Electronic device including control circuit for reducing standby power, and method therefor

Abstract

This electronic device may comprise: a power circuit connected to a first port for receiving an alternating current signal; a wired interface configured to control one or more second ports configured to provide therethrough power to an external electronic device, on the basis of a power signal of the power circuit; a sensor; and a control circuit configured to control a switch by using the sensor. The control circuit may be configured to control the switch to stop power provision through the one or more second ports on the basis of identifying, on the basis of the electronic device being in an active state, an event for switching the state of the electronic device from the active state to a standby state. The control circuit may obtain information from the sensor while the electronic device is switched to the standby state on the basis of the control of the switch. The control circuit may control the switch to resume the power provision through the one or more second ports on the basis of obtaining, from the sensor, information indicating detection of an external object.

Description

Electronic device including a control circuit for reducing standby power, and the method thereof

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device and a method including a control circuit for reducing standby power.

[0002] An electronic device can be configured to perform various functions using alternating current signals provided by a power system. Based on a wired connection via a plug, the electronic device can receive alternating current signals. To reduce power consumption, the electronic device can be switched to standby mode. In standby mode, the electronic device can be configured to reduce or minimize the power received through the wired connection. If many electronic devices are connected to a power system and all electronic devices are in standby mode, the power system must continuously generate power based on the standby power of each electronic device.

[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, an electronic device may include a power circuit connected to a first port configured to receive an alternating current signal. The electronic device may include a switch configured to control an electrical connection between the first port and the power circuit. The electronic device may include a wired interface configured to control one or more second ports configured to provide power to an external electronic device based on a power signal of the power circuit. The electronic device may include a sensor. The electronic device may include a control circuit configured to control the switch using the sensor. The control circuit may be configured to control the electronic device to identify an event for switching the state of the electronic device from the active state to the standby state based on the electronic device being in an active state. The control circuit may be configured to control the electronic device to control the switch to stop the provision of power through the one or more second ports based on identifying the event. The control circuit may be configured to control the electronic device to obtain information from the sensor while the electronic device is switched to the standby state based on the control of the switch. The control circuit may be configured to control the electronic device to control the switch in order to resume the provision of power through the one or more second ports based on obtaining the information indicating the detection of an external object from the sensor.

[0005] In one embodiment, a method of an electronic device may be provided. The electronic device may include a power circuit connected to a first port configured to receive an alternating current signal, a switch configured to control an electrical connection between the first port and the power circuit, a wired interface configured to control one or more second ports configured to provide power to an external electronic device based on a power signal of the power circuit, a sensor, and a control circuit configured to control the switch using the sensor. The method may include an operation of identifying an event to switch the state of the electronic device from the active state to a standby state based on the electronic device being in an active state. The method may include an operation of controlling the switch to stop the provision of power through the one or more second ports based on identifying the event. The method may include an operation of obtaining information from the sensor while the electronic device has switched to the standby state based on the control of the switch. The method may include an operation of controlling the switch to resume the provision of power through the one or more second ports based on obtaining the information indicating the detection of an external object from the sensor.

[0006] According to one embodiment, a display device may include a power circuit configured to receive an alternating current signal. The display device may include a switch configured to control the transmission of the alternating current signal to the power circuit. The display device may include a battery configured to be charged based on a power signal output from the power circuit in an active state. The display device may include a display configured to output an image based on the power signal. The display device may include a wired interface comprising one or more ports configured to output at least a portion of the power signal. The display device may include a sensor. The display device may include a control circuit configured to be driven based on the battery in a standby state different from the active state. The control circuit may be configured to cause the electronic device to deactivate the power circuit by controlling the switch to switch from the active state to the standby state. The control circuit may be configured to cause the electronic device to obtain information from the sensor in the standby state, where the transmission of the power signal to the display and the wired interface is stopped based on the deactivated power circuit. The above control circuit may be configured to cause the electronic device to activate the power circuit by controlling the switch based on obtaining the information indicating the detection of an external object from the sensor.

[0007] The aforementioned and other aspects, features, and advantages of some embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which is discussed together with the accompanying drawings:

[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary electronic device for receiving power from a power system according to various embodiments;

[0009] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of an electronic device including a switch and a control circuit of the switch included in the electronic device to reduce standby power according to various embodiments;

[0010] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the exemplary operation of a control circuit included in an electronic device according to various embodiments;

[0011] FIG. 4 is a graph illustrating exemplary timing of a control circuit acquiring information from a sensor according to various embodiments; and

[0012] FIG. 5 is a diagram of an exemplary electronic device for charging a battery using a thermoelectric element according to various embodiments.

[0013] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0014] Various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technology described in the present disclosure and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and / or substitutions. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar components. A singular expression may include a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In the present disclosure, expressions such as "A or B," "at least one of A and / or B," "A, B or C," or "at least one of A, B and / or C" may include all possible combinations of items listed together. Expressions such as "first," "second," "first," or "second" may modify the components, regardless of order or importance, and are used only to distinguish one component from another and do not limit the components. When it is mentioned that a certain (e.g., 1st) component is "(functionally or telecommunicationally) connected" or "connected" to another (e.g., 2nd) component, said certain component may be directly connected to said other component or connected through another component (e.g., 3rd component).

[0015] As used in this disclosure, the term "module" includes a unit composed of hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be a component formed integrally, or a minimum unit or part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, a module may be composed of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0016] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary electronic device (101) receiving power from a power system (110) according to various embodiments. The electronic device (101) may be described as an electronic device capable of displaying images. For example, the electronic device (101) may be a monitor configured to visualize information received from a PC (personal computer) (130). In the present disclosure, the electronic device (101) may be referred to as a monitor and / or display device.

[0017] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (101) may be configured to operate by power provided from a power system (110) (e.g., an alternating current (AC) power signal and / or an alternating current signal). The power system (110) (or power distribution system) may be described as infrastructure built to provide power. The electronic device (101) may include a plug (120) (or port, power cord) configured to be connected to a power outlet (or outlet, socket, receptacle) located at one end of the power system (110). The plug (120) may be connected to a component of the electronic device (101) for power conversion (e.g., power conversion from an alternating current signal to a direct current (DC) signal (or DC power signal)) (e.g., an AC-DC adapter (or power adapter (125)) and / or a power circuit (210) described later with reference to FIG. 2).

[0018] While the plug (120) is electrically connected to the power system (110), the electronic device (101) can perform a function to output video, sound, or a combination thereof (e.g., multimedia content) based on the power of the power system (110). When the electronic device (101) receives information representing video and / or sound, the electronic device (101) can perform the function using said information. That information representing video and / or sound may be received from an external electronic device (e.g., PC (130)) connected to the electronic device (101).

[0019] An electronic device (101) may include a display panel configured to output an image. One side of the electronic device (101) where the display panel is visible may be described as the front side (e.g., front side) of the electronic device (101). The display panel may include a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display panel (PDP), and a plurality of LEDs. The LEDs of the display panel may include organic LEDs (OLEDs). In one embodiment, the display panel may include electronic paper. If the display panel has a flat shape, the display panel may be referred to as a flat panel display (FPD). If the display panel has a curved shape, the display panel may be referred to as a curved display. If the display panel has a deformable shape, the display panel may be referred to as a bendable display, a flexible display, and / or a rollable display.

[0020] While receiving power from the power system (110) through the plug (120), the electronic device (101) may be operated according to any one of a normal mode (or active mode, enabled mode), a standby mode (or inactive mode, disabled mode, hibernate mode, sleep mode), and a power-off mode. The modes of the electronic device (101) are not limited to the normal mode, the standby mode, and the power-off mode. In this disclosure, the term "mode" may be used interchangeably with the term "state." For example, the normal mode may be referred to as the active state, the standby mode as the standby state, and the power-off mode as the power-off state.

[0021] A normal mode may be a mode that consumes power exceeding the power consumption of a standby mode (e.g., standby power) to output an image. In a normal mode, at least a portion of the display panel of the electronic device (101) (e.g., backlight) may be activated. While receiving a signal indicating an image from an external electronic device such as a PC (130), the electronic device (101) may output the image within the normal mode. While in a normal mode, the electronic device (101) may enter a standby mode if it has not received an image from the external electronic device for a specific period of time, and / or receives a signal indicating a transition to a standby mode from the external electronic device.

[0022] In standby mode, the output of video and / or sound by the electronic device (101) may be substantially stopped or reduced / minimized. While in standby mode, the electronic device (101) may enter normal mode based on receiving a signal indicating video from an external electronic device, receiving a signal indicating a transition to normal mode from an external electronic device, and / or detecting the approach of a user (160) toward the electronic device (101).

[0023] While in normal mode or standby mode, the electronic device (101) may enter power-off mode based on receiving a turn-off input (e.g., an input of pressing the power button of the electronic device (101) and / or an input of tapping a part of the housing of the electronic device (101). While in power-off mode, the electronic device (101) may not respond to other inputs different from the turn-on input (e.g., an input of pressing the power button of the electronic device (101) and / or an input of tapping a part of the housing of the electronic device (101). Within power-off mode, the electronic device (101) may enter normal mode and / or standby mode based on receiving a turn-on input.

[0024] The maximum power consumption of the electronic device (101) in each of the modes of the electronic device (101), including general mode, standby mode, and power-off mode, can be standardized as shown in Table 1.

[0025] Mode Name Maximum Power Consumption (Unit: Watts (W)) Power-Off Mode 0.5 Standby Mode DVI (Digital Visual Interface) 0.5 D-Sub (D-subminiature) 0.5 Normal Mode N / A

[0026] The standby mode of Table 1 may be referred to as the DPMS (Display Power Management Signaling) mode. Referring to Table 1, when connected to an external electronic device via either a DVI or D-Sub interface, the electronic device (101) may be designed to have a power consumption of 0.5 W or less in standby mode.

[0027] In one embodiment, a standby mode may be defined to (automatically) reduce power consumption while the electronic device (101) is turned on. As described above, within a normal mode, if a signal indicating an image is not received from an external electronic device for a period exceeding a specified period, and / or if a signal indicating a transition to standby mode is received from an external electronic device, the electronic device (101) may switch to standby mode.

[0028] In standby mode, the electronic device (101) can detect or identify an external object (e.g., user (160)) moving toward the electronic device (101) using a sensor (150). Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment is shown in which the sensor (150) is positioned on the front side of the electronic device (101) on which a display panel is placed. The sensor (150) can detect an external object located in the direction of the front side of the electronic device (101). Based on detecting an external object located at a distance less than a specified distance from the electronic device (101) using the sensor (150), the electronic device (101) can switch from standby mode to normal mode. The position of the sensor (150) is not limited to the position shown in FIG. 1 (e.g., the front side of the electronic device (101)). For example, the sensor (150) may be included in a component of an electronic device (101) that has mobility, such as an electric adapter (125). In the above example, the sensor (150) may be located on one side of the electric adapter (125). In the above example, the electronic device (101) may use the sensor (150) to detect or identify a user (160) adjacent to the electric adapter (125).

[0029] In standby mode, the remaining hardware of the electronic device (101), which is different from the hardware for processing the sensor (150) and the information provided by the sensor (150), may be turned off. For example, a power circuit configured to generate a power signal for driving the remaining hardware using an alternating current signal received from the power system (110), and / or a display panel may be turned off. In standby mode, because the remaining hardware of the electronic device (101), including the power circuit, is turned off, the power consumption (e.g., standby power) of the electronic device (101) measured by the power system (110) may be reduced to substantially 0 W. When switching from standby mode to normal mode, the electronic device (101) may turn the power circuit and / or the display panel back on. The hardware structure of the electronic device (101), including the power circuit, the display panel, and / or the sensor (150), will be described in more detail later with reference to FIG. 2.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, the electronic device (101) may be connected to one or more external electronic devices. For example, the electronic device (101) may be connected to external electronic device(s), such as a mouse (141), a game controller (142), and / or a keyboard (143), as well as a PC (130). The electronic device (101) may be configured to relay data communication between the PC (130), the mouse (141), the game controller (142), and / or the keyboard (143). For example, the electronic device (101) may transmit signals transmitted from the mouse (141), the game controller (142), and / or the keyboard (143) to the PC (130). For example, the electronic device (101) may transmit signals transmitted from the PC (130) to at least one of the mouse (141), the game controller (142), or the keyboard (143).

[0031] To be connected to one or more external electronic devices, the electronic device (101) may include a wired interface. For example, the electronic device (101) may include port(s) based on USB (universal serial bus), DP (display port), HDMI (high-definition multimedia interface), COM (communication port), DVI, and / or D-SUB. When connected to the PC (130), the electronic device (101) may relay data communication between the external electronic device connected through the port(s) and the PC (130). In terms of relaying data communication, the electronic device (101) may be referred to as a hub device. The electronic device (101) may transmit a power signal for driving the external electronic device to the external electronic device connected through the port(s). In other words, the power consumption of the electronic device (101) may be the sum of the power consumption of the external electronic device connected through the port(s) and the power consumption of the electronic device (101) itself. In one embodiment, to reduce power consumption in standby mode, the electronic device (101) may at least temporarily stop transmitting power signals to an external electronic device connected through the port(s) while in standby mode. The electronic device (101) may switch from standby mode to normal mode using the sensor (150) prior to explicit input from a user (160) controlling the keyboard (143) and / or mouse (141).

[0032] Although an embodiment in which the electronic device (101) is a monitor is described, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and any electronic device configured to provide power to an external electronic device (e.g., TV (television), computer, smartphone, tablet PC, portable media player, wearable device, video wall, digital photo frame, etc.) may perform the operation of the electronic device (101) of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of an electronic device (101) including a switch (270) and a control circuit (250) of the switch (270) included in the electronic device (101) to reduce standby power according to various embodiments. The electronic device (101) of FIG. 2 may include the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 2, a schematic diagram of a portion of the circuit of the electronic device (101), illustrated in blocks, is shown. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a power circuit (210), an LED (light emitting diode) driving circuit (220), a processor (230) (e.g., including a processing circuit), a wired interface (240), a control circuit (250), a battery (260), a sensor (150), or any combination thereof. Parts of the circuits of the electronic device (101) illustrated in blocks may be electrically and / or operabably connected by power lines and / or communication buses. The electronic device (101) may further include other circuits (e.g., display panels, and / or speakers) different from the circuits illustrated in FIG. 2. The electronic device (101) may include only some of the circuits illustrated in blocks of FIG. 2.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 2, the power circuit (210) of the electronic device (101) may include a rectifier circuit (212), an AC-DC conversion circuit (214), and / or a DC-DC conversion circuit (216). Although not illustrated, the power circuit (210) may further include a lightning protection circuit, a varistor, a surge arrester, an EMI (electromagnetic interference) filter, a power factor conversion circuit, or any combination thereof. The power circuit (210) may be electrically connected to the power system (110) through a port (e.g., a port including nodes (p+, p-). For example, the power circuit (210) may be connected to the port for receiving an AC signal. Using the AC signal received through the port, the power circuit (210) may generate or output a power signal for driving the electronic device (101) including the power circuit (210).

[0035] In one embodiment, the power circuit (210) may be included in the electronic device (101). The present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, at least a portion of the power circuit (210) (e.g., a rectifier circuit (212) and / or an AC-DC conversion circuit (214)) may be included in an electric adapter (e.g., the electric adapter (125) of FIG. 1) connected to the electronic device (101).

[0036] The rectifier circuit (212) of the power circuit (210) can rectify an AC signal provided by the power system (110) and output a rectified AC signal. For example, the rectifier circuit (212) may be connected to a port (e.g., a port including nodes (p+, p-)) through a switch (270) to rectify the AC signal. To rectify the AC signal, the rectifier circuit (212) may include a plurality of diodes forming a bridge circuit. Half-wave rectification or full-wave rectification based on the plurality of diodes may be performed by the rectifier circuit (212). The present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the rectifier circuit (212) may be implemented in a non-bridge manner.

[0037] The AC-DC conversion circuit (214) of the power circuit (210) may be configured to output a DC signal from an AC signal rectified by a rectifier circuit (212). For example, the AC-DC conversion circuit (214) may include a capacitor that is charged by the rectified AC signal. The capacitor may be a circuit element that stores electrical energy based on an electric field. For example, the capacitor may include an electrolytic capacitor, a tantalum capacitor, a ceramic capacitor, and / or a film capacitor. The capacitor of the AC-DC conversion circuit (214) may be referred to as a bulk capacitor and / or a super capacitor. When the capacitor is charged by the rectified AC signal, the voltage between the two ends of the capacitor may be smoothed.

[0038] The power circuit (210) may include a DC-DC conversion circuit (216) configured to output a plurality of DC signals from a DC signal output from an AC-DC conversion circuit (214). The plurality of DC signals may each have different voltages required to drive electronic components (e.g., a load circuit) included in the electronic device (101). The DC-DC conversion circuit (216) may include an inverter circuit configured to output an AC signal from a DC signal output from an AC-DC conversion circuit (214), and a plurality of inductors (e.g., coils, and an assembly of said coils) configured to receive the AC signal of said inverter circuit. The plurality of inductors may include a primary coil that receives the AC signal of said inverter circuit, and a secondary coil that is mutually coupled with said primary coil. A rectifier circuit connected to a secondary coil and a capacitor can be configured to output a DC signal required to drive an electronic component connected to the secondary coil from an AC signal generated in the secondary coil.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 2, exemplary electronic components (e.g., an LED driving circuit (220), and / or a processor (230)) of an electronic device (101) configured to receive DC signals output from a DC-DC conversion circuit (216) are illustrated. The LED driving circuit (220) may include a circuit for driving a light source of the electronic device (101), referred to as a backlight. The LED driving circuit (220) may maintain or change the brightness (or luminance) of a plurality of LEDs (e.g., LEDs included in a backlight component) included in the electronic device (101). For example, the LED driving circuit (220) may generate or change voltages and / or currents applied to each of the plurality of LEDs. The voltages and / or currents may be determined by the processor (230). Although not shown, the electronic device (101) may include a display panel driven based on a power signal of a power circuit (210).

[0040] Although not shown, the DC-DC conversion circuit (216) may be electrically connected to one or more speakers configured to output sound. One or more speakers may be configured to output an audio signal (e.g., an audio signal synchronized with an image to be displayed through a display panel). A processor (230) included in the electronic device (101) may control the display panel and one or more speakers substantially simultaneously to output an image and a sound associated with the image simultaneously.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 2, according to one embodiment, an electronic device (101) may include a processor (230) for driving other electronic components of the electronic device (101), such as a display panel and / or one or more speakers. For driving the processor (230), based on a power signal supplied from a DC-DC conversion circuit (216), the processor (230) may generate a DC signal of a specified voltage (e.g., 13 V). The DC signal of the specified voltage may be transmitted from the processor (230) to another circuit (e.g., a wired interface (240)). The processor (230) may acquire or process information input to the electronic device (101) (e.g., information received from the PC (130) of FIG. 1). The processor (230) may control the display panel using the information to output an image through the display panel. The processor (230) can control the one or more speakers using the information to output sound through the one or more speakers. In the present disclosure, the processor (230) may be referred to as a main circuit, a main board, and / or a main circuit. The processor (230) may be implemented or manufactured in the form of an integrated circuit (IC), such as a system on a chip (SOC).

[0042] In one embodiment, the processor (230) may include various processing circuits and may be configured to execute functions of the electronic device (101) (e.g., various functions executable in normal mode). The functions may include a function to output video and / or audio (e.g., video and / or audio provided from the PC (130)). The functions may include a function to control parameters related to the video and / or audio displayed through the electronic device (101), such as brightness, contrast, color temperature, gamma, sharpness, response speed, aspect ratio, and / or audio volume. The present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the functions may include multi-window and / or OSD (on-screen display). The processor (230) may include electronic components for receiving user input related to the functions. For example, the above component may include a communication circuit for communicating with a button, switch, joystick, touch sensor, and / or remote controller (e.g., a communication circuit for transmitting and / or receiving an IR (infrared) signal). The processor (230) may include various processing circuits and / or a plurality of processors. For example, as used herein, the term “processor” may include various processing circuits including at least one processor, and one or more of the at least one processor may be configured to perform the various functions described herein in a distributed manner, individually and / or collectively. As used herein, when “processor,” “at least one processor,” and “one or more processors” are described as being configured to perform many functions, these terms cover, by example but not limitingly, a situation where one processor performs some of the mentioned functions and another processor(s) perform the remainder of the mentioned functions, and also a situation where one processor can perform all of the mentioned functions.Additionally, at least one processor may include a combination of processors that perform the various functions mentioned / disclosed, for example, in a distributed manner. At least one processor may execute program instructions to achieve or perform the various functions.

[0043] In order to receive video and / or audio from an external electronic device such as a PC (130), the electronic device (101) may include a wired interface (240). The wired interface (240) may be connected to one or more ports for transmitting video and / or audio, such as USB, COM, HDMI, DP, DVI, D-SUB, and / or AUX (auxiliary) ports. An external electronic device (e.g., PC (130)) connected to the electronic device (101) to provide video and / or audio may be referred to as a source device. From an electrical signal received from the PC (130) connected via the wired interface (240), the processor (230) of the electronic device (101) may acquire or extract information representing video and / or audio. Using the acquired information, the processor (230) may control a display panel and / or speaker to play or output the video and / or audio. The wired interface (240) may include a circuit for data communication based on one or more of the ports. The processor (230) may transmit a power signal provided from a DC-DC conversion circuit (216) (or power circuit (210)). The wired interface (240) may provide power to an external electronic device based on the power signal of the power circuit (210). For example, one or more ports included in the wired interface (240) may be configured to provide power to an external electronic device. While receiving the power signal, the wired interface (240) may be configured to perform operations related to data communication.

[0044] External electronic devices connectable via a wired interface (240) are not limited to a PC (130), and a mouse (141), a game controller (142), and / or a keyboard (143) may be connected to the electronic device (101) via the wired interface (240). For external electronic devices that do not output video and / or audio (e.g., a mouse (141), a game controller (142), and / or a keyboard (143)), the electronic device (101) may support or relay data communication between the external electronic device and the source device (e.g., a PC (130)).

[0045] For example, an electronic device (101) may transmit or relay an electrical signal transmitted from an external electronic device to a source device. The electrical signal may include an electrical signal representing user input, such as movement and / or clicking of the mouse (141), if the external electronic device is a mouse (141). The electrical signal may include an electrical signal representing user input to a button(s) and / or joystick included in the game controller (142), if the external electronic device is a game controller (142). The electrical signal may include an electrical signal representing user input to at least one button of the keyboard (143), such as pressing a button, if the external electronic device is a keyboard (143). A source device (e.g., PC (130)) that receives an electrical signal relayed by the electronic device (101) may use the electrical signal to detect or identify user input based on the external electronic device.

[0046] The processor (230) may switch from a normal mode to a mode different from the normal mode (e.g., standby mode and / or power-off mode). For example, if video and / or audio is not received from a source device (e.g., PC (130)) connected via a wired interface (240), the processor (230) may switch the mode of the electronic device (101) including the processor (230) from normal mode to standby mode. The processor (230) may switch the mode of the electronic device (101) from normal mode to standby mode based on identifying that video and / or audio has not been received from the source device for a period exceeding a specified period. In one embodiment, the processor (230) may switch from normal mode to standby mode based on a signal received from the PC (130) via the wired interface (240) and indicating a switch to standby mode.

[0047] For example, based on a decision to switch from normal mode to standby mode, the processor (230) may disable (e.g., turn off) the LED driving circuit (220) and / or the display panel connected to the LED driving circuit (220). The processor (230) may control the LED driving circuit (220) to reduce the voltage of the power signal transmitted from the LED driving circuit (220) to the display panel to a voltage for disabling the display panel (e.g., about 0V). The processor (230) may control the power circuit (210) to stop transmitting the power signal from the power circuit (210) to another circuit (e.g., the LED driving circuit (220) and / or the processor (230)). For example, the processor (230) may at least partially disable (e.g., turn off) the power circuit.

[0048] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (101) may include a control circuit (250) configured to detect an external object using a sensor (150). The control circuit (250) may determine whether a condition for switching from standby mode to normal mode is satisfied while the electronic device (101) (or processor (230)) is in standby mode. The electronic device (101) may include a sensor (150) configured to output data related to an external object (e.g., user (160) in FIG. 1) (adjacent to the electronic device (101)). The control circuit (250) may determine whether to switch the mode of the electronic device (101) from standby mode to normal mode using the sensor (150). The control circuit (250) may be implemented as a microcontroller unit (MCU) and / or an IC.

[0049] In one embodiment, when switching from normal mode to standby mode, the processor (230) may use the control circuit (250) to initiate an operation to detect an external object (e.g., user (160) of FIG. 1) using the sensor (150). The processor (230) may transmit a signal to the control circuit (250) indicating the transition from normal mode to standby mode. For example, the control circuit (250) may identify an event (e.g., an event indicated by the signal) for switching the mode of the electronic device (101) from normal mode to standby mode based on the electronic device (101) in normal mode. Based on the signal, the control circuit (250) may determine whether to switch from standby mode to normal mode using data received from the sensor (150).

[0050] For example, based on the signal, the control circuit (250) may begin receiving data from the sensor (150). For example, based on the signal, the control circuit (250) may begin processing the data. For example, based on the signal, the control circuit (250) may detect or determine the distance between the electronic device (101) and an external object. For example, based on the signal, the control circuit (250) may compare a threshold distance and the distance to determine whether to switch the mode of the electronic device (101) from standby mode to normal mode.

[0051] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a switch (270) configured to control an electrical connection between a power circuit (210) and a port (e.g., a port including nodes (p+, p-). The switch (270) may be configured to establish or release an electrical connection by controlling physical contact of a conductive structure (e.g., based on movement of the conductive structure). For example, the switch (270) may include an electronic component referred to as a relay, a relay switch, a relay circuit, and / or a latching relay.

[0052] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a control circuit (250) configured to generate a control signal for controlling an electrical connection at a switch (270) (an electrical connection between a node (p+) and a rectifier circuit (212) of a power circuit (210) in one embodiment of FIG. 2). Based on identifying that the electronic device (101) is switching from a normal mode to a standby mode, and / or based on receiving a signal from a processor (230) indicating a switch to a standby mode, the control circuit (250) may control the switch (270) to release the electrical connection established at the switch (270) (e.g., an electrical connection between a node and a power circuit (210)). For example, based on identifying an event to switch the mode of the electronic device (101) from a normal mode to a standby mode, the control circuit (250) may control the switch (270) to stop providing power through the port. For example, based on identifying the above event, in order to reduce the power consumption of the remaining circuit including the display panel, the control circuit (250) can control the switch (270) to disconnect the electrical connection between the port (e.g., a port including nodes (p+, p-)) and the power circuit (210).

[0053] Since the electrical connection at the switch (270) is released after the electronic device (101) is switched to standby mode, the power consumption of the electronic device (101) measured in the power system (110) can be reduced to substantially 0 W. Based on the released electrical connection, the power circuit (210) may not transmit any power signal to other circuits of the electronic device (101). For example, the LED driving circuit (220) (and the display panel connected to the LED driving circuit (220)), the processor (230), and the wired interface (240) connected to the power circuit (210) cannot receive any power signal after the electronic device (101) is switched to standby mode. Since the wired interface (240) cannot receive any power signal, power may not be supplied to external electronic devices connected to the wired interface (240). Other external electronic devices (e.g., mouse (141), game controller (142), and / or keyboard (143)) connected to the electronic device (101) to receive power from the electronic device (101), which are different from the external electronic device (e.g., PC (130)) connected to the power system (110) independently of the electronic device (101), may be substantially disabled (e.g., turned off) after the electronic device (101) is switched to standby mode.

[0054] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a sensor (150). The sensor (150) may include a sensor (e.g., a proximity sensor) for detecting an external object (e.g., a user (160) in FIG. 1) adjacent to the electronic device (101). While the electronic device (101) is in standby mode, the control circuit (250) of the electronic device (101) may be configured to control the switch (270) using the sensor (150).

[0055] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a battery (260) configured to provide power to a control circuit (250), a sensor (150), and / or a switch (270) in a standby mode of the electronic device (101). The battery (260) may be a rechargeable battery. The battery (260) may output electrical energy required to drive electronic components of the electronic device (101) (e.g., control circuit (250), sensor (150), and / or switch (270)) from chemical energy. The battery (260) may include a battery cell, a battery module, or a battery pack. The battery (260) may be any one of a lithium-ion battery (Li-ion), a lithium-ion polymer battery (Li-ion polymer), a lead-acid battery, a nickel-cadmium battery (NiCd), and a nickel-hydrogen battery (NiMH). The present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the battery (260) may include a capacitor (e.g., a capacitor having a relatively high capacitance, referred to as a supercapacitor). The battery (260) may be charged based on a power signal from the power circuit (210) while the electronic device (101) is in normal mode. For example, the battery (260) may be charged based on a power signal output from the power circuit (210) in normal mode. The battery (260) may provide power to the control circuit (250), sensor (150), and / or switch (270) while the electronic device (101) is in standby mode.

[0056] While the electronic device (101) is switched to standby mode based on the control of the switch (270), the control circuit (250) can obtain information from the sensor (150) activated based on the power of the battery (260). Using the information obtained from the sensor (150), the control circuit (250) can control the switch (270). For example, based on obtaining information indicating the detection of an external object from the sensor (150), the control circuit (250) can control the switch (270) to establish an electrical connection between the port and the power circuit (210). For example, the control circuit (250) can control the switch (270) to establish the electrical connection in order to activate other hardware of the electronic device (101), including the processor (230). For example, the control circuit (250) may establish the electrical connection by controlling the switch (270) to activate an external electronic device (e.g., mouse (141), game controller (142), and / or keyboard (143)) connected to the port(s) of the wired interface (240). For example, the control circuit (250) may control the switch (270) to resume the supply of power through the port(s) of the wired interface (240). An exemplary operation in which the control circuit (250) controls the switch (270) using information obtained from the sensor (150) during the standby mode of the electronic device (101) is described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 3 and / or FIG. 4.

[0057] An operation performed by the control circuit (250) that processes information obtained from the sensor (150) is illustrated as an example, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the control circuit (250) may measure the state of charge (SOC) and / or battery cycle of the battery (260). The control circuit (250) may control the switch (270) to establish an electrical connection at least temporarily when the SOC and / or voltage (e.g., open circuit voltage (OCV)) of the battery (260) decreases to a specified SOC and / or voltage while the electronic device (101) is in standby mode. The battery (260) may be charged at least temporarily using a power signal transmitted from the power circuit (210) activated by the electrical connection. When the SOC of the battery (260) increases above a specified SOC based on the charging of the battery (260), the control circuit (250) can control the switch (270) to release the electrical connection.

[0058] As described above, according to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may conditionally switch from the standby mode to the normal mode by using a circuit (e.g., battery (260), control circuit (250), and / or sensor (150)) that is electrically isolated from the power system (110) in the standby mode. Although one embodiment has been described in which the battery (260) provides power to the control circuit (250), sensor (150), and / or switch (270) in the standby mode, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device (101) may further include a switch (234) for controlling the electrical connection between the battery (260) and the processor (230). The control circuit (250) may control the switch (234) to transmit power from the battery (260) to the processor (230), at least temporarily. The processor (230) may be activated in the standby mode based on the power of the battery (260). In standby mode, since the entire power circuit (210) including the rectifier circuit (212) is electrically isolated from the power system (110), the standby power of the electronic device (101) can be reduced to substantially 0 W from the perspective of the power system (110). For example, in standby mode, the electronic device (101) can perform the operation of switching from standby mode to normal mode while reducing the power consumption associated with the power system (110) to 0 W.

[0059] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary operation of a control circuit included in an electronic device according to various embodiments. The electronic device of FIG. 3 may include the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 and / or FIG. 2. The control circuit of FIG. 3 may include the control circuit (250) of FIG. 2. The control circuit (250) of FIG. 2 may perform the operations of FIG. 3 in the order shown in FIG. 3 and / or in a different order different from said order. For example, the operations of FIG. 3 may be performed in a different order than that shown in FIG. 3. For example, at least two of the operations of FIG. 3 may be performed substantially simultaneously.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 3, within operation (310), a control circuit of an electronic device according to one embodiment may identify an event for transitioning from an active state to a standby state while the electronic device is in an active state. The event may occur based on the interruption of transmission of video and / or audio from an external electronic device (e.g., a source device such as the PC (130) of FIG. 1 and / or FIG. 2), as described above with reference to FIG. 1 and / or FIG. 2. The event may include receiving a signal that causes a transition to a standby state. The event may be identified by a processor of the electronic device operating in an active state (e.g., processor (230) of FIG. 2). Based on identifying the event, the processor may transmit a signal indicating the event to the control circuit. While in an active state, the battery of the electronic device (e.g., battery (260) of FIG. 2) may be charged.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 3, within operation (320), a control circuit of an electronic device according to one embodiment may control a switch (e.g., switch (270) of FIG. 2) to stop the transmission of an alternating current signal to a power circuit (e.g., power circuit (210) of FIG. 2). For example, the control circuit may disconnect the electrical connection established through the switch between the power system (e.g., power system (110) of FIG. 1 and / or FIG. 2) and the power circuit. When the electrical connection is disconnected, the state of the electronic device may be switched from an active state to a standby state. When the electrical connection is disconnected, the remaining circuits of the electronic device, which are different from the control circuit and include a processor and / or a display panel, may be deactivated (e.g., turned off). Because the electrical connection in the power circuit is disconnected, the power consumption of the electronic device after operation (320) may be reduced to substantially 0 W. If the electronic device includes a wired interface such as USB (e.g., wired interface (240) of FIG. 2), an external electronic device that receives power through the wired interface may also be deactivated (e.g., turned off) by disconnecting the electrical connection. For example, the electronic device may support power control of the external electronic device.

[0062] A portion of the circuit of an electronic device including a control circuit may be activated based on the battery of the electronic device (e.g., the battery (260) of FIG. 2). For example, the electronic device may have a hybrid structure that can be driven using both the battery and the power system. The battery may be charged while the electronic device is in an active state. The present disclosure is not limited thereto, but the battery may be charged by electrical energy converted from non-electrical energy (e.g., thermal energy generated from an electronic component included in the electronic device) (e.g., electrical energy converted by an electronic component referred to as an energy harvester). An embodiment including a battery charged based on non-electrical energy is described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 5.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 3, within an operation (330), a control circuit of an electronic device according to one embodiment may obtain information from a sensor (e.g., a sensor (150) of FIG. 1 and / or FIG. 2). The control circuit may activate the sensor periodically, repeatedly, continuously, or randomly while in a standby state. From the activated sensor, the control circuit may obtain or receive information of the operation (330). The information of the operation (330) may include sensor data of the control circuit.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 3, in operation (340), a control circuit of an electronic device according to one embodiment may determine whether it has obtained information indicating the detection of an external object from a sensor. In one embodiment comprising a sensor configured to detect an external object, a threshold distance detectable by the sensor may be determined according to the sensitivity of the sensor. When an external object, such as the user (160) of FIG. 1, moves toward the electronic device (or sensor), and when the external object is separated from the electronic device (or sensor) by a distance less than the threshold distance, the information obtained from the sensor may be altered by the external object. Based on identifying the information altered by the external object, the control circuit may identify or detect the external object. Based on obtaining information indicating the detection of an external object (340-yes), the control circuit may perform operation (350). If information indicating the detection of an external object is not obtained, and / or prior to obtaining information indicating the detection of an external object (340-No), the control circuit may perform the operation (330) repeatedly, periodically, and / or continuously. For example, based on the operations (330, 340), the control circuit may detect or monitor an external object.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 3, in operation (350), according to one embodiment, a control circuit of an electronic device may control a switch to resume the transmission of an alternating current signal to a power circuit. For example, based on obtaining information from a sensor indicating the detection of the external object separated from the electronic device by a distance less than a threshold distance, the control circuit may control a switch to resume the supply of power to an external electronic device connected to the electronic device through one or more ports. For example, the control circuit may control a switch to activate the power circuit and the remaining circuits of the electronic device included in the power circuit. For example, the control circuit may use a switch to establish an electrical connection between the power system and the power circuit. Based on the electrical connection, the remaining circuits of the electronic device including a processor may be activated.

[0066] In one embodiment, the control circuit may transmit a signal to the processor that causes a transition from a standby state to an active state. Based on the signal, the processor of the electronic device may perform an operation to transition to an active state. For example, the processor may disable (e.g., turn off) the control circuit and / or sensor. For example, the processor may (re)relay data communication between external electronic devices through a wired interface. For example, the processor may resume charging the battery of the electronic device.

[0067] Below, with reference to FIG. 4, an exemplary operation of an electronic device for acquiring information from a sensor based on operations (330, 340) is described in more detail.

[0068] FIG. 4 is a graph illustrating exemplary timing of a control circuit (e.g., control circuit (250) of FIG. 2) acquiring information from a sensor (e.g., sensor (150) of FIG. 1 and / or FIG. 2) according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 4, a graph is illustrated to explain the state of electronic components included in the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 and / or FIG. 2. The sensor (150) of FIG. 2 may include the sensor of FIG. 4. The switch (270) of FIG. 2 may include the relay of FIG. 4. External electronic devices (e.g., mouse (141), game controller (142), and / or keyboard (143)) connected to the electronic device (101) illustrated in FIG. 1 and / or FIG. 2 may include the external electronic device of FIG. 4. The processor (230) of FIG. 2 may include the processor of FIG. 4.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 4, during the first time interval (410), the electronic device may operate in standby mode. The electronic device may at least temporarily activate the sensor to obtain information to be used to detect an external object adjacent to the electronic device (e.g., the user (160) in FIG. 1). Referring to FIG. 4, during the first sub-time interval (412), the sensor may be deactivated. During the second sub-time interval (414), the electronic device may activate the sensor to obtain information from the sensor. During the first sub-time interval (412), the electronic device may set the voltage input to the sensor (e.g., Vcc voltage) to a voltage below the threshold voltage for driving the sensor (e.g., about 0 V). During the second sub-time interval (414), the electronic device may set the voltage input to the sensor (e.g., Vcc voltage) to a voltage above the threshold voltage.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 4, the sensor may be periodically activated based on a first sub-time interval (412) and a second sub-time interval (414). The present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the electronic device may continuously activate the sensor, or activate it non-periodically, or activate it optionally.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 4, it is assumed that at time t1, the distance between the user and the electronic device has decreased to a threshold distance detectable by the sensor. Since time t1 is included in the first sub-time interval (412), the sensor may be deactivated at time t1. For example, since the sensor is deactivated at time t1, the electronic device cannot detect the user. At time t2, which is included in the second sub-time interval (414), the sensor may be reactivated. Using information obtained from the activated sensor, the electronic device can detect the user at time t2. For example, a control circuit connected to the sensor (e.g., the control circuit (250) of FIG. 2) can detect the user using the information from the sensor.

[0072] Based on detecting a user at time t2, the control circuit may set the state of a relay (e.g., switch (270) in FIG. 2) to a designated state to activate an electrical connection in the relay (e.g., electrical connection between node (p+) and rectifier circuit (212) in FIG. 2). In a second time interval (420) after time t2, the electronic device may switch from standby mode to another mode different from standby mode (e.g., normal mode). Based on the electrical connection, at time t3 after time t2, an external electronic device connected to the electronic device may receive a power signal. Based on the electrical connection, at time t4 after time t2, a processor included in the electronic device (e.g., processor (230) in FIG. 2) may be activated. Based on the activated processor, the electronic device may execute operations and / or functions of normal mode. The order between time t3 and time t4 is not limited.

[0073] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of an electronic device (101) that charges a battery (260) using a thermoelectric element (510) according to various embodiments. The electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 and / or FIG. 2 may include the electronic device (101) of FIG. 5. The electronic device (101) of FIG. 5 may perform the operation of the electronic device described with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 4.

[0074] The electronic device (101) of FIG. 5 may include a power circuit (210) configured to receive an alternating current signal as described above with reference to FIG. 1 to 4, and a switch (270) configured to control the transmission of the alternating current signal to the power circuit (210). The electronic device (101) may include a wired interface (240) comprising one or more ports configured to output at least a portion of the power signal output from the power circuit (210). The electronic device (101) may include a control circuit (250) configured to operate based on a battery (260) in a standby mode different from a normal mode. In the description of the electronic device (101) of FIG. 5, descriptions that overlap with the description of the electronic device of FIG. 1 to 4 may not be repeated.

[0075] The control circuit (250) may disable the power circuit (210) by controlling the switch (270) to switch from normal mode to standby mode. In standby mode, where the transmission of power signals to the display panel, processor (230), and / or wired interface (240) is stopped based on the disabled power circuit (210), the control circuit (250) may obtain information from the sensor (150). The control circuit (250) may enable the power circuit (210) by controlling the switch (270) based on obtaining information indicating the detection of an external object from the sensor (150). The power circuit (210) may include a rectifier circuit (212) configured to rectify an alternating current signal transmitted from the power system (110). The rectifier circuit (212) may receive the alternating current signal through the switch (270). In standby mode, since the power circuit (210) is deactivated by the switch (270), the entire power circuit (210), including the rectifier circuit (212), can be deactivated.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 5, the electronic device (101) may include a thermoelectric element (510). In one embodiment, the thermoelectric element (510) may be attached to the display panel to convert thermal energy generated in the display panel of the electronic device (101) into electrical energy. For example, the thermoelectric element (510) may be attached to one side of the LEDs (e.g., LED strip) included in the display panel to provide a backlight. For example, the thermoelectric element (510) may be attached to the processor (230) and / or the power circuit (210) of the electronic device (101) (e.g., the transformer of the power circuit (210) and / or the core of the transformer). For example, the thermoelectric element (510) may be attached to any component within the electronic device (101) that generates heat.

[0077] A battery (260) may be configured to store electrical energy generated from a thermoelectric element (510). The number of thermoelectric elements (510) included in the electronic device (101) may be one or more. In one embodiment in which the electronic device (101) includes a plurality of thermoelectric elements including a thermoelectric element (510), the plurality of thermoelectric elements may be coupled in series with each other. The potential difference and / or current between the electrodes of the thermoelectric elements may be generated by the temperature difference between two opposite sides of the thermoelectric elements. When the thermoelectric elements are coupled in series, a power signal having a composite voltage, in which the potential differences of the thermoelectric elements are combined, may be generated. The battery (260) may be charged based on the power signal.

[0078] Although a thermoelectric element (510) is illustrated as an example of an electronic component that generates electrical energy from non-electrical energy, the electronic component included in the electronic device (101) for charging the battery (260) is not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device (101) may include a component that generates electrical energy from electrical energy and other energy (e.g., thermal energy), referred to as an energy harvester, for charging the battery (260). The energy harvester may include a piezoelectric element based on the piezoelectric effect, a magnetoelectric element based on the magnetoelectric effect, and / or a piezoelectric element based on the photovoltaic effect.

[0079] To control the charging of a battery (260) based on a thermoelectric element (510), an electronic device (101) may include a charging circuit. In one embodiment in which the electronic device (101) includes a plurality of thermoelectric elements connected in series, each including a thermoelectric element (510), the charging circuit may receive a power signal having a composite voltage of voltages generated from the plurality of thermoelectric elements. Since the voltage of the thermoelectric element (510) and / or the flow of current generated by the thermoelectric element (510) is relatively small, the charging circuit may output a voltage and / or current of a suitable size to charge the battery (260) from the voltage and / or current. For example, the charging circuit may be configured to control the charging of the battery (260) based on power generated from the thermoelectric element (510). Using the above power signal, the charging circuit can determine or change the voltage and / or current to be transmitted to the battery (260) of the electronic device (101). For example, the charging circuit may be configured to regulate the current input to the battery (260) in order to maintain the generation of power in the thermoelectric element (510). For example, the charging circuit may limit the current of the power signal to be transmitted to the battery (260) so that the current flow of the thermoelectric element (510) is not interrupted. In an active state, the battery (260) may be charged by heat generated from an electronic component (e.g., a display panel) to which the thermoelectric element (510) is attached.

[0080] In one embodiment in which the battery (260) is charged based on the thermoelectric element (510), additional circuitry for charging the battery (260) using a power signal generated by the power circuit (210) may not be included within the electronic device (101). For example, the electronic device (101) may be manufactured or implemented without circuitry for converting the alternating current signal into a direct current signal or for charging the battery (260) using the converted direct current signal. For example, because the electronic device (101) is implemented without additional rectification circuitry, transformers, and / or protection circuitry (e.g., circuitry for protecting the battery (260) from lightning) for charging the battery (260), the electronic device (101) may be implemented with relatively fewer additional electronic circuitry (e.g., battery (260), charging circuitry, and / or thermoelectric element (510)) while having reduced standby power.

[0081] In one embodiment in which the battery (260) is charged based on the thermoelectric element (510), charging the battery (260) may be dependent on the temperature of the electronic component to which the thermoelectric element (510) is attached. For example, charging the battery (260) may be performed independently of the mode of the electronic device (101) (e.g., standby mode, normal mode, and / or power-off mode). For example, when the thermoelectric element (510) outputs a heat-based power signal, the battery (260) may be charged based on said power signal independently of the mode of the electronic device (101).

[0082] As described above, according to one embodiment, an electronic device (101) may include a switch (270) for being electrically isolated from a power system (110) in standby mode. While electrically isolated from the power system (110) using the switch (270), the electronic device (101) may check for conditions to resume receiving an alternating current signal from the power system (110) using a control circuit (250) and / or a sensor (150). Based on satisfying the conditions, the electronic device (101) may be electrically connected to the power system (110) using the switch (270). Based on satisfying the conditions, the electronic device (101) may switch from standby mode to normal mode. In order to maintain the activation of the control circuit (250) and / or sensor (150) (at least temporarily) despite electrical isolation from the power system (110) in standby mode, the electronic device (101) may include a battery (260) configured to store electrical energy at least temporarily. By using the battery (260) charged in normal mode, the electronic device (101) may provide power to the control circuit (250) and / or sensor (150) in standby mode.

[0083] In one embodiment, a method for reducing or eliminating the power consumption (e.g., standby power) of an electronic device in standby mode may be required. In one embodiment, a method for switching the mode of an electronic device from the standby mode to a normal mode without receiving power from an external source (e.g., a power system) in standby mode may be required. An electronic device according to one embodiment as described above may include a power circuit connected to a first port for receiving an alternating current signal. The electronic device may include a wired interface configured to control one or more second ports configured to provide power to an external electronic device based on the power signal of the power circuit. The electronic device may include a sensor. The electronic device may include a control circuit configured to control the switch using the sensor. The control circuit may be configured to identify an event for switching the state of the electronic device from the active state to the standby state based on the electronic device in an active state. The control circuit may be configured to control the switch to stop the provision of power through the one or more second ports based on identifying the event. The control circuit may be configured to obtain information from the sensor while the electronic device is switched to the standby state based on the control of the switch. The control circuit may be configured to control the switch to resume the provision of power through the one or more second ports based on obtaining information indicating the detection of an external object from the sensor. According to one embodiment, the electronic device may use the control circuit to reduce or eliminate the power consumption (e.g., standby power) of the electronic device in a standby mode (e.g., the standby state).According to one embodiment, an electronic device can switch from standby mode to normal mode without receiving power from an external source (e.g., without receiving an AC signal) by using a control circuit.

[0084] For example, the electronic device may include a battery configured to be charged based on the power signal of the power circuit. The control circuit may be configured to obtain the information using the power of the battery while the electronic device is in the standby state. Since the control circuit is driven using the battery in the standby state, the power consumption in the standby state can be reduced to substantially 0 W.

[0085] For example, the electronic device may include a display panel driven based on the power signal of the power circuit, and one or more thermoelectric elements attached to the display panel to convert thermal energy generated in the display panel into electrical energy.

[0086] For example, the battery may be configured to store the electrical energy generated from one or more thermoelectric elements. Since the battery is charged by the electrical energy generated from the thermoelectric elements(s), the battery can be charged independently of the power transmitted from the power system.

[0087] For example, the one or more thermoelectric elements may be attached to one side of the LEDs (light emitting diodes) included in the display panel to provide a backlight.

[0088] For example, the electronic device may include a display panel driven based on the power signal of the power circuit. The control circuit may be configured to control the switch to disconnect the electrical connection between the first port and the power circuit in order to reduce the power consumption of the display panel based on identifying the event.

[0089] For example, the control circuit may be configured to control the switch to establish the electrical connection between the first port and the power circuit in order to activate the external electronic device connected to the one or more second ports based on obtaining the information indicating the detection of the external object from the sensor.

[0090] For example, the control circuit may be configured to control the switch to resume the provision of power through the one or more second ports based on acquiring the information indicating the detection of the external object separated from the sensor by a distance less than a threshold distance from the electronic device.

[0091] For example, the switch may include a relay switch configured to establish or release the electrical connection based on the movement of a conductive structure.

[0092] For example, the wired interface may be configured to relay data communication between external electronic devices connected to second ports that are USB (universal serial bus).

[0093] For example, the power circuit may include a rectifier circuit connected to the first port through the switch to rectify the alternating current signal.

[0094] In one embodiment as described above, a method of an electronic device may be provided. The electronic device may include a power circuit connected to a first port for receiving an alternating current signal, a switch configured to control an electrical connection between the first port and the power circuit, a wired interface configured to control one or more second ports configured to provide power to an external electronic device based on a power signal of the power circuit, a sensor, and a control circuit configured to control the switch using the sensor. The method may include an operation of identifying an event to switch the state of the electronic device from the active state to a standby state based on the electronic device being in an active state. The method may include an operation of controlling the switch to stop the provision of power through the one or more second ports based on identifying the event. The method may include an operation of obtaining information from the sensor while the electronic device is switched to the standby state based on the control of the switch. The above method may include an operation to control the switch in order to resume the provision of power through the one or more second ports based on obtaining the information indicating the detection of an external object from the sensor.

[0095] For example, the operation of acquiring the information may include the operation of acquiring the information using the power of the battery of the electronic device, which is configured to be charged based on the power signal of the power circuit while the electronic device is in the standby state.

[0096] For example, the battery may be configured to store electrical energy generated from one or more thermoelectric elements attached to the display panel in order to convert thermal energy generated from the display panel of the electronic device into electrical energy.

[0097] For example, the operation of controlling the switch to resume the provision of the power may include the operation of controlling the switch to disconnect the electrical connection between the first port and the power circuit in order to reduce the power consumption of the display panel of the electronic device based on identifying the event.

[0098] For example, the operation of controlling the switch to resume the provision of the power may include the operation of controlling the switch to establish the electrical connection between the first port and the power circuit in order to activate the external electronic device connected to the one or more second ports based on obtaining the information indicating the detection of the external object from the sensor.

[0099] For example, the operation of controlling the switch to resume the provision of the power may include the operation of controlling the switch to resume the provision of the power through the one or more second ports based on acquiring the information indicating the detection of the external object separated from the sensor by a distance less than a threshold distance from the electronic device.

[0100] A display device according to one embodiment as described above may include a power circuit configured to receive an alternating current signal, a switch configured to control the transmission of the alternating current signal to the power circuit, a battery configured to be charged based on a power signal output from the power circuit in an active state, a display configured to output an image based on the power signal, a wired interface including one or more ports configured to output at least a portion of the power signal, a sensor, and a control circuit configured to be driven based on the battery in a standby state different from the active state. The control circuit may be configured to control the switch to deactivate the power circuit in order to switch from the active state to the standby state. The control circuit may be configured to acquire information from the sensor in the standby state, in which the transmission of the power signal to the display and the wired interface is stopped based on the deactivated power circuit. The control circuit may be configured to control the switch to activate the power circuit based on acquiring the information indicating the detection of an external object from the sensor.

[0101] For example, the power circuit may include a rectifier circuit configured to rectify the AC signal. The rectifier circuit may be configured to receive the AC signal through the switch.

[0102] For example, the switch may include a relay switch configured to establish or release the electrical connection based on the movement of a conductive structure.

[0103] As used herein, the term “if” will be understood, depending on the context, to refer to “when, upon,” “in response to a decision,” or “in response to a detection.” Similarly, “when it is decided to,” or “when [the mentioned condition or event] is detected” will be understood, optionally, for example, to refer to “when it is decided,” or “in response to a decision,” when [the mentioned condition or event] is detected, or in response to [the mentioned condition or event] being detected.

[0104] The device described above may be implemented as a hardware component, a software component, and / or a combination of a hardware component and a software component. For example, the device and components described in this disclosure may be implemented using one or more general-purpose or special-purpose computers, such as a processor, a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic unit (PLU), a microprocessor, or any other device capable of executing and responding to instructions. The processing unit may execute an operating system (OS) and one or more software applications executed on said operating system. Additionally, the processing unit may access, store, manipulate, process, and generate data in response to the execution of the software. For ease of understanding, the processing unit may be described as being used as a single unit, but those skilled in the art will understand that the processing unit may include a plurality of processing elements and / or a plurality of types of processing elements. For example, the processing unit may include multiple processors or one processor and one controller. Additionally, other processing configurations, such as parallel processors, are also possible. Accordingly, the processor or processing unit may include various processing circuits and / or multiple processors.For example, as used herein, the term “processor” comprising claims may include various processing circuits including at least one processor, and one or more of the at least one processor may be configured to perform the various functions described herein in a distributed manner, individually and / or collectively. As used herein, where “processor,” “at least one processor,” and “one or more processors” are described as being configured to perform many functions, these terms cover, by example but not limiting, a situation in which one processor performs some of the mentioned functions and other processor(s) perform the remainder of the mentioned functions, and also a situation in which one processor can perform all of the mentioned functions. Additionally, at least one processor may include, for example, a combination of processors performing the various functions mentioned / disclosed in a distributed manner. At least one processor may execute program instructions to achieve or perform the various functions.

[0105] Software may include computer programs, code, instructions, or a combination of one or more of these, and may configure a processing unit to operate as desired or instruct the processing unit independently or collectively. Software and / or data may be embodied in any type of machine, component, physical device, computer storage medium, or device so as to be interpreted by the processing unit or to provide instructions or data to the processing unit. Software may be distributed over networked computer systems and may be stored or executed in a distributed manner. Software and data may be stored on one or more computer-readable recording media.

[0106] The method according to the embodiment may be implemented in the form of program instructions that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. In this case, the medium may continuously store a program executable by a computer, or temporarily store it for execution or download. Additionally, the medium may be various recording or storage means in the form of a single or several hardware combined, and may not be limited to a medium directly connected to a computer system but may exist distributed over a network. Examples of media may 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 media configured to store program instructions, including ROM, RAM, and flash memory. Additionally, other examples of media may include recording or storage media managed by app stores that distribute applications or sites and servers that supply or distribute various other software.

[0107] As described above, although the present disclosure has been illustrated and explained by limited embodiments and drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations from the description above. For example, suitable results may be achieved even if the described techniques are performed in a different order than described, and / or 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.

Claims

1. In an electronic device, A power circuit connected to a first port configured to receive an alternating current signal; A switch configured to control the electrical connection between the first port and the power circuit; A wired interface configured to control one or more second ports configured to provide power to an external electronic device based on a power signal of the above power circuit; Sensor; and It includes a control circuit configured to control the switch using the sensor above, and The above control circuit is, Based on the electronic device in an active state, identify an event to switch the state of the electronic device from the active state to a standby state; Based on identifying the above event, to stop the provision of power through the one or more second ports, the switch is controlled; While the electronic device is switched to the standby state based on the control of the switch, it acquires information from the sensor; and Based on obtaining the information indicating the detection of an external object from the sensor, the electronic device is configured to cause the switch to control the power supply to resume the supply of power through the one or more second ports. Electronic device.

2. In Claim 1, It further includes a battery configured to be charged based on the power signal of the power circuit, and The above control circuit is, The electronic device is configured to acquire the information using the power of the battery while in the standby state. Electronic device.

3. In Claim 2, A display panel configured to be driven based on the power signal of the power circuit; and One or more thermoelectric elements configured to convert thermal energy generated in the display panel into electrical energy, and comprising at least one electrode attached to the display panel; including more, Electronic device.

4. In claim 3, the battery is, configured to store the electrical energy generated from the one or more thermoelectric elements mentioned above, Electronic device.

5. In claim 3, the one or more thermoelectric elements are, Attached to one side of the LEDs (light emitting diodes) included in the above display panel, Electronic device.

6. In Claim 1, It further includes a display panel driven based on the power signal of the power circuit, and The above control circuit is, Based on identifying the above event, configured to cause the electronic device to control the switch to disconnect the electrical connection between the first port and the power circuit in order to reduce the power consumption of the display panel, Electronic device.

7. In claim 1, the control circuit is, Based on obtaining the information indicating the detection of the external object from the sensor, configured to cause the electronic device to activate the external electronic device connected to the one or more second ports by controlling the switch to establish the electrical connection between the first port and the power circuit. Electronic device.

8. In claim 1, the control circuit is, Based on acquiring information indicating the detection of the external object separated from the sensor by a distance less than a threshold distance from the electronic device, configured to cause the electronic device to control the switch in order to resume the provision of power through the one or more second ports, Electronic device.

9. In claim 1, the switch is, A relay switch configured to establish or release the electrical connection based on the movement of a conductive structure comprising a conductive material, Electronic device.

10. In claim 1, the wired interface is, Configured to relay data communication between external electronic devices connected to second ports including a USB (universal serial bus), Electronic device.

11. In claim 1, the power circuit is, A rectifier circuit configured to rectify the above AC signal and including a rectifier circuit connected to the first port through the switch, Electronic device.

12. A method of an electronic device, wherein the electronic device comprises a power circuit connected to a first port configured to receive an alternating current signal, a switch configured to control an electrical connection between the first port and the power circuit, a wired interface configured to control one or more second ports configured to provide power to an external electronic device based on a power signal of the power circuit, a sensor, and a control circuit configured to control the switch using the sensor. An operation to identify an event for switching the state of the electronic device from the active state to the standby state based on the electronic device in the active state; An operation to control the switch to stop the provision of power through the one or more second ports based on identifying the above event; An operation of acquiring information from the sensor while the electronic device is switched to the standby state based on the control of the switch; and Based on obtaining information indicating the detection of an external object from the sensor, the operation of controlling the switch to resume the provision of power through the one or more second ports, method.

13. In claim 12, the operation to be obtained is, The operation of acquiring the information using the power of the battery of the electronic device, which is configured to be charged based on the power signal of the power circuit while the electronic device is in the standby state, method.

14. In claim 13, the battery is, A device configured to store electrical energy generated from one or more thermoelectric elements attached to a display panel, for converting thermal energy generated from a display panel of the electronic device into electrical energy, said device. method.

15. In claim 12, the operation of controlling the switch to resume the supply of power is, Based on identifying the above event, in order to reduce the power consumption of the display panel of the electronic device, the operation of controlling the switch to disconnect the electrical connection between the first port and the power circuit is included. method.

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