Electronic device and server device including betavoltaic battery

Abstract

The electronic device of the present disclosure comprises: a communication unit for communicating with an external device; a betavoltaic battery module including a betavoltaic battery for supplying power by using beta rays, and a beta sensor for acquiring sensing information related to beta rays leaking out of the beta battery from among the beta rays; and a control unit for controlling the communication unit to transmit warning information to the external device when it is identified that the beta rays have leaked, on the basis of the sensing information.

Description

Electronic devices and server devices including beta batteries

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0128854 dated September 24, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the document of said Korean Patent Application are incorporated herein as part of this specification.

[0002] The present application relates to an electronic device including a beta battery and a server device communicating therewith.

[0003] A radioisotope is an element capable of emitting radiation during the decay process. Depending on its type, radioisotopes emit alpha, beta, or gamma rays as they decay.

[0004] Betavoltaic batteries utilize beta rays emitted from radioactive isotopes as an energy source to generate electrical energy and supply it to electronic devices. Radioactive isotopes that emit beta rays have a half-life of up to thousands of years, offering the advantage of semi-permanent power generation. However, because beta rays have relatively lower energy compared to other radioactive elements, they are more suitable for use in electronic devices requiring low power rather than those requiring high power.

[0005] Meanwhile, although beta rays have weaker penetrating power compared to other types of radiation and thus pose a relatively lower risk, there is a persistent danger that exposure to the human body can cause skin burns and other injuries. Therefore, measures to safely utilize beta batteries are required.

[0006] The present disclosure is intended to provide an electronic device including a beta battery with improved stability and a server device communicating therewith.

[0007] An electronic device according to an embodiment may include a communication unit that communicates with an external device, a beta battery that supplies power using beta rays, a beta battery module including a beta sensor that acquires sensing information related to beta rays leaking out of the beta battery, and a control unit that controls the communication unit to transmit warning information to an external device when it is confirmed that beta rays have leaked based on the sensing information.

[0008] Since beta batteries utilize radioactive isotopes as an energy source, they can generate power semi-permanently; however, because the power output is relatively small, they can be used as a primary or auxiliary power source for electronic devices requiring low power, or as an auxiliary power source for electronic devices requiring high power. Furthermore, beta batteries require rapid safety measures or recovery processing in the event of beta radiation leakage due to abnormal conditions such as device failure or accidents, so there is a need to detect abnormal conditions and rapidly transmit information. In one example, in the case of a smart sensor, the power required to operate the sensor is relatively low, and a power source capable of supplying power for a long time is needed, so a beta battery can be utilized as a primary power source. Additionally, since a smart sensor necessarily includes a communication unit to provide sensing information, sufficient safety can be ensured without providing a separate communication unit to ensure the safety of the beta battery, and thus it can be implemented as one of the electronic devices according to the present invention. In another example, in the case of a wireless control device such as a drone, if the primary power is released while recovery is required due to an accident, the beta battery can be used as an auxiliary power source to operate the communication unit and transmit location information, etc. In addition, since the drone also essentially includes a communication unit for wireless control, sufficient safety can be ensured without providing a separate communication unit for ensuring the safety of the beta battery, and thus it can be implemented as one of the electronic devices according to the present invention.

[0009] In an embodiment, the beta battery module includes a first shielding portion in which a beta battery is disposed on the inside, and a second shielding portion in which the first shielding portion is disposed on the inside, and the beta sensor may be disposed between the first shielding portion and the second shielding portion.

[0010] In an embodiment, the beta sensor includes a temperature sensor that acquires a temperature level as sensing information, and the control unit can confirm that beta rays have been emitted if the temperature level is greater than or equal to a reference value.

[0011] In an embodiment, the beta sensor includes an energy conversion unit that generates current according to beta rays leaking out of the beta battery, and a current sensor that acquires the level of the current as sensing information, and the control unit can confirm that beta rays have leaked if the level of the current is greater than or equal to a reference value.

[0012] In an embodiment, the beta sensor includes a plurality of sub-sensors that each acquire sensing information, and the control unit checks the number of sensing information that is greater than or equal to a reference value among the sensing information acquired by each of the plurality of sub-sensors, and if the number of detected sensing information is greater than or equal to a set number, it can be confirmed that beta rays have been emitted.

[0013] In an embodiment, the first shielding part includes a beta-ray absorbing material for absorbing beta rays, and the second shielding part may include a reinforcing material that delays the deterioration of the first shielding part.

[0014] In the embodiment, the maximum time during which beta rays are blocked through the first shielding part may be longer than the maximum time during which beta rays are blocked through the second shielding part.

[0015] In the embodiment, the thickness of the first shielding portion in the height direction may be greater than the thickness of the second shielding portion in the height direction.

[0016] In an embodiment, the beta cell module may further include a beta ray absorbing material filled between the first shielding portion and the second shielding portion.

[0017] In an example, the beta cell may include a radioactive isotope that emits beta rays, and an energy conversion unit that generates current by electron-hole pairs generated according to the beta rays.

[0018] In an embodiment, the electronic device may further include a sensor unit that detects information on at least one of temperature, humidity, illuminance, air quality, pressure, gravity, distance, speed, acceleration, vibration, infrared radiation, magnetic field, gas concentration, heart rate, body temperature, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and bioelectric potential.

[0019] In an embodiment, the control unit can control the communication unit to transmit identification information or location information of the electronic device along with warning information to an external device when it is confirmed that beta rays have leaked.

[0020] In an embodiment, the electronic device further includes an output device that outputs information, and the control unit can control the output device to output warning information when it is confirmed that beta rays have leaked.

[0021] A server device according to an embodiment may include a communication unit that communicates with an electronic device comprising a beta battery module that includes a beta battery that supplies power using beta rays and a beta sensor that acquires sensing information related to beta rays leaking out of the beta battery, and a control unit that controls the communication unit to call a robot to move to the location of the electronic device and retrieve the beta battery module when warning information indicating the external leakage of beta rays according to the sensing information and identification information or location information of the electronic device are received through the communication unit from the electronic device.

[0022] A server device according to an embodiment may include a communication unit that performs communication with an electronic device comprising a beta battery module that includes a beta battery that supplies power using beta rays and a beta sensor that acquires sensing information related to beta rays leaking out of the beta battery, and a control unit that, when sensing information and identification information or location information of the electronic device are received from the electronic device through the communication unit, checks whether beta rays have leaked based on the sensing information, and if it is confirmed that beta rays have leaked, controls the communication unit to call a robot to retrieve the beta battery module based on the identification information or location information of the electronic device.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device including a beta battery with improved stability and a server device communicating therewith can be provided.

[0024] According to an embodiment, an electronic device and a server device that rapidly detect and warn of beta ray leakage can be provided. According to an embodiment, a beta battery can be recovered by rapidly detecting beta ray leakage.

[0025] The drawings shown in this application are in accordance with embodiments of this application, and the ratios of the width, height, or thickness (or height) of each component are intended to explain this application in detail and may differ from the actual. Additionally, in the coordinate system shown in the drawings, each axis may be perpendicular to the others, the direction indicated by the arrow may be the + direction, and the direction exactly opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow (a direction rotated 180 degrees) may be the - direction.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining a beta battery module according to an embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the operation of an electronic device and a server device according to an embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the operation of an electronic device and a server device according to another embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining a server device according to an embodiment.

[0031] Prior to the detailed description of this application, terms and words used in this specification and claims may not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings. Furthermore, based on the principle that the inventor may appropriately define the concept of terms to best describe their invention, they may be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the invention. The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of this application and may not represent all of the technical spirit of this application. Therefore, various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0032] Identical reference numbers or symbols in each drawing attached to this specification may represent parts or components that perform substantially the same function. For convenience of explanation and understanding, the same reference numbers or symbols may be used to describe different embodiments. That is, even if components having the same reference number are depicted in multiple drawings, the multiple drawings may not all represent a single embodiment.

[0033] In the following description, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms such as "comprising" or "constituting" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0034] Additionally, in the following description, expressions such as upper side, top, lower side, bottom, side, front, and rear are based on the direction depicted in the drawing, and may be expressed differently if the direction of the object changes.

[0035] Additionally, in this specification and claims, terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to distinguish between components. Such ordinal numbers are used to distinguish identical or similar components from one another, and the meaning of the terms should not be limited by the use of such ordinal numbers. For example, the order of use or arrangement of components combined with such ordinal numbers should not be limited by the number. If necessary, each ordinal number may be used interchangeably.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, the electronic device (100) according to the embodiment may be implemented as a smart sensor. For example, the smart sensor may be implemented as one of various types of sensor devices, such as a temperature sensor device, a humidity sensor device, a pressure sensor device, a light sensor device, a gyroscope, a vibration sensor device, a distance sensor device, a speed sensor device, an accelerometer, a tilt sensor device, a gas sensor device, a blood glucose sensor device, a blood pressure sensor device, a blood pressure sensor device, and an oxygen saturation sensor device. However, this is only one embodiment, and the electronic device (100) is not limited to a specific type and may be modified and implemented as various types of devices, such as an Internet of Things device, a smartphone, a wearable device, a medical device, a tablet, a laptop, a drone, a virtual reality device, an augmented reality device, a mixed reality device, a wireless communication device, a home appliance, etc.

[0038] The electronic device (100) according to the embodiment may include a communication unit (110), a beta battery module (120), and a control unit (130). Each of the communication unit (110), the beta battery module (120), and the control unit (130) may be connected to each other via a bus.

[0039] The communication unit (110) can communicate with an external device. The communication unit (110) can transmit data to an external device or receive data from an external device. In an embodiment, the communication unit (110) can transmit at least one of sensing information, identification information of an electronic device (100), location information of an electronic device (100), and warning information to an external device under the control of the control unit (130). The external device may be at least one of various devices, such as a server device, a robot, or a user device.

[0040] For example, the communication unit (110) can communicate with an external device through various wireless communication standards such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC (Near Field Communication), 5G (5th generation technology standard), LTE (long-term evolution), and Zigbee. As another example, the communication unit (110) can communicate with an external device through various wireless communication standards such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC (Near Field Communication), 5G (5th generation technology standard), LTE (long-term evolution), Zigbee, and satellite communication. As another example, the communication unit (110) can communicate with an external device through various wired communication standards such as Ethernet, USB (Universal Serial Bus), and Thunderbolt. To this end, the communication unit (110) may include a communication circuit corresponding to the communication standard.

[0041] In an embodiment, the communication unit (110) can obtain location information of the electronic device (100) by performing communication. For example, the communication unit (110) can obtain location information of the electronic device (100) through various methods such as signal strength and triangulation by using a GPS (Global Positioning System) signal received from a satellite device, a beacon signal received from a beacon device, and a signal received from a relay device (e.g., a wireless router, etc.).

[0042] The beta battery module (120) may include a beta battery (121) and a beta sensor (125).

[0043] The beta battery (121) can generate power using beta rays. The beta battery (121) can supply power to the electronic device (100). For example, the beta battery (121) can supply power to the electronic device (100) as a main power source or an auxiliary power source. The electronic device (100) can be driven using the power supplied from the beta battery (121).

[0044] In an embodiment, the beta battery (121) may include a radioactive isotope and an energy conversion unit.

[0045] In the examples, the radioisotope may emit beta rays. For example, the radioisotope is tritium ( 3 H, tritium), potassium-45( 45 Ca), nickel-63 63 Ni), copper-67 67 Cu), strontium-90 ( 90 Sr), promethium-147( 147 Pm), osmium-194( 194 OS), Thulium-171( 171 Tm), tantalum-179( 179 Ta), cadmium-109( 109Cd), germanium-68 68 Ge), cerium-159( 159 Ce) and tungsten-181( 181 It may include one or more selected from the group consisting of W). However, this is merely one example, and the radioactive isotope may include at least one material that decays and emits beta rays. In the example, the radioactive isotope may emit beta rays along with alpha rays or gamma rays, etc.

[0046] The energy conversion unit can generate power through electron-hole pairs generated by beta rays. In an embodiment, the energy conversion unit generates electron-hole pairs by collision with incident beta rays and can separate electrons and holes by an electric field. Separated electrons move to the cathode, and separated holes move to the anode, so that a potential difference can occur between the anode and the cathode. Due to the potential difference, current flows through circuits connected to the anode and the cathode, and power can be generated. In an embodiment, the energy conversion unit may include an inorganic layer, an organic layer, a dye-sensitized layer, or a combination thereof. For example, the energy conversion unit may include a P-type semiconductor and an N-type semiconductor joined together. A PN junction may be formed in the region where the P-type semiconductor and the N-type semiconductor are joined.

[0047] The beta sensor (125) can acquire sensing information related to beta rays leaking out of the beta battery (121). The sensing information can be used to check whether there is leakage from the beta battery (121). For example, the sensing information may include at least one of the level of current and the level of temperature generated according to the leakage of beta rays.

[0048] The control unit (130) can process data or control the operation of other components within the electronic device (100). For example, the control unit (130) may include at least one of various types of processors, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a digital signal processor (DSP), and an application processor (AP).

[0049] The control unit (130) can determine whether beta rays are leaking based on the sensing information received from the beta sensor (125). For example, the control unit (130) can determine whether beta rays are leaking by analyzing the sensing information.

[0050] The control unit (130) can control the communication unit (110) to transmit warning information to an external device when it is confirmed that beta rays have leaked. In an embodiment, the control unit (130) can control the communication unit (110) to transmit identification information or location information of the electronic device (100) along with warning information to an external device when it is confirmed that beta rays have leaked.

[0051] In an embodiment, to ensure safety for the beta battery (121), at least one of the beta sensor (125), the control unit (130), and the communication unit (110) can be driven using power supplied from the beta battery (121).

[0052] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) may further include a sensor unit (140). The sensor unit (140) can detect information regarding at least one of temperature, humidity, illuminance, air quality, pressure, gravity, location, distance, speed, acceleration, vibration, infrared radiation, magnetic field, gas concentration, heart rate, body temperature, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and bioelectric potential.

[0053] For example, the sensor unit (140) may include a temperature sensor for detecting temperature (e.g., thermocouple, resistance thermometer, thermistor, thermal imaging camera, etc.), a humidity sensor for detecting humidity, an illuminance sensor for detecting illuminance (e.g., photodiode, phototransistor, etc.), an air quality sensor for detecting air quality (e.g., volatile organic compound sensor, etc.), a pressure sensor for detecting pressure (e.g., piezoresistive pressure sensor, etc.), a gravity sensor for detecting gravity, a distance sensor for detecting distance (e.g., ToF (Time of Flight) sensor, ultrasonic sensor, laser distance sensor, etc.), a speed sensor for detecting speed (e.g., magnetic speed sensor, radar speed sensor, etc.), an acceleration sensor for detecting acceleration (e.g., 3-axis accelerometer, inertial measurement unit, etc.), a vibration sensor for detecting vibration (e.g., piezo vibration sensor, accelerometer-based vibration sensor, etc.), an infrared sensor for detecting infrared radiation, a magnetic field sensor for detecting magnetic fields (e.g., Hall effect sensor, etc.), a gas sensor for detecting gas concentration (e.g., oxygen sensor, carbon dioxide sensor, methane sensor, etc.), It may include at least one of a heart rate sensor that detects heart rate (e.g., photoplethysmography sensor, electrical heart rate sensor, etc.), a body temperature sensor that detects body temperature (e.g., infrared thermometer, contact thermometer, etc.), an oxygen saturation sensor that detects oxygen saturation, a blood pressure sensor that detects blood pressure (non-invasive blood pressure sensor, pressure-based blood pressure sensor, etc.), and a biopotential sensor that detects biopotential (e.g., electroencephalography sensor, etc.). However, this is merely one embodiment, and the sensor unit (140) may include sensors that detect various types of information.

[0054] In an embodiment, the electronic device (100) may further include an output device that outputs information. In an embodiment, the control unit (130) may control the output device to output warning information when it is confirmed that beta rays have leaked. The output device may include at least one of a display and a speaker. The display may output the warning information as visual information (e.g., text, image, etc.), and the speaker may output the warning information as voice information (e.g., voice, etc.) or sound information (e.g., beep sound, etc.).

[0055] In an embodiment, to ensure safety for the beta battery (121), at least one of the beta sensor (125), control unit (130), communication unit (110), and output device can be driven using power supplied from the beta battery (121).

[0056] FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining a beta battery module according to an embodiment.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the beta battery module (120) according to the embodiment includes a beta battery (121) and a beta sensor (125), and may further include a first shielding part (122) and a second shielding part (123).

[0058] A beta cell (121) may be disposed inside the first shielding section (122). Here, the inside of the first shielding section (122) may represent a space enclosed by the first shielding section (122). For example, a radioactive isotope and an energy conversion section of the beta cell (121) may be disposed inside the first shielding section (122).

[0059] A first shielding part (122) may be disposed inside the second shielding part (123). Here, the inside of the second shielding part (123) may represent a space surrounded by the second shielding part (123). Meanwhile, a beta sensor (125) may be disposed inside the second shielding part (123). That is, the beta sensor (125) may be disposed between the first shielding part (122) and the second shielding part (123). The beta sensor (125) can acquire sensing information related to beta rays leaking out of the first shielding part (122).

[0060] In an embodiment, the beta sensor (125) may include an energy conversion unit that generates current according to beta rays leaking out, and a current sensor that obtains the level of the current as sensing information. In this case, the control unit (130) can confirm that beta rays have leaked if the level of the current is greater than or equal to a reference value. The reference value may be pre-set considering noise. The energy conversion unit included in the beta sensor (125) can generate current according to beta rays in the same way as the energy conversion unit included in the beta battery (121). According to the present embodiment, whether beta rays have leaked can be confirmed by utilizing the phenomenon in which current is generated by the leaking beta rays.

[0061] In an embodiment, the beta sensor (125) may include a temperature sensor that obtains a temperature level as sensing information. In this case, the control unit (130) can confirm that beta rays have leaked if the temperature level is above a reference value. The reference value may be pre-set considering noise. When beta rays leak, the beta rays leaked outside the first shielding unit (122) may collide with the second shielding unit (123). According to the present embodiment, whether beta rays have leaked can be confirmed by utilizing the phenomenon where the temperature rises at the point of collision of the leaked beta rays.

[0062] In detail, the reference value of the temperature level can be set by taking into account the external temperature information of the second shielding part (123). The temperature of the beta battery module (120) may vary depending on the external environment, and when the beta rays emitted from the beta battery (121) are normally shielded by the first shielding part (122), the first shielding part (122) and the second shielding part (123) may maintain the same temperature or a slight temperature difference. However, when beta rays leak from the first shielding part (122), the temperature of the part where the beta sensor (125) is located may rise abnormally, and the reference value of the temperature level at this time may be set by taking into account the difference with the external temperature of the second shielding part (123). The reference value of the temperature level may be set to a specific temperature difference greater than the external temperature of the second shielding part (123), for example, 0.1℃, 0.2℃, 0.3℃, 0.5℃, 0.8℃, 1℃, 1.2℃, 1.5℃, 2℃, 3℃, 4℃, or 5℃, but is not limited thereto. At this time, a separate auxiliary sensor (not shown) may be included on the outside of the second shielding part (123) to measure the external temperature of the second shielding part (123).

[0063] In an embodiment, the first shielding part (122) may include a beta-ray absorbing material for absorbing beta rays. For example, the beta-ray absorbing material may include at least one of various materials such as plastic, aluminum, lead, glass, acrylic, and rubber. However, this is only one embodiment, and the beta-ray absorbing material may include a material having a beta-ray absorption rate greater than or equal to a reference value.

[0064] In the embodiment, the second shielding part (123) may include a beta-ray absorbing material and a reinforcing material to delay the deterioration of the beta-cell module (120) caused by the external environment. For example, the reinforcing material may delay deterioration through various properties such as heat resistance, fire resistance, and wear resistance. The reinforcing material may include at least one of various materials such as fiber reinforcing materials (e.g., glass fiber, carbon fiber, aramid fiber, boron fiber, basalt fiber, etc.), polymer reinforcing materials (e.g., epoxy resin, polyurethane, silicone rubber, etc.), metal reinforcing materials (e.g., stainless steel, titanium, aluminum alloy, etc.), and carbon reinforcing materials (e.g., carbon nanotube, graphene, etc.). In the embodiment, the second shielding part (123) may be a material in the form of a film, sheet, etc., but is not limited thereto and may be implemented in various forms.

[0065] In the embodiment, the maximum time during which beta rays are blocked through the first shielding part (122) may be longer than the maximum time during which beta rays are blocked through the second shielding part (123).

[0066] In an embodiment, the thickness (t1) of the first shielding part (122) in the height direction may be greater than the thickness (t2) of the second shielding part (123) in the height direction. Here, the height direction may be the Y-axis direction. For example, the thickness (t1) of the first shielding part (122) and the thickness (t2) of the second shielding part (123) may be measured with respect to the center of the beta cell (121) in the horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction). The horizontal direction and the height direction may be perpendicular to each other.

[0067] In an embodiment, the beta battery module (120) may further include a beta ray absorbing material filled between the first shielding part (122) and the second shielding part (123). The beta ray absorbing material may include at least one of various forms of materials, such as powder, foam, or paste, to increase the filling rate.

[0068] In an embodiment, the beta sensor (125) may include a plurality of sub-sensors (125a to 125d). Each of the plurality of sub-sensors (125a to 125d) may be positioned between the first shielding part (122) and the second shielding part (123). Meanwhile, the positioning location and number of the sub-sensors (125a to 125d) may be varied. In this case, the control unit (130) can check the number of sensing information values ​​greater than or equal to a reference value among the sensing information obtained by each of the plurality of sub-sensors (125a to 125d). If the number of the confirmed sensing information values ​​is greater than or equal to a set number, the control unit (130) can confirm that beta rays have been emitted. This is determined to mean that beta rays have been emitted when the number of sensing information values ​​greater than or equal to the reference value is greater than or equal to a set number, taking into account the case where one or more of the sub-sensors (125a to 125d) malfunction.

[0069] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the operation of an electronic device and a server device according to an embodiment.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 3, the electronic device (100) according to the embodiment can obtain sensing information related to beta rays leaking out of the beta battery (121) (S310). The sensing information can be obtained by a beta sensor (125).

[0071] And, the electronic device (100) can check whether beta rays are leaking based on the sensing information (S320). The operation of checking whether beta rays are leaking can be performed by the control unit (130).

[0072] And, when the electronic device (100) confirms the leakage of beta rays, it can output (or transmit) warning information to the server device (200) (S330). In an embodiment, when the electronic device (100) confirms the leakage of beta rays, it can output (or transmit) the identification information or location information of the electronic device (100) along with the warning information to the server device (200).

[0073] When the server device (200) receives warning information, identification information, or location information of the electronic device (100) from the electronic device (100), it may transmit a call command and identification information or location information of the electronic device (100) to the robot (300) to call the robot (300) to move to the location of the electronic device (100) and retrieve the beta battery module (120) of the electronic device (100). In this case, the robot (300) moves to the location of the electronic device (100) according to the call command, identification information, and location information of the electronic device (100), and can remove and retrieve the beta battery module (120) from the electronic device (100).

[0074] Meanwhile, in another embodiment, when the server device (200) receives warning information from the electronic device (100), it can transmit the warning information to the user device. The user device can output warning information indicating the occurrence of beta ray leakage according to the warning information received from the server device (200). The user device may be various types of personalized devices, such as smartphones and wearable devices.

[0075] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the operation of an electronic device and a server device according to another embodiment.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 4, the electronic device (100) according to the embodiment can acquire sensing information related to beta rays leaking out of the beta battery (121) (S410). The sensing information can be acquired by a beta sensor (125). Then, the electronic device (100) can transmit the sensing information and the identification information or location information of the electronic device (100) to a server device (200).

[0077] The server device (200) can check whether beta rays are leaking based on sensing information received from the electronic device (100) (S420). The operation of checking whether beta rays are leaking can be performed by the control unit of the server device (200).

[0078] And, when the server device (200) confirms the leakage of beta rays, it can output (or transmit) a call command and identification information or location information of the electronic device (100) to the robot (300). The robot (300) moves to the location of the electronic device (100) according to the call command and identification information or location information of the electronic device (100), and can remove and recover the beta battery module (120) from the electronic device (100).

[0079] Meanwhile, in another embodiment, the server device (200) can transmit warning information to the user device when the leakage of beta rays is confirmed.

[0080] FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining a server device according to an embodiment.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 5, the server device (200) according to the embodiment may include a communication unit (210) and a control unit (220).

[0082] The communication unit (210) can communicate with an external device. Here, the external device may be an electronic device (100), a robot (300), a user device, or another electronic device. The communication unit (210) may be subject to the description of the communication unit (110) described above. For example, the communication unit (210) can communicate with an external device via a wireless communication standard and / or a wired communication standard, and may include a communication circuit corresponding to the communication standard.

[0083] The communication unit (210) can receive at least one of sensing information, warning information, identification information of the electronic device (100), and location information from the electronic device (100). The communication unit (210) can transmit at least one of a call command, identification information of the electronic device (100), and location information to the robot (300).

[0084] The control unit (220) can process data or control the operation of other components within the electronic device (100). For example, the control unit (220) may include at least one of various types of processors, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a digital signal processor (DSP), and an application processor (AP).

[0085] In an embodiment, when the control unit (220) receives warning information and identification information or location information of the electronic device (100) from the electronic device (100) through the communication unit (210), the control unit (220) can control the communication unit (210) to call a robot (300) to move to the location of the electronic device (100) and retrieve the beta battery module (120).

[0086] In an embodiment, when the control unit (220) receives sensing information and identification information or location information of the electronic device (100) from the electronic device (100) through the communication unit (210), it can determine whether beta rays have leaked based on the sensing information. For example, the control unit (220) can determine that beta rays have leaked if the temperature level included in the sensing information is above a reference value. As another example, the control unit (220) can determine that beta rays have leaked if the current level included in the sensing information is above a reference value. When the control unit (220) determines that beta rays have leaked, it can control the communication unit (210) to call a robot (300) to retrieve the beta battery module (120) based on the identification information or location information of the electronic device (100).

[0087] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and it will be obvious to those with average knowledge in the art that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention as described in the claims. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments may be implemented by deleting some components, and each embodiment may be implemented in combination with one another.

Claims

1. A communication unit that communicates with an external device; A beta battery module comprising a beta battery that supplies power using beta rays, and a beta sensor that acquires sensing information related to beta rays leaking out of the beta battery among the beta rays; and An electronic device comprising a control unit that controls the communication unit to transmit warning information to the external device when it is confirmed that the beta rays have leaked based on the above sensing information.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above beta battery module is, It includes a first shielding portion in which the beta battery is disposed on the inner side, and a second shielding portion in which the first shielding portion is disposed on the inner side. The above beta sensor is, An electronic device disposed between the first shielding part and the second shielding part.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above beta sensor is, It includes a temperature sensor that obtains a temperature level as the above sensing information, and The above control unit is, An electronic device that confirms that the beta rays have leaked if the level of the above temperature is above a reference value.

4. In Paragraph 2, The above beta sensor is, It includes an energy conversion unit that generates power according to the beta rays leaking out of the beta battery, and a current sensor that acquires the level of current as the sensing information. The above control unit is, An electronic device that confirms that the beta rays have leaked if the level of the above current is greater than or equal to a reference value.

5. In Paragraph 2, The above beta sensor is, It includes a plurality of sub-sensors that each acquire the above-mentioned sensing information, and The above control unit is, Check the number of sensing information values ​​greater than or equal to a reference value among the sensing information obtained by each of the plurality of sub-sensors above, and An electronic device that confirms that the beta rays have leaked if the number of the above-mentioned sensing information is greater than or equal to a set number.

6. In Paragraph 2, The first shielding part includes a beta-ray absorbing material for absorbing the beta rays, and The electronic device, wherein the second shielding part comprises a reinforcing material for delaying the degradation of the beta cell module.

7. In Paragraph 2, The maximum time during which the beta rays are blocked through the first shielding part is, An electronic device that is longer than the maximum time during which the beta rays are blocked through the second shielding part.

8. In Paragraph 2, The thickness of the first shielding part in the height direction is, An electronic device having a thickness greater than that of the second shielding portion in the height direction.

9. In Paragraph 2, The above beta battery module is, An electronic device further comprising a beta-ray absorbing material filled between the first shielding portion and the second shielding portion.

10. In Paragraph 2, The above beta battery is, An electronic device comprising a radioactive isotope emitting beta rays, and an energy conversion unit that generates an electric current by electron-hole pairs generated according to the beta rays.

11. In Paragraph 1, An electronic device further comprising a sensor unit for detecting information on at least one of temperature, humidity, illuminance, air quality, pressure, gravity, distance, speed, acceleration, vibration, infrared radiation, magnetic field, gas concentration, heart rate, body temperature, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and bioelectric potential.

12. In Paragraph 1, The above control unit is, An electronic device that controls the communication unit to transmit identification information or location information of the electronic device along with the warning information to the external device when it is confirmed that the above beta rays have leaked.

13. In Paragraph 1, It further includes an output device that outputs information, and The above control unit is, An electronic device that controls the output device to output warning information when it is confirmed that the above beta rays have leaked.

14. A communication unit that performs communication with an electronic device comprising a beta battery module including a beta battery that supplies power using beta rays and a beta sensor that acquires sensing information related to beta rays leaking out of the beta battery among the beta rays; and A server device comprising a control unit that controls the communication unit to call a robot to retrieve the beta battery module by moving it to the location of the electronic device when warning information indicating external leakage of the beta rays according to the sensing information from the electronic device and identification information or location information of the electronic device are received through the communication unit.

15. A communication unit that performs communication with an electronic device comprising a beta battery module including a beta battery that supplies power using beta rays and a beta sensor that acquires sensing information related to beta rays leaking out of the beta battery among the beta rays; and A server device comprising a control unit that, when the sensing information and the identification information or location information of the electronic device are received from the electronic device through the communication unit, checks whether the beta rays have leaked based on the sensing information, and if it is confirmed that the beta rays have leaked, controls the communication unit to call a robot to retrieve the beta battery module based on the identification information or location information of the electronic device.

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