Button module capable of receiving input of user gesture and electronic device including same

Abstract

An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device may comprise: a housing; buttons provided on a side surface of the housing; a first flexible printed circuit board including a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor; a second flexible printed circuit board including a first non-contact electrode positioned below one of the buttons to detect a biometric signal of a subject in contact with the button and a second non-contact electrode positioned spaced apart from the first non-contact electrode; a memory including instructions; and at least one processor including processing circuitry. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to: when the biometric signal is detected by the first non-contact electrode and then detected by the second non-contact electrode, identify a first user gesture and carry out an operation corresponding to the first user gesture; and when the biometric signal is detected by the second non-contact electrode and then detected by the first non-contact electrode, identify a second user gesture and carry out an operation corresponding to the second user gesture.

Description

A button module capable of receiving user gesture input and an electronic device including the same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a button module capable of receiving user gestures and an electronic device including the same.

[0002] Electronic devices that input user commands via buttons are being developed. For example, smartphones are a prime example. These devices can perform specific functions when a button is pressed.

[0003] The information described above may be provided as related art for the purpose of aiding understanding of the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the foregoing may be applied as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0004] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device may comprise: a housing; a button provided on the side of the housing; a first flexible printed circuit board comprising a first pressure sensor for detecting pressure applied through a first pressing portion of the button and a second pressure sensor for detecting pressure applied through a second pressing portion of the button; a second flexible printed circuit board comprising a first non-contact electrode disposed below the button for detecting a biosignal of a target contacting the button and a second non-contact electrode disposed spaced apart from the first non-contact electrode; a memory comprising instructions; and at least one processor comprising a processing circuit. The above instructions may be configured such that, when executed by the at least one processor, the electronic device identifies the biosignal as a first user gesture and performs an action corresponding to the first user gesture when the biosignal is detected by the first non-contact electrode and then by the second non-contact electrode, and identifies the biosignal as a second user gesture and performs an action corresponding to the second user gesture when the biosignal is detected by the second non-contact electrode and then by the first non-contact electrode. The first user gesture may include an action of swiping along the button from a position corresponding to the first non-contact electrode to a position corresponding to the second non-contact electrode. The second user gesture may include an action of swiping along the button from a position corresponding to the second non-contact electrode to a position corresponding to the first non-contact electrode.

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device may comprise: a housing; a button provided on the side of the housing and configured such that a first surface is exposed to the outside of the housing and a second surface opposite to the first surface faces the inside of the housing; and a first non-contact electrode disposed below the button to detect a biosignal of a target contacting the button, and a second non-contact electrode disposed spaced apart from the first non-contact electrode. The button may comprise: a first metal member corresponding to the first non-contact electrode; and a second metal member corresponding to the second non-contact electrode and spaced apart from the first metal member by a first interval. The section spaced apart by the first interval between the first non-contact electrode and the second non-contact electrode may be configured to be located within a section spaced apart by a second interval between the first metal member and the second metal member.

[0006] In relation to the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary electronic device capable of performing the operations described in this document.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a bar-type smartphone as an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a button of a button module exposed to the outside of a housing of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a button module placed on the side of a housing of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a button module according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a button module according to one embodiment shown along the line B-B' indicated in FIG. 5.

[0013] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a button module according to one embodiment shown along the line C-C' indicated in FIG. 4.

[0014] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a swipe operation along a button of a button module according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a button module according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a swipe operation along a button of a button module according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a button module according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing an example in which a second flexible printed circuit board is placed on a vibration element of a button module according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a button module according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a button of a button module exposed to the outside of a housing of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example in which a plurality of non-contact electrodes of a button module according to one embodiment are arranged in a cross shape.

[0022] FIG. 16 is a drawing showing an example in which a plurality of metal members are arranged on a button of a button module according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 17 is a drawing showing a button of a button module exposed to the outside of a housing of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 18 is a drawing showing a button of a button module exposed to the outside of a housing of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a button module according to one embodiment shown along the line E-E' indicated in FIG. 18.

[0026] FIG. 20 is a drawing showing a smart watch as an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 21 is a drawing showing augmented reality glasses as an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0028] Embodiments according to the present disclosure may be subject to various modifications and may have various embodiments; specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in this specification. However, this is not intended to limit the scope to specific embodiments and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of one or more embodiments according to the present disclosure. In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar components.

[0029] In describing the present disclosure, detailed descriptions of related known functions or configurations are omitted if it is determined that such descriptions would unnecessarily obscure the essence of the present disclosure. Additionally, one or more embodiments according to the present disclosure may be modified in various different forms, and the scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make the present disclosure more faithful and complete and to fully convey the technical concept of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0030] The terms used in this disclosure are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the rights. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0031] In the present disclosure, expressions such as “have,” “may have,” “include,” or “may include” indicate the presence of such features (e.g., numerical values, functions, actions, or components such as parts) and do not exclude the presence of additional features.

[0032] In the present disclosure, expressions such as “A or B,” “at least one of A or / and B,” or “one or more of A or / and B” may include all possible combinations of items listed together. For example, “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” or “at least one of A or B” may refer to cases including (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) both at least one A and at least one B.

[0033] Expressions such as "first," "second," "first," or "second" used in this disclosure may modify various components regardless of order and / or importance, and are used only to distinguish one component from another and do not limit said components.

[0034] As used in this disclosure, the expression “configured to” may be replaced, depending on the context, with, for example, “suitable for,” “having the capacity to,” “designed to,” “adapted to,” “made to,” or “capable of.” The term “configured to” may not necessarily mean only “specifically designed to” in hardware.

[0035] In the present disclosure, a 'module' or 'part' performs at least one function or operation and may be implemented in hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software. Additionally, a plurality of 'modules' or a plurality of 'parts' may be integrated into at least one module and implemented by at least one processor, except for a 'module' or 'part' that needs to be implemented in specific hardware.

[0036] Meanwhile, various elements and areas in the drawings are depicted schematically. Accordingly, the technical concept of the present disclosure is not limited by the relative sizes or spacing depicted in the attached drawings.

[0037] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, one or more embodiments according to the present disclosure are described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary electronic device capable of performing the operations described in this document.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 1, the electronic device (100) may be one of various forms of electronic devices, such as a notebook (190), smartphones (191) having various form factors (e.g., a bar-type smartphone (191-1), a foldable-type smartphone (191-2), or a sliderable (or rollable)-type smartphone (191-3)), a tablet (192), a wearable device (e.g., a smart watch (193), augmented reality glasses (194)), a cellular phone (not shown), and other similar computing devices (not shown). The components, their relationships, and their functions illustrated in FIG. 1 are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the implementations described or claimed herein. The electronic device (100) may be referred to as a mobile device, a user device, a multifunction device, a portable device, or a server.

[0040] The electronic device (100) may include components including at least one processor (110), at least one memory (120) (hereinafter referred to as memory (120)), at least one display (140) (hereinafter referred to as display (140)), at least one image sensor (150) (hereinafter referred to as image sensor (150)), at least one communication circuit (160) (hereinafter referred to as communication circuit (160)), and / or at least one sensor (170) (hereinafter referred to as sensor (170)), a microcontroller unit (MCU) (131), a current drive integrated circuitry (133), and a power management integrated circuitry (PMIC) (180). The components are merely exemplary. For example, the electronic device (100) may include other components (e.g., audio processing circuitry, audio output module, antenna, rechargeable battery, or input / output interface). For example, some components may be omitted from the electronic device (100). For example, some components may be integrated into a single component.

[0041] At least one processor (110) may be implemented as one or more IC (integrated circuit (or circuitry)) chips and may perform various data processing operations. At least one processor (110) may include at least one electrical circuit and may process instructions (or programs, data, etc.) stored in memory (120) individually or collectively in a distributed manner. At least one processor (110) may include a processor assembly including one or more processing circuits. At least one processor (110) may include any processing circuit that is operative to control the performance and operations of one or more components of the electronic device (100) (e.g., memory (120), MCU (131), current drive IC (133), vibration actuator (135), display (140), image sensor (150), communication circuit (160), sensor (170) and / or PMIC (180)). For example, at least one processor (110) (e.g., an application processor (AP)) may be implemented as a system on chip (SoC) (e.g., a single chip or a chipset). For example, at least one processor (110) may be implemented as a plurality of cores (or at least one core circuit), a plurality of chips, or a plurality of chipsets. For example, at least one processor (110) may include one or more processing circuits. For example, at least one processor (110) may include one or more processing circuits configured to perform the various functions of the present disclosure individually and / or collectively.As a non-limiting example, at least a portion of at least one processor (110) may be included in a first chip of an electronic device (100), and at least another portion of at least one processor (110) may be included in a second chip of an electronic device (100) different from the first chip of the electronic device (100).

[0042] For example, at least one processor (110) may include a central processing unit (111), a graphics processing unit (112), a neural processing unit (113), an image signal processor (114), a display controller (115), a memory controller (116), a storage controller (117), a communication processor (118), and / or a sensor interface (119). These components of at least one processor (110) are merely exemplary. For example, at least one processor (110) may include other components. For example, some components of at least one processor (110) may be omitted from at least one processor (110). For example, some components of at least one processor (110) may be included as separate components of the electronic device (100) outside of at least one processor (110). For example, some components of at least one processor (110) (e.g., memory controller (116)) may be included in other components (e.g., at least part of memory (120), an interface (e.g. available for connection to at least one component of the electronic device (100), a display (140) and / or an image sensor (150)).

[0043] At least one processor (110) may cause other components of the electronic device (100) to perform various operations by executing instructions stored in memory (120). A CPU (111) (or central processing circuit) may be configured to control components of at least one processor (110) based on the execution of instructions stored in memory (120) (e.g., volatile memory (121) and / or non-volatile memory (122)). A GPU (112) (or graphics processing circuit) may be configured to execute parallel operations (e.g., rendering). An NPU (113) (or neural processing circuit, or AI (artificial intelligence) chip) may be configured to execute operations for an artificial intelligence model (e.g., convolution computation). An ISP (114) (or image signal processing circuit) may be configured to process a raw image acquired through an image sensor (150) into a format suitable for a component within the electronic device (100) or for a component of at least one processor (110). A display controller (115) (or display control circuit, or DPU (display processing unit)) may be configured to process an image acquired from a CPU (111), GPU (112), ISP (114), or memory (120) (e.g., volatile memory (121)) into a format suitable for a display (140). A memory controller (116) (or memory control circuit) may be configured to control reading data from the volatile memory (121) and writing data to the volatile memory (121). A storage controller (117) (or storage control circuit) may be configured to control reading data from the non-volatile memory (122) and writing data to the non-volatile memory (122).The CP (118) (communication processing circuit) may be configured to process data obtained from a component of at least one processor (110) into a format suitable for transmitting to another electronic device via the communication circuit (160), or to process data obtained from another electronic device via the communication circuit (160) into a format suitable for processing by a component of at least one processor (110). For example, the communication circuit (160) may include one or more communication circuits. The sensor interface (119) (or sensing data processing circuit, sensor hub) may be configured to process data regarding the state of the electronic device (100) and / or the state around the electronic device (100), obtained through the sensor (170), into a format suitable for a component of at least one processor (110).

[0044] Memory (120) may include one or more storage media (or one or more storage devices). For example, memory (120) may include a memory assembly comprising one or more storage media. For example, the one or more storage media may include a hard drive, a permanent memory such as flash memory, read-only memory (ROM) (e.g., non-volatile memory (122)), a semi-permanent memory such as random access memory (RAM) (e.g., volatile memory (121)), any other suitable type of storage (or storage assembly), or any combination thereof. Memory (120) may include a cache memory, which is one or more different types of memory used to temporarily store data for a function or feature of the electronic device (100). As an example not limited to, the cache memory may be included within at least one processor (110). The memory (120) may be fixedly embedded within the electronic device (100) or incorporated into one or more suitable types of components (e.g., a SIM (subscriber identity module) card and / or an SD (secure digital) card) that can be repeatedly inserted into and removed from the electronic device (100).

[0045] For example, memory (120) may store one or more software applications, such as operating system (or system) software applications, firmware software applications, driver software applications, plugin (e.g., add-in, add-on, and / or applet) software applications, and / or any other suitable software applications. For example, the one or more software applications may include instructions executable by at least one processor (110). For example, memory (120) may store instructions that can be called by an application programming interface (API). For example, memory (120) may store instructions within a library.

[0046] The microcontroller unit (131) can control the sensor (170) and input / output device and perform system management tasks in a low-power state. For example, the MCU (130) can process and control sensor data obtained through an accelerometer, gyroscope, and temperature sensor. The MCU (130) can control buttons (210 in FIG. 2), a display (140) (e.g., a touchscreen), and a camera module provided in the electronic device (100). The MCU (130) can perform battery management, power control, and system initialization tasks. The current drive IC (133) can be controlled by the processor (110) or the MCU (131) to drive the vibration actuator (135). The current drive IC (133) may be referred to as the 'vibration drive IC'. The vibration actuator (135) is controlled by a current drive IC (133) and can provide physical feedback by generating vibrations according to one or more vibration patterns. In this disclosure, the current drive IC (133) may be referred to as a vibration driver integrated circuitry.

[0047] The PMIC (180) can perform power management of the electronic device (100). For example, the PMIC (180) can perform power distribution, power conversion, power consumption optimization, battery management, power sequencing, and / or protection functions. According to one embodiment, the PMIC (180) can convert a sensing value (analog data) obtained through the sensor (170) in a low-current standby state into a vibration pattern (digital data) on behalf of the processor (110) or MCU (131).

[0048] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a bar-type smartphone (191-1, see FIG. 1) as an electronic device (100) according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a button (210) of a button module exposed to the outside of the housing (195) of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0049] A button module (200) according to one embodiment may be applied to a bar-type smartphone (191-1, see FIG. 1), but is not limited thereto. For example, the button module (200) may be applied to a laptop (190) shown in FIG. 1, a foldable-type smartphone (191-2), a sliderable (or rollable)-type smartphone (191-3), a tablet (192), a smart watch (193), and augmented reality glasses (194).

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the electronic device (100) may include a housing (195), a display (140) that may be placed on the front of the housing (195), and a button module (200) provided on one side of the housing (195).

[0051] The button module (200) may include at least one button (210) (hereinafter referred to as button (210)) that can be exposed to the outside of the housing (195) so as to be pressed by a user's finger. The button (210) may be positioned along the longitudinal direction (e.g., z-axis direction) of the housing (195). For example, the vertical length (e.g., length in the z-axis direction) of the button (210) may be greater than the horizontal length (e.g., length in the y-axis direction).

[0052] The button (210) may be configured to be visible as a segmented structure in at least two parts. For example, the button (210) may be visible as a segmented structure as it is divided into three sections (e.g., a first section (S1), a second section (S2), and a third section (S3)). In this case, the button (210) may be visible as a first metal member (221) and a second metal member (222), respectively.

[0053] The button (210) may be recognized as having a segmented structure, but may include a structure that is not bent as the first, second, and third sections (S1, S2, S3) of the button (210) are formed in a roughly straight shape and have rigidity. The button (210) may include a structure in which the first, second, and third sections (S1, S2, S3) of the button (210) are formed as a single unit that is not physically cut and separated into separate members.

[0054] The first, second, and third sections (S1, S2, S3) of the button (210) may be arranged along the z-axis direction. For example, the button (210) may include a first section (S1), a second section (S2) following the first section (S1), and a third section (S3) following the second section (S2). A first metal member (221) may be placed in the first section (S1) of the button (210). The length of the first section (S1) of the button (210) may correspond to the length of the first metal member (221). The length of the second section (S2) of the button (210) may correspond to the gap between the first metal member (221) and the second metal member (222). A second metal member (222) may be placed in the third section (S3) of the button (210). The length of the third section (S3) of the button (210) can correspond to the length of the second metal member (222).

[0055] For the button (210) to be visible as a segmented structure, for example, the button (210) may include an injection-molded body (211) and a first metal member (221) and a second metal member (222) coupled to the body (211). The first metal member (221) and the second metal member (222) may be made of the same material as the housing (195). The body (211) may be made of plastic material. Accordingly, a portion of the body (211) exposed between the first metal member (221) and the second metal member (222) may be visually distinguished from the first metal member (221) and the second metal member (222).

[0056] According to one embodiment, the button (210) can be recognized as having a segmented structure even when the first metal member (221) and the second metal member (222) are not combined.

[0057] For example, the colors of the first section (S1) and the third section (S3) of the button (210) may be different from the colors of the second section (S2) of the button (210). In order for the button (210) to have design integrity with the housing (195), the colors of the first section (S1) and the third section (S3) of the button (210) may be substantially the same as the colors of the housing (195).

[0058] For example, the texture of the first section (S1) and the third section (S3) of the button (210) may differ from the texture of the second section (S2) of the button (210). For example, the texture of the first section (S1) and the third section (S3) of the button (210) may be a smooth texture with a very low degree of surface roughness of the button (210) (e.g., about 0.1 μm or less). The texture of the second section (S2) of the button (210) may have a texture with a higher degree of roughness than the surface roughness of the first section (S1) and the third section (S3) of the button (210) by having a plurality of irregularities formed therein.

[0059] In this way, the button (210) can be visually distinguished by the material, color, or texture of the first, second, and third sections (S1, S2, S3), so it can be recognized by the user as a segmented structure.

[0060] Accordingly, the user can anticipate that a predetermined action can be performed when pressing the first section (S1) and the third section (S3) of the button (210). For example, if the button (210) is used as a volume control button with a function to adjust the volume, the first section (S1) of the button (210) can be perceived as a part that increases the volume and the third section (S3) of the button (210) can be perceived as a part that decreases the volume. Additionally, when the user performs a swipe action while in contact with a part of the body (e.g., a finger) on the button (210), the user can anticipate the starting and ending points of the swipe through the segmented structure of the button (210). In this way, as the button (210) is perceived as having a segmented structure, the pressing position of the button (210) or the starting and ending points of the swipe on the button (210) can be intuitively identified.

[0061] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a button module placed on the side of a housing of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 4, the button module (200) may be supported by a structure (196) provided inside the housing (195). Most of the components included in the button module (200) may be located inside the housing (195). The button (210) included in the button module (200) may protrude a predetermined distance from the outer surface (195a) of the housing (195). The user may determine the location of the button (210) through sight and / or touch.

[0063] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a button module according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along the line B-B' shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view along the line C-C' shown in FIG. 4.

[0064] Referring to FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, the button module (200) comprises a button (210), a first pressure sensor (241) that generates a first pressure signal when pressed by the button (210), a second pressure sensor (242) that generates a second pressure signal, a first flexible printed circuit board (250) on which the first pressure sensor (241) and the second pressure sensor (242) are placed, a first non-contact electrode (261) that generates a first detection signal by a swipe motion along the button (210), a second non-contact electrode (262) that generates a second detection signal, a second flexible printed circuit board (270) on which the first non-contact electrode (261) and the second non-contact electrode (262) are placed, a first bracket (280) on which the first flexible printed circuit board (250) is mounted, and a bracket on which the second flexible printed circuit board (270) is mounted It may include a second bracket (290).

[0065] The button (210) may include a body (211), a first pressing part (213a) protruding toward the first pressure sensor (241) on the lower surface (211b) of the body (211), a second pressing part (213b) protruding toward the second pressure sensor (242) on the lower surface (211b) of the body (211), and a first metal member (221) and a second metal member (222) joined at a constant interval (e.g., corresponding to the length of the second section (S2) of the button (210)) along the length direction (e.g., z-axis direction) of the body (211).

[0066] The body (211) may be composed of a single member. The body (211) may include an upper surface (211a) exposed to the outside of the housing (195) and a lower surface (211b) facing the inside of the housing (195). The body (211) may include a material having insulating, heat-resistant, and mechanical strength (e.g., polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), polystyrene (PS), or polysulfone (PPSU)).

[0067] A first metal member (221) may be coupled to a position corresponding to a first section (S1) of the entire area of ​​the upper surface (211a) of the body (211), and a second metal member (222) may be coupled to a position corresponding to a third section (S3). When a user's body part (e.g., finger (F, see FIG. 8)) comes into contact with the first metal member (221) and the second metal member (222), the capacitance between the first metal member (221) and the first non-contact electrode (261) and between the second metal member (222) and the second non-contact electrode (262) may change due to electrical interaction. The first non-contact electrode (261) and the second non-contact electrode (262) can detect a swipe motion along the button (210).

[0068] The body (211) may include, but is not limited to, a first metal member (221) corresponding to a first non-contact electrode (261) and a second metal member (222) corresponding to a second non-contact electrode (262). For example, the first metal member (221) and the second metal member (222) may be omitted from the body (211). In this case, by reducing the distance (D, see FIG. 7) between the first non-contact electrode (261) and the second non-contact electrode (262) and the upper surface of the button (210) (e.g., the upper surface (211a) of the body (211)), the sensitivity of the first non-contact electrode (261) and the second non-contact electrode (262) can be maintained to a degree similar to when the first metal member (221) and the second metal member (222) are placed in the body (211).

[0069] If the button (210) does not include a first metal member (221) and a second metal member (222), the first section (S1), the second section (S2), and the third section (S3) of the button (210) can be visually distinguished by the user. For example, the body (211) may apply a first color to the area corresponding to the first section (S1) and the third section (S3), and apply a second color different from the first color to the area corresponding to the second section (S2). The body (211) may be applied the first color and the second color through painting, printing, spray coating, powder coating, or insert injection.

[0070] The lower surface (211b) of the body (211) may include a first pressing portion (213a) protruding toward the first pressure sensor (241) and a second pressing portion (231b) protruding toward the second pressure sensor (242). The first pressing portion (213a) may be positioned adjacent to one end of the body (211) (e.g., the top of the body (211) along the z-axis of FIG. 5). The first pressing portion (213a) may be positioned at a location corresponding to the first pressure sensor (241). The second pressing portion (213b) may be positioned adjacent to the other end of the body (211) (e.g., the bottom of the body (211) along the z-axis of FIG. 5). The second pressing portion (213b) may be positioned at a location corresponding to the second pressure sensor (242).

[0071] The first pressing portion (213a) may include a first pressure projection (214a) protruding from the lower surface of the first pressing portion (213a) facing the first pressure sensor (241). For example, when the upper surface of the button (210) corresponding to the first pressing portion (213a) or the upper surface of the button (210) adjacent to the first pressing portion (213a) is pressed, the first pressure projection (214a) may press the first pressure sensor (241).

[0072] The second pressing portion (213b) may include a second pressure projection (214b) protruding from the lower surface of the second pressing portion (213b) facing the second pressure sensor (242). For example, when the upper surface of the button (210) corresponding to the second pressing portion (213b) or the upper surface of the button (210) adjacent to the second pressing portion (213b) is pressed, the second pressure projection (214b) may press the second pressure sensor (242).

[0073] The first pressure projection (214a) can directly apply pressure to the first pressure sensor (241). In this case, a buffer member (243) may be placed between the first pressure sensor (241) and the first pressure projection (214a) to prevent the first pressure sensor (241) from being damaged by the first pressure projection (214a).

[0074] The cushioning member (243) can distribute the pressure applied by the first pressure projection (214a) across the entire pressure-applied surface of the first pressure sensor (241), thereby improving the concentration of stress on only a specific part. A cushioning member (244) can also be placed between the second pressure sensor (242) and the second pressure projection (214b).

[0075] The button (210) can be coupled to an insertion hole (195b) provided in the housing (195) so as to be movable a certain distance along the direction in which the button (210) is pressed or restored to its original position (e.g., the y-axis direction in FIG. 5) so as to be able to press the first pressure sensor (241) and the second pressure sensor (242) through the first pressing part (213a) and the second pressing part (213b). In this case, the button (210) may include a first hook (216a) and a second hook (216b) to improve separation from the insertion hole (195b) of the housing (195) to the outside of the housing (195).

[0076] The first hook (216a) and the second hook (216b) may interfere with a locking part (198) attached to the inner surface of the housing (195) in a direction in which the button (210) is separated to the outside of the housing (195). For example, the locking part (198) may be formed integrally with the housing (195) through insert injection molding. The locking part (198) may also be attached to the inner surface of the housing (195) through an adhesive.

[0077] The button (210) may include a sealing member (230) to improve the ingress of liquid and / or dust into the insertion hole (195b) of the housing (195) from the outside of the housing (195). The sealing member (230) may be joined in a closed loop form along the side of the button (210). The sealing member (230) may be positioned in close contact between the side of the button (210) and the inner circumference of the insertion hole (195b) of the housing (195). The sealing member (230) may include a material having waterproof, dustproof properties and / or durability. For example, the material of the sealing member (230) may include liquid silicon rubber (LSR).

[0078] The first pressure sensor (241) and the second pressure sensor (242) may be positioned as far apart from each other as possible on the lower surface (211b) of the body (211) to improve the fact that when the button (210) is pressed, the first pressure projection (214a) of the first pressing part (213a) and the second pressure projection (214b) of the second pressing part (213b) are pressed substantially simultaneously.

[0079] The first pressure sensor (241) and the second pressure sensor (242) may be placed on the upper surface of the first flexible printed circuit board (250). The first flexible printed circuit board (250) may be fixed to a first bracket (280) that is seated on the upper surface (196a) of a structure (196) provided inside the housing (195). For example, the first flexible printed circuit board (250) may be attached to the upper surface of the first bracket (280) by an adhesive member (281).

[0080] The first non-contact electrode (261) and the second non-contact electrode (262) may be placed on the second flexible printed circuit board (270). The second flexible printed circuit board (270) may be fixed to the upper surface of the second bracket (290). In this case, the second flexible printed circuit board (270) may be attached to the upper surface of the second bracket (290) by an adhesive member (282).

[0081] The first non-contact electrode (261) and the second non-contact electrode (262) may be positioned at a predetermined distance (D) from the upper surface of the button (210) (e.g., the upper surface (211a) of the body (211)) so as to detect a user's finger (F) touching the button (210). The sensitivity of the first non-contact electrode (261) and the second non-contact electrode (262) may be adjusted according to the distance (D). For example, increasing the height of the second bracket (290) reduces the distance (D), and the capacitance may increase as the first non-contact electrode (261) and the second non-contact electrode (262) are positioned closer to the first metal member (221) and the second metal member (222).

[0082] The sensitivity of the first non-contact electrode (261) and the second non-contact electrode (262) may be adjusted by changing the dielectric constant of the body (211). For example, a part of the body (211) located between the first metal member (221) and the first non-contact electrode (261) and between the second metal member (222) and the second non-contact electrode (262) (e.g., the upper or lower part of the body (211)) may be formed of a material with a high dielectric constant (e.g., glass, ceramic, silicon).

[0083] A portion of the first non-contact electrode (261) may overlap with the first metal member (221). A portion of the first non-contact electrode (261) may be positioned at a location corresponding to the first section (S1) of the button (210), and the remainder of the first non-contact electrode (261) may be positioned at a location corresponding to the second section (S2) of the button (210). In this case, the length (L1) of the first non-contact electrode (261) (e.g., length along the z-axis direction) may be smaller than the length of the first metal member (221) (e.g., length corresponding to the first section (S1) of the button (210).

[0084] The first non-contact electrode (261) can detect the user's finger (F) when the user's finger (F) comes into contact with the first part of the first metal member (221) that overlaps with the first non-contact electrode (261) (e.g., the part corresponding to the second region (A2) in FIG. 8). The first non-contact electrode (261) may not detect the user's finger (F) when the user's finger (F) comes into contact with the second part of the first metal member (221) that does not overlap with the first non-contact electrode (261) (e.g., the part corresponding to the first region (A1) in FIG. 8). For example, the first non-contact electrode (261) may detect the user's finger (F) when the user's finger (F) comes into contact with a position adjacent to the first non-contact electrode (261) within a second part of the first metal member (221) (a part corresponding to the first region (A1) in FIG. 8) that does not overlap with the first non-contact electrode (261).

[0085] The first non-contact electrode (261) may be spaced apart from the second non-contact electrode (262) by a first gap (G1). The area where the first non-contact electrode (261) and the second non-contact electrode (262) are spaced apart may be located within the second section (S2) of the button (210). When a user swipes from the first section (S1) to the second section (S2) of the button (210) by contacting the first metal member (221) with a finger (F), the first non-contact electrode (261) and the second non-contact electrode (262) may detect biosignals (e.g., a first detection signal, a second detection signal) through the user's finger (F). The first non-contact electrode (261) may generate a first detection signal, and the second non-contact electrode (262) may generate a second detection signal. A processor (111, see FIG. 9) receives a first detection signal and a second detection signal and can identify a swipe gesture based on the first detection signal and the second detection signal. The processor (111) can perform an action corresponding to the swipe gesture. For example, the action corresponding to the swipe gesture may be an action that reduces the system sound volume of the electronic device (100) or various actions that can control an application running by the electronic device (100) (e.g., screen scrolling, screen zoom in or zoom out, cursor or mouse pointer movement). Thus, as the area separated by the first non-contact electrode (261) and the second non-contact electrode (262) is configured to be located within the second section (S2) of the button (210), the processor (111) can perform various actions corresponding to the swipe gesture.

[0086] The arrangement relationship between the second metal member (222) and the second non-contact electrode (261) may be arranged approximately symmetrically with respect to the arrangement relationship between the first metal member (221) and the first non-contact electrode (261). For example, a portion of the second non-contact electrode (262) may overlap with the second metal member (222). A portion of the second non-contact electrode (262) may be placed at a position corresponding to the third section (S3) of the button (210), and the remainder of the second non-contact electrode (262) may be placed at a position corresponding to the second section (S2) of the button (210). In this case, the length (L2) of the second non-contact electrode (262) (e.g., length along the z-axis direction) may be smaller than the length of the second metal member (222) (e.g., length corresponding to the third section (S3) of the button (210).

[0087] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a swipe operation along a button (210) of a button module (200) according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a button module (200) according to one embodiment.

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the button module (200) can generate a first pressure signal, a second pressure signal, a first detection signal, and a second detection signal according to user input. User input may include a gesture of pressing a part of the button (210) and a swipe gesture of sliding along the button (210). The processor (111) can perform a predetermined action based on the first pressure signal, the second pressure signal, the first detection signal, and the second detection signal.

[0089] The button (210) is an area capable of receiving user input and may include a first area (A1), a second area (A2), a third area (A3), a fourth area (A4), and a fifth area (A5). The first area (A1) may be an area where the upper portion of the first metal member (221) and the first pressing portion (213a) of the button (210) are located, and where the first metal member (221) does not overlap with the first non-contact electrode (261). The second area (A2) may be an area where the first metal member (221) of the button (210) overlaps with the first non-contact electrode (261). The first section (S1) of the button (210) may include the first area (A1) and the second area (A2). The third region (A3) may include a region separated by the first metal member (221) and the second metal member (222), and a region separated by the first non-contact electrode (261) and the second non-contact electrode (262). The second section (S2) of the button (210) may include the third region (A3). The fourth region (A4) may be a region where the second metal member (222) of the button (210) overlaps with the second non-contact electrode (262). The fifth region (A5) may be a region where the lower end of the second metal member (222) and the second pressing part (213b) of the button (210) are located, and where the second metal member (222) does not overlap with the second non-contact electrode (262). The third section (S3) of the button (210) may include the fourth region (A4) and the fifth region (A5).

[0090] When a first area (A1) of the button (210) is pressed by a part of the user's body (e.g., the user's finger (F)), if pressure exceeding a predetermined minimum pressure threshold is applied to the first pressure sensor (241), a first pressure signal may be generated by the first pressure sensor (241). The processor (111) receives the first pressure signal and can identify the user input as a first press gesture based on the first pressure signal. The processor (111) can perform an action corresponding to the first press gesture. For example, the processor (111) can perform an action of increasing the system sound volume of the electronic device (100) or an action of turning the screen of the display (140) of the electronic device (100) on or off based on the first pressure signal.

[0091] When the fifth area (A5) of the button (210) is pressed by the user's finger (F), if pressure exceeding a predetermined minimum pressure threshold is applied to the second pressure sensor (242), a second pressure signal may be generated by the second pressure sensor (242). The processor (111) receives the second pressure signal and can identify the user input as a second press gesture based on the second pressure signal. The processor (111) can perform an action corresponding to the second press gesture. For example, the processor (111) can perform an action of reducing the system sound volume of the electronic device (100) or an action of turning the screen of the display (140) of the electronic device (100) on or off based on the second pressure signal.

[0092] The subject pressing the first area (A1) and the fifth area (A5) of the button (210) is not limited to a part of the user's body. For example, when the user presses the first area (A1) and the fifth area (A5) of the button (210) with a certain pressure using a separate tool, the first pressure sensor (241) and the second pressure sensor (242) may generate a first pressure signal and a second pressure signal.

[0093] The button module (200) can receive user input by a swipe gesture in which the user's finger (F) slides a certain distance while in contact with the button (210). For example, the swipe gesture may include a first swipe gesture in which the user's finger (F) swipes from the top of the button (210) toward the bottom of the button (210) along the length direction of the button (210), and a second swipe gesture in which the user's finger (F) swipes from the bottom of the button (210) toward the top of the button (210) along the length direction of the button (210).

[0094] When the user's finger (F) is positioned in the first area (A1) of the button (210), a slight change in capacitance may occur in the first non-contact electrode (261), but it may not function as a detection signal. When the position of the user's finger (F) moves from the first area (A2) to the second area (A2), the change in capacitance detected by the first non-contact electrode (261) may exceed a predetermined minimum capacitance change threshold. The processor (111) can receive a first detection signal from the first non-contact electrode (261).

[0095] When the user's finger (F) moves from the second region (A2) through the third region (A3) to the fourth region (A4), or conversely, from the fourth region (A4) through the third region (A3) to the second region (A2), a change in capacitance between the first non-contact electrode (261) and the second non-contact electrode (262) may occur in the second region (A2) to the fourth region (A4). For example, when the capacitance of the first non-contact electrode (261) is at its maximum, the capacitance of the second non-contact electrode (262) is close to its minimum, and conversely, when the capacitance of the second non-contact electrode (262) is at its maximum, the capacitance of the first non-contact electrode (261) may become close to its minimum. The processor (111) may sequentially receive a first detection signal and a second detection signal from a first non-contact electrode (261) and a second non-contact electrode (262) or sequentially receive a second detection signal and a first detection signal within a set time (e.g., within about 1 second). Based on this, the processor (111) may identify user input as a swipe gesture.

[0096] For example, when a user's finger (F) is continuously swipe from a first area (A1) to a third area (A3), a first detection signal may be generated by the first non-contact electrode (261) and a second detection signal may be generated by the second non-contact electrode (262). In this case, the user's finger (F) may be detected by the first non-contact electrode (261) when it is positioned in the first area (A1). The end point of the swipe of the user's finger (F) in the third area (A13) may be a position corresponding to the second non-contact electrode (262-1).

[0097] When the processor (111) receives a second detection signal after receiving a first detection signal, it can identify the user input as a first swipe gesture based on the order in which the first detection signal and the second detection signal are received. The processor (111) can perform an action corresponding to the first swipe gesture. For example, the processor (111) can perform an action of scrolling down the screen of the display (140), an action of zooming out the screen, an action of hiding a running app so that it is not displayed on the screen, or an action of moving a cursor or selection pointer displayed on the screen down based on the first swipe gesture.

[0098] The first swipe gesture is not limited to cases where the user's finger (F) swipes from the first area (A1) to the third area (A3). For example, when the user's finger (F) swipes continuously from the first area (A1) to the fourth area (A4) or the fifth area (A5), or swipe continuously from the second area to the fourth area (A4) or the fifth area (A5), the processor (111) receives the first detection signal and the second detection signal sequentially, so the user input can be identified as the first swipe gesture.

[0099] For example, when the processor (111) receives the first detection signal and the second detection signal sequentially when the user's finger (F) is swept continuously from the third area to the fourth area (A4) or the fifth area (A5), the processor (111) can identify the user input as the first swipe gesture. In this case, the swipe starting point of the user's finger (F) in the third area (A3) may be a position corresponding to the first non-contact electrode (261).

[0100] For example, when a user's finger (F) swipes from the fifth area (A5) through the fourth area (A4) to the third area (A3), a second detection signal may be generated by the second non-contact electrode (262) when the user's finger (F) is located in the fourth area (A4), and a first detection signal may be generated by the first non-contact electrode (261) when the user's finger (F) is located in the third area (A3). In this case, if the user's finger (F) moves from the fifth area (A5) to a position adjacent to the second non-contact electrode (262), a second detection signal may be generated by the second non-contact electrode (262). If the user's finger (F) moves from the third area (A3) to a position corresponding to the first non-contact electrode (261), a first detection signal may be generated by the first non-contact electrode (261).

[0101] When the processor (111) receives the first detection signal after receiving the second detection signal, it can identify the user input as a second swipe gesture based on the order in which the second detection signal and the first detection signal were received. The processor (111) can perform an action corresponding to the second swipe gesture. For example, the processor (111) can perform an action of scrolling the screen of the display (140) upward based on the second swipe gesture, an action of zooming in on the screen, an action of displaying a running app that is not displayed on the screen, or an action of moving a cursor displayed on the screen upward.

[0102] The second swipe gesture is not limited to cases where the user's finger (F) swipes from the fifth area (A5) to the third area (A3). For example, when the user's finger (F) swipes continuously from the fifth area to the second area (A2) or the first area (A1), or swipe continuously from the fourth area to the second area (A2) or the first area (A1), the processor (111) receives the second detection signal and the first detection signal sequentially, so the user input can be identified as the second swipe gesture.

[0103] For example, when the processor (111) receives the second detection signal and the first detection signal sequentially when the user's finger (F) is swept continuously from the third area to the second area (A2) or the first area (A1), the processor (111) can identify the user input as a second swipe gesture. In this case, the swipe starting point of the user's finger (F) in the third area (A3) may be a position corresponding to the second non-contact electrode (262).

[0104] In this way, the electronic device (100) according to one embodiment can provide the convenience of selectively performing multiple user inputs through a press gesture and a swipe gesture via a button (210) of a button module (200). Since the button (210) included in the button module (200) can be recognized as a visually segmented structure, when a user operates the button (210) by swiping along the button (210), the swipe start point and end point can be intuitively recognized, thereby improving usability.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the button (210) can be recognized as three buttons when one additional metal member is added. In this case, the button (210) can more finely control the action corresponding to the swipe gesture by adding one additional non-contact electrode corresponding to the one added metal member. Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, an embodiment in which the button (210) can be recognized as three buttons will be described.

[0106] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a swipe operation along a button (210-1) of a button module (200-1) according to one embodiment.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 10, a button module (200-1) according to one embodiment has most of the same configuration as the button module (200) illustrated in FIG. 5, but the number of metal members and the number of non-contact sensors may differ. For example, the button module (200-1) may include at least three metal members and at least three non-contact sensors corresponding to each metal member.

[0108] For example, the button module (200-1) may include a first metal member (221-1), a second metal member (222-1), and a third metal member (223-1). The first metal member (221-1) may be spaced apart and placed on the upper surface of the body (see 211 in FIG. 5) of the button (210-1). The entire section along the longitudinal direction of the button (210-1) (e.g., the z-axis direction in FIG. 10) may include a first section (S11), a second section (S12), a third section (S13), a fourth section (S14), and a fifth section (S15).

[0109] For example, the length of the first metal member (221-1) may correspond to the length of the first section (S11) of the button module (200-1). The length of the second metal member (222-1) may correspond to the length of the third section (S13) of the button module (200-1). The length of the third metal member (223-1) may correspond to the length of the fifth section (S15) of the button module (200-1).

[0110] The first gap (G11) between the first metal member (221-1) and the second metal member (222-1) may correspond to the second section (S12) of the button module (200-1). The second gap (G12) between the second metal member (222-1) and the third metal member (223-1) may correspond to the fourth section (S14) of the button module (200-1). The length of the second section (S12) and the length of the fourth section (S14) may be substantially the same.

[0111] For example, the length of the first metal member (221-1) and the length of the third metal member (223-1) may be substantially the same. The length of the second metal member (222-1) may be smaller than the lengths of the first and third metal members (221-1, 223-1). In this case, the first and third metal members (221-1, 223-1) may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the second metal member (222-1) on the button (210-1).

[0112] For example, if the length of the first metal member (221-1) and the length of the third metal member (223-1) are substantially the same, the length of the second metal member (222-1) may be greater than the lengths of the first and third metal members (221-1, 223-1).

[0113] For example, the length of the first metal member (221-1), the length of the second metal member (222-1), and the length of the third metal member (223-1) may be substantially the same. In this case, the gap between the first metal member (221-1) and the second metal member (222-1) and the gap between the second metal member (222-1) and the third metal member (223-1) may be substantially the same.

[0114] For example, the length of the first metal member (221-1), the length of the second metal member (222-1), and the length of the third metal member (223-1) may be different from each other.

[0115] For example, the length of the second metal member (222-1) may be smaller than the length of the second non-contact electrode (262-1). In this case, when the second metal member (222-1) is in a position to overlap the second non-contact electrode (262-1), the ends of the second non-contact electrode (262-1) (e.g., the upper and lower ends of the second non-contact electrode (262-1) in FIG. 10) may not be overlapped by the second metal member (222-1).

[0116] As such, the button (210-1) according to one embodiment may include a segmented structure in which one button (210-1) can be recognized as three buttons depending on the length and arrangement of the first, second, and third metal members (221-1, 222-1, 223-1).

[0117] A button module (200-1) according to one embodiment can receive a press gesture and a swipe gesture from a user. The press gesture received by the button module (200-1) is substantially the same as the press gesture of the button module (200) described with reference to FIG. 8. Below, the swipe gesture received by the button module (200-1) will be described.

[0118] The swipe gesture may include first and third swipe gestures in which a part of the user's body (e.g., finger (F)) swipes from the top of the button (210) toward the bottom of the button (210) along the longitudinal direction of the button (210), and second and fourth swipe gestures in which the user's finger (F) swipes from the bottom of the button (210) toward the top of the button (210) along the longitudinal direction of the button (210). For example, the user's finger (F) may swipe from top to bottom along the z-axis direction of FIG. 10 toward at least two consecutively arranged areas (e.g., the second area (A12) and the third area (A13) or the fourth area) among the first area (A11), the second area (A12), the third area (A13), the fourth area (A14), the fifth area (A15), the sixth area (A16), and the seventh area (A17) of the button (210-1). When swiping along area (A14) and the fifth area (A15), a first detection signal and a second detection signal may be generated sequentially by the first non-contact electrode (261-1) and the second non-contact electrode (262-1), or a second detection signal and a third detection signal may be generated sequentially by the second non-contact electrode (262-1) and the third non-contact electrode (263-1). For example, when a user's finger (F) swipes from the second area (A12) to the third area (A13), the swipe end point of the user's finger (F) in the third area (A13) may be a position corresponding to the second non-contact electrode (262-1). For example, when the user's finger (F) swipes from the fourth area (A14) to the fifth area (A15), the swipe end point of the user's finger (F) in the fifth area (A15) may be a position corresponding to the third non-contact electrode (263-1).

[0119] A processor (e.g., referenced as 111 in FIG. 9) receives a first detection signal and a second detection signal that occur sequentially within a set time, or receives a second detection signal and a third detection signal that occur sequentially, identifies the user input as a first swipe gesture based thereon, and performs an operation corresponding to the first swipe gesture described with reference to FIG. 8 based thereon.

[0120] For example, when a user's finger (F) is swept continuously from a first area (A11) to a third area (A13) or from a second area (A12) to a third area (A13), a processor (e.g., referenced as 111 in FIG. 9) may sequentially receive a first detection signal generated by a first non-contact electrode (261-1) and a second detection signal generated by a second non-contact electrode (262-1), and based thereon, perform an action corresponding to the first swipe gesture described with reference to FIG. 8. In this case, the swipe end point of the user's finger (F) in the third area (A13) may be a position corresponding to the second non-contact electrode (262-1).

[0121] For example, when a user's finger (F) is swept continuously from the second area (A12) to the fourth area (A14), a processor (e.g., referenced as 111 in FIG. 9) may sequentially receive a first detection signal generated by the first non-contact electrode (261-1) and a second detection signal generated by the second non-contact electrode (262-1), and based thereon, perform an action corresponding to the first swipe gesture described with reference to FIG. 8. In this case, the swipe starting point of the user's finger (F) in the third area (A13) may be a position corresponding to the second non-contact electrode (262-1).

[0122] For example, when a user's finger (F) swipes from a third area (A13) to a fourth area (A14), a processor (e.g., referenced as 111 in FIG. 9) may sequentially receive a first detection signal generated by a first non-contact electrode (261-1) and a second detection signal generated by a second non-contact electrode (262-1), and based thereon, perform an action corresponding to the first swipe gesture described with reference to FIG. 8. In this case, the starting point of the swipe of the user's finger (F) in the third area (A13) may be a position corresponding to the first non-contact electrode (261-1).

[0123] For example, when a user's finger (F) is swipe continuously from the third area (A13) to the fifth area (A15), a processor (e.g., referenced as 111 in FIG. 9) may sequentially receive a first detection signal generated by the first non-contact electrode (261-1) and a second detection signal generated by the second non-contact electrode (262-1), and based thereon, perform an action corresponding to the first swipe gesture described with reference to FIG. 8. In this case, the swipe start point of the user's finger (F) in the third area (A13) may be a position corresponding to the first non-contact electrode (261-1). The swipe end point of the user's finger (F) in the fifth area (A15) may be a position corresponding to the second non-contact electrode (262-1).

[0124] For example, when a user's finger (F) is swept continuously from the third area (A13) to the sixth area (A16) or the seventh area (A17), a processor (e.g., referenced as 111 in FIG. 9) may sequentially receive a second detection signal generated by the second non-contact electrode (262-1) and a third detection signal generated by the third non-contact electrode (263-1), and based thereon, perform an action corresponding to the first swipe gesture described with reference to FIG. 8. In this case, the swipe starting point of the user's finger (F) in the third area (A13) may be a position corresponding to the second non-contact electrode (262-1).

[0125] For example, when a user's finger (F) is swept continuously from the fourth area (A14) to the sixth area (A16) or the seventh area (A17), the processor (e.g., see 111 in FIG. 9) sequentially receives a second detection signal generated by the second non-contact electrode (262-1) and a third detection signal generated by the third non-contact electrode (263-1), and based thereon, can perform an action corresponding to the first swipe gesture described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0126] For example, when a user's finger (F) swipes from the fifth area (A15) to the sixth area (A16) or swipes continuously from the fifth area (A15) to the seventh area (A17), a processor (e.g., see 111 in FIG. 9) may sequentially receive a second detection signal generated by the second non-contact electrode (262-1) and a third detection signal generated by the third non-contact electrode (263-1), and based thereon, perform an action corresponding to the first swipe gesture described with reference to FIG. 8. In this case, the starting point of the swipe of the user's finger (F) in the fifth area (A15) may be a position corresponding to the second non-contact electrode (262-1).

[0127] For example, when a user's finger (F) swipes along the z-axis direction of FIG. 10 from top to bottom along at least three consecutively arranged areas (e.g., third area (A13), fourth area (A14), and fifth area (A15)) among the first area (A11), second area (A12), third area (A13), fourth area (A14), fifth area (A15), sixth area (A16), and seventh area (A17), first, second, and third detection signals may be generated sequentially by the first, second, and third non-contact electrodes (261-1, 262-1, 263-1). In this case, the swipe starting point of the user's finger (F) in the third area (A13) may be a position corresponding to the first non-contact electrode (261-1). In the fifth region (A15), the swipe end point of the user's finger (F) may be a position corresponding to the third non-contact electrode (263-1).

[0128] A processor (e.g., referenced as 111 in FIG. 9) receives first, second, and third detection signals that occur sequentially within a set time, identifies the user input as a third swipe gesture based thereon, and can perform an action corresponding to the third swipe gesture based thereon. The processor (e.g., referenced as 111 in FIG. 9) can perform an action of scrolling the screen of the display (140) downward based on the third swipe gesture. For example, the length of the screen of the display (140) scrolled downward based on the third swipe gesture may be longer than the length of the screen of the display (140) scrolled downward based on the first swipe gesture. In this way, the length of the screen scrolled can be controlled differently depending on the length of the user's finger (F) moving from the upper side to the lower side of the button (210-3).

[0129] The action performed by the processor (e.g., referenced as 111 in FIG. 9) based on the third swipe gesture is not limited to the action of scrolling the screen down. For example, the processor (e.g., referenced as 111 in FIG. 9) may perform the action of zooming out to reduce the screen more compared to the first swipe gesture, or the action of moving the cursor displayed on the screen further down compared to the first swipe gesture, based on the third swipe gesture.

[0130] For example, when a user's finger (F) swipes along the z-axis direction of FIG. 10 from the lower side to the upper side of the button (210-1) through at least two consecutively arranged areas (e.g., the 6th area (A16) and the 5th area (A15) or the 4th area (A14) and the 3rd area (A13)) among the 1st area (A11), the 2nd area (A12), the 3rd area (A13) and the 5th area (A15) or the 4th area (A14) and the 3rd area (A13)), a 3rd detection signal and a 2nd detection signal may be generated sequentially by the 3rd non-contact electrode (263-1) and the 2nd non-contact electrode (262-1), or a 2nd detection signal and a 1st detection signal may be generated sequentially by the 2nd non-contact electrode (262-1) and the 1st non-contact electrode (261-1). For example, when the user's finger (F) swipes from the sixth area (A16) to the fifth area (A15), the swipe end point of the user's finger (F) in the fifth area (A15) may be a position corresponding to the second non-contact electrode (262-1). For example, when the user's finger (F) swipes from the fourth area (A14) to the third area (A13), the swipe end point of the user's finger (F) in the third area (A13) may be a position corresponding to the first non-contact electrode (261-1).

[0131] A processor (e.g., referenced as 111 in FIG. 9) receives third and second detection signals that occur sequentially within a set time or receives second and first detection signals that occur sequentially within a set time, identifies the user input as a second swipe gesture based thereon, and performs an operation corresponding to the second swipe gesture described with reference to FIG. 8 based thereon.

[0132] For example, when a user's finger (F) swipes along the z-axis direction of FIG. 10 from the lower side to the upper side of the button (210-1) through at least three consecutively arranged areas (e.g., the fifth area (A15), the fourth area (A14), and the third area (A13)) among the first area (A11), the second area (A12), the third area (A13), the fourth area (A14), the fifth area (A15), the sixth area (A16), and the seventh area (A17), the third, second, and first detection signals may be generated sequentially by the third, second, and first non-contact electrodes (263-1, 262-1, 261-1). In this case, the swipe starting point of the user's finger (F) in the fifth area (A15) may be a position corresponding to the third non-contact electrode (263-1). In the third area (A13), the swipe end point of the user's finger (F) may be a position corresponding to the first non-contact electrode (262-1).

[0133] A processor (e.g., referenced as 111 in FIG. 9) receives third, second, and first detection signals that occur sequentially within a set time, identifies the user input as a fourth swipe gesture based thereon, and can perform an action corresponding to the fourth swipe gesture based thereon. The processor (e.g., referenced as 111 in FIG. 9) can perform an action of scrolling the screen of the display (140) upward based on the fourth swipe gesture. For example, the length of the screen of the display (140) scrolled upward based on the fourth swipe gesture may be longer than the length of the screen of the display (140) scrolled upward based on the second swipe gesture. In this way, the length of the screen scrolling can be controlled differently depending on the length of the user's finger (F) moving from the lower side to the upper side of the button (210-3).

[0134] The action performed by the processor (e.g., referenced as 111 in FIG. 9) based on the fourth swipe gesture is not limited to the action of scrolling the screen upward. For example, the processor (e.g., referenced as 111 in FIG. 9) may perform the action of zooming in to enlarge the screen more than the second swipe gesture based on the fourth swipe gesture, or the action of moving the cursor displayed on the screen further upward than the second swipe gesture.

[0135] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a button module (200-2) according to one embodiment. FIG. 12 is a drawing showing an example in which a second flexible printed circuit board (270-2) is placed on a vibration actuator (135-2) of a button module (200-2) according to one embodiment. FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a button module (200-2) according to one embodiment.

[0136] Referring to FIGS. 11, 12 and 13, a button module (200-2) according to one embodiment has most of the same configuration as the button module (200) shown in FIG. 5, includes a vibration actuator (135-2), and the shape of the second bracket (290-2) may be different.

[0137] A vibration actuator (135-2) according to one embodiment may be substantially the same as the vibration actuator (135) described with reference to FIG. 1. The vibration actuator (135-2) may be placed on the upper surface (291-2) of the second bracket (290-2). A second flexible printed circuit board (270-2) may be placed on the upper surface (135a-2) of the vibration actuator (135-2). Accordingly, a first non-contact electrode (261-2) and a second non-contact electrode (262-2) placed on the second flexible printed circuit board (270-2) may be placed adjacent to the lower surface of the body (211-2) so as to detect user input (e.g., a swipe gesture) applied to the button (210-2).

[0138] On the lower surface of the body (211), a first vibration transmission projection (217a-2) and a second vibration transmission projection (217b-2) may protrude toward the vibration actuator (135-2). The position of the first vibration transmission projection (217a-2) may contact the vibration actuator (135-2) by avoiding the first non-contact electrode (261-2). For example, the first vibration transmission projection (217a-2) may be positioned adjacent to the first pressing portion (213a-2) and may contact the first portion (135b-2) of the upper surface of the vibration actuator (135-2). The position of the second vibration transmission projection (217b-2) may contact the vibration actuator (135-2) by avoiding the second non-contact electrode (262-2). For example, the second vibration transmission projection (217b-2) is positioned adjacent to the second pressing portion (213b-2) and may come into contact with the second portion (135c-2) of the upper surface of the vibration actuator (135-2). Accordingly, vibrations generated from the vibration actuator (135-2) can be transmitted to the button (210-2) through the first vibration transmission projection (217a-2) and the second vibration transmission projection (217b-2).

[0139] The processor (111-2) can identify user input (e.g., a press gesture and / or a swipe gesture) through the button (210-2) and, based on this, control the vibration actuator (135-2) to generate vibration. The user can feel vibration through their finger (F) when pressing the button (210-2) or swiping along the button (210-2). In this way, the button module (200-2) according to one embodiment recognizes haptic feedback when the user operates the button (210-2) and can quickly determine by touch whether the button (210-2) has been operated as intended by the user.

[0140] The following describes the process by which haptic feedback can be perceived as the button (210-2) is operated. For example, when the first pressing portion (213a-2) of the button (210-2) is pressed by the user's finger (F), pressure from the first pressing portion (213a-2) of the button (210-2) can be detected by the first pressure sensor (241-2). The first pressure sensor (241-2) converts the pressure applied by the button (210-2) into an electrical signal. Here, the electrical signal may be the first pressure signal.

[0141] A processor (111-2) (or an MCU (referred to as 131 in FIG. 1)) can identify a first pressing gesture based on a first pressure signal detected by a first pressure sensor (241-2). The processor (111-2) can generate a vibration pattern based on the input information. The processor (111-2) can control a current drive IC (referred to as 133 in FIG. 1) to supply power to a vibration actuator (135-2) based on the vibration pattern. The vibration actuator (135-2) can vibrate according to the power pattern supplied by the current drive IC (133).

[0142] Instructions stored in memory (referred to as 120 in FIG. 1) may include instructions for generating a vibration pattern based on a first pressure signal detected by a first pressure sensor (241-2) and instructions for providing a power pattern corresponding to the vibration pattern to a vibration actuator (135-2).

[0143] Vibrations generated from the vibration actuator (135-2) can be transmitted to the first vibration transmission projection (217a-2) of the button (210-2). The first vibration transmission projection (217a-2) of the button (210-2) may be a path for transmitting vibrations to the button (210-2) that is in contact with the user's finger (F). Vibrations of the button (210-2) can be transmitted to the upper part of the button (210-2) through the first vibration transmission projection (217a-2) and to the user's finger (F) that is in contact with the button (210-2). The processor (111-2) can make the button (210-2) vibrate within an extremely short time (e.g., several to tens of milliseconds) after the user presses the button (210-2). Accordingly, the button module (200-2) according to one embodiment can enable the user to immediately perceive haptic feedback immediately after applying user input to the user button (210-2).

[0144] For example, the button module (200-2) can transmit a vibration pattern determined according to the first press gesture, the second press gesture, the first swipe gesture, the second swipe gesture, the third swipe gesture, and the fourth swipe gesture to the button (210-2).

[0145] For example, the button module (200-2) can transmit the same first vibration pattern to the button (210-2) in response when a first press gesture and a second press gesture are applied to the button (210-2). The button module (200-2) can transmit a second vibration pattern different from the first vibration pattern to the button (210-2) when a first swipe gesture and a third press gesture are applied to the button (210-2). The button module (200-2) can transmit a third vibration pattern different from the first and second vibration patterns to the button (210-2) when a first swipe gesture and a third press gesture are applied to the button (210-2).

[0146] A button module (200-2) according to one embodiment may include a second bracket (290-2) capable of seesaw motion. For example, the second bracket (290-2) may include a support member (291-2) provided approximately in the center of the second bracket (290-2). The support member (291-2) of the second bracket (290-2) may be supported on the upper surface of the first flexible printed circuit board (250-2). In this case, the first end (292-2) and the second end (293-2) of the second bracket (290-2) may each be spaced apart from the first flexible printed circuit board (250-2) by a predetermined distance (e.g., see d1, d2 in FIG. 11).

[0147] For example, when the first pressing side (213a-2) of the button (210-2) is pressed, the second bracket (290-2) can be tilted toward the first pressure sensor (241-2) with the support (291-2) as the center. In this case, the pressure applied to the first pressure sensor (241-2) through the button (210-2) can be transmitted more effectively. When the second pressing side (213b-2) of the button (210-2) is pressed, the second bracket (290-2) can be tilted toward the second pressure sensor (242-2) with the support (291-2) as the center. In this case, the pressure applied to the second pressure sensor (242-2) through the button (210-2) can be transmitted more effectively.

[0148] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a button (210-3) of a button module (200-3) exposed to the outside of a housing (195-3) of an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 15 is a drawing showing an example in which a plurality of non-contact electrodes (261-3, 262-3, 263-3, 264-3) of a button module (200-3) according to one embodiment are arranged in a cross shape. FIG. 16 is a drawing showing a swipe operation along a button (210-3) of a button module (200-3) according to one embodiment.

[0149] Referring to FIGS. 14, 15, and 16, a button module (200-3) according to one embodiment is substantially identical in most of its configuration to the button module (200) shown in FIG. 5, and the number and arrangement of the first, second, third, and fourth non-contact electrodes (261-3, 262-3, 263-3, 264-3) may differ. The button module (200-3) according to one embodiment can detect a swipe gesture along the width direction (e.g., the y-axis direction in FIG. 14) of the button (210-3) and a swipe gesture along the length direction (e.g., the z-axis direction in FIG. 14) of the button (210-3) by means of the first, second, third, and fourth non-contact electrodes (261-3, 262-3, 263-3, 264-3).

[0150] According to one embodiment, the button (210-3) of the button module (200-3) may be divided into a first section (S31), a second section (S32), and a third section (S33). A first metal member (221-3) may be disposed in the first section (S31) of the button (210-3), and a third metal member (222-3) may be disposed in the third section (S33) of the button (210-3).

[0151] According to one embodiment, the first, second, third, and fourth non-contact electrodes (261-3, 262-3, 263-3, 264-3) may be arranged in a roughly cross arrangement on the second flexible printed circuit board (270-3). For example, the first non-contact electrode (261-3) and the second non-contact electrode (262-3) may be spaced apart vertically, the third non-contact electrode (263-3) may be spaced apart to the left of the first and second non-contact electrodes (261-3, 262-3), and the fourth non-contact electrode (264-3) may be spaced apart to the right of the first and second non-contact electrodes (261-3, 262-3). For example, the length of the third non-contact electrode (263-3) may be greater than the respective lengths of the first and second non-contact electrodes (261-3, 262-3). The fourth non-contact electrode (264-3) may be greater than the respective lengths of the first and second non-contact electrodes (261-3, 262-3). For example, the first, second, third, and fourth non-contact electrodes (261-3, 262-3, 263-3, 264-3) may each be positioned parallel to the z-axis of FIG. 14.

[0152] The button (210-3) is an area capable of receiving user input and may include a first area (A31), a second area (A32), a third area (A33), a fourth area (A34), a fifth area (A35), a sixth area (A36), and a seventh area (A37). The first area (A31) may be an area corresponding to the upper part of the first metal member (221-3) and where the first metal member (221-3) does not overlap with the first non-contact electrode (261-3). The second area (A32) may be an area where the first metal member (221-3) of the button (210-2) overlaps with the upper parts of the first, third, and fourth non-contact electrodes (261-1, 263-3, 264-3). The first section (S31) of the button (210-3) may include a first area (A31) and a second area (A32). When a user's finger (F) is positioned in the second area (A32), it may be detected substantially simultaneously by the first, third, and fourth non-contact electrodes (261-1, 263-3, 264-3), thereby generating first, third, and fourth detection signals.

[0153] The third region (A33), the fourth region (A34), the fifth region (A35), and the sixth region (A36) may be located in the area separated from the first metal member (221-3) and the second metal member (222-3). The third region (A33), the fourth region (A34), and the sixth region (A36) of the button (210-3) may be arranged side by side along the width direction of the button (210-3), and the third region (A33), the fifth region (A35), and the sixth region (A36) of the button (210-3) may be arranged side by side along the width direction of the button (210-3). In this case, the fourth region (A34) and the fifth region (A35) of the button (210-3) may be arranged along the length direction of the button (210-3) between the third region (A33) and the sixth region (A36) of the button (210-3). The third section (S33) may be a region corresponding to the center of the third non-contact electrode (263-3). The fourth region (S34) may be a region corresponding to the center of the first non-contact electrode (261-3). The fifth region (A35) may be a region corresponding to the center of the second non-contact electrode (262-3). The sixth region (S36) may be a region corresponding to the center of the fourth non-contact member (264-3). The second section (S32) of the button (210-3) may include a third area (A33), a fourth area (A34), a fifth area (A35), and a sixth area (A36).

[0154] The seventh region (A37) may be an area where the second metal member (222-3) of the button (210-2) overlaps with the lower portion of the second, third, and fourth non-contact electrodes (262-1, 263-3, 264-3). When a user's finger (F) is positioned in the seventh region (A37), it may be detected substantially simultaneously by the second, third, and fourth non-contact electrodes (262-1, 263-3, 264-3), thereby generating second, third, and fourth detection signals. The eighth region (A38) may be an area corresponding to the lower portion of the second metal member (222-3) where the second metal member (222-3) does not overlap with the second non-contact electrode (262-3). The third section (S33) of the button (210-3) may include the seventh region (A37) and the eighth region (A38).

[0155] A button module (200-3) according to one embodiment may have the length of a second section (S32) of the button (210-3) formed to be larger than the length of the second section (S2) of the button (210) described with reference to FIG. 5, so that a swipe gesture along the width direction of the button (210-3) can be detected by a plurality of non-contact electrodes. The second section (S32) of the button (210-3) may be a section that is not overlapped by the first metal member (221-3) and the second metal member (222-3). The second section (S32) of the button (210-3) may include third, fourth, fifth, and sixth regions (A3, A4, A5, A6) in which the user's finger (F) is independently detected by the first, second, third, and fourth non-contact electrodes (261-3, 262-3, 263-3, 264-3), respectively.

[0156] The button module (200-3) can receive user input by a swipe gesture in which the user's finger (F) slides from the left to the right and from the right to the left of the button module (200-3) over a certain distance while in contact with the button (210). For example, the swipe gesture may include a fifth and seventh swipe gesture in which the user's finger (F) swipes from the left to the right of the button (210-3) along the width direction of the button (210) (e.g., the y-direction in FIG. 16), and a sixth and eighth swipe gesture in which the user's finger (F) swipes from the left to the right of the button (210-3) along the width direction of the button (210-3).

[0157] Hereinafter, an example of an action performed by a processor (e.g., referred to as 111 in FIG. 9) when a fifth swipe gesture and a seventh swipe gesture are received through a button module (200-3) according to one embodiment is described.

[0158] For example, when a user's finger (F) swipes from a third area (A33) to a fourth area (A34) along the width direction of the button (210-3) in the second section (S32) of the button (210-3), a third detection signal is generated by the third non-contact electrode (263-3) when the user's finger (F) is located in the third area (A33), and a first detection signal is generated by the first non-contact electrode (261-3) when the user's finger (F) is located in the fourth area (A34). For example, when a user's finger (F) swipes from the third area (A33) to the fifth area (A34) along the width direction of the button (210-3) in the second section (S32) of the button (210-3), a third detection signal is generated by the third non-contact electrode (263-3) when the user's finger (F) is located in the third area (A33), and a second detection signal may be generated by the second non-contact electrode (262-3) when the user's finger (F) is located in the fifth area (A35).

[0159] A processor (e.g., referenced as 111 in FIG. 9) may identify a user input as a fifth swipe gesture based on receiving a third detection signal and a first detection signal sequentially, or receiving a third detection signal and a second detection signal sequentially. The processor (e.g., referenced as 111 in FIG. 9) may perform an action corresponding to the fifth swipe gesture. For example, the processor (e.g., referenced as 111 in FIG. 9) may perform an action of scrolling the screen of the display (140) to the right or an action of moving a cursor displayed on the screen to the right based on the fifth swipe gesture.

[0160] For example, when a user's finger (F) swipes from left to right along the width direction of the button (210-3), the movement path of the user's finger (F) may follow between the fourth area (A34) and the fifth area (A35), or may reach the fourth area (A34) and the fifth area (A35) almost simultaneously due to the size of the user's finger (F). In this case, one of the first non-contact electrode (261-3) and the second non-contact electrode (262-3) may detect the user's finger (F) before the other one in a very short time. Accordingly, a third detection signal by the third non-contact electrode (263-3), a first detection signal by the first non-contact electrode (261-1), and a second detection signal by the second non-contact electrode (262-2) may be generated sequentially. Alternatively, a third detection signal by the third non-contact electrode (263-3), a second detection signal by the second non-contact electrode (262-1), and a first detection signal by the first non-contact electrode (261-2) may be generated sequentially.

[0161] A processor (e.g., referenced as 111 in FIG. 9) may sequentially receive a third detection signal, a first detection signal, and a second detection signal, or sequentially receive a third detection signal, a second detection signal, and a first detection signal, and based thereon, identify the user input as a fifth swipe gesture. The processor (e.g., referenced as 111 in FIG. 9) may perform an action corresponding to the fifth swipe gesture.

[0162] For example, when a user's finger (F) swipes from the fourth area (A34) to the sixth area (A36), the processor (e.g., see 111 in FIG. 9) can identify the user input as a fifth swipe gesture and perform an action corresponding to the fifth swipe gesture.

[0163] For example, when a user's finger (F) swipes from the fifth area (A35) to the sixth area (A36), the processor (e.g., see 111 in FIG. 9) can identify the user input as a fifth swipe gesture and perform an action corresponding to the fifth swipe gesture.

[0164] For example, when a user's finger (F) swipes along the width direction of the button (210-3) from the third area (A33) through the fourth area (A34) to the sixth area (A36), a third detection signal may be generated by the third non-contact electrode (263-3), a first detection signal may be generated by the first non-contact electrode (261-3), and a fourth detection signal may be generated by the fourth non-contact electrode (264-3). For example, when a user's finger (F) swipes along the width direction of the button (210-3) from the third area (A33) through the fifth area (A35) to the sixth area (A36), a third detection signal may be generated by the third non-contact electrode (263-3), a second detection signal may be generated by the second non-contact electrode (262-3), and a fourth detection signal may be generated by the fourth non-contact electrode (264-3).

[0165] A processor (e.g., referenced as 111 in FIG. 9) may identify a user input as a seventh swipe gesture based on receiving the third detection signal, the first detection signal, and the fourth detection signal sequentially, or receiving the third detection signal, the second detection signal, and the fourth detection signal sequentially. The processor (e.g., referenced as 111 in FIG. 9) may perform an action corresponding to the seventh swipe gesture. For example, the processor (e.g., referenced as 111 in FIG. 9) may perform an action of scrolling the screen of the display (140) to the left or moving the cursor displayed on the screen to the left based on the seventh swipe gesture. In this case, the length of the screen of the display (140) scrolled to the left based on the seventh swipe gesture may be longer than the length of the screen of the display (140) scrolled to the left based on the fifth swipe gesture. In this way, the length of the screen scrolling can be controlled differently depending on the length the user's finger (F) moves from the left to the right on the button (210-3).

[0166] For example, when a user's finger (F) is swept continuously from the third area (A33) to the sixth area (A36) of the button (210-3) along the width direction of the button (210-3), the movement path of the user's finger (F) may follow between the fourth area (A34) and the fifth area (A35), or pass through the fourth area (A34) and the fifth area (A35) in contact with each other almost simultaneously due to the size of the user's finger (F). In this case, one of the first non-contact electrode (261-3) and the second non-contact electrode (262-3) may detect the user's finger (F) before the other one in a very short time. Accordingly, when the user's finger (F) is continuously swipe from the third area (A33) to the sixth area (A36), a third detection signal by the third non-contact electrode (263-3), a first detection signal by the first non-contact electrode (261-1), a second detection signal by the second non-contact electrode (262-2), and a fourth detection signal by the fourth non-contact electrode (264-3) may be generated sequentially. Alternatively, a third detection signal by the third non-contact electrode (263-3), a second detection signal by the second non-contact electrode (262-1), a first detection signal by the first non-contact electrode (261-2), and a fourth detection signal by the fourth non-contact electrode (264-3) may be generated sequentially.

[0167] A processor (e.g., referenced as 111 in FIG. 9) may sequentially receive a third detection signal, a first detection signal, a second detection signal, and a fourth detection signal, or sequentially receive a third detection signal, a second detection signal, a first detection signal, and a fourth detection signal, and based thereon, identify the user input as a seventh swipe gesture. The processor (e.g., referenced as 111 in FIG. 9) may perform an action corresponding to the seventh swipe gesture.

[0168] Hereinafter, an example of an action performed by a processor (e.g., referred to as 111 in FIG. 9) when a sixth swipe gesture and an eighth swipe gesture are received through a button module (200-3) according to one embodiment is described.

[0169] For example, when a user's finger (F) is swept from the sixth area (A36) to the fourth area (A34) along the width direction of the button (210-3) in the second section (S32) of the button (210-3), a fourth detection signal is generated by the fourth non-contact electrode (264-3) when the user's finger (F) is located in the sixth area (A36), and a first detection signal can be generated by the first non-contact electrode (261-3) when the user's finger (F) is located in the fourth area (A34). For example, when a user's finger (F) swipes from the sixth area (A36) to the fifth area (A34) along the width direction of the button (210-3) in the second section (S32) of the button (210-3), a fourth detection signal is generated by the fourth non-contact electrode (264-3) when the user's finger (F) is located in the sixth area (A36), and a second detection signal can be generated by the second non-contact electrode (262-3) when the user's finger (F) is located in the fifth area (A35).

[0170] A processor (e.g., referenced as 111 in FIG. 9) may identify a user input as a sixth swipe gesture based on receiving a fourth detection signal and a first detection signal sequentially, or receiving a fourth detection signal and a second detection signal sequentially. The processor (e.g., referenced as 111 in FIG. 9) may perform an action corresponding to the sixth swipe gesture. For example, the processor (e.g., referenced as 111 in FIG. 9) may perform an action of scrolling the screen of the display (140) to the left or an action of moving a cursor displayed on the screen to the left based on the sixth swipe gesture.

[0171] For example, when a user's finger (F) swipes from right to left along the width direction of the button (210-3), the movement path of the user's finger (F) may follow between the fourth area (A34) and the fifth area (A35), or may reach the fourth area (A34) and the fifth area (A35) almost simultaneously due to the size of the user's finger (F). In this case, one of the first non-contact electrode (261-3) and the second non-contact electrode (262-3) may detect the user's finger (F) before the other one in a very short time. Accordingly, a fourth detection signal by the fourth non-contact electrode (264-3), a first detection signal by the first non-contact electrode (261-1), and a second detection signal by the second non-contact electrode (262-2) may be generated sequentially. Alternatively, a fourth detection signal by the fourth non-contact electrode (264-3), a second detection signal by the second non-contact electrode (262-1), and a first detection signal by the first non-contact electrode (261-2) may be generated sequentially.

[0172] A processor (e.g., referenced as 111 in FIG. 9) may sequentially receive a fourth detection signal, a first detection signal, and a second detection signal, or sequentially receive a fourth detection signal, a second detection signal, and a first detection signal, and based thereon, identify the user input as a fifth swipe gesture. The processor (e.g., referenced as 111 in FIG. 9) may perform an action corresponding to the fifth swipe gesture.

[0173] For example, when a user's finger (F) swipes from the fourth area (A34) to the third area (A33), the processor (e.g., see 111 in FIG. 9) can identify the user input as a sixth swipe gesture and perform an action corresponding to the sixth swipe gesture.

[0174] For example, when a user's finger (F) swipes from the fifth area (A35) to the third area (A33), the processor (e.g., see 111 in FIG. 9) can identify the user input as a sixth swipe gesture and perform an action corresponding to the sixth swipe gesture.

[0175] For example, when a user's finger (F) swipes along the width direction of the button (210-3) from the sixth area (A36) of the button (210-3) through the fourth area (A34) to the third area (A33), a fourth detection signal may be generated by the fourth non-contact electrode (264-3), a first detection signal may be generated by the first non-contact electrode (261-3), and a third detection signal may be generated by the third non-contact electrode (263-3). For example, when a user's finger (F) swipes along the width direction of the button (210-3) from the 6th area (A36) of the button (210-3) through the 5th area (A35) to the 3rd area (A33), a 4th detection signal may be generated by the 4th non-contact electrode (264-3), a 2nd detection signal may be generated by the 2nd non-contact electrode (262-3), and a 3rd detection signal may be generated by the 3rd non-contact electrode (263-3).

[0176] A processor (e.g., referenced as 111 in FIG. 9) may identify user input as an eighth swipe gesture based on receiving the fourth detection signal, the first detection signal, and the third detection signal sequentially, or receiving the fourth detection signal, the second detection signal, and the third detection signal sequentially. The processor (e.g., referenced as 111 in FIG. 9) may perform an action corresponding to the eighth swipe gesture. For example, the processor (e.g., referenced as 111 in FIG. 9) may perform an action of scrolling the screen of the display (140) to the right or moving the cursor displayed on the screen to the right based on the eighth swipe gesture. In this case, the length of the screen of the display (140) scrolled to the right based on the eighth swipe gesture may be longer than the length of the screen of the display (140) scrolled to the right based on the sixth swipe gesture. In this way, the length of the screen scrolling can be controlled differently depending on the length the user's finger (F) moves from the right to the left on the button (210-3).

[0177] For example, when a user's finger (F) is continuously swept along the width direction of the button (210-3) from the third area (A33) to the sixth area (A36) of the button (210-3), the user's finger (F) may pass through the fourth area (A34) and the fifth area (A35) in contact with each other almost simultaneously as it moves between the fourth area (A34) and the fifth area (A35). In this case, one of the first non-contact electrode (261-3) and the second non-contact electrode (262-3) may detect the user's finger (F) before the other one in a very short time. Accordingly, when the user's finger (F) is continuously swipe from the third area (A33) to the sixth area (A36), a third detection signal by the third non-contact electrode (263-3), a first detection signal by the first non-contact electrode (261-1), a second detection signal by the second non-contact electrode (262-2), and a fourth detection signal by the fourth non-contact electrode (264-3) may be generated sequentially. Alternatively, a third detection signal by the third non-contact electrode (263-3), a second detection signal by the second non-contact electrode (262-1), a first detection signal by the first non-contact electrode (261-2), and a fourth detection signal by the fourth non-contact electrode (264-3) may be generated sequentially.

[0178] A processor (e.g., referenced as 111 in FIG. 9) may sequentially receive a third detection signal, a first detection signal, a second detection signal, and a fourth detection signal, or sequentially receive a third detection signal, a second detection signal, a first detection signal, and a fourth detection signal, and based thereon, identify the user input as a seventh swipe gesture. The processor (e.g., referenced as 111 in FIG. 9) may perform an action corresponding to the seventh swipe gesture.

[0179] A button module (200-3) according to one embodiment can receive fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth swipe gestures that are swipe along the width direction of the button (210-3), and can receive first and second swipe gestures that are swipe along the length direction of the button (210-3).

[0180] For example, a processor (e.g., referenced as 111 in FIG. 9) can identify a user's finger (F) swiping from the upper side to the lower side of the button (210-3) along the longitudinal direction of the button (210-3) (e.g., the z-axis direction in FIG. 16) as a first swipe gesture described with reference to FIG. 8 and perform an action based thereon.

[0181] For example, when a user's finger (F) swipes from the first region (A31), which is the maximum swipe length from the upper side to the lower side of the button (210-3) along the longitudinal direction of the button (210-3) (e.g., the z-axis direction in FIG. 16), to the eighth region (A38), after the first, third, and fourth detection signals are generated by the first, third, and fourth non-contact electrodes (261-3, 263-3, 264-3), the second, third, and fourth detection signals may be generated by the second, third, and fourth non-contact electrodes (262-1, 263-3, 264-3). In this case, a capacitance change transition may occur between the first non-contact electrode (261-3) and the second non-contact electrode (262-3). The processor (e.g., referenced as 111 in FIG. 9) can identify this as a first swipe gesture and perform an action based thereon.

[0182] For example, when a user's finger (F) swipes along a fourth region (A34) to a fifth region (A35), which is the minimum swipe length from the upper side to the lower side of the button (210-3) along the longitudinal direction of the button (210-3) (e.g., the z-axis direction in FIG. 16), a first detection signal may be generated by the first non-contact electrode (261-3), and then a second detection signal may be generated by the second non-contact electrode (262-1). In this case, a capacitance change transition may occur between the first non-contact electrode (261-3) and the second non-contact electrode (262-3). A processor (e.g., see 111 in FIG. 9) may identify this as a first swipe gesture and perform an action based thereon.

[0183] A processor according to one embodiment (e.g., referenced as 111 in FIG. 9) can identify a second swipe gesture described with reference to FIG. 8 when a user's finger (F) swipes from the lower side to the upper side of the button (210-3) along the longitudinal direction of the button (210-3) (e.g., the z-axis direction in FIG. 16) and perform an action based thereon.

[0184] For example, when a user's finger (F) swipes from the eighth region (A38), which is the maximum swipe length from the lower side to the upper side of the button (210-3) along the longitudinal direction of the button (210-3) (e.g., the z-axis direction in FIG. 16), to the first region (A31), the second, third, and fourth detection signals may be generated by the second, third, and fourth non-contact electrodes (262-3, 263-3, 264-3), and then the first, third, and fourth detection signals may be generated by the first, third, and fourth non-contact electrodes (261-1, 263-3, 264-3). In this case, a capacitance change transition may occur between the first non-contact electrode (261-3) and the second non-contact electrode (262-3). The processor (e.g., referenced as 111 in FIG. 9) can identify this as a second swipe gesture and perform an action based thereon.

[0185] For example, when a user's finger (F) swipes along the fourth region (A34) from the fifth region (A35), which is the minimum swipe length from the lower side to the upper side of the button (210-3) along the longitudinal direction of the button (210-3) (e.g., the z-axis direction in FIG. 16), a second detection signal may be generated by the second non-contact electrode (262-3), after which a first detection signal may be generated by the first non-contact electrode (261-1). In this case, a capacitance change transition may occur between the first non-contact electrode (261-3) and the second non-contact electrode (262-3). A processor (e.g., see 111 in FIG. 9) may identify this as a second swipe gesture and perform an action based thereon.

[0186] In one embodiment, the button module (200-3) may detect a first pressure signal by a first pressure sensor (e.g., referenced as 241 in FIG. 8) as the first pressing portion (e.g., referenced as 213a in FIG. 8) of the button (210-3) is pressed, and may detect a second pressure signal by a second pressure sensor (e.g., referenced as 242 in FIG. 8) as the second pressing portion (e.g., referenced as 213b in FIG. 8) of the button (210-3) is pressed. In this case, the processor (e.g., referenced as 111 in FIG. 9) may identify the first pressing gesture or the second pressing gesture described with reference to FIG. 8 and perform an action based thereon.

[0187] A button module (200-3) according to one embodiment may include a vibration actuator (e.g., referenced as 135-2 in FIG. 13). In this case, when a processor (e.g., referenced as 111 in FIG. 9) identifies one of a first and second press gesture and a first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth swipe gesture input through a button (210-3) of the button module (200-3), the processor may operate the vibration actuator (e.g., referenced as 135-2 in FIG. 13) so that a predetermined vibration pattern corresponding to the identified gesture is transmitted to the button (210-3).

[0188] FIG. 17 is a drawing showing a button (210-4) of a button module (200-4) exposed to the outside of a housing (195-4) of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0189] Referring to FIG. 17, a button module (200-4) according to one embodiment has most of the same configuration as the button module (200) shown in FIG. 16, and the number and arrangement of the first, second, third, and fourth metal members (221-4, 222-4, 223-4, 224-4) may be different.

[0190] A button module (200-4) according to one embodiment may include first, second, third, and fourth metal members (221-4, 222-4, 223-4, 224-4) arranged spaced apart from each other on the button (210-4). For example, the first metal member (221-4) and the second metal member (222-4) may be arranged at a fixed interval along the width direction of the button (210-4) (e.g., the y-axis direction in FIG. 17) on the upper side of the button (210-4). The third metal member (223-4) and the fourth metal member (224-4) may be arranged at a fixed interval along the width direction of the button (210-4) on the lower side of the button (210-4). In this case, the third metal member (223-4) may be placed at fixed intervals along the longitudinal direction (e.g., the z-axis direction in FIG. 17) of the first metal member (221-4) and the button (210-4). The fourth metal member (224-4) may be placed at fixed intervals along the longitudinal direction of the second metal member (222-4) and the button (210-4).

[0191] Accordingly, a portion of the button (210-4) that is not covered by the first, second, third, and fourth metal members (221-4, 222-4, 223-4, 224-4) can be seen in an approximate cross shape. The design of the button (210-4) can help the user intuitively recognize that user input is possible on the button (210-4) through left and right swipe gestures on the button (210-4).

[0192] FIG. 18 is a drawing showing a button (210-5) of a button module (200-5) exposed to the outside of a housing (195-5) of an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a button module (200-5) according to one embodiment shown along the line E-E' indicated in FIG. 18.

[0193] Referring to FIG. 18, a button module (200-5) according to one embodiment may be substantially identical to the button module (200-4) described with reference to FIG. 17. For example, the button (210-5) may have first, second, third, and fourth metal members (221-5, 222-5, 223-5, 224-5) arranged in substantially the same way as the first, second, third, and fourth non-contact electrodes (261-3, 262-3, 263-3, 264-3) described with reference to FIG. 17 and the first, second, third, and fourth metal members (221-4, 222-4, 223-4, 224-4), respectively.

[0194] An electronic device according to one embodiment may include an insulating member (320-5) surrounding the side of a button (210-5) positioned in a housing (195-5). The insulating member (320-5) may minimize or improve contact between the housing (195-5) and at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth metal members (221-4, 222-4, 223-4, 224-4) arranged in the button (210-5) and the user's finger (referred to as F in FIG. 16).

[0195] For example, when a user operates the button (210-5) (e.g., a press gesture, a swipe gesture), at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth metal members (221-4, 222-4, 223-4, 224-4) and the housing (195-5) may be short-circuited due to the size of the user's finger (e.g., referenced as F in FIG. 16) or usage habits. The first, second, third, and fourth metal members (221-4, 222-4, 223-4, 224-4) of the button (210-5) may be separated from the housing (195-5) by a predetermined distance by an insulating member (320-5) positioned to surround the side of the button (210-5). Accordingly, the coupling effect between the first, second, third, and fourth metal members (221-4, 222-4, 223-4, 224-4) of the button (210-5) and the housing (195-5) can be improved or suppressed to improve the reliability of the signal detected by the first, second, third, and fourth non-contact electrodes (e.g., referred to as 261-3, 262-3, 263-3, 264-3 in FIG. 16).

[0196] Referring to FIG. 19, the insulating member (320-5) may be placed in a coupling groove (195c-5) formed along the circumference of an insertion hole (195b-5) of the housing (195-5). For example, the insulating member (320-5) may be integrally formed with the housing (195-5) by insert injection molding. The width (W) of the insulating member (320-5) may be determined as an insulating distance between the first, second, third, and fourth metal members (221-4, 222-4, 223-4, 224-4) and the insulating member (320-5) according to the width of the button (210-5) (e.g., the length in the x-axis direction of FIG. 19) or the width of the housing (195-5) (e.g., the length in the x-axis direction of FIG. 19).

[0197] FIG. 20 is a drawing showing a smart watch as an electronic device (100-6) according to one embodiment.

[0198] Referring to FIG. 20, an electronic device (100-6) according to one embodiment may be a smart watch (e.g., referred to as 193 in FIG. 1). The electronic device (100-6) may include a housing (195-6), a display (140-6) that may be placed on the front of the housing (195-6), a button module (200-6) provided on one side of the housing (195-6), and a strap (400-6) connected to the housing (195-6).

[0199] A button (210-6) included in a button module (200-6) according to one embodiment may have a shape corresponding to the side shape of the housing (195-6). For example, the button (210-6) may be formed in a curved shape corresponding to the side curvature of the housing (195-6). For example, if the side of the housing (195-6) is flat, the button (210-6) may be formed in a straight shape approximately parallel to the side of the housing (195-6).

[0200] For example, the button module (200-6) may be substantially identical to one of the button module (200) described with reference to FIG. 5, the button module (200-2) described with reference to FIG. 11, the button module (200-3) described with reference to FIG. 16, the button module (200-4) described with reference to FIG. 17, and the button module (200-5) described with reference to FIG. 18. The button module (200-6) may receive a press gesture and a swipe gesture from a user through the button module (200-6). A processor (e.g., referred to as 111 in FIG. 9) may identify the gesture received through the button module (200-6) and perform an action based thereon.

[0201] FIG. 21 is a drawing showing augmented reality glasses as an electronic device (100-7) according to one embodiment.

[0202] Referring to FIG. 21, an electronic device (100-7) according to one embodiment may be augmented reality glasses (e.g., referenced as 194 in FIG. 1). The electronic device (100-7) may include a frame (100a-7), a pair of glasses temples (195-7) each extending from both sides of the frame (100a-7) toward the rear of the frame (100a-7), a pair of displays (140-7) coupled to the frame (100a-7) and capable of displaying a screen toward the user's eyes, and a button module (200-7) disposed on at least one of the pair of glasses temples (195-7). For example, the glasses temple (195-7) may be a housing having an internal space for the button module (200-7) to be disposed therein.

[0203] The button (210-7) included in the button module (200-7) according to one embodiment is not limited to being located on the inner side of the eyeglass temple (195-7), but can be configured to be located on the outer side of the eyeglass temple (195-7). For example, the button (210-7) may be placed on each of a pair of eyeglass temples (195-7) or at least two or more may be placed on one eyeglass temple (195-7).

[0204] For example, the button module (200-7) may be substantially identical to one of the button module (200) described with reference to FIG. 5, the button module (200-2) described with reference to FIG. 11, the button module (200-3) described with reference to FIG. 16, the button module (200-4) described with reference to FIG. 17, and the button module (200-5) described with reference to FIG. 18. The button module (200-7) may receive a press gesture and a swipe gesture from the user through the button module (200-6). The processor (e.g., referred to as 111 in FIG. 9) may identify the gesture received through the button module (200-7) and perform an action based thereon.

[0205] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations from the description above. For example, appropriate results may be achieved even if the described techniques are performed in a different order than described, and / or if the components of the described system, structure, device, circuit, etc. are combined or assembled in a form different from described, or replaced or substituted by other components or equivalents. Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the claims below also fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. In an electronic device, Housing; A button provided on the side of the above housing; A first flexible printed circuit board comprising a first pressure sensor that detects pressure applied through a first pressing portion of the button and a second pressure sensor that detects pressure applied through a second pressing portion of the button; A second flexible printed circuit board comprising a first non-contact electrode disposed below the button and detecting a biological signal of a target contacting the button, and a second non-contact electrode disposed spaced apart from the first non-contact electrode; Memory containing instructions; and at least one processor including a processing circuit; and When the above instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the electronic device, When the above biosignal is detected by the first non-contact electrode and then by the second non-contact electrode, it is identified as a first user gesture and configured to perform an action corresponding to the first user gesture. The above biosignal is configured to be identified as a second user gesture when it is detected by the first non-contact electrode after being detected by the second non-contact electrode, and to perform an action corresponding to the second user gesture. The above first user gesture is, It includes an operation of swiping along the button from a position corresponding to the first non-contact electrode to a position corresponding to the second non-contact electrode, and The above second user gesture is, An electronic device comprising an operation of swiping along the button from a position corresponding to the second non-contact electrode to a position corresponding to the first non-contact electrode.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above button is, A body including an insulator, and It includes a first metal member and a second metal member coupled at a distance to a first surface of the body exposed to the outside of the housing; The first metal member above is, It is positioned at a location that overlaps a portion of the section (S1) corresponding to the first non-contact electrode, and The above second metal member is, An electronic device configured to be positioned to overlap a portion of the section (S2) corresponding to the second non-contact electrode.

3. In Paragraph 2, The first surface of the above body is, An electronic device comprising an exposed section (S3) exposed between the first metal member and the second metal member.

4. In Paragraph 3, An electronic device configured such that the section (G1) separated from the first non-contact electrode and the second non-contact electrode is located within the exposed section (S3) of the body.

5. In Paragraph 4, The first gap between the first metal member and the second metal member is, An electronic device configured to be larger than the second gap between the first non-contact electrode and the second non-contact electrode.

6. In Paragraph 2, The length of the first metal member is configured to be greater than the length of the first non-contact electrode, and An electronic device configured such that the length of the second metal member is greater than the length of the second non-contact electrode.

7. In Paragraph 4, A third non-contact electrode disposed between the first non-contact electrode and the second non-contact electrode; and It further includes a third metal member positioned at a location that overlaps a portion of the section corresponding to the third non-contact electrode, and The above third non-contact electrode is, The first non-contact electrode is spaced apart from the third gap and the second non-contact electrode is spaced apart from the fourth gap, The length of the third metal member is, An electronic device configured to be shorter than the length of the third non-contact electrode.

8. In Paragraph 2, The first surface of the body further includes a third non-contact electrode and a fourth non-contact electrode, and The above third non-contact electrode is, Configured to be spaced apart from the left side of the first non-contact electrode and the left side of the second non-contact electrode, The above-mentioned fourth non-contact electrode is, An electronic device configured to be spaced apart to the right of the first non-contact electrode and to the right of the second non-contact electrode.

9. In Paragraph 8, When the above instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the electronic device, The above biosignal is configured to be identified as a third user gesture and to perform an action corresponding to the third user gesture when it is detected by at least one of the first non-contact electrode, the second non-contact electrode, and the fourth non-contact electrode positioned to the right of the third non-contact electrode after being detected by the third non-contact electrode, and The above biosignal is detected by the fourth non-contact electrode, and then, when detected by at least one of the first non-contact electrode, the second non-contact electrode, and the third non-contact electrode positioned to the left of the fourth non-contact electrode, it is identified as a fourth user gesture and configured to perform an action corresponding to the fourth user gesture. The above third user gesture is, It includes an operation of swiping along the button from a position corresponding to the third non-contact electrode to a position corresponding to any one of the first non-contact electrode, the second non-contact electrode, and the fourth non-contact electrode, and The above fourth user gesture is, An electronic device comprising an operation of swiping along the button from a position corresponding to the fourth non-contact electrode to a position corresponding to any one of the first non-contact electrode, the second non-contact electrode, and the third non-contact electrode.

10. In Paragraph 8, An electronic device configured such that a portion of the third non-contact electrode and a portion of the fourth non-contact electrode are located within an exposed portion of the body.

11. In Paragraph 1, Further comprising a bracket disposed in a structure provided inside the housing along the longitudinal direction of the button, and having the second flexible printed circuit board disposed on its upper surface; The upper surface of the above bracket is, An electronic device configured to have a predetermined height from the bottom of the structure such that the first non-contact electrode and the second non-contact electrode are located within a biosignal detection range for detecting the biosignal.

12. In Paragraph 11, An electronic device configured such that the distance from the first surface of the button to the first non-contact electrode and the second non-contact electrode is smaller than or equal to the biosignal detection range.

13. In Paragraph 11, The above bracket is, An electronic device configured to have a rotational center in contact with a structure inside the housing to perform a seesaw motion between the first end of the bracket and the second end opposite the first end.

14. In Paragraph 1, When the above instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the electronic device, When a biosignal is detected through the first non-contact electrode and a pressure signal is detected through the first pressure sensor, it is identified as a fifth user gesture and configured to perform an action corresponding to the fifth user gesture. An electronic device configured to identify a sixth user gesture when a biosignal is detected through the second non-contact electrode and a pressure signal is detected through the second pressure sensor, and to perform an action corresponding to the sixth user gesture.

15. In Paragraph 1, A vibration actuator disposed on the flexible printed circuit board between the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor; and Further comprising a vibration driver IC for driving the above vibration actuator, When the above instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the electronic device, Identify user gestures entered through the above button, and An electronic device that enables the vibration actuator to generate a vibration pattern according to the type of user gesture.

Images