Electronic device and method for providing tag function by electronic device

Abstract

An electronic device according to an embodiment comprises: a battery; a first communication circuit supporting a BLE communication scheme; a second communication circuit supporting a second communication scheme different from the BLE communication scheme; a first switch connected between the battery and the first communication circuit; and a power management circuit, wherein the power management circuit may be configured to: identify power-on or power-off of the electronic device; when the electronic device is powered off, turn on the first switch to connect the first communication circuit to the battery so that the first communication circuit receives power from the battery and outputs an advertising signal by using the BLE communication scheme; and when the electronic device is powered on, turn off the first switch to disconnect the first communication circuit from the battery so that power is not supplied to the first communication circuit, and supply power to the second communication circuit so that the electronic device communicates with an external electronic device by using the second communication scheme different from the BLE communication scheme. Other embodiments may be included.

Description

Electronic devices and methods for providing tag functions in electronic devices

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an electronic device and a method for providing a tag function in an electronic device.

[0002] Driven by the remarkable recent advancements in information and communication technology and semiconductor technology, the distribution and use of various electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablet PCs, are increasing rapidly.

[0003] The electronic device can acquire location information through communication with a GPS and / or base station via a communication circuit. The electronic device can acquire location information when powered on and provide it to an external server, thereby providing a loss function that allows the user to check the location of the electronic device in the event of loss.

[0004] It may be impossible to obtain or provide location information for an electronic device when it is powered off. If an electronic device is lost and the power is off, it may be difficult to locate the device, making it difficult to find.

[0005] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a battery, a first communication circuit supporting a BLE communication method, a second communication circuit supporting a second communication method different from the BLE communication method, a first switch connected between the battery and the first communication circuit, and a power management circuit. The power management circuit may be configured to identify whether the power of the electronic device is on or off. When the power of the electronic device is off, the power management circuit may turn on the first switch to connect the battery and the first communication circuit so that the first communication circuit receives power from the battery and outputs an advertising signal using the BLE communication method. When the power of the electronic device is on, the power management circuit may be configured to turn off the first switch to disconnect the connection between the battery and the first communication circuit so that power is not supplied to the first communication circuit, and to supply power to the second communication circuit so that the electronic device communicates with an external electronic device using a second communication method different from the BLE communication method.

[0006] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a battery, a first communication circuit supporting a BLE communication method, a second communication circuit supporting a second communication method different from the BLE communication method, a first switch connected between the battery and the first communication circuit, and a power management circuit. The power management circuit may identify whether the voltage value of the battery is within a specified voltage value range associated with the power off of the electronic device. If the voltage value of the battery is within the specified voltage value range, the power management circuit may turn on the switch to connect the first communication circuit and the power management circuit through the power management circuit, thereby causing the first communication circuit to output an advertising signal using the BLE communication method. If the voltage value of the battery is not within the specified voltage value range, the power management circuit may turn off the first switch to disconnect the connection between the battery and the first communication circuit so that power is not supplied to the first communication circuit, and may supply power to the second communication circuit so that the electronic device communicates with an external electronic device using a second communication method different from the BLE communication method.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to one embodiment.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of a power management circuit according to the power on or off of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a power management circuit according to one embodiment, depending on whether the voltage value of the battery of an electronic device is within a specified voltage value range associated with the power off of the electronic device.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation when the power of an electronic device according to one embodiment is turned on and the first switch is turned off, satisfying a specified condition.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an electronic device including a second switch between a power management circuit and a first communication circuit according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation using a second switch when the power of an electronic device according to one embodiment is turned on and the first switch is turned off, satisfying a specified condition.

[0014] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an electronic device, an external electronic device, and a server according to one embodiment.

[0015] Hereinafter, electronic devices according to various embodiments will be examined with reference to the attached drawings. In the various embodiments, the term "user" may refer to a person using the electronic device or a device using the electronic device (e.g., an artificial intelligence electronic device).

[0016] The terms used in this document are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of other embodiments. Singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. All terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art of the present invention. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries may be interpreted as having the same or similar meaning as they have in the context of the relevant technology, and are not to be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this document. In some cases, even terms defined in this document shall not be interpreted to exclude embodiments of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) in a network environment (100) according to one embodiment.

[0018] Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment (100), an electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) through a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network) or with at least one of an electronic device (104) or a server (108) through a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) through a server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), memory (130), input module (150), sound output module (155), display module (160), audio module (170), sensor module (176), interface (177), connection terminal (178), haptic module (179), camera module (180), power management module (188), battery (189), communication module (190), subscriber identification module (196), or antenna module (197). In some embodiments, at least one of these components (e.g., connection terminal (178)) may be omitted from the electronic device (101), or one or more other components may be added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., sensor module (176), camera module (180), or antenna module (197)) may be integrated into a single component (e.g., display module (160)).

[0019] The processor (120) can control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) by executing software (e.g., a program (140)), and can perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) can store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in volatile memory (132), and store the resulting data in non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (123) that can operate independently or together with it (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor). For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and an auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a designated function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as part thereof.

[0020] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., display module (160), sensor module (176), or communication module (190)) on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., image signal processor or communication processor) may be implemented as part of another functionally related component (e.g., camera module (180) or communication module (190)). According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing an artificial intelligence model. The artificial intelligence model may be generated through machine learning. Such learning may be performed, for example, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm may 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 may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers.An artificial neural network may be 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 the hardware structure, the artificial intelligence model may include a software structure, either additionally or substantially.

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

[0022] The program (140) may be stored as software in memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0023] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used for a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120)) from outside the electronic device (101) (e.g., user). The input module (150) may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0024] The sound output module (155) can output a sound signal to the outside of the electronic device (101). The sound output module (155) may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver may be used to receive incoming calls. According to one embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from the speaker or as part thereof.

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

[0026] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal or, conversely, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150) or output sound through the sound output module (155) or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphones) connected directly or wirelessly to the electronic device (101).

[0027] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating state of the electronic device (101) (e.g., power or temperature) or the external environmental state (e.g., user state) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an accelerometer sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0028] The interface (177) may support one or more specified protocols that can be used for the electronic device (101) to be connected directly or wirelessly to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

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

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

[0031] The camera module (180) can capture still images and video. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

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

[0033] The battery (189) can supply power to at least one component of the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

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

[0035] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following 4G networks, for example, new radio access technology. NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (massive machine type communications (mMTC)), or high reliability and low latency (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC)). The wireless communication module (192) can support a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate, for example. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in the high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output), full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large-scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (104)), or network system (e.g., second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) can support a Peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for realizing eMBB, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for realizing mMTC, or U-plane latency (e.g., downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) each 0.5 ms or less, or round trip 1 ms or less) for realizing URLLC.

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

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

[0038] At least some of the above components can be connected to each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)) and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other.

[0039] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) through a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102, or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations performed on the electronic device (101) may be performed on one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, if the electronic device (101) needs to perform a function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may request one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or service instead of performing the function or service itself or additionally. One or more external electronic devices that receive the above request may execute at least part of the requested function or service, or additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may provide the result as is or additionally processed as at least part of the response to the request. For this purpose, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used. The electronic device (101) may provide ultra-low latency services using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or neural networks. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included within a second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology. The electronic device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document may be a device of various forms. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, a home appliance device, or an XR (extended reality) electronic device. The electronic device according to the embodiment of this document is not limited to the devices described above.

[0040] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 2, an electronic device (201) according to one embodiment (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may include a first communication circuit (e.g., a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication circuit) (211), a first switch (213), a processor (220), a memory (230), a power management circuit (288), a battery (289), and / or a second communication circuit (290). An electronic device (201) according to one embodiment may further include a UWB circuit (222), a speaker (224), a motor (226), and / or a key input module (e.g., a button or key) (228), and may further include other components that can operate under the control of the first communication circuit (211).

[0042] An electronic device (201) according to one embodiment is not limited thereto and may further include various components or exclude some of the components. An electronic device (201) according to one embodiment may further include all or part of the electronic device (101) shown in FIG. 1.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the first communication circuit (211) may include a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication circuit (e.g., a BLE chip). According to one embodiment, the first communication circuit (211) may also be a communication circuit of another communication method capable of operating at a voltage (or power) lower than a specified voltage (or power) associated with the power off of the electronic device (201). For example, the first communication circuit (211) may also be a UWB communication circuit. According to one embodiment, the first communication circuit (211) may be connected to a first switch (213). According to one embodiment, the first communication circuit (211) may include an independent BLE chip even if the second communication circuit (290) includes a BLE chip. When a BLE chip is included in the second communication circuit (290), the BLE chip included in the second communication circuit (290) can operate by receiving power through the power management circuit (288), and the BLE chip included in the first communication circuit (211) can operate by receiving power directly from the battery (289).

[0044] According to one embodiment, the first communication circuit (211) is connected to the battery (289) when the first switch (213) is turned on and can receive power from the battery (289), and can be enabled when power is received. According to one embodiment, the first communication circuit (211) is disconnected from the battery (289) and can be disabled when the first switch (213) is turned off. According to one embodiment, the first communication circuit (211) can perform a tag function using a BLE communication method when the first switch (213) is turned on and enabled. The tag function according to one embodiment may be a function that transmits an advertising signal using a BLE communication method and transmits tag information to the electronic device (102) upon receiving a response signal for the advertising signal from an external electronic device (e.g., 102 in FIG. 1). Tag information according to one embodiment may include identification information of the electronic device (201) (e.g., electronic device ID), identification information of the user of the electronic device (201) (e.g., user name), and / or information indicating that the electronic device (201) is lost (and / or powered off).

[0045] According to one embodiment, the UWB circuit (222), speaker (224), motor (226), and / or key input module (e.g., button or key) (228) can be enabled by receiving power from the battery (289) like the first communication circuit (211) when the first switch (213) is turned on. According to one embodiment, the UWB circuit (222), speaker (224), motor (226), and / or key input module (e.g., button or key) (228) can operate according to a control signal from the first communication circuit (211) when enabled. For example, the UWB circuit (222) can obtain location information of the electronic device (201) through UWB communication with the external electronic device (102) when enabled. For example, when the speaker (224) is enabled, it can output sound according to the control of the first communication circuit (211) when a request for sound output is received from the external electronic device (102) through the first communication circuit (211). For example, when the motor (226) is enabled, it can perform a vibration operation according to the control of the first communication circuit (211) when a request for vibration is received from the external electronic device (102) through the first communication circuit (211). For example, when the key input module (228) is enabled, it can transmit a key input signal to the first communication circuit (211) when a key input by a user is received. The key input signal can be transmitted to the external electronic device (102) through the first communication circuit (211).

[0046] According to one embodiment, the first communication circuit (211) can be enabled when the first switch (213) is turned on according to a specified condition even when the electronic device (201) is powered on, and when the electronic device (201) is enabled according to a specified condition while powered on, it can perform an operation in conjunction with the second communication circuit (290) based on the control of the processor (220).

[0047] A switch (213) according to one embodiment may be connected between a first communication circuit (211) and a battery (289). A first switch (213) according to one embodiment may be turned on or off based on the control of a power management circuit (288). A first switch (213) according to one embodiment may be turned on based on the control of the power management circuit (288) while power (e.g., firm power) is supplied to the processor (220). When a first switch (213) according to one embodiment is turned on, the first communication circuit (211) may be connected to the battery (289) and operated (e.g., enabled) by receiving power from the battery (289). A first switch (213) according to one embodiment may be turned off based on the control of the power management circuit (288) while power (e.g., firm power) is supplied to the processor (220). When the first switch (213) is turned off, the first communication circuit (211) is disconnected from the battery (289) and may not receive power and may not operate (e.g., be disabled). A battery (289) according to one embodiment (e.g., battery (189) of FIG. 1) may supply power to at least one component of an electronic device (201). According to one embodiment, the battery (289) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0048] A power management circuit (288) according to one embodiment (e.g., power management module (188) of FIG. 1) can manage power supplied to an electronic device (201). According to one embodiment, the power management circuit (288) can be implemented, for example, as at least part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0049] A power management circuit (288) according to one embodiment can identify whether the power of an electronic device (201) is on or off. A power management circuit (288) according to one embodiment can identify whether there is a firm power output, and if there is a firm power output, identify the power on of the electronic device (201) (or the power on of at least one processor (220)), and if there is no firm power output, identify the power off of the electronic device (201). A power management circuit (288) according to one embodiment can enable firm power to be output through a firm power terminal using power from a battery (289) under the control of at least one processor (220) when the electronic device (201) is on power. Firm power may refer to power that must be output through the power management circuit (288) when the electronic device (201) is on power, and may mean power of a voltage greater than or equal to a designated voltage (e.g., 1.8V). A power management circuit (288) according to one embodiment can identify whether the electronic device (201) is in a power-on state or a power-off state by identifying the voltage of the constant power terminal. For example, the power management circuit (288) can identify (or determine) that the electronic device (201) is in a power-off state if the voltage of the constant power terminal is 0V, and can identify (or determine) that the electronic device (201) is in a power-on state if the voltage of the constant power terminal is 1.8V.

[0050] A power management circuit (288) according to one embodiment may not output constant power even if power from the battery (289) remains when the electronic device (201) is in a power-off state. For example, the power management circuit (288) may not output constant power when the electronic device (201) is turned off by a power-off condition caused by forced power-off or discharge, and power from the battery (289) may remain even when constant power is not output.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the power management circuit (288) can turn on the first switch (213) by providing an enable signal to the first switch (213) to connect the battery (289) and the first communication circuit (211) so that the first communication circuit (211) receives power from the battery (289) (either directly or through the power management circuit (288)) and outputs an advertising signal when the power off of the electronic device (201) is identified. For example, the power management circuit (288) can output a constant power supply of 0V when the power off of the electronic device (201) is identified, and when the constant power supply becomes 0V, it transmits a signal corresponding to 0V (e.g., a low state signal) to the first switch (213), and the first switch (213) can be turned on upon receiving the low state signal from the power management circuit (288). A power management circuit (288) according to one embodiment may turn off the first switch (213) by providing a disable signal to the first switch (213) to disconnect the connection between the battery (289) and the first communication circuit (211) so that power is not supplied to the first communication circuit (211) when the power of the electronic device (201) is turned on. For example, the power management circuit (288) may output a constant power of 1.8V when the power of the electronic device (201) is turned on, and when the constant power becomes 1.8V, it transmits a signal corresponding to 1.8V (e.g., a high state signal) to the first switch (213), and the first switch (213) may be turned off upon receiving the high state signal from the power management circuit (288).

[0052] A power management circuit (288) according to one embodiment can identify whether the voltage value of the battery (289) is within a specified voltage value range associated with the power off of the electronic device (289). The specified voltage value range associated with the power off according to one embodiment may be a voltage range (e.g., 1.7V to 3.4V) that is lower than the voltage range (e.g., 3.4V to 4.5V) in which the electronic device (201) can maintain a power-on state and in which the first communication circuit (211) can operate. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (201) may be turned off in a voltage range (e.g., 3.4V or lower) in which the electronic device (201) cannot maintain a power-on state, and in the power-off state, the power management circuit (288) may not output power (e.g., including constant power) delivered to each component of the electronic device (201). A power management circuit (288) according to one embodiment can identify an event that turns on the first switch (213) when the normal power supply becomes low state (e.g., 0V).

[0053] A power management circuit (288) according to one embodiment may turn on the first switch (213) by providing an enable signal to the first switch (213) to connect the battery (289) and the first communication circuit (211) so that when the voltage value of the battery (289) is within a specified voltage value range, the first communication circuit (211) receives power from the battery (289) (either directly or without passing through the power management circuit (288)) and outputs an advertising signal. A power management circuit (288) according to one embodiment may turn off the first switch (213) by providing a disable signal to the first switch (213) to disconnect the connection between the battery (289) and the first communication circuit (211) so that when the voltage value of the battery (289) is not within a specified voltage value range, the first switch (213) may turn off the first switch (213).

[0054] A second communication circuit (290) according to one embodiment (e.g., communication circuit (190) of FIG. 1) can operate using power provided when the electronic device (201) is powered on. A second communication circuit (290) according to one embodiment can operate using power provided through a power management circuit (288) when the electronic device (201) is powered on.

[0055] A second communication circuit (290) according to one embodiment may support a communication method that is the same as or different from a BLE communication method. A second communication circuit (290) according to one embodiment may include a GPS communication circuit (291), a Bluetooth communication circuit (293), or a mobile communication circuit (295) (e.g., 2G, 3G, 4G, or 5G communication circuit), and may support a communication method of GPS communication, Bluetooth communication, or mobile communication. The second communication circuit (290) may further include another communication circuit (e.g., WiFi communication circuit) that supports other communication methods.

[0056] A processor (220) according to one embodiment (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1) may turn on the power of an electronic device (201) based on a power-on condition (e.g., power-on input by a user) and provide constant power through a power management circuit (288). A processor (220) according to one embodiment may control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of the electronic device (201) while in the power-on state and may perform various data processing or operations. A processor (220) according to one embodiment may turn off the power based on a power-off condition (e.g., power-off input by a user or battery capacity is below the voltage associated with power-off) so that the provision of constant power through the power management circuit (288) is stopped. A processor (220) according to one embodiment may turn on the first switch (213) through a power management circuit (288) when a specified condition is satisfied while the power of the electronic device (201) is turned on and the first switch (213) is turned off. For example, the specified condition may be a condition in which the first communication circuit (211) must be enabled even when the electronic device (201) is turned on in order to set the first communication circuit (211) or for oneself or another person to scan and register the first communication circuit (211).

[0057] A specified condition according to one embodiment may include a condition specified by a menu selection or user input through an application. For example, the application may include an application that performs the function of transmitting tag information and location information of an electronic device (201). For example, the user input may include an input requesting the transmission of tag information and location information of the electronic device (201) from the user. For example, the processor (220) may turn on the first switch (213) based on the input requesting the transmission of tag information and location information of the electronic device (201) from the user to cause the first communication circuit (211) to operate and scan and register the first communication circuit (211) through the second communication circuit (290).

[0058] In other words, a processor (220) according to one embodiment can acquire (e.g., scan) an advertising signal output from a first communication circuit (211) through a second communication circuit (290) (e.g., Bluetooth communication circuit (293)) based on the first switch (213) being turned on and the first communication circuit (211) receiving power while the power of the electronic device (201) is on. A processor (220) according to one embodiment can acquire tag information associated with the advertising signal from the first communication circuit (211) acquired through the second communication circuit (290). A processor (220) according to one embodiment can store (e.g., register) the tag information associated with the advertising signal from the first communication circuit (211) in a memory (230). Tag information according to one embodiment may include information representing the electronic device (201) or information representing the user of the electronic device (201). A processor (220) according to one embodiment can obtain location information of an electronic device (201) through a second communication circuit (290) (e.g., GPS communication circuit (291)). A processor (220) according to one embodiment can transmit location information and tag information of the electronic device (201) to an external server (e.g., server (108) of FIG. 1) (e.g., a server providing electronic device location services) through a second communication circuit (290) (e.g., mobile communication circuit (295)). For example, the first communication circuit (211) of the electronic device (201) can enable parents to locate a child carrying the electronic device (201) by using tag information through the first communication circuit (211) of the electronic device (201) and location information through the second communication circuit (290) without attaching a separate tag to a bag to locate a young child.

[0059] A memory (230) according to one embodiment (e.g., memory (130) of FIG. 1) may include one or more storage media for storing instructions (e.g., instructions). A memory (230) according to one embodiment may store various data used by at least one component (e.g., processor (220)) of an electronic device (201). The data may include, for example, software (e.g., software module or program (140)) and input data or output data for related instructions. For example, the memory (230) may store instructions that cause the electronic device (201) to perform a tag function or to transmit location information and tag information of the electronic device (201) to an external server.

[0060] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of a power management circuit according to the power on or off of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 3, a power management circuit (288) of an electronic device according to one embodiment (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 or the electronic device (201) of FIG. 2) can perform at least one of 310 to 330 operations.

[0062] In operation 310, a power management circuit (288) according to one embodiment can identify whether the power of an electronic device (201) is on or off. A power management circuit (288) according to one embodiment can identify whether there is a firm power output, and if there is a firm power output, identify the power of the electronic device (201) (or the power of at least one processor (220)) and if there is no firm power output, identify the power of the electronic device (201) being off. A power management circuit (288) according to one embodiment can output firm power through a firm power terminal using power from a battery (289) under the control of at least one processor (220) when the electronic device (201) is on power. Firm power may refer to power that is at least a specified voltage (e.g., 1.8V) and must be output through the power management circuit (288) when the electronic device (201) is on power. A power management circuit (288) according to one embodiment can identify whether the electronic device (201) is in a power-on state or a power-off state by identifying the voltage of the constant power terminal. For example, the power management circuit (288) can identify (or determine) that the electronic device (201) is in a power-off state if the voltage of the constant power terminal is 0V, and can identify (or determine) that the electronic device (201) is in a power-on state if the voltage of the constant power terminal is 1.8V.

[0063] A power management circuit (288) according to one embodiment may not output constant power even if power from the battery (289) remains when the electronic device (201) is in a power-off state. For example, the power management circuit (288) may not output constant power when the electronic device (201) is turned off by a power-off condition due to forced power-off or discharge, and power from the battery (289) may remain even when constant power is not output.

[0064] In operation 320, the power management circuit (288) according to one embodiment may turn on the first switch (213) by providing an enable signal to the first switch (213) to connect the battery (289) and the first communication circuit (211) so that the first communication circuit (211) receives power from the battery (289) (either directly or without the power management circuit (288)) and outputs an advertising signal when the power off of the electronic device (201) is identified. For example, when the power management circuit (288) is always at 0V, it transmits a signal corresponding to 0V (e.g., a low state signal) to the first switch (213), and the first switch (213) may be turned on upon receiving the low state signal from the power management circuit (288). An advertising signal according to one embodiment can be identified by a scanning operation by an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102) of FIG. 1), and the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102) of FIG. 1) can obtain tag information included in the advertising signal. An external electronic device according to one embodiment can transmit the location information and tag information of the electronic device (201) to a server (e.g., a server providing a location finding service for the electronic device (201)) so that the location of the electronic device (201) can be found through the server.

[0065] In operation 330, the power management circuit (288) according to one embodiment may turn off the first switch (213) by providing a disable signal to the first switch (213) to disconnect the connection between the battery (289) and the first communication circuit (211) so that power is not supplied to the first communication circuit (211) when the power of the electronic device (201) is turned on. For example, when the power supply is always 1.8V, the power management circuit (288) transmits a signal corresponding to 1.8V (e.g., a high state signal) to the first switch (213), and the first switch (213) may be turned off upon receiving the high state signal from the power management circuit (288).

[0066] According to one embodiment, even when the power of the electronic device (201) is turned on and the first switch (213) is turned off, the first switch (213) can be turned on if a specified condition is satisfied. According to one embodiment, when the first switch (213) is turned on according to a specified condition while the power of the electronic device (201) is turned on, at least one processor (220) can scan and register the first communication circuit (211) using the second communication circuit (290), obtain tag information through the first communication circuit (211), and obtain location information of the electronic device (201) through the second communication circuit (290). According to one embodiment, at least one processor (220) can transmit the location information and tag information of the electronic device (201) to a server (e.g., a server providing a location finding service for the electronic device (201)) so that the location of the electronic device (201) can be found through the server. A specified condition according to one embodiment may include a condition specified by a menu selection or user input through an application. For example, the application may include an application that performs the function of transmitting tag information and location information of an electronic device (201). For example, the user input may include an input requesting the transmission of tag information and location information of the electronic device (201) from the user. For example, at least one processor (220) may turn on the first switch (213) based on the input requesting the transmission of tag information and location information of the electronic device (201) from the user to operate the first communication circuit (211) and scan and register the first communication circuit (211) through the second communication circuit (290).

[0067] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a power management circuit according to one embodiment, depending on whether the voltage value of the battery of an electronic device is within a specified voltage value range associated with the power off of the electronic device.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 4, a power management circuit (288) of an electronic device according to one embodiment (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 or the electronic device (201) of FIG. 2) can perform at least one of 410 to 430 operations.

[0069] In operation 410, the power management circuit (288) according to one embodiment can identify whether the voltage value of the battery (289) is within a specified voltage value range associated with the power off of the electronic device (289). The specified voltage value range associated with the power off according to one embodiment may be a voltage range lower than the voltage range in which the electronic device (201) can maintain a power-on state (e.g., about 3.4V to 4.5V, other voltage ranges are also possible) and a voltage range in which the first communication circuit (211) can operate (e.g., about 1.7V to 3.4V, other voltage ranges are also possible).

[0070] In operation 420, a power management circuit (288) according to one embodiment may turn on the first switch (213) by providing an enable signal to connect the battery (289) and the first communication circuit (211) so that when the voltage value of the battery (289) is within a specified voltage value range, the first communication circuit (211) receives power from the battery (289) (either directly or without passing through the power management circuit (288)) and outputs an advertising signal. An advertising signal according to one embodiment may be identified by a scanning operation by an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102) of FIG. 1), and the external electronic device may obtain tag information included in the advertising signal. According to one embodiment, an external electronic device can transmit location information and tag information of the electronic device (201) to a server (e.g., a server providing a location finding service for the electronic device (201)) so that the location of the electronic device (201) can be found through the server.

[0071] In operation 430, the power management circuit (288) according to one embodiment may turn off the first switch (213) by providing a disable signal to the first switch (213) to disconnect the connection between the battery (289) and the first communication circuit (211) so that power is not supplied to the first communication circuit (211) when the voltage value of the battery (289) is not within a specified voltage value range. According to one embodiment, even when the power of the electronic device (201) is turned on and the first switch (213) is turned off, the first switch (213) may be turned on if a specified condition is satisfied. According to one embodiment, when the first switch (213) is turned on according to a specified condition while the power of the electronic device (201) is on, at least one processor (220) can scan and register the first communication circuit (211) using the second communication circuit (290), obtain tag information through the first communication circuit (211), and obtain location information of the electronic device (201) through the second communication circuit (290). According to one embodiment, at least one processor (220) can transmit the location information and tag information of the electronic device (201) to a server (e.g., a server providing a location finding service for the electronic device (201)) so that the location of the electronic device (201) can be found through the server. According to one embodiment, the specified condition may include a condition specified by a menu selection or user input through an application. For example, the application may include an application that performs the function of transmitting the tag information and location information of the electronic device (201). For example, user input may include an input requesting the transmission of tag information and location information of the electronic device (201) from the user.For example, at least one processor (220) can turn on the first switch (213) based on an input requesting the transmission of tag information and location information of the electronic device (201) from a user to operate the first communication circuit (211) and scan and register the first communication circuit (211) through the second communication circuit (290).

[0072] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation when the power of an electronic device according to one embodiment is turned on and the first switch is turned off, satisfying a specified condition.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 5, at least one processor (220) of an electronic device according to one embodiment (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 or the electronic device (201) of FIG. 2) can perform at least one of 510 to 540 operations.

[0074] In operation 510, a processor (220) according to one embodiment may determine (or identify or confirm) whether a specified condition is satisfied when the power of the electronic device (201) is turned on and the first switch (213) is turned off. A specified condition according to one embodiment may include a menu selection or user input through an application. For example, the application may include an application that performs the function of transmitting tag information and / or location information of the electronic device (201). For example, user input may include an input from a user requesting the transmission of tag information and / or location information of the electronic device (201).

[0075] In operation 520, a processor (220) according to one embodiment may turn on the first switch (213) by providing an enable signal to the first switch (213) to connect the battery (289) and the first communication circuit (211) through the power management circuit (288) so that the first communication circuit (211) receives power from the battery (289) (either directly or without the power management circuit (288)) and outputs an advertising signal when the first communication circuit (211) satisfies a specified condition while the electronic device (201) is in the power-on state, so that the first communication circuit (211) is set up or oneself or another person scans and registers the first communication circuit (211). A specified condition according to one embodiment may include a condition specified by a menu selection or user input through an application. For example, the application may include an application that performs the function of transmitting tag information and location information of an electronic device (201). For example, the user input may include an input requesting the transmission of tag information and location information of the electronic device (201) from the user. For example, the processor (220) may turn on the first switch (213) to operate the first communication circuit (211) based on an input requesting the transmission of tag information and location information of the electronic device (201) from the user (or a remote control input using another terminal) and scan the first communication circuit (211) through the second communication circuit (290).

[0076] In operation 530, a processor (220) according to one embodiment can receive an advertising signal from a first communication circuit (211) through a second communication circuit (290) (e.g., through a scan through the second communication circuit (290)) and obtain tag information corresponding to the advertising signal. A processor (220) according to one embodiment can obtain an advertising signal output from the first communication circuit (211) through the second communication circuit (290) (e.g., Bluetooth communication circuit (293)) based on the first switch (213) being turned on in the power-on state of the electronic device (201) and the first communication circuit (211) receiving power. A processor (220) according to one embodiment can obtain tag information associated with the advertising signal from the first communication circuit (211) obtained through the second communication circuit (290). A processor (220) according to one embodiment may store (e.g., register) tag information associated with an advertising signal from a first communication circuit (211) in a memory (230). The tag information according to one embodiment may include information indicating an electronic device (201) or information indicating a user of the electronic device (201).

[0077] In operation 540, a processor (220) according to one embodiment can transmit location information and tag information of an electronic device (201) to an external server (e.g., server (108) of FIG. 1) through a second communication circuit (290). A processor (220) according to one embodiment can obtain location information of an electronic device (201) through a second communication circuit (290) (e.g., GPS communication circuit (291)). A processor (220) according to one embodiment can transmit location information and tag information of an electronic device (201) to an external server (e.g., server (108) of FIG. 1) (e.g., a server providing electronic device location finding services) through a second communication circuit (290) (e.g., mobile communication circuit (295)). For example, the first communication circuit (211) of the electronic device (201) can enable parents to locate a child carrying the electronic device (201) by using tag information through the first communication circuit (211) of the electronic device (201) and location information through the second communication circuit (290) without attaching a separate tag to the bag to locate the young child.

[0078] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an electronic device including a second switch between a power management circuit and a first communication circuit according to one embodiment.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 6, an electronic device (601) according to one embodiment (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) includes the components of the electronic device (201) of FIG. 2 and may further include a second switch (615). The electronic device (601) according to one embodiment is not limited thereto and may further include various components or exclude some of the components. The electronic device (601) according to one embodiment may further include all or part of the electronic device (101) shown in FIG. 1 or the electronic device (201) of FIG. 2. In FIG. 6, the description of components with the same reference numerals as the components of the electronic device (201) of FIG. 2 may be considered as having been described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the second switch (615) may be connected between the power management circuit (288) and the first communication circuit (211). According to one embodiment, the second switch (615) may be turned on or off based on the control of at least one processor (220). When the second switch (615) according to one embodiment is turned on, the first communication circuit (211) may be connected to the power management circuit (288) and receive power from the power management circuit (288) to operate (e.g., be enabled), and when the second switch (615) is turned off, the first communication circuit (211) may be disconnected from the power management circuit (288).

[0081] A processor (220) according to one embodiment may turn on the second switch (615) when the power of the electronic device (601) is turned on and the first switch (213) is turned off and specified conditions are satisfied, so that the first communication circuit (211) is connected to the power management circuit (288) and receives power from the power management circuit (288) to operate (e.g., be enabled).

[0082] According to one embodiment, the second switch (615) may be turned off when the power of the electronic device (601) is turned on and the first switch (211) is turned off and the specified conditions are not satisfied.

[0083] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation using a second switch when the power of an electronic device according to one embodiment is turned on and the first switch is turned off, satisfying a specified condition.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 7, at least one processor (220) of an electronic device (601) according to one embodiment can perform at least one of 710 to 740 operations.

[0085] In operation 710, the processor (220) according to one embodiment may determine (or identify or confirm) whether a specified condition is satisfied when the power of the electronic device (601) is turned on and the first switch (213) is turned off. The specified condition according to one embodiment may include a menu selection or user input through an application. For example, the application may include an application that performs the function of transmitting tag information and / or location information of the electronic device (601). For example, the user input may include an input from the user requesting the transmission of tag information and / or location information of the electronic device (601).

[0086] In operation 720, the processor (220) according to one embodiment may turn on the second switch (615) by providing an enable signal to connect the power management circuit (288) and the first communication circuit (211) so that the first communication circuit (211) receives power from the power management circuit (288) and outputs an advertising signal when the power of the electronic device (601) is turned on and the first switch (213) is turned off and a specified condition is satisfied.

[0087] In operation 730, a processor (220) according to one embodiment can receive an advertising signal from a first communication circuit (211) through a second communication circuit (290) and obtain tag information corresponding to the advertising signal. A processor (220) according to one embodiment can obtain an advertising signal output from the first communication circuit (211) through the second communication circuit (290) (e.g., Bluetooth communication circuit (293)) based on the first communication circuit (211) receiving power from the power management circuit (288) when the second switch (615) is turned on while the first switch (213) is off. A processor (220) according to one embodiment can obtain tag information associated with the advertising signal from the first communication circuit (211) obtained through the second communication circuit (290). A processor (220) according to one embodiment may store tag information associated with an advertising signal from a first communication circuit (211) in a memory (230). The tag information according to one embodiment may include information indicating an electronic device (601) or information indicating a user of the electronic device (601).

[0088] In operation 740, a processor (220) according to one embodiment can transmit location information and tag information of an electronic device (601) to an external server (e.g., server (108) of FIG. 1) through a second communication circuit (290). A processor (220) according to one embodiment can obtain location information of an electronic device (601) through a second communication circuit (290) (e.g., GPS communication circuit (291)). A processor (220) according to one embodiment can transmit location information and tag information of an electronic device (601) to an external server (e.g., server (108) of FIG. 1) (e.g., a server providing electronic device location services) through a second communication circuit (290) (e.g., mobile communication circuit (295)).

[0089] FIG. 8 is an operation diagram showing the operation of an electronic device, an external electronic device, and a server according to one embodiment.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 8, in operation 812, an electronic device (801) according to one embodiment (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, electronic device (201) of FIG. 2, or electronic device (601) of FIG. 6) can determine whether the power of the electronic device (801) is turned off or whether the voltage value of the battery (289) is within a specified voltage range associated with the power off of the electronic device (801).

[0091] In operation 814, the electronic device (801) according to one embodiment may turn off the first switch (213) so that the battery (289) and the first communication circuit (211) are disconnected when the power of the electronic device (801) is turned off or when the voltage value of the battery (289) is not within a specified voltage range associated with the power off of the electronic device (801).

[0092] In operation 816, an electronic device (801) according to one embodiment can obtain location information of the electronic device (801) using a second communication circuit (290) and obtain tag information stored in memory (230).

[0093] In operation 818, an electronic device (801) according to one embodiment can transmit location information and tag information of the electronic device (801) to a server (808) using a second communication circuit (290).

[0094] In operation 820, a server (808) according to one embodiment stores location information and tag information of an electronic device (801), and can use the location information and tag information of the electronic device (801) for a location finding service of the electronic device (801).

[0095] In operation 822, the electronic device (801) according to one embodiment may turn on the first switch (213) so that the battery (289) and the first communication circuit (211) are connected when the power of the electronic device (801) is turned off or when the voltage value of the battery (289) is within a specified voltage range associated with the power off of the electronic device (801), thereby allowing an advertising signal to be output through the first communication circuit (211).

[0096] In operation 824, an external electronic device (802) according to one embodiment can receive an advertising signal from the first communication circuit (211) of the electronic device (801).

[0097] In operation 826, an external electronic device (802) according to one embodiment may acquire tag information corresponding to an advertising signal. The tag information according to one embodiment may include information indicating the electronic device (201) or information indicating the user of the electronic device (201).

[0098] In operation 828, an external electronic device (802) according to one embodiment can transmit location information and tag information of the electronic device (201) to an external server (808).

[0099] In operation 830, a server (808) according to one embodiment stores location information and / or tag information of an electronic device (801) and can use the location information and / or tag information of the electronic device (801) for a location finding service of the electronic device (801).

[0100] An electronic device (101 or 201) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a battery (189 or 289), a first communication circuit (211) supporting a BLE communication method, a second communication circuit (290) supporting a second communication method different from the BLE communication method, a first switch (213) connected between the battery and the first communication circuit, and a power management circuit (188, 288). The power management circuit (288) may be configured to identify whether the power of the electronic device (201) is on or off. The power management circuit (288) may be configured to turn on the first switch (213) to connect the battery and the first communication circuit (211) so that when the power of the electronic device (201) is off, the first communication circuit (211) receives power from the battery (289) and outputs an advertising signal using the BLE communication method. The power management circuit (288) may be configured to turn off the first switch (213) to disconnect the connection between the battery (289) and the first communication circuit (211) so that power is not supplied to the first communication circuit (211) when the power of the electronic device (201) is turned on, and to supply power to the second communication circuit (290) so that the electronic device (201) communicates with an external electronic device (102) using a second communication method different from the BLE communication method.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the advertising signal may include tag information associated with the electronic device (201) or the user of the electronic device (201).

[0102] According to one embodiment, the second communication circuit may support Wi-Fi communication, Bluetooth communication, and / or mobile communication.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the power management circuit (288) may be configured to identify the power on of the electronic device (201) when the constant power of the electronic device (201) is output, and to identify the power off of the electronic device (201) when the constant power of the electronic device (201) is not output.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (201) may further include a second switch (615) connected between the power management circuit (288) and the first communication circuit (211), at least one processor (220), and a memory (230) for storing instructions. When the instructions are executed collectively or individually by the at least one processor (220), the electronic device (201) may turn on the second switch (615) to connect the first communication circuit (211) and the power management circuit (288) when the power of the electronic device (201) is turned on and the first switch (213) is turned off, thereby allowing the first communication circuit (211) to receive power from the power management circuit (288).

[0105] The commands according to one embodiment, when executed collectively or individually by the at least one processor (220), may cause the electronic device (201) to obtain the advertising signal output from the first communication circuit (211) through the second communication circuit (290) based on the first communication circuit (211) receiving the power from the power management circuit (288). The commands, when executed collectively or individually by the at least one processor (220), may cause the electronic device (201) to obtain tag information associated with the advertising signal. The commands, when executed collectively or individually by the at least one processor (220), may cause the electronic device (201) to store the tag information in the memory (230).

[0106] When the commands according to one embodiment are executed collectively or individually by the at least one processor (220), the electronic device (201) may be enabled to obtain location information of the electronic device (201) through the second communication circuit (290). When the commands are executed collectively or individually by the at least one processor (220), the electronic device (201) may be enabled to transmit the location information and tag information of the electronic device (201) to an external server (108).

[0107] The specified condition according to one embodiment may include a menu selection or user input through a specified application currently in execution.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the tag information may include information indicating the electronic device (201) or the user of the electronic device (201).

[0109] An electronic device (101 or 201) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a battery (189 or 289), a first communication circuit (211) supporting a BLE communication method, a second communication circuit (290) supporting a second communication method different from the BLE communication method, a first switch (213) connected between the battery and the first communication circuit, and a power management circuit (188 or 288). The power management circuit (288) may be configured to identify whether the voltage value of the battery is within a specified voltage value range associated with the power off of the electronic device (201). The power management circuit (288) may be configured to turn on the switch (213) so that the first communication circuit (211) and the power management circuit (288) are connected through the power management circuit (288) when the voltage value of the battery (289) is within the specified voltage value range, thereby allowing the first communication circuit (211) to output an advertising signal using the BLE communication method. The power management circuit (288) may be configured to turn off the first switch (213) through the power management circuit (288) to disconnect the connection between the battery (289) and the first communication circuit (211) so that power is not supplied to the first communication circuit (211) when the voltage value of the battery is not within the specified voltage value range, and to supply power to the second communication circuit (290) so that the electronic device (201) communicates with an external electronic device using a second communication method different from the BLE communication method.

[0110] According to one embodiment, the specified voltage value range may be lower than a voltage value at which the power of the electronic device (201) cannot be turned on.

[0111] A method for providing a tag function in an electronic device (101 or 201) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation of identifying whether the power is on or off through a power management circuit (288) of the electronic device (201). The method may include an operation of turning on a first switch (213) to connect the battery (289) of the electronic device (201) and the first communication circuit (211) through the power management circuit (288) so that when the power of the electronic device (201) is off, the first communication circuit (211) of the electronic device (201) receives power from the battery (289) and outputs an advertising signal using a BLE communication method. The above method may include the operation of turning off the first switch (213) through the power management circuit (288) to disconnect the connection between the battery (289) and the first communication circuit (211) so that power is not supplied to the first communication circuit (211) when the power of the electronic device (201) is turned on, and supplying power to the second communication circuit (290) of the electronic device (201) so that the electronic device (201) communicates with an external electronic device using a second communication method different from the BLE communication method.

[0112] In the method according to one embodiment, the advertising signal may include tag information associated with the electronic device (201) or a user of the electronic device (201). In the method, the second communication circuit (290) may support Wi-Fi communication, Bluetooth communication, and / or mobile communication.

[0113] The method according to one embodiment may include an operation of identifying the power-on of the electronic device (201) when the constant power of the electronic device (201) is output through the power management circuit (288). The method may include an operation of identifying the power-off of the electronic device (201) when the constant power of the electronic device (201) is not output through the power management circuit (288).

[0114] The method according to one embodiment may include an operation in which, when the power of the electronic device (201) is turned on and the first switch (213) is turned off and a specified condition is satisfied, the second switch (615) of the electronic device (201) is turned on to connect the first communication circuit (211) and the power management circuit (288), thereby allowing the first communication circuit (211) to receive power from the power management circuit (288).

[0115] The method according to one embodiment may include an operation of obtaining the advertising signal output from the first communication circuit (211) through the second communication circuit (290) based on the first communication circuit (211) receiving the power from the power management circuit (288). The method may include an operation of obtaining tag information associated with the advertising signal. The method may include an operation of storing the tag information in the memory (230) of the electronic device (201).

[0116] The method according to one embodiment may include an operation of obtaining location information of the electronic device (201) through the second communication circuit (290). The method may further include an operation of transmitting the location information of the electronic device (201) and the tag information to an external server.

[0117] In the method according to one embodiment, the specified condition may include a menu selection or user input through a specified application currently running.

[0118] In the method according to one embodiment, the tag information may include information indicating the electronic device (201) or the user of the electronic device (201).

[0119] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the server (808) can obtain location information of the lost electronic device (801) and provide a lost electronic device (801) search service even if the power is turned off while the electronic device (801) is lost.

[0120] One embodiment of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said 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 said items unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of phrases such as "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B or C," "at least one of A, B and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as “first,” “second,” or “first” or “second” may be used simply to distinguish a component from another component and do not limit the components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order). Where any (e.g., first) component is referred to as “coupled” or “connected” to another (e.g., second) component, with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicationally,” it means that said component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0121] The term "module" as used in an embodiment 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, for example. A module may be a component formed integrally, or a minimum unit of said component or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, according to an embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0122] One embodiment of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., program (140)) comprising one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory (136) or external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., electronic device (101) or electronic device (301)). For example, a processor (e.g., processor (520)) of the machine (e.g., electronic device (301)) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to be operated 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 that can be executed by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the machine may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-temporary' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily.

[0123] According to one embodiment, the method according to one embodiment disclosed herein may be provided by being included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or distributed online (e.g., download or upload) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0124] In a non-transient storage medium storing commands according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the commands may be configured to cause the electronic device (101, 201) to perform at least one operation when executed by the electronic device. The at least one operation according to one embodiment may include an operation of identifying the power on or off through a power management circuit of the electronic device. The at least one operation may include an operation of turning on a first switch to connect the battery of the electronic device and the first communication circuit through the power management circuit so that when the power of the electronic device is off, the first communication circuit of the electronic device receives power from the battery and outputs an advertising signal using a BLE communication method. The above at least one operation may include turning off the first switch through the power management circuit to disconnect the connection between the battery and the first communication circuit so that power is not supplied to the first communication circuit when the power of the electronic device is turned on, and supplying power to the second communication circuit of the electronic device so that the electronic device communicates with an external electronic device using a second communication method different from the BLE communication method.

[0125] According to one embodiment, each component (e.g., module or program) of the components described above may include a singular or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to one embodiment, one or more of the components or operations among the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Generally or additionally, multiple components (e.g., module or program) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as those performed by the corresponding component among the multiple components prior to integration. According to one embodiment, operations performed by the module, program, or other components 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 an electronic device (101, 201), Battery(189, 289); A first communication circuit (211) that supports BLE communication methods; A second communication circuit (290) that supports a second communication method different from the above BLE communication method; A first switch (213) connected between the battery and the first communication circuit; and It includes a power management circuit (188, 288), and The above power management circuit is, Identifying whether the power of the above electronic device is on or off, and When the power of the electronic device is turned off, the first switch is turned on to connect the battery and the first communication circuit so that the first communication circuit receives power from the battery and outputs an advertising signal using the BLE communication method, and An electronic device configured to turn off the first switch to disconnect the connection between the battery and the first communication circuit so that power is not supplied to the first communication circuit when the power of the electronic device is turned on, and to supply power to the second communication circuit so that the electronic device communicates with an external electronic device using a second communication method different from the BLE communication method.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above advertising signal includes tag information associated with the electronic device or the user of the electronic device, and The above second communication circuit is an electronic device that supports Wi-Fi communication, Bluetooth communication, and / or mobile communication.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above power management circuit is, An electronic device further configured to identify the power-on of the electronic device when the constant power of the electronic device is output, and to identify the power-off of the electronic device when the constant power of the electronic device is not output.

4. In Paragraph 3, A second switch connected between the power management circuit and the first communication circuit; At least one processor; and It further includes memory to store instructions, When the above commands are executed collectively or individually by the at least one processor, the electronic device, An electronic device that, when the power of the electronic device is turned on and the first switch is turned off, satisfies a specified condition, turns on the second switch to connect the first communication circuit and the power management circuit so that the first communication circuit receives power from the power management circuit.

5. In Paragraph 4, When the above commands are executed collectively or individually by the at least one processor, the electronic device, Based on the first communication circuit receiving power from the power management circuit, the advertising signal output from the first communication circuit is obtained through the second communication circuit, and Acquire tag information associated with the above advertising signal, and An electronic device that stores the above tag information in the memory.

6. In Paragraph 5, When the above commands are executed collectively or individually by the at least one processor, the electronic device, An electronic device that acquires location information of the electronic device through the second communication circuit and transmits the location information of the electronic device and the tag information to an external server.

7. In Paragraph 4, The above-mentioned specified condition is an electronic device including menu selection or user input through a specified application currently running.

8. In Paragraph 4, The above tag information is an electronic device containing information indicating the electronic device or the user of the electronic device.

9. In the electronic device (101, 201), Battery(189, 289); A first communication circuit (211) that supports BLE communication methods; A second communication circuit (290) that supports a second communication method different from the above BLE communication method; A first switch (213) connected between the battery and the first communication circuit; and It includes power management circuits (188, 288), and The above power management circuit is, Identify whether the voltage value of the above battery is within a specified voltage value range associated with the power off of the above electronic device, and When the voltage value of the battery is within the specified voltage value range, the switch is turned on so that the first communication circuit and the power management circuit are connected through the power management circuit, thereby causing the first communication circuit to output an advertising signal using the BLE communication method, and An electronic device configured to turn off the first switch through the power management circuit to disconnect the connection between the battery and the first communication circuit so that power is not supplied to the first communication circuit if the voltage value of the battery is not within the specified voltage value range, and to supply power to the second communication circuit so that the electronic device communicates with an external electronic device using a second communication method different from the BLE communication method.

10. In Paragraph 9, The above-mentioned specified voltage value range is an electronic device in which the voltage value at which the power of the electronic device cannot be turned on is lower than or equal to the voltage value.

11. A method for providing a tag function in an electronic device (101, 201), An operation to identify the on or off of the power supply through the power management circuit of the electronic device; When the power of the electronic device is turned off, the operation of turning on a first switch to connect the battery of the electronic device and the first communication circuit through the power management circuit so that the first communication circuit of the electronic device receives power from the battery and outputs an advertising signal using a BLE communication method; and A method comprising the operation of turning off the first switch through the power management circuit to disconnect the connection between the battery and the first communication circuit so as not to supply power to the first communication circuit when the power of the electronic device is turned on, and supplying power to the second communication circuit of the electronic device so that the electronic device communicates with an external electronic device using a second communication method different from the BLE communication method.

12. In Paragraph 11, The above advertising signal includes tag information associated with the electronic device or the user of the electronic device, and The above second communication circuit supports a Wi-Fi communication method, a Bluetooth communication method, and / or a mobile communication method.

13. In Paragraph 11, An operation to identify the power-on of the electronic device when the constant power of the electronic device is output through the power management circuit; and A method further comprising an operation to identify the power off of the electronic device when the normal power of the electronic device is not output through the power management circuit.

14. In Paragraph 13, An operation to turn on the second switch of the electronic device to connect the first communication circuit and the power management circuit when a specified condition is satisfied while the power of the electronic device is turned on and the first switch is turned off, so that the first communication circuit receives power from the power management circuit; An operation of obtaining the advertising signal output from the first communication circuit through the second communication circuit based on the first communication circuit receiving the power from the power management circuit; An operation to acquire tag information associated with the above advertising signal; The operation of storing the above tag information in the memory of the electronic device; The operation of obtaining location information of the electronic device through the second communication circuit; and The operation further includes transmitting the location information and tag information of the electronic device to an external server. The above-mentioned specified conditions include menu selection or user input through a specified application currently in execution, and A method in which the above tag information includes information indicating the electronic device or the user of the electronic device.

15. In a non-transient storage medium storing instructions, The above commands are set so that when executed by the electronic device (101, 201), the electronic device performs at least one operation, wherein the at least one operation is, An operation to identify the on or off of the power supply through the power management circuit of the above electronic device; When the power of the electronic device is turned off, the operation of turning on a first switch to connect the battery of the electronic device and the first communication circuit through the power management circuit so that the first communication circuit of the electronic device receives power from the battery and outputs an advertising signal using a BLE communication method; and A storage medium comprising the operation of, when the power of the electronic device is turned on, turning off the first switch through the power management circuit to disconnect the connection between the battery and the first communication circuit so as not to supply power to the first communication circuit, and supplying power to the second communication circuit of the electronic device so that the electronic device communicates with an external electronic device using a second communication method different from the BLE communication method.

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