method, the wearable device (101) can control the switching circuit (360) to connect the radiator (220) and the conductive pattern (240). In operation (803), according to the resonant frequency provided to the external electronic device (130), the external electronic device (130) can transmit a wireless signal at a frequency corresponding to the resonant frequency. The wearable device (101) can receive the wireless signal through the radiator (220). The external electronic device (130) can be configured to reflect a signal corresponding to the current resonant frequency of the conductive pattern (240) among the wireless signals received through the radiator (220). For example, in the first state before receiving a user input (e.g., a user input (570)), the current resonant frequency of the conductive pattern (240) can be the same as the resonant frequency (w) transmitted in operation (803). For example, in the second state according to the user input (e.g., a user input (570)), the current resonant frequency of the conductive pattern (240) can be different from the resonant frequency (w) transmitted in operation (803). This is because the resonant frequency changes due to the change in the speed of the surface acoustic wave propagating through the surface of the piezoelectric layer (250) according to the pressure of the user input (570). Since the resonant frequency (w) provided to the external electronic device (130) in operation (803) is different from the current resonant frequency of the conductive pattern (240), most of the wireless signal can be transmitted to the matching circuit (e.g., the matching circuit (370)).The external electronic device (130) can identify that a user input (570) has been provided to the wearable device (101) by a decrease in the intensity of the backscatter signal due to reflection of at least a portion of the wireless signal.
[0088] FIG. 9 illustrates an operational flow of an electronic device (e.g., an external electronic device (130)) for receiving user input using a wearable device (e.g., a wearable device (101)). The same reference numbers may be used for the same description.
[0089] Referring to FIG. 9, in operation (901), an external electronic device (130) may perform a pairing procedure with a wearable device (e.g., wearable device (101)). For example, the external electronic device (130) may perform a pairing procedure based on BLE communication. The external electronic device (130) may broadcast a beacon signal. By receiving a signal responding to the beacon signal, the external electronic device (130) may perform a pairing procedure with the wearable device (101). As the pairing procedure is completed, a BLE connection may be established between the external electronic device (130) and the wearable device (101).
[0090] In operation (903), the external electronic device (130) can receive information about a resonant frequency from a wearable device (e.g., the wearable device (101)). The external electronic device (130) can receive information about the resonant frequency from the wearable device (101) via a BLE connection. The information about the resonant frequency represents a resonant frequency according to electrodes of a conductive pattern (240) located on a piezoelectric layer (e.g., the piezoelectric layer (250)) of the wearable device (101). The resonant frequency represents a resonant frequency of the conductive pattern (240) in a free state, for example, when there is no user input (e.g., a user input (570)) on a decorative portion (e.g., a part of a non-conductive structure (230) exposed to the outside) of the wearable device (101). The external electronic device (130) can receive information about the resonant frequency. For example, the resonant frequency may refer to w.
[0091] In operation (905), the external electronic device (130) may transmit a wireless signal at a resonant frequency (w). The external electronic device (130) may enter a BLE idle mode based on identifying that there is no data for a certain period of time. The external electronic device (130) may identify w, which is a resonant frequency indicated by the information received from the wearable device (101). The external electronic device (130) may transmit a wireless signal (e.g., wireless signal (610)) having w as a frequency.
[0092] In operation (907), the external electronic device (130) may determine whether a backscatter signal (e.g., backscatter signal (615), backscatter signal (675)) greater than a threshold value is received. The wearable device (101) may be configured to reflect a wireless signal of the current resonant frequency of the conductive pattern (240). For example, the wearable device (101) may be configured to reflect a signal component having a frequency corresponding to the resonant frequency (w) provided in operation (903). If pressure is applied to the non-conductive structure (230) of the wearable device (101) according to a user input, the resonant frequency of the conductive pattern (240) may change due to a change in velocity in the piezoelectric layer (250). As the resonant frequency of the conductive pattern (240) changes, the conductive pattern (240) may no longer reflect the signal component having the frequency w. The conductive pattern (240) may reflect relatively low intensity signals or no signals at all, as it passes most of the wireless signal having the w frequency. The external electronic device (130) may detect a backscatter signal from the feedback signal in the received feedback path (e.g., feedback path (670)). The external electronic device (101) may recognize that a user input has been provided to the wearable device (101) if the intensity of the backscatter signal is below a threshold. The external electronic device (101) may recognize that a user input has been provided (or has not been provided) to the wearable device (101) if the intensity of the backscatter signal is above the threshold. The external electronic device (130) may perform operation (909) based on a determination that a backscatter signal above the threshold is not received (e.g., a backscatter signal below the threshold). The external electronic device (130) may perform an action (913) upon determining that a backscatter signal greater than a threshold value is received.
[0093] In operation (909), the external electronic device (130) may determine whether a user pattern associated with the reception of a backscatter signal is detected. As described above in operation (907), the resonant frequency may vary depending on the presence or absence of user input for the non-conductive structure (230). A change in the resonant frequency may change the intensity of the reflected signal. Since the external electronic device (130) transmits only signals of a specific frequency, the intensity of the signal reflected from the conductive pattern (240) may vary depending on the shift in the resonant frequency. Accordingly, the intensity of the backscatter signal received by the external electronic device (130) may also vary.
[0094] In one embodiment, the pattern of change in the intensity of the backscatter signal may correspond to a user pattern. For example, when a user of a wearable device (101) presses and releases a non-conductive structure (230) three times, the intensity of the backscatter signal repeatedly decreases and increases below a threshold value three times. Through this pattern related to the reception of the backscatter signal, the external electronic device (101) may detect the user pattern. As a non-limiting example, the user pattern may include a short press input to the non-conductive structure (230) (e.g., less than a certain time (e.g., about 2 seconds)), a long press input to the non-conductive structure (230) (e.g., more than a certain time (e.g., about 2 seconds)), and / or a double press input to the non-conductive structure (230). The external electronic device (130) may perform operation (911) upon determining that a user pattern associated with the reception of the backscatter signal is detected. The external electronic device (130) may perform operation (913) upon determining that a user pattern associated with the reception of the backscatter signal is not detected.
[0095] In operation (911), the external electronic device (130) may execute a function corresponding to a user pattern. The user pattern may indicate that there is a user input from the wearable device (101). For example, the external electronic device (130) may be configured to broadcast a beacon signal according to the user pattern. For example, the external electronic device (130) may attempt to make a phone call to a specific user according to the user pattern. For example, the external electronic device (130) may output a notification signal to notify the location of the external electronic device (130) according to the user pattern. For example, the external electronic device (130) may execute a camera application and acquire an image according to the user pattern. For example, the external electronic device (130) may perform a series of functions set by the user according to the user pattern.
[0096] In operation (913), the external electronic device (130) may operate in a low-power state (e.g., sleep state) for a set period of time. Since the external electronic device (130) has entered the BLE idle mode after performing a pairing procedure with the wearable device (101), it may operate in the sleep state in the BLE idle mode if there is no separate user input.
[0097] In FIG. 9, an example is described in which an external electronic device (130) identifies a user input on a wearable device (101) based on a change in the intensity of a backscatter signal. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. A user input on a wearable device (101) may be identified not only based on the intensity of the backscatter signal, but also based on a change in the phase of the backscatter signal. According to one embodiment, instead of the operation (907) of FIG. 9, the wearable device (101) may determine whether the amount of phase change of the backscatter signal is greater than or equal to a threshold value. The phase change of the backscatter signal may refer to a phase difference between a backscatter signal reflected before a user input is applied to the wearable device (101) after a wireless signal is provided from the external electronic device (130) (hereinafter, referred to as a previous backscatter signal) and a currently received backscatter signal. If the phase change amount of the backscattered signal is greater than or equal to a threshold value, the external electronic device (130) may determine that a user input has been applied to the non-conductive structure (230) of the wearable device (101). The external electronic device (130) may perform operation (909). If the phase change amount of the backscattered signal is less than the threshold value, the external electronic device (130) may determine that there is no user input to the non-conductive structure (230) of the wearable device (101). The external electronic device (130) may perform operation (913). As a non-limiting example, the external electronic device (130) may consider both a condition according to a phase change and a condition according to the strength of the signal when determining whether the condition of operation (907) is satisfied. For example, based on both the phase change amount greater than or equal to a threshold value (hereinafter, phase change amount threshold) and the intensity of the backscatter signal greater than or equal to the threshold value, the external electronic device (130) can determine whether a user input has been applied to the wearable device (101). Based on the determination that the user input has been applied, the external electronic device (130) can perform an operation (909).Based on a determination that the above user input was not provided, the external electronic device (130) may perform action (913).
[0098] According to one embodiment, the wearable device (101) can identify the user pattern in operation (909) of FIG. 9 through not only a change in the intensity of the signal but also a change in the phase of the backscatter signal. The external electronic device (130) can determine whether a user pattern related to the reception of the backscatter signal is detected. A change in the resonant frequency can change not only the intensity but also the phase of the reflected signal. The phase of the signal reflected from the conductive pattern (240) can change according to the shift in the resonant frequency. Accordingly, the phase of the backscatter signal reflected from the external electronic device (130) can change. The change pattern in the intensity of the backscatter signal can correspond to the user pattern. For example, when the user of the wearable device (101) presses and releases the non-conductive structure (230) three times, the phase change amount of the backscatter signal can be repeated three times between being smaller and larger than a phase change amount threshold. Through the pattern associated with the reception of such backscattered signals, the external electronic device (101) can detect a user pattern. As a non-limiting example, the external electronic device (130) can consider both a condition according to a phase change and a condition according to a signal intensity when determining whether the condition of the operation (909) is satisfied. For example, based on both the pattern according to a phase change and the pattern according to a signal intensity change, the external electronic device (130) can determine a pattern of a backscattered signal. The external electronic device (130) can identify a user pattern intended for a user of the wearable device (101) through the determined pattern of the backscattered signal.
[0099] FIG. 10 illustrates exemplary components of a wearable device (e.g., wearable device (101)). Like reference numerals may be used for like description.
[0100] Referring to FIG. 10, a wearable device (101) may include a housing (210), a radiator (220), a non-conductive structure (230), and a conductive pattern (240). A piezoelectric layer (250) may be connected to a switching circuit (360) via a connecting member (not shown) (e.g., a first connecting member (260a), a second connecting member (260b)). The switching circuit (360) may be connected to the radiator (220). The switching circuit (360) may be configured to selectively electrically connect the radiator to one of the piezoelectric layer (250) and a wireless communication circuit (380) (e.g., a BLE + MCU IC).
[0101] The wearable device (101) may include various sensors. For example, the wearable device (101) may include a 3-axis sensor (401). For example, the wearable device (101) may include a biometric sensor (402) (e.g., a PPG sensor, an HRM sensor). For example, the wearable device (101) may include a MEMS (micro electro mechanical systems) sensor (404). For example, the wearable device (101) may include a temperature sensor (405). As a non-limiting example, the 3-axis sensor (401), the biometric sensor (402), and / or the temperature sensor (405) may be connected to a wireless communication circuit (380) via an SPI. The MCU of the wireless communication circuit (380) may compress data received from at least one of the sensors and store it in a memory (not shown). The wireless communication circuit (380) can transmit stored biometric information to an external electronic device (130) via a BLE connection.
[0102] The wearable device (101) may include components for power management. For example, the wearable device (101) may include a conductive portion (440) for charging. For example, the wearable device (101) may include a charging IC (1040). For example, the wearable device (101) may include a battery (450). The conductive portion (440) may provide magnetic energy received from an external charging circuit to the charging IC (1040). The charging IC (1040) may process (e.g., rectify, regulate) the magnetic energy and transmit the processed signal to the PMIC (406) as VBUS power. The PMIC (406) may charge the battery (450) based on the current supplied through the VBUS power. The PMIC (406) may be configured to generate power for driving components (e.g., ICs, wireless communication circuits (380)) within the wearable device (101) and supply the generated power.
[0103] For the components of the external electronic device (130) described through FIGS. 1 to 10, the descriptions below may be referred to. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (130) may correspond to the electronic device (1101) described in FIG. 11. As a non-limiting example, at least some of the descriptions of the components of the electronic device (1101) may also be referred to as descriptions of the components of the wearable device (101).
[0104] Figure 11 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment.
[0105] Referring to FIG. 11, in a network environment (1100), an electronic device (1101) may communicate with an electronic device (1102) via a first network (1198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of an electronic device (1104) or a server (1108) via a second network (1199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (1101) may communicate with the electronic device (1104) via the server (1108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (1101) may include a processor (1120), a memory (1130), an input module (1150), an audio output module (1155), a display module (1160), an audio module (1170), a sensor module (1176), an interface (1177), a connection terminal (1178), a haptic module (1179), a camera module (1180), a power management module (1188), a battery (1189), a communication module (1190), a subscriber identification module (1196), or an antenna module (1197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (1101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (1178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., sensor module (1176), camera module (1180), or antenna module (1197)) may be integrated into a single component (e.g., display module (1160)).
[0106] The processor (1120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (1140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (1101) connected to the processor (1120) and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or operations, the processor (1120) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (1176) or a communication module (1190)) in a volatile memory (1132), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (1132), and store result data in a non-volatile memory (1134). According to one embodiment, the processor (1120) may include a main processor (1121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (1123) (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 (1121). For example, when the electronic device (1101) includes the main processor (1121) and the auxiliary processor (1123), the auxiliary processor (1123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (1121) or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor (1123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (1121) or as a part thereof.
[0107] The auxiliary processor (1123) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (1160), a sensor module (1176), or a communication module (1190)) of the electronic device (1101), for example, on behalf of the main processor (1121) while the main processor (1121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (1121) while the main processor (1121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (1123) (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 (1180) or a communication module (1190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (1123) (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 (1101) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (1108)). 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.
[0108] The memory (1130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor (1120) or the sensor module (1176)) of the electronic device (1101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., the program (1140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (1130) can include a volatile memory (1132) or a non-volatile memory (1134).
[0109] The program (1140) may be stored as software in memory (1130) and may include, for example, an operating system (1142), middleware (1144), or an application (1146).
[0110] The input module (1150) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (1101) (e.g., a processor (1120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (1101). The input module (1150) 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).
[0111] The audio output module (1155) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (1101). The audio output module (1155) 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.
[0112] The display module (1160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (1101). The display module (1160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. In one embodiment, the display module (1160) 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.
[0113] The audio module (1170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (1170) can acquire sound through the input module (1150), output sound through the sound output module (1155), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (1102)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (1101).
[0114] The sensor module (1176) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (1101) 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 (1176) 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.
[0115] The interface (1177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (1101) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (1102)). In one embodiment, the interface (1177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.
[0116] The connection terminal (1178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (1101) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (1102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (1178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).
[0117] The haptic module (1179) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. In one embodiment, the haptic module (1179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.
[0118] The camera module (1180) can capture still images and videos. According to one embodiment, the camera module (1180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.
[0119] The power management module (1188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (1101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (1188) can be implemented, for example, as at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).
[0120] A battery (1189) may power at least one component of the electronic device (1101). In one embodiment, the battery (1189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.
[0121] The communication module (1190) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (1101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (1102), electronic device (1104), or server (1108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (1190) may operate independently from the processor (1120) (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 (1190) may include a wireless communication module (1192) (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 (1194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, a corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device (1104) via a first network (1198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (1199) (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 (1192) can verify or authenticate the electronic device (1101) within a communication network such as the first network (1198) or the second network (1199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (1196).
[0122] The wireless communication module (1192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimizing terminal power and connecting multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (1192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (1192) may support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (1192) may support various requirements specified in the electronic device (1101), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (1104)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (1199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (1192) may 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.
[0123] The antenna module (1197) 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 (1197) 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 (1197) 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 (1198) or the second network (1199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module (1190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (1190) and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. In some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (1197).
[0124] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (1197) may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high frequency band.
[0125] 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)).
[0126] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (1101) and an external electronic device (1104) via a server (1108) connected to a second network (1199). Each of the external electronic devices (1102 or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (1101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (1101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (1102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (1101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (1101) 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 (1101). The electronic device (1101) 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 (1101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (1104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (1108) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network.In one embodiment, an external electronic device (1104) or server (1108) may be included in the second network (1199). The electronic device (1101) may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart homes, smart cities, smart cars, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.
[0127] A wearable device (101) according to embodiments of the present disclosure can be used as an input / output (I / O) device for controlling an external electronic device (130). Since the method for recognizing a pattern according to a user input is performed in the external electronic device (130) through reflection of a signal received from the external electronic device (130) rather than using the power of the wearable device (101), the power consumption of the I / O device can be reduced. A user (105) wearing the wearable device (101) can touch the wearable device (101) with only the movement of a finger within one hand, so that user input can be easily provided. In addition, in the case of ring-type devices, there is a tendency to add decorations such as crystals to the exterior, so the wearable device (101) can have a structure that is easy to provide user input according to touch.
[0128] 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 can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.
[0129] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a wearable device (101), for example, a ring-type wearable device (101), is provided. The wearable device (101) includes: a housing (210) forming an exterior of the wearable device (101); a non-conductive structure (230) including a portion exposed to the outside with respect to the housing (210), the non-conductive structure (230) having a first surface on which the portion exposed to the outside is disposed and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a conductive pattern (240) disposed on the second surface of the non-conductive structure (230), a piezoelectric layer (250), the piezoelectric layer (250) having a first surface coupled to the conductive pattern (240) and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a connecting member disposed on the second surface of the piezoelectric layer (250) and connected to the conductive pattern (240); And it may include a radiator (220) configured to be connected to the connecting member. The conductive pattern (240) between the non-conductive structure (230) and the piezoelectric layer (250) may be configured to reflect a signal component of a first frequency in response to a wireless signal received through the radiator (220) in a first state before receiving a user input including a contact with the non-conductive structure (230). The conductive pattern (240) between the non-conductive structure (230) and the piezoelectric layer (250) may be configured to reflect a signal component of a second frequency different from the first frequency in response to a wireless signal received through the radiator (220) in a second state according to the user input with respect to the non-conductive structure (230).
[0130] For example, the wearable device (101) may include a printed circuit board (PCB); a wireless communication circuit (380) disposed on the PCB; and a switching circuit (360) disposed on the PCB. The switching circuit (360) may be configured to selectively connect the radiator (220) to the connecting member or the wireless communication circuit (380).
[0131] For example, the wearable device (101) may include a matching circuit arranged on the PCB. The conductive pattern (240) may include a first end (551) for receiving an RF signal and a second end (552) connected to the matching circuit. The conductive pattern (240) may be configured to reflect a signal component corresponding to a resonant frequency among the RF signal and provide a signal component of a frequency different from the resonant frequency among the RF signal to the matching circuit. The resonant frequency may correspond to the first frequency in a first state before receiving the user input. The resonant frequency may correspond to a second frequency different from the first frequency in a second state according to the user input.
[0132] For example, the wearable device (101) may include a second connecting member disposed on the second surface of the piezoelectric layer (250). The connecting member may be connected to a first end (551) of the conductive pattern (240). The second connecting member may be connected to a second end (552) of the conductive pattern (240). The second connecting member may be connected to the matching circuit.
[0133] For example, the wearable device (101) may include a first conductive via formed within the piezoelectric layer (250); and a second conductive via formed within the piezoelectric layer (250). The first conductive via may be arranged to connect the first end (551) of the conductive pattern (240) and the connecting member. The second conductive via may be arranged to connect the second end (552) of the conductive pattern (240) and the second connecting member.
[0134] For example, the conductive pattern (240) may include a first resonant pattern including the first end (551) and a second resonant pattern including the second end (552). The first resonant pattern and the second resonant pattern may be symmetrically arranged on the non-conductive structure (230).
[0135] For example, the switching circuit (360) may be controlled to connect the radiator (220) and the wireless communication circuit (380) in a BLE (Bluetooth low energy) connection mode with an external electronic device (130). The switching circuit (360) may be controlled to connect the radiator (220) and the connection member in a BLE idle mode.
[0136] For example, the wireless communication circuit (380) may correspond to an IC (integrated chip) including a communication circuit for BLE and an MCU (microcontroller unit).
[0137] For example, the piezoelectric layer (250) may include a material composed of zinc oxide (ZnO).
[0138] For example, the conductive pattern (240) may include an interdigital transducer (IDT) for converting a mechanical wave into an electrical signal or converting an electrical signal into a mechanical wave.
[0139] For example, the material of the non-conductive structure (230) may correspond to at least one of a crystal material or glass.
[0140] For example, the wearable device (101) may include: a second connecting member disposed on the second surface of the piezoelectric layer (250); a second non-conductive structure including a portion exposed to the outside with respect to the housing (210), the second non-conductive structure having a first surface on which the portion exposed to the outside is disposed and a second surface opposite the first surface; a second conductive pattern disposed on the second surface of the second non-conductive structure; a second piezoelectric layer, the second piezoelectric layer having a first surface coupled to the second conductive pattern and a second surface opposite the first surface; a third connecting member disposed on the second surface of the second piezoelectric layer and connected to the second conductive pattern; a fourth connecting member disposed on the second surface of the second piezoelectric layer; and a matching circuit connected to the fourth connecting member. The second conductive pattern can be electrically connected to the first conductive pattern (240) through the second connecting member and the third connecting member.
[0141] For example, the second conductive pattern between the second non-conductive structure and the second piezoelectric layer may be configured to reflect a signal component of a third frequency in response to a wireless signal received through the radiator (220) in a third state prior to receiving a user input including contact with the second non-conductive structure. The second conductive pattern between the second non-conductive structure and the second piezoelectric layer may be configured to reflect a signal component of a fourth frequency different from the third frequency in response to a wireless signal received through the radiator (220) in a fourth state according to the user input to the second non-conductive structure.
[0142] For example, the conductive pattern (240) disposed between the non-conductive structure (230) and the piezoelectric layer (250) may be configured to reflect a signal component of a frequency determined according to pressure in the piezoelectric layer (250) in response to a wireless signal received through the radiator (220).
[0143] An electronic device (130) according to embodiments of the present disclosure is provided. The electronic device (130) may include an antenna (699); a coupler (659) connected to the antenna (699); a wireless communication circuit (620) connected to the coupler (659); at least one processor (610) including a processing circuit; and a memory storing instructions. The instructions, when collectively or individually executed by the at least one processor (610), may cause the electronic device (130) to perform a procedure for pairing with a wearable device (101) through the wireless communication circuit (620), receive information about a resonant frequency of a conductive pattern (240) of the wearable device (101) from the wearable device (101) through the wireless communication circuit (620), transmit a wireless signal corresponding to the resonant frequency through the wireless communication circuit (620), determine whether a backscatter signal corresponding to the wireless signal having an intensity less than a threshold value is detected, determine whether a user pattern associated with reception of the backscatter signal is detected after the backscatter signal having an intensity less than the threshold value is detected, and, upon determining that the user pattern is detected, execute a function corresponding to the user pattern.
[0144] For example, the instructions, when collectively or individually executed by the at least one processor (610), may cause the electronic device (130) to operate in a low power state for a predetermined period of time if no backscatter signal having an intensity below the threshold is detected or no user pattern associated with reception of the backscatter signal is detected.
[0145] For example, the user pattern may represent a pattern that changes from an intensity above the threshold to an intensity below the threshold.
[0146] For example, the instructions, when collectively or individually executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to operate in a low power state for a predetermined period of time if, after transmitting the wireless signal, no backscatter signal is detected, or no user pattern associated with reception of the backscatter signal is detected, wherein the phase difference with respect to a previous backscatter signal corresponding to the wireless signal is greater than or equal to a phase change threshold.
[0147] For example, the user pattern may represent a pattern in which the phase difference of backscattered signals corresponding to the wireless signal changes from less than the phase change threshold value to more than the phase change threshold value.
[0148] For example, the wireless communication circuit (620) may include a leakage detection circuit for obtaining the backscatter signal from among the reception signals obtained through the coupler (659). The leakage detection circuit may be configured to output the backscatter signal from among the transmission leakage signal and the backscatter signal corresponding to the wireless signal included in the reception signal.
[0149] For example, the leakage detection circuit may apply a cancellation signal to the received signal, utilizing a phase shift of the wireless signal, to reduce a component corresponding to the transmission leakage signal in the received signal. The leakage detection circuit may be configured to output the result of the application.
[0150] For example, the output result may be provided to at least one processor (610) through an analog to digital converter (ADC) of the wireless communication circuit (620).
[0151] A wearable device (101) according to embodiments of the present disclosure is provided. The wearable device (101) includes: a housing defining an exterior appearance of the wearable device (101); a non-conductive structure (230) coupled to the housing; a piezoelectric layer (250) disposed under the non-conductive structure (230); a conductive portion (240) inserted between the non-conductive structure (230) and the piezoelectric layer (250) for contact with the non-conductive structure (230); and an antenna. The antenna is connectable to the piezoelectric layer (250) such that a wireless signal received from a host device (130) through the antenna is transmitted to the conductive portion (240) through the piezoelectric layer (250), thereby causing the conductive portion (240) to transmit a reflected signal while pressure is applied to the piezoelectric layer (250) through the non-conductive structure (230). For example, the wearable device (101) may be configured to receive a wireless signal from the host device (130) via an antenna, and / or to connect the antenna to the piezoelectric layer (250), and / or to transmit a wireless signal to the conductive portion (240) via the piezoelectric layer (250), and / or to cause the conductive portion (240) to transmit a reflected signal (or to use the conductive portion (240) to transmit a reflected signal). For example, the wearable device (101) may be configured to cause the conductive portion (240) to transmit a reflected signal in response to pressure applied to the piezoelectric layer (250) via the non-conductive structure (230). According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a touch sensor that occupies a large space in the wearable device may be unnecessary by arranging a relatively more efficient non-conductive structure together with a specific use of the piezoelectric layer. Accordingly, a compact design of the wearable device may be realized. Additionally, the efficiency and accuracy of user input recognition of the host device can be improved by changing the characteristics of the reflected signal depending on the pressure applied to the piezoelectric layer.By utilizing the reflected signal in this way, there is no need to separately generate a control signal to be transmitted to the host device, thereby reducing the power consumption of the wearable device.
[0152] For example, a signal reflected by the wearable device (101) may be configured to cause the host device (130) to identify that a touch input has been applied to the wearable device.
[0153] For example, the wearable device (101) may include a printed circuit board (PCB); a wireless communication circuit disposed on the PCB; and a switching circuit disposed on the PCB. The switching circuit may be configured to selectively connect the radiator to the conductive portion or the wireless communication circuit.
[0154] For example, the conductive portion (240) may be configured to provide the reflected signal corresponding to a resonant frequency among the RF signals. The resonant frequency may correspond to a first frequency when the wireless signals are received through the antenna while no pressure is applied to the piezoelectric layer (250) through the non-conductive structure (230). The resonant frequency may correspond to a second frequency different from the first frequency when the wireless signals are received through the antenna while pressure is applied to the piezoelectric layer (250) through the non-conductive structure (230).
[0155] For example, the switching circuit may be controlled to connect the radiator and the wireless communication circuit in a BLE (Bluetooth low energy) connection mode with the host device (130). The switching circuit may be controlled to connect the radiator and the connection member while the wireless communication circuit is in a BLE idle mode. The wireless communication circuit may correspond to an IC (integrated chip) including a communication circuit for BLE and an MCU (microcontroller unit).
[0156] For example, the wearable device (101) may further include a first connecting member disposed on a second surface of the piezoelectric layer (250), opposite to the first surface of the piezoelectric layer (250) coupled with the non-conductive structure (230); a second connecting member disposed on the second surface of the piezoelectric layer (250); a first conductive via formed in the piezoelectric layer (250); and a second conductive via formed in the piezoelectric layer (250). The connecting member may be connected to a first end of the conductive portion (240). The second connecting member may be connected to a second end of the conductive portion (240). The first conductive via may be arranged to connect the first end of the conductive portion (240) and the connecting member. The second conductive via may be arranged to connect the second end of the conductive portion (240) and the second connecting member.
[0157] For example, the conductive portion (240) may include a first resonant pattern and a second resonant pattern for acquiring the wireless signals. The first resonant pattern and the second resonant pattern may be symmetrically arranged on the non-conductive structure (230).
[0158] For example, the conductive portion (240) between the non-conductive structure (230) and the piezoelectric layer (250) may be configured to reflect a signal component of a first frequency in response to a wireless signal received through the radiator in a first state before receiving a user input including contact with the non-conductive structure (230). The conductive portion (240) between the non-conductive structure (230) and the piezoelectric layer (250) may be configured to reflect a signal component of a second frequency different from the first frequency in response to a wireless signal received through the radiator in a second state according to the user input with respect to the non-conductive structure (230).
[0159] For example, the wearable device (101) may include: a first connecting member disposed on a second surface of the piezoelectric layer (250), opposite to a first surface of the piezoelectric layer (250) coupled with the non-conductive structure (230); a second connecting member disposed on the second surface of the piezoelectric layer (250); a second non-conductive structure (230) coupled with the housing; a second piezoelectric layer (250) disposed below the second non-conductive structure (230); a second conductive portion (240) inserted between the second non-conductive structure (230) and the second piezoelectric layer (250) for contact with the second non-conductive structure (230); A third connecting member disposed on the second surface of the second piezoelectric layer (250), opposite to the first surface of the second piezoelectric layer (250) coupled with the second non-conductive structure (230); and a fourth connecting member disposed on the second surface of the second piezoelectric layer (250). The second conductive portion (240) may be electrically connected to the first conductive portion (240) through the second connecting member and the third connecting member.
[0160] For example, the second conductive portion (240) between the second non-conductive structure (230) and the second piezoelectric layer (250) may be configured to reflect a signal component of a third frequency in response to a wireless signal received through the radiator in a third state before receiving a user input including contact with the second non-conductive structure (230). The second conductive portion (240) between the second non-conductive structure (230) and the second piezoelectric layer (250) may be configured to reflect a signal component of a fourth frequency different from the third frequency in response to a wireless signal received through the radiator in a fourth state according to the user input with respect to the second non-conductive structure (230).
[0161] For example, the conductive portion (240) disposed between the non-conductive structure (230) and the piezoelectric layer (250) may be configured to reflect a signal component of a frequency determined according to pressure in the piezoelectric layer (250) in response to the wireless signal received through the radiator.
[0162] A user input system according to embodiments of the present disclosure is provided. The user input system may include a host device configured to transmit a wireless signal; and a wearable device. The wearable device may include a housing; a non-conductive structure coupled to the housing; a piezoelectric layer disposed below the non-conductive structure; a conductive portion inserted between the non-conductive structure and the piezoelectric layer for contact with the non-conductive structure; and an antenna connectable to the piezoelectric layer. The wearable device may be configured to receive the wireless signal from the host device through the antenna, and transmit a backscatter signal through the antenna while the wireless signal is provided to the conductive portion through the piezoelectric layer and pressure is applied to the piezoelectric layer through the non-conductive structure. The host device may be configured to determine whether a user pattern is detected based on whether a backscatter signal having an intensity less than a threshold value is detected, and to execute a function corresponding to the user pattern based on a determination that the user pattern is detected.
[0163] For one or more embodiments, at least one of the components described in one or more of the preceding drawings may be configured to perform one or more operations, techniques, processes, and / or methods as described herein. For example, a processor (e.g., a baseband processor) described herein with respect to one or more of the preceding drawings may be configured to operate according to one or more examples described herein. For another example, circuitry associated with a user equipment (UE), a base station, a network element, and the like, as described above with respect to one or more of the preceding drawings, may be configured to operate according to one or more examples described herein.
[0164] Any of the embodiments described above may be combined with any other embodiment (or combination of embodiments) unless explicitly stated otherwise. The foregoing description of one or more implementations provides examples and descriptions, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limit the scope of the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be learned from practicing various embodiments.
[0165] 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.
[0166] 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.
[0167] 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).
[0168] 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.
[0169] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present 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.
[0170] 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 wearable devices, A housing defining the appearance of the wearable device; A non-conductive structure coupled to the housing; A piezoelectric layer disposed under the above non-conductive structure; For contact with the non-conductive structure, a conductive portion inserted between the non-conductive structure and the piezoelectric layer; and Includes an antenna, The antenna is connectable to the piezoelectric layer so that a wireless signal received from a host device through the antenna is transmitted to the conductive portion through the piezoelectric layer, thereby causing the conductive portion to transmit a reflected signal while pressure is applied to the piezoelectric layer through the non-conductive structure. Wearable devices.
2. In claim 1, wherein said reflected signal is configured to cause said host device to identify that a touch input has been applied to said wearable device. Wearable devices.
3. In any one of claims 1 to 2, printed circuit board (PCB); A wireless communication circuit arranged on the PCB; and Further comprising a switching circuit arranged on the PCB, The switching circuit is configured to selectively connect the antenna to the conductive portion or the wireless communication circuit. Wearable devices.
4. In any one of claims 1 to 3, The conductive portion is configured to provide the reflected signal corresponding to the resonant frequency among the RF signals, The above resonant frequency is: When the wireless signals are received through the antenna while no pressure is applied to the piezoelectric layer through the non-conductive structure, corresponding to the first frequency, When the wireless signals are received through the antenna while pressure is applied to the piezoelectric layer through the non-conductive structure, corresponding to a second frequency different from the first frequency, Wearable devices.
5. In either claim 3 or 4, The above switching circuit is controlled to connect the antenna and the wireless communication circuit in a BLE (Bluetooth low energy) connection mode with the host device, The above switching circuit is controlled to connect the antenna and the connecting member while the wireless communication circuit is in BLE idle mode, The above wireless communication circuit corresponds to an IC (integrated chip) including a communication circuit for BLE and an MCU (microcontroller unit). Wearable devices.
6. In any one of claims 1 to 5, A first connecting member disposed on a second side of the piezoelectric layer, opposite to the first side of the piezoelectric layer that is coupled to the non-conductive structure; A second connecting member disposed on the second surface of the piezoelectric layer; a first conductive via formed within the piezoelectric layer; and Further comprising a second conductive via formed within the piezoelectric layer, The above connecting member is connected to the first end of the conductive portion, The second connecting member is connected to the second end of the conductive portion, The first conductive via is arranged to connect the first end of the conductive portion and the connecting member, The second conductive via is arranged to connect the second end of the conductive portion and the second connecting member. Wearable devices.
7. In any one of claims 1 to 6, The above conductive portion includes / includes a first resonance pattern and a second resonance pattern for obtaining the wireless signals, The first resonance pattern and the second resonance pattern are symmetrically arranged / arranged on the non-conductive structure, The above piezoelectric layer includes or comprises a material composed of zinc oxide (ZnO), The above conductive portion includes / includes an IDT (interdigital transducer) for converting a mechanical wave into an electrical signal or converting an electrical signal into a mechanical wave, The material of the above non-conductive structure corresponds to at least one of a crystal material or glass. Wearable devices.
8. In any one of claims 1 to 5, The conductive portion between the non-conductive structure and the piezoelectric layer is: In a first state prior to receiving a user input including contact with the non-conductive structure, the antenna is configured to reflect a signal component of a first frequency in response to a wireless signal received through the antenna, In a second state according to the user input for the non-conductive structure, configured to reflect a signal component of a second frequency different from the first frequency in response to a wireless signal received through the antenna, Wearable devices.
9. In claims 1 to 5 or 8, A first connecting member disposed on a second side of the piezoelectric layer, opposite to the first side of the piezoelectric layer that is coupled to the non-conductive structure; A second connecting member disposed on the second surface of the piezoelectric layer; A second non-conductive structure coupled to the housing; A second piezoelectric layer disposed under the second non-conductive structure; A second conductive portion inserted between the second non-conductive structure and the second piezoelectric layer for contact with the second non-conductive structure; A third connecting member disposed on a second surface of the second piezoelectric layer, opposite to the first surface of the second piezoelectric layer coupled to the second non-conductive structure; and Further comprising a fourth connecting member disposed on the second surface of the second piezoelectric layer, The second conductive portion is electrically connected to the first conductive portion through the second connecting member and the third connecting member. Wearable devices.
10. In claim 9, The second conductive portion between the second non-conductive structure and the second piezoelectric layer: In a third state prior to receiving a user input including contact with the second non-conductive structure, the antenna is configured to reflect a signal component of a third frequency in response to a wireless signal received through the antenna. In a fourth state according to the user input for the second non-conductive structure, the antenna is configured to reflect a signal component of a fourth frequency different from the third frequency in response to a wireless signal received through the antenna. The conductive portion disposed between the non-conductive structure and the piezoelectric layer is configured to reflect a signal component of a frequency determined according to the pressure in the piezoelectric layer in response to the wireless signal received through the antenna. Wearable devices.
11. In electronic devices; antenna; A coupler connected to the above antenna; A wireless communication circuit connected to the above coupler; At least one processor comprising a processing circuit; and Contains memory that stores instructions, The above instructions, when collectively or individually executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to: Through the above wireless communication circuit, a procedure for pairing with a wearable device is performed, Through the wireless communication circuit, information about the resonant frequency of the conductive portion of the wearable device is received from the wearable device, Through the above wireless communication circuit, a wireless signal corresponding to the resonant frequency is transmitted, Determine whether a backscatter signal corresponding to the wireless signal having an intensity below a threshold value is detected, After the backscatter signal having an intensity less than the threshold value is detected, it is determined whether a user pattern associated with the reception of the backscatter signal is detected, Upon determining that the above user pattern is detected, causing a function corresponding to the above user pattern to be executed, Electronic devices.
12. In claim 11, the instructions, when collectively or individually executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to: If the backscatter signal having an intensity lower than the threshold is not detected or a user pattern related to the reception of the backscatter signal is not detected, causing the device to operate in a low power state for a predetermined time period, The above user pattern represents a pattern that changes from an intensity above the threshold to an intensity below the threshold. Electronic devices.
13. In any one of claims 11 or 12, The above instructions, when collectively or individually executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to: After transmitting the wireless signal, if the backscatter signal is not detected or a user pattern related to the reception of the backscatter signal is not detected, in which the phase difference with the previous backscatter signal corresponding to the wireless signal is greater than or equal to the phase change threshold, causing the wireless signal to operate in a low power state for a predetermined time period, The above user pattern represents a pattern in which the phase difference of the backscattered signals corresponding to the wireless signal changes from less than the phase change threshold to more than the phase change threshold. Electronic devices.
14. In any one of claims 11 to 13, The above wireless communication circuit includes a leakage detection circuit for obtaining the backscatter signal from among the received signals obtained through the coupler, The above leakage detection circuit is configured / configured to output the backscatter signal among the transmission leakage signal and the backscatter signal corresponding to the wireless signal included in the received signal, The above leakage detection circuit: In order to reduce the component corresponding to the transmission leakage signal in the received signal, a cancellation signal utilizing the phase shift of the wireless signal is applied to the received signal, configured to output the result of the above application, Electronic devices.
15. In the user input system, A host device configured to transmit a wireless signal; and A wearable device comprising: a housing; a non-conductive structure coupled to the housing; a piezoelectric layer disposed under the non-conductive structure; a conductive portion inserted between the non-conductive structure and the piezoelectric layer for contact with the non-conductive structure; and an antenna connectable to the piezoelectric layer. The above wearable device: Receive the wireless signal from the host device through the antenna, The wireless signal is provided to the conductive portion through the piezoelectric layer and pressure is applied to the piezoelectric layer through the non-conductive structure, and a backscatter signal is transmitted through the antenna. The above host device: Based on whether the backscatter signal having an intensity below a threshold is detected, it is determined whether a user pattern is detected, Upon determining that the above user pattern is detected, a function corresponding to the above user pattern is configured to be executed. User input system.
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