Electronic apparatus including wake-up module, electronic apparatus control system, and electronic apparatus control method

Abstract

One embodiment provides an electronic apparatus comprising: a main processor for performing a predetermined operation according to a program and a command; a wake-up module for transmitting, to the main processor, an interrupt signal for waking up the main processor; and a sleep controller for periodically transmitting, to the wake-up module, an interrupt signal for waking up the wake-up module.

Description

Electronic device including a wake-up module, electronic device control system, and electronic device control method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device including a wake-up module, an electronic device control system, and an electronic device control method, and more specifically, to an electronic device including a wake-up module that generates an interrupt signal activating a main processor based on the analysis result of a wireless signal, an electronic device control system, and an electronic device control method.

[0002] With the advancement of cutting-edge science, there is a growing demand for the Internet of Things (IoT), where various types of objects, including sensors and small electronic devices, are interconnected to provide new services that individual objects could not offer.

[0003] Examples of the Internet of Things include a Ubiquitous Sensor Network (USN) comprising a sensor node including a sensor that detects environmental information surrounding an object in real time and a communication module, and a gateway that transmits information collected by multiple sensor nodes to a management server; an Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) that efficiently displays information about multiple products displayed on shelves placed inside a store through a display device; and an ESL management system comprising a server that updates product-related information displayed on the ESL and manages information about the ESL and products.

[0004] The various forms of IoT systems described above include various types of small electronic devices that receive commands from a server via a wireless network and perform specific operations. Since these small electronic devices use small batteries, power consumption must be reduced to extend their lifespan.

[0005] In addition, small electronic devices need to periodically track periodic wireless signals from a server to perform specific operations. To this end, small electronic devices can periodically wake up the main processor to analyze the wireless signal received by the wireless signal receiving circuit and then perform specific operations. However, in this case, since the main processor must be driven periodically to track wireless signals, there is a problem that power consumption may increase, and consequently, the lifespan of the small electronic device may be reduced.

[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for research on methods that allow electronic devices to periodically track external wireless signals while effectively reducing power consumption.

[0007] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the present invention aims to provide an electronic device, an electronic device control system, and an electronic device control method comprising a wake-up module that generates an interrupt signal for waking up a main processor.

[0008] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, we intend to provide an electronic device, an electronic device control system, and an electronic device control method comprising a sleep controller that controls a wake-up mode and a sleep mode of a wake-up module that wakes up a main processor.

[0009] However, the technical problems that the various embodiments of the present disclosure aim to solve are not limited to the technical problems described above, and other technical problems may exist.

[0010] One embodiment is,

[0011] An electronic device is provided comprising: a main processor that performs a predetermined operation according to a program and instructions; a wake-up module that transmits an interrupt signal to the main processor to wake up the main processor; and a sleep controller that periodically transmits an interrupt signal to the wake-up module to wake up the wake-up module.

[0012] In another aspect, the wake-up module controls the wireless signal receiving circuit to receive a wireless signal from an external source while in a woke-up state according to an interrupt signal from the sleep controller, detects whether the wireless signal contains predetermined wake-up data, and if it is detected that the wireless signal contains predetermined wake-up data, transmits the interrupt signal to the main processor.

[0013] In another aspect, the wake-up module may switch from the wake-up state to the sleep mode when it is detected that the wireless signal does not contain predetermined wake-up data.

[0014] In another aspect, the wake-up module may include a circuit control module that controls the operation of a wireless signal receiving circuit, a wireless signal analysis module that analyzes a wireless signal from the outside received by the wireless signal receiving circuit, and an interrupt signal generation module that transmits the interrupt signal to the main processor based on the analysis result of the wireless signal analysis module.

[0015] In another aspect, the electronic device may further include a first power domain that provides driving power to the sleep controller, a second power domain that receives driving power from the first power domain and provides the driving power received from the first power domain to the wake-up module, and a third power domain that receives driving power from the second power domain and provides the driving power received from the second power domain to the main processor.

[0016] In another aspect, when the sleep controller transmits the interrupt signal to the wake-up module, the first power domain transmits the driving power to the second power domain, and when the wake-up module transmits the interrupt signal to the main processor, the second power domain transmits the driving power to the third power domain.

[0017] One embodiment is,

[0018] An electronic device control system is provided, comprising: a main processor that performs a predetermined operation according to a program and instructions; a wake-up module that transmits an interrupt signal to the main processor for waking up the main processor; and a sleep controller that periodically transmits an interrupt signal to the wake-up module for waking up the wake-up module; and a server that transmits a wireless signal to the electronic device.

[0019] In another aspect, the wake-up module controls the wireless signal receiving circuit to receive the wireless signal transmitted from the server while in a woke-up state according to the interrupt signal from the sleep controller, detects whether the wireless signal contains predetermined wake-up data, and if it is detected that the wireless signal contains the predetermined wake-up data, transmits the interrupt signal to the main processor.

[0020] One embodiment is,

[0021] An electronic device control method for controlling the operation of a main processor based on the result of analyzing a wireless signal from an external source comprises: a step of transmitting a first interrupt signal to a wake-up module that analyzes the wireless signal to control the wake-up module to wake up; a step of controlling a wireless signal receiving circuit to receive the wireless signal; a step of detecting whether the wireless signal received by the wireless signal receiving circuit includes predetermined wake-up data; and a step of transmitting a second interrupt signal to the main processor to control the main processor to wake up when it is detected that the wireless signal includes the predetermined wake-up data.

[0022] In another aspect, in the step of controlling the wake-up module to wake up, the first interrupt signal can be periodically transmitted to the wake-up module.

[0023] In another aspect, in the step of controlling the wake-up module to wake up, when the first interrupt signal is transmitted to the wake-up module, driving power can be provided to the wake-up module.

[0024] In another aspect, in the step of controlling the main processor to wake up, when the second interrupt signal is transmitted to the main processor, driving power can be provided to the main processor.

[0025] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device, an electronic device control system, and an electronic device control method may be provided, comprising a wake-up module with improved energy efficiency, wherein an interrupt signal is transmitted from the wake-up module to the main processor when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and driving power is simultaneously provided to the main processor.

[0026] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device, an electronic device control system, and an electronic device control method may be provided, which include a wake-up module that improves energy efficiency by controlling the wake-up module to wake up the main processor periodically so that the wake-up module is not unnecessarily kept running at all times.

[0027] However, the effects obtainable through the various embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects can be clearly understood from the description below.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating how interrupt signals and power are transferred between components included in an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates the configuration of an electronic device control system including an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an electronic device according to another embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 5 illustrates the configuration of a server according to one embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an electronic device control method according to one embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an electronic device control method according to another embodiment.

[0035] The present invention is capable of various modifications and may have various embodiments; therefore, specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. The effects and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clear by referring to the embodiments described in detail below together with the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but can be implemented in various forms. In the following embodiments, terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used not in a limiting sense but for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. Furthermore, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Also, terms such as "include" or "have" mean that the features or components described in the specification exist, and do not preclude the possibility that one or more other features or components may be added. Additionally, in the drawings, the size of components may be exaggerated or reduced for convenience of explanation. For example, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily depicted for convenience of explanation, so the present invention is not necessarily limited to what is illustrated.

[0036] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. When describing with reference to the drawings, identical or corresponding components are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the movement of interrupt signals and power between components included in an electronic device (100) according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an electronic device (100) according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 illustrates the configuration of an electronic device control system (1000) including an electronic device (101) according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an electronic device (101) according to another embodiment. FIG. 4 illustrates the configuration of a server (200) according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an electronic device control method (S100) according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an electronic device control method (S200) according to another embodiment.

[0038] -Electronic device (100)

[0039] Referring to FIG. 1, an electronic device (100) according to one embodiment may include a plurality of blocks (1, 2, 3) that receive driving power from different power domains. For example, the electronic device (100) may include a first block (1), a second block (2), and a third block (3).

[0040] The first block (1) is a block that initially controls the wake-up mode of the electronic device (100), and can operate continuously even when the second block (2) and the third block (3) are in sleep mode, and can periodically transmit a first interrupt signal (Interrupt 1) to the second block (2).

[0041] The first interrupt signal (Interrupt 1) is a signal that controls the second block (2) to be activated from sleep mode to wake-up mode. Here, sleep mode may be a state of operating at low power or a state where operation is stopped.

[0042] The second block (2) can be periodically woken up by a first interrupt signal (Interrupt 1) from the first block (1).

[0043] For example, the first block (1) may include a sleep controller (10) described below. The first block (1) may count time using various types of oscillators. Based on the counted time, the first block (1) may periodically transmit a first interrupt signal (Interrupt 1) to the second block (2).

[0044] The first block (1) can be driven by receiving driving power from the first power domain (5). The first power domain (5) may include various types of power supply devices that supply driving power to the first block (1).

[0045] Additionally, the first power domain (5) can transmit driving power to the second power domain (6) to drive the second block (2). For example, when the first block (1) transmits a first interrupt signal (Interrupt 1) to the second block (2), driving power can be transferred from the first power domain (5) to the second power domain (6).

[0046] The second block (2) may be a block that is periodically woken up by the first block (1) to control the activation of the third block (3).

[0047] For example, the third block (3) may include a processor that performs a predetermined operation for the electronic device (100) to perform a predetermined operation, and the second block (2) may be a block that controls the wake-up mode of the processor of the third block (3).

[0048] The second block (2) can be periodically woken up and activated by a first interrupt signal (Interrupt 1) from the first block (1) even when the third block (3) is in sleep mode.

[0049] After the second block (2) is activated by the first interrupt signal (Interrupt 1) from the first block (1), it can analyze a wireless signal from the outside. Based on the analysis results of the wireless signal from the outside, the second block (2) can periodically transmit a second interrupt signal (Interrupt 2) to the third block (3).

[0050] The second interrupt signal (Interrupt 2) is a signal that controls the third block (3) to be activated from sleep mode to wake-up mode.

[0051] The second block (2) can be driven by receiving driving power from the second power domain (6). For example, the first power domain (5) transmits driving power to the second power domain (6) to drive the second block (2), and the second power domain (6) can supply the driving power received from the first power domain (5) to the second block (2).

[0052] Additionally, the second power domain (6) can transmit driving power to the third power domain (7) to drive the third block (3). For example, when the second block (2) transmits a second interrupt signal (Interrupt 2) to the third block (3), driving power can be transferred from the second power domain (6) to the third power domain (7).

[0053] The third block (3) may be a block responsible for a specific operation for the electronic device (100) to perform a specific operation. For example, the third block (3) may include a processor.

[0054] For example, the third block (3) can perform operations necessary for the electronic device (100) to operate with a predetermined function, and a large amount of power may be consumed when the third block (3) performs such operations. Therefore, in terms of energy efficiency, the third block (3) needs to be controlled to wake up to perform operations only when necessary.

[0055] The third block (3) can be activated from sleep mode to wake-up mode by receiving a second interrupt signal (Interrupt 2) from the second block (2).

[0056] In this way, through a series of processes in which an interrupt signal is sequentially transmitted through the first block (1) and the second block (2), the third block (3) is activated from sleep mode to wake-up mode only when the interrupt signal is finally transmitted to the third block (3), thereby preventing the third block (3) from being unnecessarily activated.

[0057] Meanwhile, the third block (3) can be driven by receiving driving power from the third power domain (7). For example, the second power domain (6) can transmit driving power to the third power domain (7) to drive the third block (3), and the third power domain (7) can supply the driving power received from the second power domain (6) to the third block (3).

[0058] In this way, the third block (3) can be driven by receiving the second interrupt signal (Interrupt 2) from the second block (2) and simultaneously receiving the driving power delivered from the second power domain (6) through the third power domain (7).

[0059] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 2, the specific configuration of the first to third blocks (1, 2, 3) included in the electronic device (100) according to one embodiment will be described.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 2, an electronic device (100) according to one embodiment may include a sleep controller (10), a wake-up module (20), and a central operation module (30). Here, the sleep controller (10), the wake-up module (20), and the central operation module (30) may each correspond to the first block (1), the second block (2), and the third block (3) of FIG. 1, respectively.

[0061] Additionally, the electronic device (100) may further include a first power domain (11) that provides driving power to a sleep controller (10), a second power domain (25) that provides driving power to a wake-up module (20), and a third power domain (34) that provides driving power to a central computing module (30).

[0062] Furthermore, the electronic device (100) may further include a wireless signal receiving circuit (24) that receives a wireless signal (ES) from the outside, the operation of which is controlled by a wake-up module (20).

[0063] The sleep controller (10) can count time using various types of oscillators. For example, the sleep controller (10) may include a crystal oscillator. The sleep controller (10) can count time and periodically transmit a first interrupt signal (I1) to the wake-up module (20).

[0064] The sleep controller (10) can be configured to be driven by receiving driving power from the first power domain (11).

[0065] The wake-up module (20) can be activated by receiving a first interrupt signal (I1) from the sleep controller (10). The wake-up module (20) may include an interrupt receiving circuit (not shown) and can receive the first interrupt signal (I1) through the interrupt receiving circuit.

[0066] For example, the wake-up module (20) can be woken up and activated after receiving a first interrupt signal (I1) from the sleep controller (10) while in sleep mode.

[0067] The wake-up module (20) may include a circuit control module (23) that controls the operation of a wireless signal receiving circuit (24) capable of receiving a wireless signal (ES) from outside the electronic device (100).

[0068] For example, the circuit control module (23) can control the wireless signal receiving circuit (24) to receive an external wireless signal (ES) after the wake-up module (20) receives the first interrupt signal (I1). In this case, the wireless signal (ES) may include a signal in the form of a packet containing certain data. However, it is not limited thereto, and the wireless signal (ES) may include signals in various forms other than packet form.

[0069] Additionally, the wake-up module (20) may include a wireless signal analysis module (22) that analyzes the wireless signal (ES) received by the wireless signal receiving circuit (24).

[0070] For example, the wireless signal analysis module (22) can detect whether the wireless signal (ES) in the form of a packet received by the wireless signal receiving circuit (24) contains predetermined wake-up data.

[0071] Furthermore, the wake-up module (20) may include an interrupt signal generation module (21) that transmits a second interrupt signal (I2) to a central computation module (30) according to the analysis result of the wireless signal (ES) by the wireless signal analysis module (22).

[0072] For example, if the wireless signal analysis module (22) detects that the wireless signal (ES) contains predetermined wake-up data, the interrupt signal generation module (21) can transmit the second interrupt signal (I2) to the main processor (31) included in the central processing module (30).

[0073] In contrast, if the wireless signal analysis module (22) detects that the wireless signal (ES) does not contain predetermined wake-up data, the wake-up module (20) can be switched back to sleep mode.

[0074] The wake-up module (20) can be configured to be driven by receiving driving power from the second power domain (25).

[0075] For example, when the sleep controller (10) transmits a first interrupt signal (I1) to the wake-up module (20), driving power can be transferred from the first power domain (5) to the second power domain (6), and the second power domain (6) can provide driving power to the wake-up module (20) using the driving power received from the first power domain (5).

[0076] The central operation module (30) may include a main processor (31) that performs a predetermined operation for the electronic device (100) to perform a predetermined operation, and a memory (32) that stores a program and instructions that serve as the basis for the main processor (31) to perform the operation.

[0077] The main processor (31) can be woken up and activated when it receives a second interrupt signal (I2) from the interrupt signal generation module (21) of the wake-up module (20) while in sleep mode. The main processor (31) can be controlled to perform a predetermined operation only when it receives the second interrupt signal (I2). Accordingly, the main processor (31) can be controlled so that it is not always active, and unnecessary power waste can be prevented.

[0078] For example, the main processor (31) may be implemented using at least one of ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), DSPs (digital signal processors), DSPDs (digital signal processing devices), PLDs (programmable logic devices), FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays), controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, and other electrical units for performing functions.

[0079] Memory (32) can store one or more of an operating system (OS), various applications, data, and instructions that provide an environment for the main processor (31) to perform a predetermined operation.

[0080] For example, the memory (32) may be various storage devices such as ROM, RAM, EPROM, flash drive, hard drive, etc., and may also be web storage that performs storage functions on the internet. Additionally, the memory (32) may be a recording medium that is detachable from the electronic device (100).

[0081] -System(1000)

[0082] Referring to FIG. 3, an electronic device control system (1000) including an electronic device (101) according to one embodiment may include a structure in which the electronic device (101) and a server (200) transmit and receive data to and from each other through a network (NETWORK) (300).

[0083] For example, the electronic device (101) can be implemented in the form of an electronic shelf label that is placed on a shelf (40) in a store and displays relevant information about the product through a display device.

[0084] In this case, the system (1000) can update product-related information displayed on a plurality of electronic devices (101) in the form of electronic shelf labels provided on a shelf (40).

[0085] For example, an electronic device (101) included in the system (1000) may be linked with a server (200), and information related to a product displayed on the electronic device (101) may be updated by the server (200). Data of the updated information related to the product is transmitted from the server (200) to the electronic device (101), and the electronic device (101) may display the updated information related to the product. In this case, the server (200) may update the information related to the product based on user input through a user terminal (not shown).

[0086] For example, a plurality of electronic devices (101) and a plurality of products may be provided on a shelf (40). Each of the plurality of products may be assigned to each of the plurality of electronic devices (101). A first product may be assigned to any first electronic device among the plurality of electronic devices (101), and a second product different from the first product may be assigned to any second electronic device. A first electronic device and a first product may be provided adjacent to each other, and a second electronic device and a second product may be provided adjacent to each other.

[0087] The electronic device (101) and the server (200) can be connected to each other through a network (300). Here, the network (300) according to the embodiment may refer to a connection structure capable of exchanging information between each node, such as the electronic device (101) and the server (200).

[0088] For example, the network (300) may include, but is not limited to, a 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) network, an LTE (Long Term Evolution) network, a WIMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access) network, the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), a Wireless LAN (Wireless Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), a PAN (Personal Area Network), a Bluetooth network, a satellite broadcasting network, an analog broadcasting network, a DMB (Digital Multimedia Broadcasting) network, etc.

[0089] The electronic device (101) can be wirelessly connected to the server (200) through a separate gateway (not shown). In this case, multiple gateways may be placed at regular intervals within the store, and multiple gateways may be connected to the server (200) via wires. The electronic device (101) can wirelessly communicate with adjacent gateways, and the gateways can transmit data from the electronic device (101) to the server (200).

[0090] Meanwhile, an electronic device (101) in the form of an electronic shelf label can be mounted on a shelf (40) to display information related to products displayed on the shelf (40).

[0091] For example, the electronic device (101) can display product-related information such as Korean product name, English product name, product country of origin, product price, raw materials, weight / calories, and discount information.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 4, the electronic device (101) may include a control unit (50), a display module (51) for displaying information related to a product provided in one area of ​​an external surface, a communication module (52), a battery (53), and a memory (54).

[0093] The control unit (50) is a device that controls the operation of the electronic device (101) and may include a system-on-chip (SOC) structure including a central processing unit (CPU) and / or a graphics processing unit (GPU), etc. Here, the control unit (50) may correspond to the main processor (31) of FIG. 2.

[0094] The control unit (50) can control the operation of the display module (51) so that product-related information displayed on the display module (51) is updated based on a control signal received from the outside.

[0095] The display module (51) may be a device that displays information related to a product. The display module (51) may include an Electronic Paper Display (EPD) that maintains the product information display state even when power is not supplied.

[0096] The electronic paper display is suitable for an electronic device (101) that needs to reduce power consumption due to its bistability, which maintains the display state for a long time even when the power supply is interrupted.

[0097] Electronic paper displays are known to include twist ball types utilizing hemispherical twist balls charged with electrostatic charge, electrophoretic displays applying electrophoresis and microcapsules, and cholesterol liquid crystal displays utilizing cholesterol liquid crystals.

[0098] However, it is not limited to this, and the display module (51) may include any one of a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), a flexible display, and a 3D display.

[0099] The communication module (52) may include various types of communication devices that enable an external device and an electronic device (101) to transmit and receive data. For example, a user terminal and an electronic device (101) can be paired through the communication module (52), and data from the user terminal can be transmitted to the electronic device (101) while paired. Additionally, data transmitted from the server (200) and delivered by the gateway can be received by the communication module (52).

[0100] The battery (53) may be a device that supplies power for driving components included in the electronic device (101). For example, the battery (53) may include a lithium-ion battery. However, it is not limited thereto, and the battery (53) may include various types of batteries other than lithium-ion batteries.

[0101] Additionally, the battery (53) may include a coin-shaped power supply. However, it is not limited thereto, and the battery (53) may include various types of power supplies other than a coin-shaped one.

[0102] The battery (53) may correspond to at least one of the first power domain (11), the second power domain (25), and the third power domain (34) of FIG. 2.

[0103] The memory (54) may be a storage device in which data, instructions, and various programs are stored to perform operations necessary to update product-related information displayed on the display module (51). For example, the memory (54) may be a variety of storage devices such as ROM, RAM, EPROM, flash drive, hard drive, etc.

[0104] The memory (54) and the control unit (50) can be provided on a printed circuit board and electrically connected to each other. The memory (54) of FIG. 4 can correspond to the memory (32) of FIG. 2.

[0105] The server (200) can update the relevant information of a product assigned to an electronic device (101) provided on a shelf (40) and transmit the updated relevant information of the product to the electronic device (101). In this case, the server (200) can update the relevant information of the product based on user input received through a user terminal.

[0106] Specifically, in order to update the relevant information of a product assigned to an electronic device (101), the server (200) can exchange necessary data with the electronic device (101) and the user terminal. Accordingly, the server (200) can provide the environment necessary to update the relevant information of the product.

[0107] For example, the server (200) may provide an environment that can update product-related information to a user terminal. The server (200) may include an application, data and / or commands, etc., for the product-related information update application to operate, and may transmit data based thereon to the user terminal.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 5, the server (200) may include at least one processor (61) for data processing, a memory (62) for storing applications, data and / or instructions, etc., at least one communication module (63) for exchanging data with an external device, a location information database (64) for storing location information of an electronic device (101), and a template database (65) for storing a template containing product-related information.

[0109] Additionally, the server (200) may be implemented as a specific computing device that performs the function of a product-related information update module (66) that updates product-related information.

[0110] The processor (61) can control the overall operation of the components included in the server (200) to provide an environment in which a product-related information editing application and / or an imaging device positioning application can operate on the electronic device (101).

[0111] The processor (61) may be a system-on-chip (SOC) including a central processing unit (CPU) and / or a graphics processing unit (GPU), and may execute an operating system (OS) and / or application programs stored in memory (62).

[0112] The processor (61) can communicate internally with each component included in the server (200) via a system bus and may include one or more predetermined bus structures, including a local bus.

[0113] The processor (61) can be implemented using at least one of ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), DSPs (digital signal processors), DSPDs (digital signal processing devices), PLDs (programmable logic devices), FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays), controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, and other electrical units for performing functions.

[0114] The memory (62) can store one or more of an operating system (OS), various applications, data, and instructions to provide an environment necessary for performing product-related information editing methods.

[0115] The memory (62) may include a program area and a data area. Here, the program area according to the embodiment may be linked between an operating system (OS) and functional elements that boot the server (200), and the data area may store data generated by the use of the server (200).

[0116] In one embodiment, the memory (62) may be a various storage device such as ROM, RAM, EPROM, flash drive, hard drive, etc., and may be web storage that performs storage functions on the internet. Additionally, the memory (62) may be a recording medium that is removable from the server (200).

[0117] The communication module (63) may include various types of communication devices that enable the server (200) to transmit and receive data with an external device.

[0118] The server (200) can transmit data based on an application, data and / or commands, etc., for a product-related information editing application to operate to a user terminal through a communication module (63).

[0119] Additionally, the server (200) can transmit a wireless signal containing wake-up data to wake up the main processor of the electronic device (101) through the communication module (63).

[0120] The location information database (64) can store location information of the electronic device (101). A plurality of electronic devices (101) can be arranged on the shelf (40) to correspond to a plurality of products.

[0121] These multiple electronic devices (101) may each be placed at a specific location on a shelf (40), and specific location information for the shelf (40) of the multiple electronic devices (101) may be stored in a location information database (64). In this case, the location information of each of the multiple electronic devices (101) may be matched with the unique identification information of each of the multiple electronic devices (101) and stored in the location information database (64).

[0122] For example, among a plurality of electronic devices (101), a first electronic device may be provided in the 2nd layer, 3rd row of a first shelf provided in area A among a plurality of areas. In this case, the location information of the first electronic device, 'the 2nd layer, 3rd row of the first shelf in area A', may be stored in a location information database (64) as the location information of the first electronic device, corresponding to the unique identification information of the first electronic device.

[0123] Here, the unique identification information of the electronic device (101) may include a unique identification number assigned to the electronic device (101). For example, the identification information of the electronic device (101) may be in the form of a string of characters, a sequence of numbers, and / or a combination thereof. However, it is not limited thereto, and the identification information of the electronic device (101) may include a combination of various symbols other than characters and numbers.

[0124] However, it is not limited to this, and the unique identification information of the electronic device (101) may include a unique pattern code displayed by (100).

[0125] The location information database (64) is included in the server (200), but is not limited thereto, and may be implemented as an independent server configured separately from the server (200).

[0126] The template database (65) may be a database that stores templates to which product-related information is applied. For example, the template database (65) may store data regarding multiple templates to which product-related information can be entered. The multiple templates may have different forms depending on user input.

[0127] For example, multiple templates can be generated based on user input from a middle manager of a store using a user terminal. The middle manager can author templates of the desired form through the user terminal.

[0128] The user terminal can transmit data regarding multiple templates to the server (200), and the data regarding multiple templates can be stored in the template database (65). However, it is not limited thereto, and the template database (65) may store data regarding multiple templates that have already been created.

[0129] The template database (65) is included in the server (200), but is not limited thereto, and may be implemented as an independent server configured separately from the server (200).

[0130] The product-related information update module (66) can update product-related information displayed on the electronic device (101). For example, the product-related information update module (66) can control the electronic device (101) so that product-related information displayed on the electronic device (101) is periodically updated according to product-related information update rules stored in memory (62). The product-related information update rules stored in memory (62) are predetermined by the user and can be modified at any time.

[0131] However, it is not limited to this, and the product-related information update module (66) may also control the electronic device (101) so that the product-related information displayed on the electronic device (101) is updated according to user input editing the product-related information.

[0132] For example, a product-related information update module (28) can control the electronic device (101) so that information related to the updated product is displayed on the electronic device (101) by inputting information by user input into a template provided from the template database (65).

[0133] In the above description, it has been explained that a server (200) according to one embodiment performs functional operations as described above; however, depending on the embodiment, at least a portion of the functional operations performed by the server (200) may be performed by an external device (e.g., a user terminal), and at least a portion of the functional operations performed by the external device may be further performed by the server (200), and various other embodiments may be possible.

[0134] - Electronic device control method (S100, S200)

[0135] Referring to FIG. 6, an electronic device control method (S100) according to one embodiment may include the step of controlling the wake-up module (20) to wake up by transmitting a first interrupt signal (I1) to the wake-up module (20) (S101), the step of controlling the wireless signal receiving circuit (24) to receive an external wireless signal (ES) (S103), the step of detecting whether the wireless signal (ES) received by the wireless signal receiving circuit (24) contains predetermined wake-up data (S105), and the step of controlling the main processor (31) to wake up by transmitting a second interrupt signal (I2) to the main processor (31) when it is detected that the wireless signal (ES) contains predetermined wake-up data (S107).

[0136] In step (S101), the sleep controller (10) of the electronic device (100) may transmit a first interrupt signal (I1) to a wake-up module (20) that analyzes a wireless signal (ES) from the outside. In this case, the sleep controller (10) may periodically transmit the first interrupt signal (I1) to the wake-up module (20).

[0137] The wake-up module (20) that receives the first interrupt signal (I1) can be activated by switching from sleep mode to wake-up mode.

[0138] In step (S103), the wake-up module (20), activated by the first interrupt signal (I1), can control the wireless signal receiving circuit (24) to receive a wireless signal (ES) from outside the electronic device (100).

[0139] For example, a circuit control module (23) included in the wake-up module (20) can control the wireless signal receiving circuit (24) to be in a state where it can receive a wireless signal (ES).

[0140] In step (S105), the wake-up module (20) can detect whether the wireless signal (ES) received by the wireless signal receiving circuit (24) contains predetermined wake-up data.

[0141] For example, the wireless signal analysis module (22) of the wake-up module (20) can detect whether the wireless signal (ES) is in the form of a packet and whether the wireless signal (ES) in the form of a packet contains wake-up data generated by the server (200).

[0142] In step (S107), if the wireless signal analysis module (22) detects that the wireless signal (ES) contains predetermined wake-up data, the interrupt signal generation module (21) of the wake-up module (20) can transmit a second interrupt signal (I2) to the main processor (31). Upon receiving the second interrupt signal (I2), the main processor (31) can be activated by switching from sleep mode to wake-up mode.

[0143] Referring to FIG. 7, an electronic device control method (S200) according to another embodiment comprises the steps of: a sleep controller (10) transmitting a first interrupt signal (I1) to a wake-up module (20); a first power domain (11) providing driving power to the sleep controller (10) providing driving power to a second power domain (25) (S201); a step of controlling the wake-up module (20) to wake up through the first interrupt signal (I1) from the sleep controller (10) and the driving power provided from the second power domain (25) (S203); a step of controlling a wireless signal receiving circuit (24) to receive an external wireless signal (ES) (S205); a step of detecting whether the wireless signal (ES) received by the wireless signal receiving circuit (24) contains predetermined wake-up data (S207); and if it is detected that the wireless signal (ES) contains predetermined wake-up data, the wake-up module (20) transmits a second interrupt to the main processor (31). It may include the step (S209) of transmitting a signal (I2) and the second power domain (25) providing driving power to the third power domain (34), and the step (S107) of controlling the wake-up main processor (31) to wake up.

[0144] In step (S201), the sleep controller (10) periodically transmits a first interrupt signal (I1) to the wake-up module (20), and at the same time, the first power domain (11) that provides driving power to the sleep controller (10) can provide driving power to the second power domain (25).

[0145] In step (S203), the wake-up module (20) can be woken up and activated by a first interrupt signal (I1) from the sleep controller (10) and driving power provided by the second power domain (25).

[0146] In this way, the wake-up module (20) can be switched to wake-up mode by the first interrupt signal (I1) from the sleep controller (10) and the driving power provided by the second power domain (25) while in sleep mode.

[0147] In the stage (S205), the wake-up module (20) activated by the first interrupt signal (I1) can control the wireless signal receiving circuit (24) to receive a wireless signal (ES) from outside the electronic device (100).

[0148] In step (S207), the wake-up module (20) can detect whether the wireless signal (ES) received by the wireless signal receiving circuit (24) contains predetermined wake-up data.

[0149] In step (S209), when the wireless signal analysis module (22) detects that the wireless signal (ES) contains predetermined wake-up data, the interrupt signal generation module (21) of the wake-up module (20) transmits a second interrupt signal (I2) to the main processor (31), and at the same time, the second power domain (25) can provide driving power to the third power domain (34).

[0150] In step (S211), the main processor (31) can be woken up and activated by a second interrupt signal (I2) from the wake-up module (20) and driving power provided by the third power domain (34).

[0151] In this way, the main processor (31) can be switched from sleep mode to wake-up mode by a second interrupt signal (I2) from the wake-up module (20) and driving power provided by the third power domain (34).

[0152] The embodiments according to the present invention described above may be implemented in the form of program instructions that can be executed through various computer components and recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, etc., either individually or in combination. The program instructions recorded on the computer-readable recording medium may be those specifically designed and configured for the present invention or those known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes; optical recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs; magneto-optical media such as floptical disks; and hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, and flash memory. Examples of program instructions include machine code, such as that generated by a compiler, as well as high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc. Hardware devices may be modified into one or more software modules to perform processing according to the present invention, and vice versa.

[0153] The specific embodiments described in this invention are examples and do not limit the scope of the invention in any way. For the sake of brevity of the specification, descriptions of prior electronic configurations, control systems, software, and other functional aspects of said systems may be omitted. Additionally, the connections of lines or connecting members between components shown in the drawings are illustrative of functional connections and / or physical or circuit connections, and may be replaced or additionally represented as various functional connections, physical connections, or circuit connections in actual devices. Furthermore, unless specifically stated as “essential,” “importantly,” etc., a component may not be strictly necessary for the application of the invention.

[0154] Furthermore, although the detailed description of the present invention has been explained with reference to preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art or those with ordinary knowledge in the relevant technical field will understand that various modifications and changes can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and technical scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the technical scope of the present invention should not be limited to the contents described in the detailed description of the specification, but should be determined by the claims.

[0155] The present invention has industrial applicability in that it can provide an electronic device, an electronic device control system, and an electronic device control method, which include a wake-up module with improved energy efficiency by generating an interrupt signal to drive a main processor when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

Claims

1. A main processor that performs a predetermined operation according to a program and instructions; A wake-up module that transmits an interrupt signal to the main processor to wake up the main processor; and An electronic device comprising: a sleep controller that periodically transmits an interrupt signal to the wake-up module to wake up the wake-up module.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above wake-up module is, Controls the wireless signal receiving circuit to receive a wireless signal from an external source while in a woke-up state according to an interrupt signal from the sleep controller above, and Detects whether the above wireless signal includes predetermined wake-up data, An electronic device that transmits the interrupt signal to the main processor when the above wireless signal is detected to contain predetermined wake-up data.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above wake-up module is, An electronic device that switches from a woke state to a sleep mode when the above wireless signal is detected not to contain predetermined wake-up data.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above wake-up module is, A circuit control module that controls the operation of a wireless signal receiving circuit; A wireless signal analysis module that analyzes a wireless signal from the outside received by the above wireless signal receiving circuit; and An electronic device comprising: an interrupt signal generation module that transmits the interrupt signal to the main processor based on the analysis result of the wireless signal analysis module.

5. In Paragraph 1, A first power domain that provides driving power to the above-mentioned sleep controller; A second power domain that receives driving power from the first power domain and provides the driving power received from the first power domain to the wake-up module; and An electronic device further comprising: a third power domain that receives driving power from the second power domain and provides the driving power received from the second power domain to the main processor.

6. In Paragraph 5, When the sleep controller transmits the interrupt signal to the wake-up module, the first power domain transmits the driving power to the second power domain, and An electronic device in which, when the wake-up module transmits the interrupt signal to the main processor, the second power domain transmits the driving power to the third power domain.

7. An electronic device comprising a main processor that performs a predetermined operation according to a program and instructions, a wake-up module that transmits an interrupt signal to the main processor to wake up the main processor, and a sleep controller that periodically transmits an interrupt signal to the wake-up module to wake up the wake-up module; and An electronic device control system comprising: a server that transmits a wireless signal to the electronic device.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above wake-up module is, Controls the wireless signal receiving circuit to receive the wireless signal transmitted from the server while in a woke-up state according to an interrupt signal from the sleep controller, and Detects whether the above wireless signal includes predetermined wake-up data, An electronic device control system that transmits the interrupt signal to the main processor when the above wireless signal is detected to contain predetermined wake-up data.

9. An electronic device control method for controlling the operation of a main processor based on the results of analyzing a wireless signal from an external source, A step of transmitting a first interrupt signal to a wake-up module that analyzes the wireless signal to control the wake-up module to wake up; A step of controlling a wireless signal receiving circuit to receive the wireless signal; A step of detecting whether the wireless signal received by the wireless signal receiving circuit includes predetermined wake-up data; and An electronic device control method comprising: a step of transmitting a second interrupt signal to the main processor to control the main processor to wake up when the wireless signal is detected to contain predetermined wake-up data.

10. In Paragraph 9, In the step of controlling the above wake-up module to wake up, An electronic device control method that periodically transmits the first interrupt signal to the wake-up module.

11. In Paragraph 9, In the step of controlling the above wake-up module to wake up, An electronic device control method that provides driving power to the wake-up module when transmitting the first interrupt signal to the wake-up module.

12. In Paragraph 9, In the step of controlling the main processor to wake up, An electronic device control method that provides driving power to the main processor when transmitting the second interrupt signal to the main processor.

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