Electronic device and operating method thereof

WO2026160811A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-07-30SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
Filing Date
2026-01-20
Publication Date
2026-07-30

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Abstract

In the present disclosure, a wireless earphone may include a battery. The wireless earphone may include a power reception circuit. The wireless earphone may include a connection pad for communication or power transmission. The wireless earphone may include a memory including one or more storage media storing instructions. The wireless earphone may include at least one processor including processing circuitry. The instructions may, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, cause the wireless earphone to perform at least one operation. The at least one operation may include an operation of transmitting information on a fully charged state of the battery to a cradle device through the connection pad. The at least one operation may include an operation of receiving information about an expiration time from the cradle device through the connection pad in response to the information about the fully charged state. The at least one operation may include an operation of determining a timer expiration time for determining plug-out on the basis of the information about the expiration time.
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Description

Electronic device and method of operation thereof

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device capable of being controlled or charged through a connection pad and a method of operating the same.

[0002] Generally, portable electronic devices such as smartphones and tablet PCs may have a built-in battery as a power source for operation. The battery built into the electronic device (hereinafter referred to as "built-in battery") may be charged by power supplied from an external source (hereinafter referred to as "external power"). To this end, the electronic device may be equipped with a connection pad or a connection terminal for receiving external power. The connection pad or connection terminal provided in the electronic device may serve as a channel for supplying external power or as a channel for communication with other devices. For example, when a charging cable is connected to the connection terminal, the electronic device may receive external power through the charging cable or perform communication with other devices. For example, when a mounting device such as a cradle is connected to the connection pad, the electronic device may receive power for charging from the cradle through the connection pad or perform communication with the cradle.

[0003] An electronic device may consider whether the built-in battery is charged in order to provide specific functions. For example, the electronic device may attempt to establish a connection for wireless communication with another electronic device (e.g., short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth) by considering whether the built-in battery is charged. To this end, the electronic device needs to provide a method for identifying the charge status of the built-in battery.

[0004] The information described above may be provided as related art for the purpose of aiding understanding of this document. None of the foregoing is to be claimed as prior art related to this document, nor is it to be used to determine prior art.

[0005] According to one example, the electronic device may include a battery. The electronic device may include a power receiving circuit. The electronic device may include a wireless communication circuit. The electronic device may include a connection pad for communication or power transmission. The electronic device may include a memory comprising one or more storage media for storing instructions. The electronic device may include at least one processor comprising a processing circuit. When the instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor, the electronic device may be caused to perform at least one operation. The at least one operation may include the power receiving circuit charging the battery using power received from the cradle device through the connection pad. The at least one operation may include communicating with the cradle device through the connection pad. The at least one operation may include performing a connection procedure with an external electronic device using the wireless communication circuit based on designated information received from the cradle device.

[0006] According to one example, the cradle device may include a battery. The cradle device may include a power transmission circuit. The cradle device may include a connection pin for communication or power transmission. The cradle device may include a memory comprising one or more storage media for storing instructions. The cradle device may include at least one processor comprising a processing circuit. When the instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor, the cradle device may be caused to perform at least one operation. The at least one operation may include the operation of the power transmission circuit supplying power for charging to an electronic device through the connection pin. The at least one operation may include the operation of communicating with the electronic device through the connection pin. The at least one operation may include the operation of transmitting specified information to the electronic device through the connection pin regarding whether the electronic device performs a connection procedure with an external electronic device.

[0007] According to one example, the cradle device may include a battery. The cradle device may include a power transmission circuit. The cradle device may include a connection pin for communication or power transmission. The cradle device may include a memory comprising one or more storage media for storing instructions. The cradle device may include at least one processor comprising a processing circuit. When the instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor, the cradle device may be caused to perform at least one operation. The at least one operation may include an operation of identifying the full charge state of the wireless earphone. The at least one operation may include an operation of controlling the power transmission circuit to stop the supply of charging power through the connection pin in response to identifying the full charge state. The at least one operation may include an operation of transmitting information regarding an expiration time to the wireless earphone through the connection pin. Here, the information regarding the expiration time may include a maximum detection interval time for setting a timer expiration time for the wireless earphone to determine plug-out.

[0008] According to one example, the wireless earphone may include a battery. The wireless earphone may include a power receiving circuit. The wireless earphone may include a connection pad for communication or power transmission. The wireless earphone may include a memory comprising one or more storage media for storing instructions. The wireless earphone may include at least one processor comprising a processing circuit. When the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the wireless earphone may be caused to perform at least one operation. The at least one operation may include an operation of transmitting information regarding the full charge state of the battery to a cradle device via the connection pad. The at least one operation may include an operation of receiving information regarding an expiration time from the cradle device via the connection pad in response to the information regarding the full charge state. The at least one operation may include an operation of determining a timer expiration time to determine plug-out based on the information regarding the expiration time.

[0009] According to one example, the operation method of a cradle device may include an operation of identifying the fully charged state of a wireless earphone. The operation method may include an operation of stopping the supply of charging power to the wireless earphone during a charging period in response to identifying the fully charged state. The operation method may include an operation of transmitting information regarding an expiration time to the wireless earphone during a communication period. Here, the information regarding the expiration time may include a maximum detection interval time for setting a timer expiration time for the wireless earphone to determine plug-out.

[0010] According to one example, the method of operation of the wireless earphones may include the operation of transmitting information regarding the fully charged state of the battery to a cradle device through the connection pad. The method of operation may include the operation of receiving information regarding the expiration time from the cradle device through the connection pad in response to the information regarding the fully charged state. The method of operation may include the operation of determining a timer expiration time to determine plug-out based on the information regarding the expiration time.

[0011] According to one example, computer-readable instructions stored on a storage medium may cause the cradle device to perform at least one operation when executed by at least part of at least one processor of the cradle device. The at least one operation may include an operation of identifying the fully charged state of the wireless earphone. The at least one operation may include an operation of stopping the supply of charging power to the wireless earphone during a charging time interval in response to identifying the fully charged state. The at least one operation may include an operation of transmitting information regarding an expiration time to the wireless earphone (120) during a communication time interval. Here, the information regarding the expiration time may include a maximum detection interval time for setting a timer expiration time for the wireless earphone to determine plug-out.

[0012] According to one example, computer-readable instructions stored on a storage medium may cause the wireless earphone to perform at least one operation when executed by at least a part of at least one processor of the wireless earphone. The at least one operation may include an operation of transmitting information regarding the full charge state of the battery to a cradle device via the connection pad. The at least one operation may include an operation of receiving information regarding the expiration time from the cradle device via the connection pad in response to the information regarding the full charge state. The at least one operation may include an operation of determining a timer expiration time to determine plug-out based on the information regarding the expiration time.

[0013] In relation to the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 2a is a state transition diagram of a first electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 2b is a state transition diagram of a second electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a first electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a first electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a second electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a second electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating operations that can be performed in an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 8 is a control flowchart for performing an operation to propagate a low voltage state in a first electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a procedure for detecting a plug-out state in an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 10 shows timing for explaining the operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a procedure for a terminal device to establish a wireless communication connection according to one embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a second electronic device mounted on a first electronic device according to one embodiment connecting wireless communication.

[0027] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a procedure for a terminal device to disable wireless communication according to one embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a procedure for a terminal device to establish a wireless communication connection according to one embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a procedure for a terminal device to disable wireless communication according to one embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 16a is a diagram illustrating a procedure for a terminal device according to one embodiment to detect a low battery voltage state of a first electronic device.

[0031] FIG. 16b is a diagram illustrating an example in which a terminal device according to one embodiment detects a low battery voltage state of a first electronic device.

[0032] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a procedure for a terminal device according to one embodiment to detect a low battery voltage state of a first electronic device.

[0033] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a procedure for a terminal device in a plug-in state to connect wireless communication according to one embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a second electronic device mounted on a first electronic device in a low-voltage state according to one embodiment detects a plug-out state.

[0035] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a procedure for establishing wireless communication by transitioning a terminal device according to one embodiment to a plug-out state.

[0036] FIG. 21 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily practice them. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In relation to the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components. Furthermore, in the drawings and related descriptions, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and brevity.

[0038] In the present disclosure, an electronic device may include a plurality of components capable of being physically electrically connected to one another. The electronic device may include, for example, a first component and a second component. The first component may have a structure in which the second component can be mechanically detached.

[0039] In the present disclosure, the first component may be referred to as a cradle device, a mounting device, a charging device, a first device, or a first electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (2002) of FIG. 20). As an example, the first component may be a cradle device (e.g., the cradle (110) of FIG. 1) (hereinafter referred to as 'cradle').

[0040] In the present disclosure, the second component may be referred to as a terminal device, a wireless earphone, a second device, or a second electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (2001) of FIG. 20). As an example, the second component may be a terminal device such as a wireless earphone (e.g., the wireless earphone (120) of FIG. 1).

[0041] In the present disclosure, the state in which the second component is mounted on the first component will be referred to as the plug-in state, and the state in which the second component is detached from the first component will be referred to as the plug-out state. In the plug-in state, the first component may supply power for charging to the second component or perform communication with the second component. In the plug-in state, the second component may charge its internal battery by power supplied from the first component or perform communication with the first component. In the plug-out state, the second component may connect a wireless channel with an external electronic device (e.g., a smartphone) and perform wireless communication with the external electronic device through the connected wireless channel.

[0042] In a specific example of the present disclosure, the electronic device will be described as being a specific terminal device (e.g., the wireless earphone device (100) of FIG. 1). The wireless earphone device that can be conceived as being a specific terminal device may consist of a cradle (e.g., the cradle (110) of FIG. 1) and a wireless earphone (e.g., the wireless earphone (120) of FIG. 1).

[0043] For convenience, the present disclosure may describe the first component as a cradle device and the second component as an electronic device. In this case, the term "electronic device" may be used to refer to a terminal device detachable from the cradle, rather than an electronic device such as the wireless earphone device comprising the cradle and terminal device mentioned above.

[0044] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0045] In FIG. 1, it is assumed that the electronic device is a wireless earphone device (100) consisting of a cradle (110) and a wireless earphone (120), but the electronic device may not be limited to the wireless earphone device (100). For example, other electronic devices having a form factor that can be removed from / removed from the cradle for charging and / or communication may be assumed instead of the wireless earphone device (100).

[0046] Referring to FIG. 1, a wireless earphone device (100) may include a cradle (110) or a wireless earphone (120). The wireless earphone (120) can be worn by a user in the ear to output an audible sound. The wireless earphone (120) may be designed in one of two shapes, for example, a kernel type or an open type. The cradle (110) may store the wireless earphone (120) inside or charge the battery of the wireless earphone (120). The cradle (110) may be referred to by other terms such as a charging case (or dock, station, base), or a power transmission (or supply) device. The wireless earphone (120) may be referred to by other terms such as an earpiece, a Bluetooth earphone, or an in-ear earphone.

[0047] The wireless earphones (120) may consist of a pair of a first piece (121) and a second piece (123). The first piece (121) may be designed to be worn, for example, on the left ear. The second piece (123) may be designed to be worn, for example, on the right ear. In this document, when referring to the wireless earphones (120), it may refer to either the first piece (121) or the second piece (123), or, in some cases, to refer to the first and second pieces (121, 123) together.

[0048] The wireless earphone (120) can perform wireless communication with another electronic device (e.g., smartphone, tablet PC, laptop PC) based on a predetermined communication protocol. The other electronic device may be referred to as an external electronic device (130) or a third electronic device (130) below. The predetermined communication protocol for the wireless earphone (120) to perform wireless communication with the external electronic device (130) may be a protocol provided for short-range wireless communication, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct, but is not limited thereto. The wireless earphone (120) may include various hardware configurations (e.g., antenna, modem, or communication circuit) for providing short-range wireless communication. Either the first piece (121) or the second piece (123) of the wireless earphone (120) (e.g., the first piece (121)) can act as a master that can be directly connected to an external electronic device (130), and the other one (e.g., the second piece (124)) can act as a slave that can be connected to the external electronic device (130) through the master. For example, the master (e.g., the first piece (121)) can provide an audio signal received from the external electronic device (130) to the slave (e.g., the second piece (123)). The first piece (121) or the second piece (123) of the wireless earphone (120) can convert the audio signal, which is an electrical signal received from the external electronic device (130), into an audible sound and output it. Before the master (e.g., first piece (121)) attempts a direct connection with an external electronic device (130), the master (e.g., first piece (121)) can complete a wireless communication connection with a slave (e.g., second piece (123)).

[0049] The wireless earphones (120) may include a battery to supply power to the internal components (e.g., processor, memory, communication circuit, and audio output circuit). The battery may be a rechargeable battery (e.g., a lithium-ion battery). The wireless earphones (120) may charge the battery by power supplied from the cradle (110) when plugged in or mounted on the cradle (110).

[0050] The cradle (110) may include a battery. For example, if the cradle (110) receives external power via wired or wireless connection, the cradle (110) may supply charging voltage to wireless earphones (120) created by power supplied from the external power source. For example, if the cradle (110) is not connected to an external power source, the cradle (110) may supply charging voltage to wireless earphones (120) created by its own battery power.

[0051] The cradle (110) may include a first hole (111) into which a first piece (121) can be plugged in and a second hole (113) into which a second piece (123) can be plugged in. The first hole (111) is formed to correspond to the outer shape of the first piece (121), so that when the first piece (121) is plugged into the first hole (111), the first piece (121) can be seated at a predetermined position in the first hole (111). The second hole (113) is formed to correspond to the outer shape of the second piece (123), so that when the second piece (123) is plugged into the second hole (113), the second piece (123) can be seated at a predetermined position in the second hole (113).

[0052] The cradle (110) may include a connecting pin (e.g., a first connecting pin (115), a second connecting pin (117)) for electrical connection with the first piece (121) and the second piece (123). The first piece (121) and the second piece (123) may each include a connecting pad (e.g., a first connecting pad (125), a second connecting pad (127)) (e.g., a connecting terminal (2078) of FIG. 20) for electrical connection with the cradle (110). For example, the first connecting pin (115) of the cradle (110) may be positioned within a first hole (111) and configured to form an electrical connection by contacting the first connecting pad (125) of the first piece (121) when the first piece (121) is plugged into the first hole (111). For example, the second connecting pin (117) of the cradle (110) may be positioned within the second hole (113) and configured to form an electrical connection by contacting the second connecting pad (127) of the second piece (123) when the second piece (123) is plugged into the second hole (113).

[0053] As an example, the connecting pins of the cradle (110) (e.g., first connecting pin (115), second connecting pin (117)) and the connecting pads of the wireless earphone (120) (e.g., first connecting pad (125), second connecting pad (127)) may include a contact pin structure such as a pogo pin. The pogo pin can physically fix the contact between two pins that are in contact with each other through a vertical spring structure. Accordingly, the electrical connection between the cradle (110) and the wireless earphone (120) can be stably maintained even with the movement of the cradle (110).

[0054] Power supply for charging can be provided to the cradle (110) and the wireless earphone (120) through an electrical path formed by the connection of the connection pins of the cradle (110) (e.g., first connection pin (115), second connection pin (117)) and the connection pads of the wireless earphone (120) (e.g., first connection pad (125), second connection pad (127)). For example, the cradle (110) can supply power for charging through the first connection pin (115) and the second connection pin (117). For example, the wireless earphone (120) can receive power supplied for charging through the first connection pin (115) and the second connection pin (117) of the cradle (110) to the first connection pad (125) and the second connection pad (127). The wireless earphone (120) can charge its internal battery using power provided by the first connection pad (125) and the second connection pad (127).

[0055] The cradle (110) and the wireless earphone (120) can perform data communication with each other through an electrical path formed by the connection of the connection pins of the cradle (110) (e.g., first connection pin (115), second connection pin (117)) and the connection pads of the wireless earphone (120) (e.g., first connection pad (125), second connection pad (127)). For example, the cradle (110) and the wireless earphone (120) can transmit and receive data related to battery status, charging status, and / or firmware updates, but examples of data communication are not limited thereto.

[0056] The cradle (110) and wireless earphones (120) may use multiple channels as communication paths for data communication. The multiple channels may be composed, for example, of multiple universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter (UART) transmission channels. For example, the cradle (110) and wireless earphones (120) may transmit and receive small amounts of data, such as battery status and / or charge status, based on a low-speed communication method such as power line communication (PLC). For example, the cradle (110) and wireless earphones (120) may transmit and receive large amounts of data, such as firmware updates, based on a high-speed communication method such as time-division serial communication using a channel of a predetermined voltage level (e.g., 1.8V).

[0057] The cradle (110) and the wireless earphone (120) need to minimize the number of transmission lines for the miniaturization of their structure or for a simple wiring structure. For example, the cradle (110) and the wireless earphone (120) can be connected with only two lines through connection pins (e.g., first connection pin (115), second connection pin (117)) and connection pads (e.g., first connection pad (125), second connection pad (127)), one of which is connected to ground, and can include only one transmission line (or single wire transmission path) to be used for actual power transmission and data communication.

[0058] In this document, the first electronic device will be described as a cradle (110) and the second electronic device as a wireless earphone (120), but the various embodiments of this document are not limited to the cradle (110) and the wireless earphone (120). Additionally, in this document, the wireless earphone device (100) will be used as a general term for the cradle (110) and the wireless earphone (120). The first electronic device, the cradle (110), and the second electronic device, the wireless earphone (120), are connected to each other, for example, through a connection terminal (pogo pin) (e.g., the connection pin (390) in FIG. 3 or the connection pad (593) in FIG. 5), and various examples of this document may be applied based on performing power transmission and data communication between them.

[0059] FIG. 2a is a state transition diagram (200a) of a first electronic device (e.g., the cradle (110) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 2a, the first electronic device (110) can perform an operation according to the operation state in a first operation state. For example, the first operation state may be one of an initial status (201), a detection status (202), a communication status (203), a power transfer status (204), a ready status (205), or an error status (206). The first operation state of the first electronic device (110) illustrated is exemplary, and some first operation states may not exist, or new first operation states that are not illustrated may be added.

[0061] The first electronic device (110) may enter an error state (206) when an error occurs (220) in a specific operating state. The specific operating state may be one of the remaining first operating states excluding the error state (206). The first electronic device (110) may enter an initial state (201) (221) when the cause of the error in the error state (206) is resolved.

[0062] The first electronic device (110) can enter an initial state (201) when power supply is initiated by a power-on request. For example, the first electronic device (110) can enter an initial state (201) in response to power supply being resumed due to charging while the battery (e.g., battery (340) of FIG. 3) is discharged and the power is off. For example, the first electronic device (110) can enter an initial state (201) when initialization is required due to the occurrence of an abnormal situation in which normal operation cannot be performed.

[0063] According to one example, the first electronic device (110) may perform an initialization operation to perform normal functions in an initial state (201). The first electronic device (110) may check the state of the internal circuit and / or whether it is operating normally in the initial state (201). For example, the first electronic device (110) may check through the initialization operation whether power supply from an external power source is being performed normally. For example, the first electronic device (110) may check through the initialization operation whether the cover is in an open state or a closed state. For example, the first electronic device (110) may check through the initialization operation whether serial communication between internal components (e.g., ICs) is operating normally. For example, the first electronic device (110) may provide an environment to identify whether the second electronic device (e.g., the wireless earphone (120) of FIG. 1) is attached or detached through the initialization operation. For example, the first electronic device (110) can provide an environment for charging the second electronic device (e.g., wireless earphones (120) of FIG. 1) through an initialization operation. For example, the first electronic device (110) can provide an environment for communication with the second electronic device (120) through an initialization operation. As an example, the first electronic device (110) can identify that a connection pin (e.g., first connection pin (115), second connection pin (117) of FIG. 1) is electrically connected to a connection pad (e.g., first connection pad (125), second connection pad (127) of FIG. 1) of the second electronic device (120) in order to provide an environment for identifying whether it is detached, an environment for charging, and / or an environment for communication according to the initialization operation. In this case, the first electronic device (110) can perform a setting to electrically connect to the connection pad (125, 127) of the second electronic device (120) through the connection pin (115, 117).

[0064] The first electronic device (110) can transition (211) to a detection state (202) when the initialization operation in the initial state (201) is completed. In addition to the initial state (201), the first electronic device (110) can transition (217, 219) to a detection state (202) in response to the detection of a detection request event in the power transmission state (204) or the ready state (205). For example, a detection request event may be triggered by the expiration of the charging time in the power transmission state (204). For example, a detection request event may be triggered by the expiration of the waiting time in the ready state (205).

[0065] According to one example, the first electronic device (110) may transition from a specific operating state to a detection state (202) when an open event (212) occurs in a specific operating state among the previously defined first operating states. The specific operating state may be one of the remaining first operating states, excluding the error state (206). The open event (212) may occur in response to the detection of the cover opening by a Hall sensor in the specific operating state. For example, if the Hall sensor generates an interrupt signal corresponding to the opening of the cover, the processor of the first electronic device (110) (e.g., the processor (310) of FIG. 3) may recognize that the cover has opened even while performing control according to the specific operating state. In this case, the first electronic device (110) will transition from the specific operating state to the detection state (202). When the first electronic device (110) recognizes the opening of the cover, it may set the detection time interval to be relatively shorter than before. If the first electronic device (110) detects that the cover is open while in a plug-in state, it may set the expiration time relatively shorter than usual to determine a time interval for the second electronic device (120) to determine that it is plug-out based on a device detection operation. The first electronic device (110) may also detect that the cover has closed due to an interrupt signal generated by a Hall sensor. If the first electronic device (110) detects that the cover has closed, it can predict that the plug-in state or the plug-out state is being maintained. In this case, the first electronic device (110) may set the expiration time relatively longer than usual to determine a time interval for the second electronic device (120) to determine that it is plug-out based on a device detection operation. That is, the first electronic device (110) may provide information regarding the expiration time (e.g., information regarding the expiration time (915) of FIG. 9) to the second electronic device (120) to set the communication interval longer. In this case, the communication interval may be relatively short compared to the expiration time.

[0066] When the first electronic device (110) transitions to a detection state (202), it may perform an overall operation to identify whether the second electronic device (120) is mounted. According to one example, when the first electronic device (110) transitions to a detection state (202), it may perform a cleaning operation or a detection operation. The detection operation to be performed by the first electronic device (110) may include a moisture detection operation and / or a device detection operation. The first electronic device (110) may sequentially perform a cleaning operation, a moisture detection operation, and a device detection operation in response to entry into the detection state (202). The cleaning operation may be an operation in which the first electronic device (110) removes voltage stored in a capacitive element, such as a capacitor included in the internal circuit. A moisture detection operation may be an operation for the first electronic device (110) to identify whether moisture is present inside. A device detection operation may be an operation for the first electronic device (110) to identify whether another device (e.g., a second electronic device (120)) is electrically connected for the purpose of charging and / or communication.

[0067] According to one example, the first electronic device (110) may perform a device detection operation to determine whether the second electronic device (120) is attached or detached in a detection state (202). The first electronic device (110) may, for example, perform a device detection operation to identify whether the second electronic device (120) is in a plug-in state where it is attached. The first electronic device (110) may, for example, perform a device detection operation to identify whether the second electronic device (120) is in a plug-out state where it is detached. For example, the first electronic device (110) may identify whether it is in a plug-in state or a plug-out state by a change in potential difference at a connection terminal (e.g., the connection pin (390) in FIG. 3 or the firsta and firstb terminals (451, 453) in FIG. 4).

[0068] The first electronic device (110) may operate to change the potential difference at the connection terminal that was maintained in the power transmission state (204) or the ready state (205) in order to perform a device detection operation in the detection state (202). The first electronic device (110) may change the potential difference at the connection terminal, for example, by changing the impedance on the path where the voltage is supplied. In this case, the second electronic device (120) may identify a transition from a plug-in state to a plug-out state (e.g., a plug-out event (214)) or a transition from a plug-out state to a plug-in state (e.g., a plug-in event (213)) based on the change in potential difference at the connection terminal.

[0069] The first electronic device (110) may transition (214) to a ready state (205) when it detects the occurrence of a plug-out event in a detection state (202). The first electronic device (110) may transition to a ready state (205), for example, when the connection of the second electronic device (120) is not detected. The first electronic device (110) may transition to a ready state (205), for example, when there is no data to exchange with the second electronic device (120). The first electronic device (110) may transition to a ready state (205), for example, when moisture is detected.

[0070] The first electronic device (110) can transition (213) to a communication state (203) when it detects the occurrence of a plug-in event in a detection state (202). The first electronic device (110) can transition to a communication state (203), for example, when a connection of the second electronic device (120) is detected.

[0071] The first electronic device (110) can transition (218) to a power transmission state (204) when it detects the occurrence of a charging need event in a detection state (202). The first electronic device (110) can transition to a power transmission state (204), for example, when a low voltage of the second electronic device (120) is detected. The first electronic device (110) can transition to a power transmission state (204) when a low voltage of the second electronic device (120) is detected in any of the first operating states.

[0072] The first electronic device (110) can monitor whether a detection request event occurs in the ready state (205). If a detection request event occurs in the ready state (205), the first electronic device (110) can transition (219) to the detection state (202). The detection request event may occur, for example, due to the expiration of a waiting time. Although not illustrated, the first electronic device (110) may also transition from the ready state (205) to the power transmission state (204).

[0073] The first electronic device (110) may communicate with the second electronic device (120) to update information regarding the changed state in the communication state (203) when a change occurs in its state (e.g., cover open, low voltage occurrence). For example, the first electronic device (110) may transmit information regarding the state change to the second electronic device (120) during the communication time interval. As an example, the first electronic device (110) may detect the opening of the cover by the sensing signal of the Hall sensor during communication with the second electronic device (120). The first electronic device (110) may transmit information indicating the opening of the cover to the second electronic device (120). When the charging time interval arrives in the communication state (203), the first electronic device (110) may transition (215) to the power transmission state (204).

[0074] The first electronic device (110) may temporarily transition to a detection state (202) during communication with the second electronic device (120). For example, if the first electronic device (110) is unable to continue communication with the second electronic device (120) in a situation where it has not yet transmitted information indicating the opening of the cover to the second electronic device (120), it may transition to a detection state (202) to resume communication. The first electronic device (110) may transition to a power transmission state (204) (215) when the charging time interval arrives in the communication state (203). The first electronic device (110) may transition to a ready state (205) (216) when a charging failure event occurs in the communication state (203). A charging failure event may occur due to a situation where charging of the second electronic device (120) is no longer possible for reasons such as a low voltage state of the battery (340).

[0075] According to one example, the first electronic device (110) may recognize that a charging failure event has occurred by receiving a buffer message from the second electronic device (120). In this case, the first electronic device (110) may determine that charging of the second electronic device (120) is no longer necessary, cut off the supply of charging voltage, and then transition to a ready state (205).

[0076] According to one example, the first electronic device (110) may recognize that a charging failure event has occurred when the voltage level that can be supplied by the battery (340) is insufficient to charge the battery (540) of the second electronic device (120). In this case, the first electronic device (110) may determine that charging of the second electronic device (120) is no longer possible, cut off the supply of charging voltage, and then transition to a ready state (205).

[0077] The first electronic device (110) can transition (217) to a detection state (202) after cutting off the supply of charging voltage when a detection request event occurs in the power transmission state (204). The first electronic device (110) can transition (215) to a communication state (203) after cutting off the supply of charging voltage when a communication time interval arrives in the power transmission state (204). The first electronic device (110) can transition (212) to a detection state (202) after cutting off the supply of charging voltage when it detects that the cover is open by the sensing signal of the Hall sensor. The first electronic device (110) can transition to a ready state (240) after cutting off the supply of charging voltage in response to the occurrence of a buffer event. For example, a buffer event may occur in response to the second electronic device (120) identifying that it is in a buffer state.

[0078] FIG. 2b is a state transition diagram (200b) of a second electronic device (e.g., wireless earphone (120) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 2b, the second electronic device (120) can perform an operation according to the operation state in a second operation state. For example, the second operation state may be one of an initial status (231), a detection status (202), a communication status (233), a charging status (234), or a ready status (235). The second operation state of the illustrated second electronic device (120) is exemplary, and some second operation states may not exist, or new second operation states that are not illustrated may be added. The second electronic device (120) can transition from a specific second operation state to a detection state (232) when the first electronic device (110) transitions to a detection state (202). The second electronic device (120) can transition to a communication state (233) in a specific second operating state when the first electronic device (110) transitions to a communication state (203). The second electronic device (120) can transmit a signal or data to the first electronic device (110) only when the first electronic device (110) is in a state where communication is possible.

[0080] The second electronic device (120) may enter an initial state (231) when power supply is initiated by a power-on request. For example, the second electronic device (120) may enter an initial state (231) in response to power supply being resumed due to charging from a dead battery (e.g., battery (540) in FIG. 5) which has been discharged. For example, the second electronic device (120) may enter an initial state (231) in response to the reception of an initialization command (or signal). Power supply, resumption of power supply, or reception of a reset command (240) may occur in a specific operating state which is one of the second operating states.

[0081] The second electronic device (120) may perform an initialization operation to perform normal functions in an initial state (231). For example, the second electronic device (120) may provide an environment to identify whether it is detached from the first electronic device (e.g., the cradle (110) of FIG. 1) through the initialization operation. For example, the second electronic device (120) may provide a charging environment using power supplied from the first electronic device (e.g., the cradle (110) of FIG. 1) through the initialization operation. For example, the second electronic device (120) may provide an environment for communication with the first electronic device (e.g., the cradle (110) of FIG. 1) through the initialization operation. For example, the second electronic device (120) may check the state of the internal circuit and whether normal operation is possible through the initialization operation.

[0082] The second electronic device (120) can transition (242) to a ready state (235) if power for charging is not supplied from the first electronic device (110) in the initial state (231). The second electronic device (120) can transition (241) to a charging state (234) if power for charging is supplied from the first electronic device (110) in the initial state (231). The second electronic device (120) can transition to a detection state (232) if a transition event from the initial state (231) to the detection state (232) occurs (209). For example, the transition event from the initial state (231) to the detection state (232) may occur periodically after power supply to the second electronic device (120) is initiated. For example, a transition event from an initial state (231) to a detection state (232) may occur non-periodically in response to a separate request after power supply to the second electronic device (120) is initiated. For example, the separate request may correspond to a request from a user. For example, the separate request may correspond to a request from an external device (e.g., the first electronic device (110)). For example, the separate request may be provided from the first electronic device (110) in response to the first electronic device (110) transitioning from an initial state (e.g., the initial state (201) of FIG. 2a) to a detection state (e.g., the detection state (202) of FIG. 2a). In this case, the second electronic device (120) may operate in the detection state (232) together with the first electronic device (110) when the first electronic device (110) operates in the detection state (202). For example, when the second electronic device (120) enters the initial state (231), it can transition to a detection state within a specified time to check the connection state with the first electronic device (120).

[0083] The second electronic device (120) can perform a device detection operation to check whether it is detached from the second electronic device (120) in the detection state (232). The second electronic device (120) can, for example, perform a device detection operation to identify whether it is in a plug-in state mounted on the first electronic device (120). The second electronic device (120) can, for example, perform a device detection operation to identify whether it is in a plug-out state detached from the second electronic device (120). For example, when the occurrence of a certain event is detected in the second electronic device (120) in the communication state (233), charging state (234), or ready state (235), it transitions (247, 248) to the detection state (232) to identify whether the first electronic device (120) is detached by a change in potential difference at the connection terminal (e.g., the connection pin (390) in FIG. 3 or the firsta and firstb terminals (451, 453) in FIG. 4). For example, the certain event may occur by the detection of a first threshold voltage in the charging state (234). For example, the certain event may occur by the detection of a second threshold voltage in the ready state (235). For example, the certain event may occur by the detection of a detection voltage in the communication state (233).

[0084] For example, the second electronic device (120) can monitor whether the potential difference at the connection terminal maintained in the charging state (234) or ready state (235) changes in order to perform a device detection operation in the detection state (232). The second electronic device (120) can determine whether it is in a plug-in state or a plug-out state by, for example, by the change in potential difference caused by a change in the impedance value on the side of the first electronic device (110).

[0085] The second electronic device (120) can transition (243) to a communication state (233) when the initiation of communication is detected in the detection state (232). In the communication state (233), the second electronic device (120) can receive information regarding the form state (e.g., cover open, low voltage generation) from the first electronic device (110). The second electronic device (120) can update the state information corresponding to the first electronic device (110) based on the information received from the first electronic device (110). For example, the second electronic device (120) can receive information regarding the state change of the first electronic device (110) from the first electronic device (110) during the communication time interval.

[0086] Although not illustrated, the second electronic device (120) may also be capable of transitioning from a sensing state (232) to a charging state (234) or a ready state (235). For example, the second electronic device (120) may transition to a charging state (234) or a ready state (235) in response when a preset threshold voltage is detected. For example, the second electronic device (120) may transition to a ready state (235) when it detects that the first electronic device (110) for charging is invalid in the sensing state (232). For example, the second electronic device (120) may transition to a ready state (235) when there is no data to exchange with the first electronic device (110) in the sensing state (232). For example, the second electronic device (120) may transition to a ready state (235) when a sensing and / or communication error is detected.

[0087] The second electronic device (120) can charge the battery using the charging voltage supplied from the first electronic device (110) in the charging state (234). When the battery is fully charged, the second electronic device (120) can transmit guidance information to the first electronic device (110) to indicate the full charge state when transitioning to the communication state (233). For example, the second electronic device (120) can transmit a full charge message to the first electronic device (110). For example, the second electronic device (120) can transmit information regarding the charging current level or charging voltage level to the first electronic device (110).

[0088] The second electronic device (120) can transition (247) to a detection state (232) when a first threshold voltage (e.g., 4V or less) is detected in the charging state (234). The second electronic device (120) can transition (247) to a detection state (232) when the expiration of the charging time is detected in the charging state (234). For example, the second electronic device (120) can detect the first threshold voltage by changing from a plug-in state to a plug-out state.

[0089] For example, the second electronic device (120) enters a sleep state with the interrupt pin enabled and can wake up from the sleep state in response to a specific signal being detected at the interrupt pin. For example, the second electronic device (120) can enable or disable a comparison circuit depending on the current second operating state. For example, when the expiration time arrives, the second electronic device (120) receives information regarding the expiration time from the first electronic device (110) and can set the sleep time of the timer to less than or equal to the expiration time based on the received information regarding the expiration time. In this case, the second electronic device (120) can wake up from the sleep state after the sleep time expires.

[0090] The second electronic device (120) can transition (246) to a ready state (235) by predicting that a low voltage situation has occurred in the first electronic device (110) when it is detected that a potential difference corresponding to a low voltage (e.g., 0V) at the connection terminal is maintained for a certain period of time in the communication state (233). The second electronic device (120) can transition to a charging state (234) when it is detected that the voltage at the connection terminal is greater than or equal to a first potential difference (e.g., 4V) in the communication state (233). The second electronic device (120) can transition to a charging state (245) when a charging time interval arrives in the communication state (233). The second electronic device (120) can transition to a detection state (232) when the voltage at the connection terminal is maintained at a second potential difference (e.g., 1.8V) for a certain period of time in the communication state (233). For example, the second electronic device (120) can transition to a charging state (234) when a charging voltage is detected in the communication state (233).

[0091] The second electronic device (120) may operate in a ready state (235) when a plug-out state, a fully charged state, or a state where charging by the first electronic device (110) is impossible occurs. For example, the second electronic device (120) may transition (248) to a detection state (232) when it detects that the potential difference of the connection terminal in the ready state (235) is greater than or equal to a second threshold voltage (e.g., 1V). For example, the second electronic device (120) may transition (248) to a detection state (232) when it detects that the ready time has expired in the ready state (235). For example, the second electronic device (120) may transition to a wake-up state and then transition to a detection state (232) when it detects that the potential difference of the connection terminal in the sleep state is greater than or equal to a second threshold voltage (e.g., 1V). For example, the second electronic device (120) can predict that it is in a plug-in state even if it has not been informed that the cover is in an open state, if the impedance value on the side of the first electronic device (110) in the ready state (235) is maintained at a specific value (e.g., 560Kohm).

[0092] The second electronic device (120) may transition (251) to a wireless communication connection state (236) by establishing a connection to perform wireless communication with an external electronic device (130) (or a third electronic device (130)) when a wireless communication connection event occurs in a specific state (e.g., detection state (232), charging state (234), communication state (233), or ready state (235)). The wireless communication connection event may occur, for example, in response to receiving a connection request from the third electronic device (130). The wireless communication connection event may occur, for example, in response to a connection request with the third electronic device (130) by a user. The wireless communication connection event may occur, for example, by recognizing that it has entered an area where a wireless communication connection with the third electronic device (130) is possible. The second electronic device (236) may transition (252) to a specific state (e.g., detection state (250), charging state (234), communication state (233), or ready state (235)) when a wireless communication disconnection event occurs in the wireless communication connection state (236). The wireless communication disconnection event may occur, for example, in response to receiving a disconnection request from the third electronic device (130). The wireless communication disconnection event may occur, for example, in response to a disconnection request from the third electronic device (130) by a user. The wireless communication disconnection event may occur, for example, by recognizing that it has moved out of an area where wireless communication connection with the third electronic device (130) is possible.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the second electronic device (236) may perform an operation in the wireless communication connection state (236) independently, or perform an operation in the wireless communication connection state (236) together with an operation in the detection state (232), charging state (234), or communication state (233).

[0094] As described above, the second electronic device (120) can recognize that the first electronic device (110) will perform a device detection operation based on a change in potential difference at a connection terminal (e.g., connection pad (593) in FIG. 5 or terminals 2a and 2b (651, 653) in FIG. 6) that can be electrically connected to the first electronic device (110). For example, the second electronic device (120) can transition to a wake-up state in response to detecting a change in potential difference at the connection terminal. For example, the second electronic device (120), which is being charged by the power supply of the first electronic device (110), can recognize that the first electronic device (110) will perform a device detection operation when it detects that the potential difference at the connection terminal has dropped below a threshold value (e.g., 5V -> 4V). For example, when the second electronic device (120) in standby state detects that the potential difference at the connection terminal rises above a threshold voltage (e.g., 0V -> 1V), it can recognize that the first electronic device (110) will perform a device detection operation. For example, when the second electronic device (120) in standby state detects that the potential difference at the connection terminal falls below a threshold voltage (e.g., 1.8V -> 1V), it can recognize that the first electronic device (110) will perform a device detection operation.

[0095] According to one example, when the second electronic device (120) detects a predetermined potential difference (e.g., 1.8V), it can create a device detection load (e.g., a pull-down resistor connection) after a certain time interval. For example, the predetermined potential difference (e.g., 1.8V) can be set so that the second electronic device (120) can recognize that device detection will be attempted by the first electronic device (110) at the connection terminal. The second electronic device (120) can identify that it is in a plug-in state by whether the potential difference at the connection terminal is maintained within a reference range.

[0096] For example, the second electronic device (120) can measure an impedance value by applying a voltage having a predetermined potential difference (e.g., 1.8V) to a connection pad (e.g., connection pad (593) in FIG. 5) that can be electrically connected to the first electronic device (110) in a plug-in state, and can determine whether it is in a plug-in state or a plug-out state based on the measured impedance value. For example, the second electronic device (120) can supply a voltage with a predetermined potential difference to the connection pad (593) through a resistor having a specific impedance value (e.g., 1 kohm), and measure the potential difference at the connection pad (593) after a certain period of time has elapsed. If a value related to the pull-down impedance (e.g., 1 kohm) of the first electronic device (110) is observed based on the potential difference measured in this way, the second electronic device (120) can determine that it is in a plug-in state. However, if the pull-down impedance value (e.g., 1Kohm) of the first electronic device (110) is not observed based on the measured potential difference, the second electronic device (120) can be determined to be in a plug-out state. Determining that the second electronic device (120) is in a plug-out state may correspond to the case where the potential difference at the connection pad (593) is the potential difference of the voltage supplied through a resistor having a specific impedance value (e.g., 1kohm). In this case, the device detection operation can be performed proactively by the second electronic device (120).

[0097] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a first electronic device (e.g., the cradle (110) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 3, the first electronic device (110) may include a processor (310), memory (320), sensor circuit (330), battery (340), power transmission circuit (350), impedance changing circuit (360), sensing circuit (370), switching circuit (380), or connection pin (390). The first electronic device (110) may be a cradle capable of receiving a second electronic device (e.g., wireless earphones (120) of FIG. 1) and supporting charging of the received second electronic device (120) and / or communication with the received second electronic device (120). At least one of the illustrated components of the first electronic device (110) may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Some of the components of the first electronic device (110) (e.g., impedance changing circuit (360), sensing circuit (370), switching circuit (380), connection pin (390)) can be integrated into a single component (e.g., path forming module).

[0099] A connecting pin (390) is an electrical contact provided in the first electronic device (110) and can form an electrical connection by physically contacting a connecting terminal (e.g., connecting pad (593) of FIG. 5) of a second electronic device (120) mounted or housed in the first electronic device (110). The connecting pin (390) may be a pogo pin, but is not limited thereto. The connecting pin (390) may be used as a passage for power supply for communication and / or charging with the electrically connected second electronic device (120). For example, the connecting pin (390) may include two terminals. In this document, the connecting pin (390) of the first electronic device (110) and the connecting pad (593) of the second electronic device (120) may be referred to as connecting terminals.

[0100] When the second electronic device (120) is connected to the connection pin (390), the first electronic device (110) can be electrically connected to the second electronic device (120) through a single transmission line. For example, the switching circuit (380) can form a transmission line that is connected to the connection pad (593) of the second electronic device (120) through the connection pin (390) depending on the operating state.

[0101] The processor (310) can execute software (e.g., a program) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the first electronic device (110) connected to the processor (310) and can perform various data processing or operations. According to one example, as at least part of the data processing or operations, the processor (310) can store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor circuit (330), a sensing circuit (370), or a connection pin (390)) in memory (320), process the commands or data stored in memory (320), and store the resulting data in memory (320). The processor (310) may be configured as a microcontroller unit (MCU), but is not limited thereto. For example, the processor (310) may include a main processor (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor that can operate independently or together with it (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor). For example, if the first electronic device (110) includes a main processor and an auxiliary processor, the auxiliary processor may be configured to use less power than the main processor or to be specialized for a designated function. The auxiliary processor may be implemented separately from the main processor or as part thereof.

[0102] According to one example, the processor (310) can perform overall control for device detection operations to determine whether the second electronic device (120) is connected through the connection pin (390). The processor (310) can detect whether the cover is open or closed based on a sensing signal from a sensor circuit (330) including a Hall sensor. The processor (310) can perform overall control for communication with the second electronic device (120) in a plug-in state where the second electronic device (120) is connected. The processor (310) can perform overall control for charging the second electronic device (120) in a plug-in state where the second electronic device (120) is connected.

[0103] The memory (320) can store various data used by at least one component of the first electronic device (110) (e.g., processor (310) or sensor circuit (330)). The data may include, for example, software (e.g., a program) and input data or output data for related instructions. The memory (320) may include volatile memory or non-volatile memory.

[0104] The sensor circuit (330) can detect the operating state of the first electronic device (110) (e.g., power or temperature) or the external environmental state (e.g., user state) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. The sensor circuit (330) may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an accelerometer sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an illuminance sensor, or a Hall sensor (e.g., the Hall sensor (460) of FIG. 4).

[0105] The battery (340) can supply power to at least one component of the first electronic device (110). The battery (340) may include, for example, a rechargeable secondary battery.

[0106] The power transmission circuit (350) can perform the function of charging the battery (340) using power input from an external power source, or supplying power to each component of the first electronic device (110). The power transmission circuit (350) can perform the function of transmitting power from the external power source or the battery (340) to the second electronic device (120) connected to the connection pin (390). As an example, the power transmission circuit (350) may include a wired charging circuit and a wireless charging circuit. Regarding charging and power supply operations, the wired charging circuit and / or the wireless charging circuit may operate under the control of the processor (310) or include a separate control circuit (not shown).

[0107] The switching circuit (380) can form an internal transmission path for each operating state (e.g., charging operating state or communication operating state) according to the control of the processor (310). The switching circuit (380) may include a switch (e.g., SPDT (single pole double throw), MUX (multiplexer)). For example, in a plug-in state where the second electronic device (120) is connected to the connection pin (390), the switching circuit (380) can form a charging path so that the power transmission circuit (350) is connected to the connection pin (390) during the charging time period under the control of the processor (310). For example, in a plug-in state where the second electronic device (120) is connected to the connection pin (390), the switching circuit (380) can form a communication path so that communication ports provided in the processor (310) are connected to the connection pin (390) during the communication time period under the control of the processor (310). For example, the switching circuit (380) can form a path for performing a device detection operation to determine whether the second electronic device (120) is connected to the connection pin (390) under the control of the processor (310).

[0108] The impedance changing circuit (360) can change the impedance value on the internal path according to the operating state (e.g., charging operating state or communication operating state) under the control of the processor (310). The impedance changing circuit (360) may include one or a plurality of switch elements. For example, the impedance changing circuit (360) may have a plurality of resistors arranged so that they can be selected by a switch element that can be controlled by the processor (310). For example, the impedance changing circuit (360) may be configured so that the switch element is switched in response to the control of the processor (310) according to the operating state. For example, the impedance changing circuit (360) may provide an impedance characteristic for performing a device detection operation to determine whether the second electronic device (120) is connected to the connection pin (390) under the control of the processor (310). For example, the impedance changing circuit (360) can provide impedance characteristics for each charging and / or communication time interval according to the control of the processor (310).

[0109] The sensing circuit (370) may be electrically connected to an internal path that may be formed by the switching circuit (380). For example, the sensing circuit (370) may be electrically connected to a connection pin (390) and may include a circuit for detecting voltage and / or current at the connection pin (390).

[0110] The detailed configuration and interconnection of the impedance changing circuit (360), sensing circuit (370), switching circuit (380), or connection pin (390) shown in FIG. 3 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4. Additionally, the detailed operation according to the operating state of the first electronic device (110) will also be disclosed in detail below.

[0111] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining the operation of a first electronic device (e.g., the cradle (110) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 4, the first electronic device (110) may include a detection circuit (400) (e.g., impedance changing circuit (360) of FIG. 3, sensing circuit (370), switching circuit (380), or connection pin (390)), a first processor (410) (e.g., processor (310) of FIG. 3), or a Hall sensor (460) (e.g., sensor circuit (330) of FIG. 3).

[0113] According to one example, the detection circuit (400) may include an impedance changing circuit (420, 440), a switch element (SW#12) (430) (e.g., a single pole double throw switch, an SPDT switch), or a first connection terminal (450) (e.g., firsta and firstb terminals (451, 453)).

[0114] The impedance changing circuit (420, 440) controls the first processor (410) (e.g., the 11a switch control signal (C_ SW#11a )(401a), 11b switch control signal(C_ SW#11b )(401b), 13th switch control signal(C_ SW#13 The impedance value from the firsta and firstb terminals (451, 453) to the inside can be changed by (403). For example, the impedance changing circuit (420, 440) may include a first impedance changing circuit (420) or a second impedance changing circuit (440).

[0115] The first impedance changing circuit (420) is the 11a switch control signal (C_ of the first processor (410) SW#11a It may include a 11a switch (SW#11a) (421) configured so that the switching operation is controlled by )(401a). The first impedance changing circuit (420) receives the 11b switch control signal (C_ of the first processor (410). SW#11b It may include a 11b switch (SW#11b) (423) configured so that the switching operation is controlled by )(401b). The first impedance changing circuit (420) includes a pull-up voltage (V DD#1(408)) Switch 11a (SW#11a) (421) and Switch 11b (SW#11b) (423) can be connected in parallel to share one side terminal (input terminal) to which the supply is provided. The first impedance changing circuit (420) has a predetermined pull-up resistor (R 11 , R 12 The other terminal (output terminal) of the 11a switch (SW#11a) (421) and the 11b switch (SW#11b) (423) can be connected in parallel to share the other terminal (output terminal) through ). For example, R connected to the output terminal of the 11a switch (SW#11a) (421). 11 The impedance value of is R connected to the output terminal of the 11b switch (SW#11b) (423). 12 It can have a relatively low value compared to the impedance value of. For example, R 11 The impedance value of can be 1 kilohm (Kohm), and R 12 The impedance value of may be 560 kOhms. The output terminal shared by the 11a switch (SW#11a) (421) and the 11b switch (SW#11b) (423) through a predetermined pull-up resistor (R11, R12) may be connected to the first input terminal (a) of the switch element (SW#12) (430) together with the communication port (e.g., UART Rx#1 / Tx#1) (404, 405) of the first processor (410).

[0116] The second impedance changing circuit (440) uses the 13th switch control signal (C_ of the first processor (410) SW#13 It may include a 13th switch (SW#13) (441) configured so that the switching operation is controlled by )(403)). The 2nd impedance changing circuit (440) may include a pull-down resistor (R) connected in parallel between the output terminal (c) of the switch element (SW#12)) (430) and ground. 13 , R 14 It may include ). For example, R provided as a pull-down resistor at the input terminal of the 13th switch (SW#13) (441). 13 The impedance value of and R 14The impedance values ​​of can be similar. For example, R 13 The impedance value of can be 5 kilohms (Kohm), and R 14 The impedance value of may be 1 kohm. The output side of the second impedance changing circuit (440) may be connected to the firsta and firstb terminals (451, 453). The illustrated second impedance changing circuit (440) is merely an example and may be configured in various forms, such as a logic circuit. For example, the second impedance changing circuit (440) may be configured to operate in a pull-down manner after a certain period of time in a situation where power is not supplied.

[0117] According to one example, when power is supplied to the detection circuit (400), the second impedance changing circuit (440) receives the first 13th switch control signal (C_ SW#13 The 13th switch (SW#13) (441) can be turned on by )(403)). In this case, the 2nd impedance changing circuit (440) can pull down the supplied voltage and output it.

[0118] According to one example, if power is not supplied to the detection circuit (400), the 13th switch (SW#13) (441) controls the 13th switch control signal (C_ SW#13 Control by )(403) will not be performed. Even in this case, the second impedance changing circuit (440) can operate so that the 13th switch (SW#13)(441) is turned on by the voltage applied through the 1a terminal (451).

[0119] At the second input terminal (b) of the switch element (SW#12))(430), the supply voltage (V_ of the voltage variable circuit (e.g., the power transmission circuit (350) of FIG. 3) Battery#1)(407) may be applied. For example, the voltage variable circuit may be a boost circuit or a booter. The boost circuit or booter uses a voltage supplied from a battery (e.g., battery (320) in FIG. 3) to supply a voltage (V_ of a potential difference) capable of charging the battery (e.g., battery (540) in FIG. 5) of a second electronic device (e.g., wireless earphone (120) in FIG. 1) which is another electronic device. Battery#1 )(407) can be stably output. In this case, even when the voltage of the battery (320) of the first electronic device (110) is relatively lower than the voltage of the battery (540) of the second electronic device (120), the first electronic device (110) may be able to supply voltage for charging to the second electronic device (120).

[0120] Potential difference (V) at terminals 1a and 1b (451, 453) dec#1 )(406) can be provided to the first processor (410). For example, the potential difference (V) at the firsta and firstb terminals (451, 453) dec#1 )(406) can be changed by the impedance value of the first impedance changing circuit (420) and / or the impedance value of the second impedance changing circuit (440). That is, the potential difference (V) at the firsta and firstb terminals (451, 453) dec#1 )(406) can be changed in correspondence with the impedance value visible to the inside of the impedance changing circuit (420, 440) at the 1a and 1b terminals (451, 453).

[0121] The first processor (410) controls the 11a switch control signal (C_) according to the operating state. SW#11a )(401a), 11b switch control signal(C_ SW#11b )(401b), 13th switch control signal(C_ SW#13 )(403), or the 12th switch control signal (C_ SW#12)(402)) can be output. For example, the operating state may include an operating state in a section for performing device detection to determine whether it is in a plug-in state or a plug-out state (e.g., device detection section (1031, 1041, 1051, 1061) of FIG. 10). For example, the operating state may include an operating state for performing mutual recognition to prepare for communication with a second electronic device (e.g., wireless earphone (120) of FIG. 1). For example, the operating state may include an operating state in a communication time section for performing communication in a plug-in state (e.g., transmission time section (1033, 1043, 1053, 1063) or reception time section (1035, 1045, 1055, 1065) of FIG. 10). For example, the operating state may include an operating state in a charging time interval (e.g., charging time interval (1023) of FIG. 10) that performs charging for the second electronic device (120). For example, the operating state may include an operating state that is performed in a plug-out state.

[0122] For example, the first processor (410) forms a path for obtaining a potential difference change for device detection in the device detection sections (1031, 1041, 1051, 1061) by the 11a switch control signal (C_ SW#11a )(401a), 11b switch control signal(C_ SW#11b )(401b), 13th switch control signal(C_ SW#13 )(403), or the 12th switch control signal (C_ SW#12It can output )(402)). The first processor (410) can recognize that the cover is open based on the sensing signal of the Hall sensor (460) prior to performing a device detection operation, for example. For example, the first processor (410) can perform the operation of recognizing that the cover is open based on the sensing signal of the Hall sensor (460) during a device detection operation and / or a communication detection operation. The first processor (410) can recognize the opening of the cover based on the sensing signal of the Hall sensor (460) at all times, regardless of the operation state, rather than in a specific operation state. For example, the Hall sensor (460) can provide a signal corresponding to an interrupt to the MCU. That is, even if the MCU is in a state where it is performing other operations, it can recognize the cover opening and / or closing operation at all times.

[0123] For example, the first processor (410) has a switch control signal (C_11a) to turn on the switch (SW#11a) (421) in the device detection interval (1031, 1041, 1051, 1061). SW#11a )(401a) and the 11b switch control signal (C_) to turn off the 11b switch (SW#11b)(423) SW#11b )(401b) can be output. For example, the first processor (410) can output a 13th switch control signal (C_) to turn off the 13th switch (SW#13)(441) in the device detection interval (1031, 1041, 1051, 1061). SW#13 )(403) can be output. For example, the first processor (410) can output a 12th switch control signal (C_) to connect the first input terminal (a) of the switch element (SW#12))(430) to the output terminal (c) in the device detection interval (1031, 1041, 1051, 1061). SW#12 It can output )(402)).

[0124] As described above, in the device detection intervals (1031, 1041, 1051, 1061), the 11a switch control signal (C_ SW#11a)(401a), 11b switch control signal(C_ SW#11b )(401b), 13th switch control signal(C_ SW#13 )(403), or the 12th switch control signal (C_ SW#12 The first processor (410) that outputs )(402)) has a potential difference (V) between the first a and first b terminals (451, 453). dec#1 Based on the change in )(406), it is possible to attempt to detect whether the second electronic device (e.g., the wireless earphone (120) of FIG. 1) is attached or detached. If the second electronic device (120) is mounted on the first electronic device (110), the second electronic device (120) can recognize that the first electronic device (110) is scheduled to perform a device detection operation based on a change in potential difference at the second connection terminal (650) (e.g., the connection pad (593) in FIG. 5) or the seconda and secondb terminals (651, 653) in FIG. 6 connected to the firsta and firstb terminals (451, 453). When the second electronic device (120) recognizes that the first electronic device (110) is scheduled to perform a device detection operation, it can monitor the change in potential difference at the second connection terminal (650) (e.g., the seconda and secondb terminals (651, 653) in FIG. 6) for a predetermined period of time and determine that it is in a plug-in state when certain requirements are satisfied.

[0125] For example, the first processor (410) forms a path to perform mutual recognition to prepare communication with a second electronic device (e.g., wireless earphones (120) of FIG. 1) by a first switch control signal (C_ SW#11a )(401a), 11b switch control signal(C_ SW#11b )(401b), 13th switch control signal(C_ SW#13 )(403), or the 12th switch control signal (C_ SW#12 )(402)) can be output. For example, the first processor (410) can output a switch 11a control signal (C_) to turn off the switch 11a (SW#11a) (421) during the communication preparation period. SW#11a)(401a) and the 11b switch control signal (C_) to turn on the 11b switch (SW#11b)(423). SW#11b )(401b) can be output. For example, the first processor (410) can output a 13th switch control signal (C_) to turn off the second switch (SW#13)(441) during the communication preparation period. SW#13 )(403) can be output. For example, the first processor (410) can output a 12th switch control signal (C_) to connect the second input terminal (a) of the switch element (SW#12))(430) to the output terminal (c) during the communication preparation period. SW#12 It can output )(402)).

[0126] For example, the first processor (410) uses the 11a switch control signal (C_) to form a communication path in a communication section (e.g., the transmission section (1033, 1043, 1053, 1063) or reception section (1035, 1045, 1055, 1065) of FIG. 10). SW#11a )(401a), 11b switch control signal(C_ SW#11b )(401b), 13th switch control signal(C_ SW#13 )(403), or the 12th switch control signal (C_ SW#12 )(402)) can be output. For example, the first processor (410) can output a switch 11a control signal (C_) to turn off the switch 11a (SW#11a) (421) and the switch 11b (SW#11b) (423) during the communication interval. SW#11a )(401a) and 11b switch control signal (C_ SW#11b )(401b) can be output. For example, the first processor (410) can output a 13th switch control signal (C_) to turn off the 13th switch (SW#13)(441) during the communication interval. SW#13 )(403) can be output. For example, the first processor (410) can output a 12th switch control signal (C_) to connect the first input terminal (a) of the switch element (SW#12))(430) to the output terminal (c) during the communication time interval.SW#12 It can output a signal (e.g., UART Tx#1) (404) during the communication interval, or receive a signal (e.g., UART Rx#1) (405) from the switch element (SW#12) (430).

[0127] For example, the first processor (410) uses a 11a switch control signal (C_) to form a charging path in a charging section (e.g., the charging section (1023) of FIG. 10 or the charging section (1280) of FIG. 10) so as to form a charging path in a charging section (e.g., the charging section (1023) of FIG. 10 or the charging section (1280) of FIG. 10). SW#11a )(401a), 11b switch control signal(C_ SW#11b )(401b), 13th switch control signal(C_ SW#13 )(403), or the 12th switch control signal (C_ SW#12 )(402)) can be output. For example, the first processor (410) can output a switch 11a control signal (C_) to turn off the switch 11a (SW#11a) (421) and the switch 11b (SW#11b) (423) during the charging time interval (1023 or 1280). SW#11a )(401a) and 11b switch control signal (C_ SW#11b )(401b) can be output. For example, the first processor (410) can output a 13th switch control signal (C_) to turn off the 13th switch (SW#13)(441) during the charging time interval. SW#13 )(403) can be output. For example, the first processor (410) can output a 12th switch control signal (C_) to connect the second input terminal (b) of the switch element (SW#12))(430) to the output terminal (c) during the charging period. SW#12 It can output )(402)).

[0128] For example, the first processor (410) can perform device detection and communication during the detection and communication intervals that arrive based on a predetermined communication interval (e.g., communication intervals (1025, 1027) of FIG. 10) when the charging of the second electronic device (120) is completed. For example, the first processor (410) can identify whether charging is completed based on information regarding the full charge state provided by the second electronic device (120).

[0129] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a second electronic device (e.g., wireless earphone (120) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment.

[0130] For example, FIG. 5 can be understood as illustrating a block configuration of one of two pieces (e.g., the first and second pieces (121, 123) of FIG. 1) that make up a wireless earphone, which is a second electronic device (120).

[0131] Referring to FIG. 5, the second electronic device (120) may include a processor (510), memory (520), sensor circuit (530), battery (540), power receiving circuit (550), impedance changing circuit (560), sensing circuit (570), communication circuit (580), switching circuit (591), or connection pad (593). The second electronic device (120) may be housed in the first electronic device (e.g., the cradle (110) of FIG. 1) and charged by power supplied from the first electronic device (110), and / or may communicate with the first electronic device (110). At least one of the illustrated components of the second electronic device (120) may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Some of the components of the second electronic device (120) (e.g., impedance changing circuit (360), sensing circuit (370), switching circuit (380), connection pin (390)) can be integrated into a single component (e.g., path forming module).

[0132] A connection pad (593) is an electrical contact provided in the second electronic device (120) and can form an electrical connection by physically contacting a connection terminal of the first electronic device (110) (e.g., a connection pin (390) in FIG. 3) when mounted or received. The connection pad (593) may be a pogo pin, but is not limited thereto. The connection pad (593) may be used as a passage for power supply for communication and / or charging with the electrically connected first electronic device (110). For example, the connection pad (593) may include two terminals. In this document, the connection pin (390) of the first electronic device (110) and the connection pad (593) of the second electronic device (120) may be referred to as connection terminals.

[0133] When the first electronic device (110) is connected to the connection pad (593), the second electronic device (120) can be electrically connected to the first electronic device (110) through a single transmission line. For example, the switching circuit (591) can form a transmission line that is connected to the connection pin (390) of the first electronic device (110) through the connection pad (593) depending on the operating state.

[0134] The processor (510) can execute software (e.g., a program) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the second electronic device (120) connected to the processor (510) and can perform various data processing or operations. According to one example, as at least part of the data processing or operations, the processor (510) can store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor circuit (530), a sensing circuit (570), or a connection pad (593)) in memory (520), process the commands or data stored in memory (520), and store the resulting data in memory (520). The processor (510) may be configured as a microcontroller unit (MCU), but is not limited thereto. For example, the processor (510) may include a main processor (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor that can operate independently or together with it (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor). For example, if the second electronic device (120) includes a main processor and an auxiliary processor, the auxiliary processor may be configured to use less power than the main processor or to be specialized for a designated function. The auxiliary processor may be implemented separately from the main processor or as part thereof.

[0135] According to one example, the processor (510) can perform overall control for device detection operations to determine whether the first electronic device (110) is connected via the connection pad (593). The processor (510) can detect whether the cover is open or closed based on information regarding the cover status provided by the first electronic device (110). The processor (510) can perform overall control for communication with the first electronic device (110) in a plug-in state connected to the first electronic device (110). The processor (510) can perform overall control for charging the first electronic device (110) in a plug-in state connected to the first electronic device (110). The processor (510) can establish a connection for wireless communication with an external electronic device (130) in a plug-out state not connected to the first electronic device (110). The processor (510) can perform overall operations to receive an audio signal through a wireless communication channel connected to an external electronic device (130) in a plug-out state not connected to the first electronic device (110) and output it as an audible signal.

[0136] The memory (520) can store various data used by at least one component of the second electronic device (120) (e.g., processor (510) or sensor circuit (530)). The data may include, for example, software (e.g., a program) and input data or output data for related instructions. The memory (520) may include volatile memory or non-volatile memory.

[0137] The sensor circuit (530) can detect the operating state of the second electronic device (120) (e.g., power or temperature) or the external environmental state (e.g., user state) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. The sensor circuit (530) may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an accelerometer sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0138] The battery (540) can supply power to at least one component of the second electronic device (120). The battery (540) may include a secondary battery that can be recharged by power supplied from the first electronic device (110) through a power receiving circuit (550).

[0139] The power receiving circuit (560) can perform the function of charging the battery (540) using power supplied from the first electronic device (110) through the connection pad (593), or supplying power to each component of the second electronic device (120). For example, the power receiving circuit (560) may include a wired charging circuit and a wireless charging circuit. In relation to charging and power supply operations, the wired charging circuit and / or the wireless charging circuit may operate under the control of the processor (510) or include a separate control circuit (not shown).

[0140] The switching circuit (591) can form an internal transmission path for each operating state (e.g., charging operating state or communication operating state) according to the control of the processor (510). The switching circuit (591) may include a switch (e.g., SPDT (single pole double throw), MUX (multiplexer)). For example, in a plug-in state where the first electronic device (110) is connected to the connection pad (593), the switching circuit (591) can form a charging path so that the power receiving circuit (560) is connected to the connection pad (593) during the charging time period under the control of the processor (510). For example, in a plug-in state where the first electronic device (110) is connected to the connection pad (593), the switching circuit (591) can form a communication path so that the communication ports provided in the processor (510) are connected to the connection pad (593) during the communication time period under the control of the processor (510). For example, the switching circuit (591) can form a path for performing a device detection operation to determine whether the first electronic device (110) is connected to the connection pad (593) under the control of the processor (510).

[0141] The impedance changing circuit (560) can change the impedance value on the internal path according to the operating state (e.g., charging operating state or communication operating state) under the control of the processor (510). The impedance changing circuit (560) may include one or a plurality of switch elements. For example, the impedance changing circuit (560) may have a plurality of resistors arranged so that they can be selected by a switch element that can be controlled by the processor (510). For example, the impedance changing circuit (560) may be configured so that the switch element is switched in response to the control of the processor (510) according to the operating state. For example, the impedance changing circuit (560) may provide an impedance characteristic for performing a device detection operation to determine whether the first electronic device (110) is connected to the connection pad (593) under the control of the processor (510). For example, the impedance changing circuit (560) can provide impedance characteristics for each charging and / or communication time interval according to the control of the processor (510).

[0142] The sensing circuit (570) may be electrically connected to an internal path that may be formed by the switching circuit (591). For example, the sensing circuit (570) may include a circuit electrically connected to a connection pad (593) to detect voltage and / or current at the connection pad (593).

[0143] The detailed configuration and interconnection of the impedance changing circuit (560), sensing circuit (570), switching circuit (591), or connection pad (593) shown in FIG. 5 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 6. Additionally, the detailed operation according to the operating state of the second electronic device (120) will also be disclosed in detail below.

[0144] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a second electronic device (e.g., wireless earphone (120) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment.

[0145] Referring to FIG. 6, the second electronic device (120) may include a detection circuit (600) e.g., the impedance changing circuit (560) of FIG. 5, a sensing circuit (570), a switching circuit (591), or a connection pad (593)), a second processor (610) (e.g., the processor (510) of FIG. 5), or a wireless communication circuit (660) (e.g., the communication circuit (580) of FIG. 5).

[0146] According to one example, the detection circuit (600) may include an impedance changing circuit (620, 640), a switch element (SW#22) (630) (e.g., a single pole double throw switch, an SPDT switch), or a second connection terminal (650) (e.g., seconda and secondb terminals (651, 653)).

[0147] The impedance changing circuit (620, 640) controls the second processor (510) (e.g., the second-1a switch control signal (C_ SW#21a )(601a), 2-1b switch control signal(C_ SW#21b )(601b), 2nd-3rd switch control signal(C_ SW#23 The impedance value from the first a and first b terminals (651, 653) to the first electronic device (110) can be changed by means of (603). For example, the impedance changing circuit (620, 640) may include a first impedance changing circuit (620) or a second impedance changing circuit (640).

[0148] The first impedance changing circuit (620) is the second-1a switch control signal (C_ of the second processor (610) SW#21a It may include a second-1a switch (SW#21a) (621) configured so that the switching operation is controlled by )(601a). The first impedance changing circuit (620) may include the second-1b switch control signal (C_ of the second processor (610) SW#21b It may include a second-1b switch (SW#21b) (623) configured so that the switching operation is controlled by )(601b). The first impedance changing circuit (620) includes a pull-up voltage (VDD#2 (608)) The second-1a switch (SW#21a) (621) and the second-1b switch (SW#21b) (623) can be connected in parallel to share one side terminal (input terminal) to which the supply is provided. The first impedance changing circuit (620) has a predetermined pull-up resistor (R 21 , R 22 The other terminal (output terminal) of the 2-1a switch (SW#21a) (621) and the 2-1b switch (SW#21b) (623) can be connected in parallel to share the other terminal (output terminal) through ). For example, R connected to the output terminal of the 2-1a switch (SW#21a) (621). 21 The impedance value of is R connected to the output terminal of the 2-1b switch (SW#21b) (623). 22 It can have a relatively low value compared to the impedance value of. For example, R 21 The impedance value of can be 1 kilohm (Kohm), and R 22 The impedance value of may be 560 kOhms. Switch 2-1a (SW#21a) (621) and Switch 2-1b (SW#21b) (623) have a predetermined pull-up resistor (R 21 , R 22 The output terminal shared through ) can be connected to the first output terminal (e) of the switch element (SW#22))(630) together with the communication port (e.g., UART Rx#2 / Tx#2) (604, 605) of the second processor (610).

[0149] The second impedance changing circuit (640) is the second-third switch control signal (C_ of the second processor (610) SW#23 It may include a second-third switch (SW#23) (641) configured so that the switching operation is controlled by )(603)). The second impedance changing circuit (640) may include a pull-down resistor (R) connected in parallel between the input terminal (d) of the switch element (SW#22)) (630) and ground. 23 , R 24 It may include ). For example, R provided as a pull-down resistor at the input terminal of the second-third switch (SW#23) (641).23 The impedance value of and R 24 The impedance values ​​of can be similar. For example, R 23 The impedance value of can be 5 kilohms (Kohm), and R 24 The impedance value of may be 1 kOhm. The output side of the second impedance changing circuit (640) may be connected to the seconda and secondb terminals (651, 653).

[0150] At the second output terminal (f) of the switch element (SW#22))(630), the charging voltage (V_ to the battery (e.g., the battery (540) of FIG. 5) Battery#2 )(607) can be output. The switch element (SW#22))(630) is the second-2 switch control signal (C_ of the second processor (610). SW#22 The switching operation can be configured to be controlled by )(602)). For example, the switch element (SW#22))(630) is configured to control the second-2 switch control signal (C_ of the second processor (610). SW#22 A communication path can be formed in which the communication port (e.g., UART Rx#2 / Tx#2) (604, 605) of the second processor (610) and the seconda and secondb terminals (651, 653) are connected by )(602)). For example, the switch element (SW#22)) (630) can control the second-2 switch of the second processor (610) (C_ SW#22 Charging voltage (V_ to battery (540) by )(602)) Battery#2 A charging path can be formed so that )(607) is delivered to the battery (540).

[0151] Potential difference (V) at terminals 2a and 2b (651, 653) dec#2 )(606) can be provided by a second processor (610). For example, the potential difference (V) at terminals 2a and 2b (651, 653) dec#2 )(606) can be changed by the impedance value visible to the first electronic device (110). For example, the potential difference (V) at terminals 2a and 2b (651, 653) is dec#2)(606) can be changed by the impedance value of the first impedance changing circuit (620) and / or the impedance value of the second impedance changing circuit (640). That is, the potential difference (V) at the 2a and 2b terminals (651, 653) dec#2 )(606) can be changed in correspondence with the impedance value visible to the inside of the impedance changing circuit (620, 640) at the 2a and 2b terminals (651, 653).

[0152] The second processor (610) controls the second-1a switch control signal (C_) according to the operating state. SW#21a )(601a), 2-1b switch control signal(C_ SW#21b )(601b), 2nd-3rd switch control signal(C_ SW#23 )(603), or 2-2 switch control signal (C_ SW#22 )(602)) can be output. For example, the operating state may include an operating state in a section for performing device detection to determine whether it is in a plug-in state or a plug-out state (e.g., device detection section (1031, 1041, 1051, 1061) of FIG. 10). For example, the operating state may include an operating state for recognizing whether the first electronic device (e.g., wireless earphone (120) of FIG. 1) is preparing for communication. For example, the operating state may include an operating state in a communication time section for performing communication in a plug-in state (e.g., transmission time section (1033, 1043, 1053, 1063) or reception time section (1035, 1045, 1055, 1065) of FIG. 10). For example, the operating state may include an operating state in a charging time interval (e.g., charging time interval (1023) of FIG. 10) in which charging is performed by a voltage supplied from the first electronic device (110). For example, the operating state may include an operating state performed in a plug-out state.

[0153] For example, the second processor (610) forms a second-1a switch control signal (C_) so that a path is formed to obtain a potential difference change for device detection in the device detection sections (1031, 1041, 1051, 1061). SW#21a )(601a), 2-1b switch control signal(C_ SW#21b )(601b), 2nd-3rd switch control signal(C_ SW#23 )(603), or 2-2 switch control signal (C_ SW#22 It can output )(602). The second processor (610) may, for example, receive information indicating that the cover is opened from the first electronic device (110) prior to performing a device detection operation. For example, the second processor (610) may receive a second-1a switch control signal (C_) to turn on the second-1a switch (SW#21a) (621) in the device detection interval (1031, 1041, 1051, 1061). SW#21a )(601a) and a second-1b switch control signal (C_ to turn off the second-1b switch (SW#21b)(623) SW#21b )(601b) can be output. For example, the second processor (610) can output a second-third switch control signal (C_) to turn off the second-third switch (SW#23)(641) in the device detection interval (1031, 1041, 1051, 1061). SW#23 )(603) can be output. For example, the second processor (610) can output a second-2 switch control signal (C_) for connecting the input terminal (d) of the switch element (SW#22))(630) to the first output terminal (e) in the device detection interval (1031, 1041, 1051, 1061). SW#22 It can output )(602)).

[0154] As described above, in the device detection interval (1031, 1041, 1051, 1061), the 2-1a switch control signal (C_ SW#21a )(601a), 2-1b switch control signal(C_ SW#21b )(601b), 2nd-3rd switch control signal(C_SW#23 )(603), or 2-2 switch control signal (C_ SW#22 The second processor (610) that outputs )(602)) has a potential difference (V) between the seconda and secondb terminals (651, 653). dec#2 Based on the change in (606), an attempt can be made to detect whether the first electronic device (110) is detached. If the second electronic device (120) is mounted on the first electronic device (110), the second electronic device (120) can recognize that the first electronic device (110) is scheduled to perform a device detection operation based on the change in potential difference at the seconda and secondb terminals (651, 653) connected to the firsta and firstb terminals (451, 453). When the second electronic device (120) recognizes that the first electronic device (110) is scheduled to perform a device detection operation, it can monitor the change in potential difference at the seconda and secondb terminals (651, 653) for a predetermined period of time and determine that it is in a plug-in state when certain requirements are satisfied.

[0155] For example, the second processor (610) forms a second-1a switch control signal (C_) to form a path for performing mutual recognition to prepare communication with the first electronic device (110). SW#21a )(601a), 2-1b switch control signal(C_ SW#21b )(601b), 2nd-3rd switch control signal(C_ SW#23 )(603), or 2-2 switch control signal (C_ SW#22 )(602)) can be output. For example, the second processor (610) can output a second-1a switch control signal (C_) to turn off the second-1a switch (SW#21a) (621) during the communication preparation period. SW#21a )(601a) and a second-1b switch control signal (C_ to turn on the second-1b switch (SW#21b)(623) SW#21b )(601b) can be output. For example, the second processor (610) can output a second-third switch control signal (C_) to turn off the second-third switch (SW#23)(641) during the communication preparation period.SW#23 )(603) can be output. For example, the second processor (610) can output a second-2 switch control signal (C_) to connect the input terminal (d) of the switch element (SW#22))(630) to the second output terminal (f) during the communication preparation period. SW#22 It can output )(602)).

[0156] For example, the second processor (610) uses a second-1a switch control signal (C_) to form a communication path in a communication section (e.g., the transmission section (1033, 1043, 1053, 1063) or reception section (1035, 1045, 1055, 1065) of FIG. 10). SW#21a )(601a), 2-1b switch control signal(C_ SW#21b )(601b), 2nd-3rd switch control signal(C_ SW#23 )(603), or 2-2 switch control signal (C_ SW#22 )(602)) can be output. For example, the second processor (610) can output a second-1a switch control signal (C_ to turn off the second-1a switch (SW#21a) (621) and the second-1b switch (SW#21b) (623) during the communication interval. SW#21a )(601a) and 2-1b switch control signal(C_ SW#21b )(601b) can be output. For example, the second processor (610) can output a second-third switch control signal (C_) to turn off the second-third switch (SW#23)(641) during the communication interval. SW#23 )(603) can be output. For example, the second processor (610) can output a second-2 switch control signal (C_) to connect the input terminal (d) of the switch element (SW#22))(630) to the second output terminal (f) during the communication time interval. SW#22The second processor (610) can output a transmission signal (e.g., UART Tx#2) (6404) during the communication interval to a switch element (SW#22)) (630), or receive a reception signal (e.g., UART Rx#2) (605) from the switch element (SW#22)) (630).

[0157] For example, the second processor (610) provides a second-1a switch control signal (C_) so that a charging path is formed in a charging section (e.g., the charging section (1023) of FIG. 10 or the charging section (1280) of FIG. 10). SW#21a )(601a), 2-1b switch control signal(C_ SW#21b )(601b), 2nd-3rd switch control signal(C_ SW#23 )(603), or 2-2 switch control signal (C_ SW#22 )(602)) can be output. For example, the second processor (610) can output a second-1a switch control signal (C_21a) (621) and a second-1b switch (SW#21b) (623) to turn off the second-1a switch (SW#21a) (621) and the second-1b switch (SW#21b) (623) during the charging time interval (1023 or 1280). SW#21a )(601a) and 2-1b switch control signal(C_ SW#21b )(601b) can be output. For example, the second processor (610) can output a second-third switch control signal (C_) to turn off the second-third switch (SW#23)(641) during the charging time interval. SW#23 )(603) can be output. For example, the second processor (610) can output a second-2 switch control signal (C_) to connect the input terminal (d) of the switch element (SW#22))(630) to the second output terminal (f) during the charging time interval. SW#22 It can output )(602)).

[0158] For example, the second processor (610) can transmit information regarding the full charge state to the first electronic device (110) when charging is completed by power supplied from the first electronic device (110). Subsequently, the second processor (610) can perform device detection and communication during the detection and communication intervals that arrive based on a predetermined communication interval (e.g., communication intervals (1025, 1027) of FIG. 10).

[0159] For example, the second processor (610) can perform a connection procedure for wireless communication with an external electronic device (130) via a wireless communication circuit (660) in a plug-out state. The second processor (610) can perform a connection with another piece (e.g., the second piece (123) of FIG. 1) prior to establishing wireless communication with the external electronic device (130). Once the connection for wireless communication with the external electronic device (130) is established, the second processor (610) can output an audible signal based on audio data received from the external electronic device (130).

[0160] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating operations that can be performed in an electronic device according to one embodiment (e.g., wireless earphone device (100) of FIG. 1).

[0161] In FIG. 7, the time intervals (T0~T1, T1~T2, or T2~T3) during which each operation is performed are simplified for convenience of explanation, but the time intervals during which the operation is performed do not need to be constant or uniformly divided equally.

[0162] In the description of FIG. 7 to be described later, the operation between the first electronic device (e.g., the cradle (110) of FIG. 1), the second electronic device (e.g., the wireless earphone (120) of FIG. 1), and the third electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device (130)) will be assumed.

[0163] Referring to FIG. 7, the first time interval (T0~T1) may be a BT blocking time interval (710) in which the wireless communication connection between the second electronic device (120) and the third electronic device (130) is disconnected. In the BT blocking time interval (710), the second electronic device (120) may be in a plug-in state mounted on the first electronic device (110).

[0164] In a plug-in state, the first electronic device (110) and the second electronic device (120) can perform a charging operation according to a charging state (711) (e.g., power transmission state (204) in FIG. 2a or charging state (234) in FIG. 2b) during a charging time interval (e.g., charging time interval (1021) in FIG. 10). For example, in a plug-in state, the first electronic device (110) can supply a charging voltage to charge the second electronic device (120) during the charging time interval (e.g., charging time interval (1021) in FIG. 10). For example, in a plug-in state, the second electronic device (120) can charge a battery by the voltage supplied for charging from the first electronic device (110) during the charging time interval (e.g., charging time interval (1021) in FIG. 10).

[0165] In a plug-in state, the first electronic device (110) and the second electronic device (120) may perform data transmission / reception operations according to a communication state (e.g., communication state (203) in FIG. 2a or communication state (233) in FIG. 2b) or device detection operations according to a device detection state (e.g., detection state (202) in FIG. 2a or detection state (232) in FIG. 2b) during a communication time interval (e.g., detection and communication time interval (1021)) may include a time interval for performing device detection to identify whether the second electronic device (120) is attached to the first electronic device (110) (e.g., device detection time interval (1031, 1041, 1051, 1061) in FIG. 10). For example, the communication time interval (1021) may include a period in which the first electronic device (110) transmits data to the second electronic device (120) (e.g., transmission intervals (1033, 1043, 1053, 1063) of FIG. 10). For example, the communication time interval (1021) may include a period in which the first electronic device (110) receives data from the second electronic device (120) (e.g., transmission intervals (1035, 1045, 1055, 1065) of FIG. 10). For example, if the second electronic device (120) is fully charged or the first electronic device (110) is not in a low voltage state, the detection and communication time interval (1021) and the charging time interval (1023) may appear alternately. For example, after the charging of the second electronic device (120) is completed, only the detection and communication interval (1021) may occur periodically and / or periodically (see communication interval (1025 or 1027) in FIG. 10). For example, the first electronic device (110) receives information regarding the full charge state from the second electronic device (120), so that the second electronic device (120) can identify the charge state.Information regarding the buffer state may include, for example, information regarding at least one of an identifier indicating the buffer state of the second electronic device (120), a charging current level of the second electronic device (120), or a charging voltage level of the second electronic device (120). When the first electronic device (110) recognizes a buffer event (713) (e.g., a buffer event (222) in FIG. 2A) by the information regarding the buffer state, it may transition from a charging state (711) (e.g., a power transfer state (204) in FIG. 2A) to a standby state (715) (e.g., a ready state (205) in FIG. 2A). The first electronic device (110) may stop supplying power to charge the second electronic device (120) in the standby state (715). In this case, the second electronic device (120) can transition to a standby state (e.g., the ready state (235) of FIG. 2b) after recognizing that power for charging by the first electronic device (110) is not being supplied.

[0166] For example, when a BT connection request event (701) occurs as a result of switching from a plug-in state to a plug-out state, the second electronic device (120) can perform an operation to establish a connection for wireless communication with the third electronic device (130) in a connection time period (721) included in the second time period (T1~T2). This is an operation that the second electronic device (120) can perform in a wireless communication connection state (e.g., wireless communication connection state (236) of FIG. 2b). When the second electronic device (120) succeeds (723) in establishing a connection for wireless communication with the third electronic device (130), it can convert an electrical signal input while being worn by a user into an auditory signal and output it in a usage time period (725) included in the second time period (T1~T2). The second time interval (T1~T2), including the connection time interval (721) and the usage time interval (725), may be the BT connection time interval (720).

[0167] For example, the second electronic device (120) may determine that a BT connection request event (701) has occurred based on data received from the first electronic device (110) (e.g., information regarding cover opening / closing) during a communication time interval in which communication with the first electronic device (110) is permitted while plugged in. In this case, the second electronic device (120) may also perform an operation to establish a connection for wireless communication with the third electronic device (130) during a connection time interval (721) included in the second time interval (T1~T2). When the second electronic device (120) succeeds (723) in establishing a connection for wireless communication with the third electronic device (130), it may convert an electrical signal input while worn by a user into an auditory signal and output it during a usage time interval (725) included in the second time interval (T1~T2). The second time interval (T1~T2), including the connection time interval (721) and the usage time interval (725), may be the BT connection time interval (720).

[0168] When a BT disconnection event (703) occurs due to a transition from a plug-out state to a plug-in state, the second electronic device (120) may perform an operation to disconnect the wireless communication connection with the third electronic device (130) during a disconnection time interval (731) included in the third time interval (T2~T3). If the second electronic device (120) succeeds (733) in disconnecting the wireless communication connection with the third electronic device (130), it may perform a corresponding operation according to a charging or standby state (735) included in the third time interval (T2~T3) (e.g., charging state (234) or ready state (235) of FIG. 2b). The first electronic device (110) may also perform a corresponding operation according to a charging or standby state (735) included in the third time interval (T2~T3) (e.g., power transmission state (204) or ready state (205) of FIG. 2a). The third time interval (T2~T3), which includes a disconnection time interval (731) and a charging / standby state (735), may be a BT blocking time interval (730).

[0169] As described above, the second electronic device (120) may initiate an operation to establish a connection for wireless communication with the third electronic device (130) in response to a BT connection request event (701) that occurs when the cover of the first electronic device (110) is opened. Additionally, the second electronic device (120) may initiate an operation to disconnect the connection established for wireless communication with the third electronic device (130) in response to a transition to a plug-in state that occurs when the device is mounted on the first electronic device (110). This can provide an environment in which the user can quickly use the second electronic device (120) without waiting in a plug-out state.

[0170] FIG. 8 is a control flowchart for performing an operation to propagate a low voltage state in a first electronic device (e.g., the cradle (110) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment.

[0171] In the following examples of operations, each operation may be performed sequentially, but is not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of each operation may be changed, or at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0172] Referring to FIG. 8, the first electronic device (110) can perform a device detection operation to check whether the second electronic device (e.g., the wireless earphone (120) of FIG. 1) is attached or detached in operation 810. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the first electronic device (110) can operate in a plug-in state with the second electronic device (120) attached, or in a plug-out state with it detached.

[0173] The first electronic device (110) can determine in operation 820 whether the wireless earphone, which is the second electronic device (120), is in a plug-in state. If the second electronic device (120) is in a plug-out state, the first electronic device (110) can perform an operation according to a standby state (e.g., the ready state (205) of FIG. 2A) in operation 830. If the second electronic device (120) is in a plug-in state, the first electronic device (110) can perform an operation according to a charging state (e.g., the power transmission state (204) of FIG. 2A), a communication state (e.g., the communication state (203) of FIG. 2A), or a standby state (e.g., the ready state (205) of FIG. 2A) in operation 840.

[0174] The first electronic device (110) can determine whether a low voltage of the battery (e.g., the battery (340) of FIG. 3) is detected while performing an operation according to one of the operation states, such as a charging state, a communication state, or a standby state, in operation 850. If the first electronic device (110) does not detect a low voltage of the battery (340), it can repeat operations 810 through 840.

[0175] When the first electronic device (110) detects a low voltage of the battery (340), in operation 860, it can transmit guidance information indicating the low voltage state of the battery to the second electronic device (120) in the transmission section within the communication time section.

[0176] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a procedure for detecting a plug-out state in an electronic device (e.g., a wireless earphone device (100) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment.

[0177] Referring to FIG. 9, a first electronic device (e.g., the cradle (110) of FIG. 1) can recognize that the battery of a second electronic device (e.g., the wireless earphone (120) of FIG. 1) is in a fully charged state. For example, when the battery is fully charged, the second electronic device (120) can transmit full charge identification information to the first electronic device (110) (operation 911). For example, the second electronic device (120) can transmit a full charge message to the first electronic device (110) that includes a full charge identifier indicating that the battery is in a fully charged state in response to the battery being fully charged. For example, the second electronic device (120) can transmit information regarding the charging current and / or charging voltage to the first electronic device (110) so that the charging state of the battery can be recognized.

[0178] The first electronic device (110) can recognize that the battery of the second electronic device (120) is fully charged based on the buffer identification information received from the second electronic device (120). Upon recognizing the buffered state of the second electronic device (120), the first electronic device (110) can stop supplying power for charging to the second electronic device (120) (Operation 913). For example, the first electronic device (110) can stop supplying power by blocking the path for power supply.

[0179] The first electronic device (110) can transmit information regarding the expiration time to the second electronic device (120) (operation 915). The information regarding the expiration time can be used, for example, to adjust the time interval for the second electronic device (120) to determine whether it is plugged out based on the device detection operation.

[0180] The second electronic device (120) can set a timer expiration time based on information regarding the expiration time received from the first electronic device (110) (Operation 917). For example, the second electronic device (120) can adjust the existing set timer expiration time to a new timer expiration time based on the information regarding the expiration time. The second electronic device (120) can detect the occurrence of a plug-out event that is disconnected from the first electronic device (110) by performing a device detection operation based on the adjusted timer expiration time (Operation 919). The second electronic device (120) can set a timer expiration time for the device detection operation based on the maximum communication interval obtained from the information regarding the expiration time. For example, the second electronic device (120) sets a timer expiration time based on the maximum communication interval time received from the first electronic device (110), and until the set timer expiration time arrives, the voltage level (e.g., the connection pad (593) in FIG. 5 or the second connection terminal (650) in FIG. 6) measured at the connection pad connected to the first electronic device (110) (e.g., the potential difference (V) in FIG. 6) dec#2 If )(606)) is below a predetermined threshold value (e.g., 0.5V), it can be determined that it is plugged out. For example, the second electronic device (120) determines the voltage level (e.g., the potential difference (V) in FIG. 6) measured at the connection pad (e.g., the connection pad (593) in FIG. 5 or the second connection terminal (650) in FIG. 6) connected to the first electronic device (110) before the set timer expiration time arrives. dec#2 If )(606)) is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value (e.g., 0.5V), it is determined that the plug-in state is maintained, and the operation of the corresponding timer can be terminated.

[0181] FIG. 10 shows timing for explaining the operation of an electronic device (e.g., wireless earphone device (100) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment.

[0182] According to one embodiment, a first electronic device (e.g., the cradle (110) of FIG. 1, the first electronic device (110) of FIG. 3) and a second electronic device (e.g., the wireless earphone (120) of FIG. 1, the second electronic device (120) of FIG. 5) can implement communication and power transmission using a single transmission line. To this end, the first electronic device (110) can transmit power for charging to the second electronic device (120) by dividing the time interval based on a time division method, or transmit and receive data with the second electronic device.

[0183] For example, the first electronic device (110) and / or the second electronic device (120) can detect whether the device is currently in a plug-in state or a plug-out state in the device detection interval (1031, 1041, 1051, 1061) included in the detection and communication time interval (1021).

[0184] For example, the first electronic device (110) can transmit data to the second electronic device (120) in the first communication interval (1033, 1043, 1053, 1063) included in the detection and communication interval (1021). The second electronic device (120) can receive the data transmitted by the first electronic device (110) in the first communication interval (1033, 1043, 1053, 1063) included in the detection and communication interval (1021).

[0185] For example, the first electronic device (110) can receive data transmitted by the second electronic device (120) in the second communication interval (1035, 1045, 1055, 1065) included in the detection and communication interval (1021). The second electronic device (120) can transmit data to the first electronic device (110) in the second communication interval (1033, 1043, 1053, 1063) included in the detection and communication interval (1021).

[0186] For example, when the first electronic device (110) detects that it is plug-in, it can supply a charging voltage for charging the second electronic device (120) during the charging time interval (1023). When the second electronic device (120) detects that it is plug-in, it can charge the battery by the voltage supplied for charging from the first electronic device (110) during the charging time interval (1023).

[0187] For example, the first electronic device (110) and / or the second electronic device (120) may not allocate any further charging time intervals after the second electronic device (120) is fully charged, and may only allocate sensing and communication time intervals for mutual communication at predetermined communication intervals (1025, 1027) that occur periodically or non-periodically.

[0188] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a procedure for a terminal device (e.g., the wireless earphone (120) of FIG. 1 or the second electronic device (120) of FIG. 5) according to one embodiment to establish a wireless communication connection.

[0189] Referring to FIG. 11, the second electronic device (120) can recognize that it is plugged in by the first electronic device (e.g., the cradle (110) of FIG. 1 or the first electronic device (110) of FIG. 3) (operation 1111). For example, the second electronic device (120) can recognize that it is plugged in by performing a device detection operation on the first electronic device (110).

[0190] According to one example, the first electronic device (110) can supply power for charging to the connection pad of the second electronic device (120) (e.g., connection pad (125, 127) of FIG. 1 or connection pad (593) of FIG. 5) through a connection pin (e.g., connection pin (115, 117) of FIG. 1 or connection pin (390) of FIG. 3) when plugged in. The second electronic device (120) can charge a battery (e.g., battery (540) of FIG. 5) using the power supplied from the first electronic device (110) through the connection pad. The first electronic device (110) can supply power for charging during a charging time interval (e.g., charging time interval (1023) of FIG. 10). The second electronic device (120) can perform a charging operation using power supplied by the first electronic device (110) during a charging time interval (e.g., charging time interval (1023) of FIG. 10).

[0191] According to one example, the first electronic device (110) can communicate with the second electronic device (120) through a connection pin (e.g., connection pin (115, 117) of FIG. 1 or connection pin (390) of FIG. 3) while plugged in. The second electronic device (120) can communicate with the first electronic device (110) through a connection pad (e.g., connection pad (125, 127) of FIG. 1 or connection pad (593) of FIG. 5). The first electronic device (110) can communicate with the second electronic device (120) during a communication time interval (e.g., transmission time interval (1033, 1043, 1053, 1063) of FIG. 10 or reception time interval (1035, 1045, 1055, 1065) of FIG. 10). The second electronic device (120) can perform communication with the first electronic device (110) during a communication time interval (e.g., the transmission time interval (1033, 1043, 1053, 1063) of FIG. 10 or the reception time interval (1035, 1045, 1055, 1065)) of FIG. 10.

[0192] The first electronic device (110) can check the cover status and recognize that the cover is open as a result of the check. For example, the first electronic device (110) can recognize that a closed cover is open based on a sensing signal from a Hall sensor. When the first electronic device (110) recognizes that the cover is open, it can transmit cover status information indicating that the closed cover is open to the second electronic device (120) during the upcoming communication interval (operation 1113).

[0193] The second electronic device (120) can recognize that the cover of the first electronic device (110) is open based on cover status information received from the first electronic device (110) during the communication time interval. The second electronic device (120) can perform a connection procedure with a third electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (130)) in response to the cover of the first electronic device (110) being open while in a plug-in state (operation 1115). For example, the second electronic device (120) can recognize that the cover of the first electronic device (110) is open while in a plug-in state and establish a wireless communication connection with the third electronic device (130) based on a protocol provided for short-range wireless communication, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct. For example, the second electronic device (120) can transmit an ADV (advertise) packet to the third electronic device (130) to establish a wireless connection.

[0194] When the second electronic device (120) is composed of two pieces (e.g., the first piece (121) and the second piece (123) of FIG. 1), the main piece (e.g., the first piece (121)) among the two pieces may establish a wireless channel with the slave piece (e.g., the second piece (123)) prior to wireless communication connection with the external electronic device (130). Since the coupling operation performed between the first and second pieces (121, 123) for this purpose is a technology already applied in wireless earphone technology, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0195] Unlike the above, the first electronic device (110) can transmit information (e.g., cover status information) designated to the second electronic device (120) during a communication time interval (e.g., transmission time interval (1033, 1043, 1053, 1063) of FIG. 10 or reception time interval (1035, 1045, 1055, 1065)) of FIG. 10. After the second electronic device (120) recognizes the plug-out state according to a preset operation option, the second electronic device (1210) may perform a procedure for establishing a wireless communication connection with an external electronic device (130) based on designated information received from the first electronic device (120) during a communication time interval (e.g., the transmission time interval (1033, 1043, 1053, 1063) of FIG. 10 or the reception time interval (1035, 1045, 1055, 1065) of FIG. 10).

[0196] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a second electronic device (e.g., wireless earphone (120) of FIG. 1) mounted on a first electronic device (e.g., cradle (110) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment connecting wireless communication.

[0197] Referring to FIG. 12, the first electronic device (110) and the second electronic device (120) can perform data communication when data communication readiness is confirmed. The first electronic device (110) and the second electronic device (120) can transmit and receive data in a time division method using a single transmission line. A switching section (1255) may be included between the transmission section (1250) of the first electronic device (110) and the transmission section (1260) of the second electronic device (120).

[0198] In the transmission section (1250) of the first electronic device (110), data from the first electronic device (110) can be transmitted to the second electronic device (120) through a transmission line using a UART. After transmitting data for a set period of time, the first electronic device (110) can stop transmitting data, and in this case, a voltage of about 1V can be formed again on the transmission line.

[0199] The second electronic device (120) can confirm that the transmission section of the first electronic device (110) is completed after a voltage of 1V is detected for a set period of time, and can start data transmission of the second electronic device (120).

[0200] In the transmission section (1260) of the second electronic device (120), data from the second electronic device (120) can be transmitted to the first electronic device (110) through a transmission line using a UART. After transmitting data for a set period of time, the second electronic device (120) can stop transmitting data, and in this case, a voltage of about 1V can be formed again on the transmission line.

[0201] The first electronic device (110) and the second electronic device (120) can transmit data alternately. In this case, the number of transmission intervals (1250, 1270) of the first electronic device (110) and the transmission interval (1260) of the second electronic device (120), the time length, and / or the packet size may be determined according to the size of the data to be transmitted by each device.

[0202] The first electronic device (110) and the second electronic device (120) can perform a switching operation (1275) to operate in a power transmission mode during the charging time interval (1280) after completing data transmission. For example, the first electronic device (110) can control the first switching circuit so that the transmission path and the first charging circuit are connected. For example, the second electronic device (120) can control the second switching circuit so that the transmission path and the second charging circuit are connected. When the switching of the first and second switching circuits is completed, during the charging time interval (1280), the first electronic device (110) can transmit the power of the connected external power source or the first battery to the second electronic device (120) through the transmission line. The second electronic device (120) can charge the second battery using the power transmitted from the first electronic device (110).

[0203] The first electronic device (110) and the second electronic device (120) can switch from a charging time interval (1280) where power transmission takes place to a communication time interval where data transmission / reception can be performed. For example, after the first electronic device (110) and the second electronic device (120) transmit power for a set period of time, they discharge the voltage formed on the transmission line, and the potential difference of the transmission line is input power V dd After confirming whether it is lower, data communication can be resumed, such as the transmission section (1250), switching section (1255) of the first electronic device (110), the transmission section (1260), and the switching section (1255) of the second electronic device (120).

[0204] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a procedure for disabling wireless communication by a terminal device (e.g., the wireless earphone (120) of FIG. 1 or the second electronic device (120) of FIG. 5) according to one embodiment.

[0205] Referring to FIG. 13, the second electronic device (120) can recognize that it is plugged in by mounting it on the first electronic device (e.g., the cradle (110) of FIG. 1) (operation 1311). For example, the second electronic device (120) can recognize that the first electronic device (110) is plugged in by performing a device detection operation.

[0206] According to one example, the first electronic device (110) can supply power for charging to the connection pad of the second electronic device (120) (e.g., connection pad (125, 127) of FIG. 1 or connection pad (593) of FIG. 5) through a connection pin (e.g., connection pin (115, 117) of FIG. 1 or connection pin (390) of FIG. 3) when plugged in. The second electronic device (120) can charge a battery (e.g., battery (540) of FIG. 5) using the power supplied from the first electronic device (110) through the connection pad. The first electronic device (110) can supply power for charging during a charging time interval (e.g., charging time interval (1023) of FIG. 10). The second electronic device (120) can perform a charging operation using power supplied by the first electronic device (110) during a charging time interval (e.g., charging time interval (1023) of FIG. 10).

[0207] According to one example, the first electronic device (110) can communicate with the second electronic device (120) through a connection pin (e.g., connection pin (115, 117) of FIG. 1 or connection pin (390) of FIG. 3) while plugged in. The second electronic device (120) can communicate with the first electronic device (110) through a connection pad (e.g., connection pad (125, 127) of FIG. 1 or connection pad (593) of FIG. 5). The first electronic device (110) can communicate with the second electronic device (120) during a communication time interval (e.g., transmission time interval (1033, 1043, 1053, 1063) of FIG. 10 or reception time interval (1035, 1045, 1055, 1065) of FIG. 10). The second electronic device (120) can perform communication with the first electronic device (110) during a communication time interval (e.g., the transmission time interval (1033, 1043, 1053, 1063) of FIG. 10 or the reception time interval (1035, 1045, 1055, 1065)) of FIG. 10.

[0208] The first electronic device (110) checks the cover status and can recognize that the cover is closed as a result of the check. For example, the first electronic device (110) can recognize that the cover that was open is closed based on a sensing signal from a Hall sensor. When the first electronic device (110) recognizes that the cover is closed, it can transmit cover status information indicating that the cover is closed to the second electronic device (120) during the upcoming communication interval (operation 1313).

[0209] The second electronic device (120) can recognize that the cover of the first electronic device (110) is closed based on cover status information received from the first electronic device (110) during the communication time interval. The second electronic device (120) can perform a procedure to disconnect (or stop wireless communication) the connection with the third electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (130)) in response to the cover of the first electronic device (110) being closed while plugged in (operation 1315). For example, the second electronic device (120) can recognize that the cover of the first electronic device (110) is closed while plugged in and disconnect the wireless communication connection connected to the third electronic device (130) based on a protocol provided for short-range wireless communication, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct. For example, the second electronic device (120) can transmit a termination packet to the third electronic device (130) to disconnect the wireless connection. For example, the second electronic device (120) may not respond to a packet received from the third electronic device (130) in order to disconnect the wireless connection. For example, the second electronic device (120) may cut off power supply to a function block (e.g., a Bluetooth chip (IC) or a Bluetooth block) that performs wireless communication in order to disconnect the wireless connection, or may switch to a sleep state.

[0210] If the second electronic device (120) is composed of two pieces (e.g., the first piece (121) and the second piece (123) of FIG. 1), the main piece (e.g., the first piece (121)) among the two pieces may disconnect the wireless channel established with the slave piece (e.g., the second piece (123)) before or after the disconnection of the wireless communication connection with the external electronic device (130). Since the disconnection operation performed between the first and second pieces (121, 123) for this purpose is a technology already applied to wireless earphone technology, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0211] Unlike the above, the second electronic device (120) may perform a procedure to disconnect the wireless communication connection with the external electronic device (130) after recognizing the plug-in state according to a preset operation option.

[0212] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a procedure for a terminal device (e.g., the wireless earphone (120) of FIG. 1 or the second electronic device (120) of FIG. 5) according to one embodiment to establish a wireless communication connection.

[0213] Referring to FIG. 14, the second electronic device (120) can identify that it is in a plug-out state, separated from the first electronic device (e.g., the cradle (110) of FIG. 1 or the first electronic device (110) of FIG. 3) (operation 1411). For example, the second electronic device (120) can perform a device detection operation to recognize that a transition from a plug-in state to a plug-out state has occurred. At this time, since the second electronic device (120) may be in a plug-out state, the device detection operation can be performed proactively by the first electronic device (110).

[0214] When the second electronic device (120) identifies that it is in a plug-out state, it can determine whether a wireless communication connection with the third electronic device (130) has been established or whether the wireless communication connection has been disconnected (Operation 1413). For example, if the second electronic device (120) has a wireless communication connection with the third electronic device (130) established, it can perform a device detection operation periodically or non-periodically to check whether it is mounted on the first electronic device (110).

[0215] The second electronic device (120) can perform a connection procedure with the third electronic device (130) when the wireless communication connection with the third electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (130)) is disconnected (operation 1415). For example, the second electronic device (120) can recognize the transition to a plug-out state and establish a wireless communication connection with the third electronic device (130) based on a protocol provided for short-range wireless communication, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct. For example, the second electronic device (120) can transmit an ADV (advertise) packet to the third electronic device (130) to establish a wireless connection.

[0216] When the second electronic device (120) is composed of two pieces (e.g., the first piece (121) and the second piece (123) of FIG. 1), the main piece (e.g., the first piece (121)) among the two pieces may establish a wireless channel with the slave piece (e.g., the second piece (123)) prior to wireless communication connection with the external electronic device (130). Since the coupling operation performed between the first and second pieces (121, 123) for this purpose is a technology already applied in wireless earphone technology, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0217] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a procedure for disabling wireless communication by a terminal device (e.g., the wireless earphone (120) of FIG. 1 or the second electronic device (120) of FIG. 5) according to one embodiment.

[0218] Referring to FIG. 15, the second electronic device (120) can identify that it is in a plug-in state mounted on the first electronic device (e.g., the cradle (110) of FIG. 1 or the first electronic device (110) of FIG. 3) (operation 1511). For example, the second electronic device (120) can perform a device detection operation to recognize that a transition from a plug-out state to a plug-in state has occurred.

[0219] When the second electronic device (120) identifies that it is in a plug-in state, it can determine whether a wireless communication connection with the third electronic device (130) has been established or if the wireless communication connection has been disconnected (Operation 1513). For example, if the second electronic device (120) is in a state where the wireless communication connection with the third electronic device (130) has been disconnected, it can perform a device detection operation periodically or non-periodically to check whether it is attached to the first electronic device (110).

[0220] If a wireless communication connection has been established with a third electronic device (e.g., an external electronic device (130)), the second electronic device (120) may perform a procedure to disconnect the connection with the third electronic device (130) (or stop the wireless communication) (operation 1515). For example, the second electronic device (120) may disconnect the wireless communication connection connected to the third electronic device (130) based on a protocol provided for short-range wireless communication, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct, by recognizing that it is in a plug-in state. For example, the second electronic device (120) may transmit a termination packet to the third electronic device (130) to disconnect the wireless connection. For example, the second electronic device (120) may not respond to the packet received from the third electronic device (130) to disconnect the wireless connection. For example, the second electronic device (120) may cut off power supply to a function block (e.g., a Bluetooth chip (IC) or a Bluetooth block) that performs wireless communication in order to disconnect the wireless connection, or switch to a sleep state.

[0221] If the second electronic device (120) is composed of two pieces (e.g., the first piece (121) and the second piece (123) of FIG. 1), the main piece (e.g., the first piece (121)) among the two pieces may disconnect the wireless channel established with the slave piece (e.g., the second piece (123)) before or after the disconnection of the wireless communication connection with the third electronic device (130). Since the disconnection operation performed between the first and second pieces (121, 123) for this purpose is a technology already applied to wireless earphone technology, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0222] Unlike the above, the second electronic device (120) may maintain the wireless communication connection with the third electronic device (130) without disconnecting it, even if it recognizes that it is in a plug-in state according to a preset operation option.

[0223] FIG. 16a is a diagram illustrating a procedure for a terminal device (e.g., wireless earphone (120) of FIG. 1 or second electronic device (120) of FIG. 5) according to one embodiment to detect a low battery voltage state (Dead Bat) of a first electronic device (e.g., cradle (120) of FIG. 1 or first electronic device (110) of FIG. 3).

[0224] Referring to FIG. 16a, the first electronic device (110) can detect a low voltage state by checking its remaining battery level (operation 1611). The first electronic device (110) can determine that the battery is in a low voltage state when the remaining battery level drops to a critical level (e.g., 5%). For example, the first electronic device (110) can detect the occurrence of a low voltage in the battery while the second electronic device (120) is charging in a plug-in state. For example, the first electronic device (110) can detect the occurrence of a low voltage in the battery while the battery of the second electronic device (120) is in a standby state after being fully charged in a plug-in state.

[0225] When the first electronic device (110) detects a low voltage state of the battery, it can transmit information to the second electronic device (120) to notify that its battery has entered a low voltage state during the upcoming communication interval (Operation 1613). The information for the first electronic device (110) to notify the low voltage state of the battery may be agreed upon in advance between the first electronic device (110) and the second electronic device (120).

[0226] When the second electronic device (120) receives from the first electronic device (110) that the battery has entered a low voltage state, it may perform a device detection operation to determine whether it is mounted on the first electronic device (110) (Operation 1615). For example, the second electronic device (120) may apply a voltage having a predetermined potential difference (e.g., 1.8V) to a connection pad (e.g., connection pad (593) of FIG. 5) that can be electrically connected to the first electronic device (110) in a plug-in state to measure an impedance value, and determine whether it is in a plug-in state or a plug-out state based on the measured impedance value (Operation 1617). For example, the second electronic device (120) can supply a voltage of a predetermined potential difference to the connection pad (593) through a resistor having a specific impedance value (e.g., 1 kohm), and after a certain period of time, the potential difference at the connection pad (593) can be measured. Based on the potential difference measured in this way, if the pull-down impedance value (e.g., 1 kohm) of the first electronic device (110) is visible, the second electronic device (120) can be determined to be in a plug-in state. However, if the pull-down impedance value (e.g., 1 kohm) of the first electronic device (110) is not visible based on the measured potential difference, the second electronic device (120) can be determined to be in a plug-out state. Determining that the second electronic device (120) is in a plug-out state may correspond to the case where the potential difference at the connection pad (593) is the potential difference of the voltage supplied through a resistor having a specific impedance value (e.g., 1 kohm). In this case, the device detection operation can be performed proactively by the second electronic device (120).

[0227] Unlike the above, the second electronic device (120) may disconnect the wireless communication connection with the third electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (130)) when it detects that the battery of the first electronic device (110) is in a low voltage state.

[0228] FIG. 16b is a drawing for illustrating an example in which a terminal device (e.g., the wireless earphone (120) of FIG. 1 or the second electronic device (120)) according to one embodiment detects a low battery voltage state (Dead Bat) of a first electronic device (e.g., the cradle (120) of FIG. 1 or the first electronic device (110) of FIG. 3).

[0229] Referring to FIG. 16b, the second electronic device (120) can apply a voltage having a predetermined potential difference (e.g., 1.8 V) through a pull-up resistor having a specific impedance value (e.g., 1 kohm) to a connection pad (e.g., connection pad (593) of FIG. 5) electrically connected to the first electronic device (110). The second electronic device (120) can detect that the battery of the first electronic device (110), electrically connected in a plug-in state, is in a low voltage state when a voltage having a specific potential difference (e.g., 0.9 V) is detected at the connection pad (593) after a certain period of time has elapsed.

[0230] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a procedure for a terminal device (e.g., wireless earphone (120) of FIG. 1 or second electronic device (120) of FIG. 5) according to one embodiment to detect a low battery voltage state (Dead Bat) of a first electronic device (e.g., cradle (120) of FIG. 1 or first electronic device (110) of FIG. 3).

[0231] Referring to FIG. 17, the second electronic device (120) can identify that it is in a plug-out state separated from the first electronic device (110) (operation 1711). For example, the second electronic device (120) can perform a device detection operation to recognize that a transition from a plug-in state to a plug-out state has occurred.

[0232] The second electronic device (120) may perform a device detection operation periodically and / or non-periodically in a plug-out state (operation 1713). The second electronic device (120) may perform a device detection operation to determine whether the user is wearing the second electronic device (120), or to determine whether the second electronic device (120) is in a plug-in state or a plug-out state.

[0233] According to one example, the second electronic device (120) can determine whether the user is wearing the second electronic device (120) based on a sensing signal from at least one sensor, such as a skin sensor and / or an infrared (IR) sensor. For example, if the skin is not detected by the skin sensor or the IR sensor, the second electronic device (120) can determine that the user is not wearing the second electronic device (120). For example, if the skin is detected by the skin sensor or the IR sensor, the second electronic device (120) can determine that the user is wearing the second electronic device (120).

[0234] According to one example, the second electronic device (120) can determine whether the second electronic device (120) is being worn based on the movement of the user by the sensing signal of at least one sensor, such as a geomagnetic sensor and / or an accelerometer. For example, if the movement of the user is not detected by the geomagnetic sensor or the accelerometer, the second electronic device (120) can determine that the user is not wearing the second electronic device (120). For example, if the movement of the user is detected by the geomagnetic sensor or the accelerometer, the second electronic device (120) can determine that the user is wearing the second electronic device (120).

[0235] The second electronic device (120) may perform a device detection operation to determine a plug-in state or a plug-out state when, for example, both conditions for the two previously proposed methods are satisfied. The second electronic device (120) may perform a device detection operation to determine a plug-in state or a plug-out state when, for example, only one of the two conditions for the two previously proposed methods is satisfied. The second electronic device (120) may perform a device detection operation to determine a plug-in state or a plug-out state periodically regardless of the conditions for the two previously proposed methods.

[0236] For example, the second electronic device (120) can measure an impedance value by applying a voltage having a predetermined potential difference (e.g., 1.8V) to a connection pad (e.g., connection pad (593) in FIG. 5) that can be electrically connected to the first electronic device (110) in a plug-in state, and can determine whether it is in a plug-in state or a plug-out state based on the measured impedance value. For example, the second electronic device (120) can supply a voltage with a predetermined potential difference to the connection pad (593) through a resistor having a specific impedance value (e.g., 1kohm), and measure the potential difference at the connection pad (593) after a certain period of time has elapsed. If the pull-down impedance value (e.g., 1Kohm) of the first electronic device (110) is observed based on the potential difference measured in this way, the second electronic device (120) can determine that it is in a plug-in state. However, if the pull-down impedance value (e.g., 1Kohm) of the first electronic device (110) is not observed based on the measured potential difference, the second electronic device (120) can be determined to be in a plug-out state. Determining that the second electronic device (120) is in a plug-out state may correspond to the case where the potential difference at the connection pad (593) is the potential difference of the voltage supplied through a resistor having a specific impedance value (e.g., 1kohm). In this case, the device detection operation can be performed proactively by the second electronic device (120).

[0237] For example, the second electronic device (120) can detect that it is in a plug-in state based on a relative change in impedance or potential difference measured at different points in time. For example, the second electronic device (120) can determine that it is in a plug-in state when a first impedance value measured by a pull-up voltage having a specific potential difference (e.g., 0.9V) at a first point in time and a second impedance value measured by a pull-up voltage having a specific potential difference (e.g., 0.9V) at a second point in time or a change in potential difference (e.g., 0.9V -> 0.6V) is detected.

[0238] For example, the second electronic device (120) can detect that it is in a plug-in state based on a change in impedance or a change in potential difference over time caused by a capacitor circuit within a predetermined period. In this case, the second electronic device (120) can transition from a plug-out state to a plug-in state after a certain period of time.

[0239] If the second electronic device (120) determines that the user is not wearing it and fails to detect a plug-in state through a device detection operation performed for a certain period of time, the battery of the first electronic device (110) may be considered to be in a low voltage state (Operation 1715). In this case, the second electronic device (120) may perform a procedure to disconnect (or stop wireless communication) the connection with the third electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (130)) (Operation 1717). For example, the second electronic device (120) may disconnect the wireless communication connection connected to the third electronic device (130) based on a protocol provided for short-range wireless communication, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct. For example, the second electronic device (120) may transmit a termination packet to the third electronic device (130) to disconnect the wireless connection. For example, the second electronic device (120) may not respond to the packet received from the third electronic device (130) to disconnect the wireless connection. For example, the second electronic device (120) may cut off the power supply to a function block (e.g., a Bluetooth chip (IC) or a Bluetooth block) that performs wireless communication in order to disconnect the wireless connection, or switch to a sleep state.

[0240] According to one embodiment, the second electronic device (120) may consider that the battery of the first electronic device (110) is in a low voltage state (Operation 1715). The second electronic device (120) may transmit information related to the fact that the battery of the first electronic device (110) is in a low voltage state to the third electronic device (130). To do this, the second electronic device (120) may establish communication with the third electronic device (130). After transmitting the relevant information, the second electronic device (120) may disconnect the communication connection with the third electronic device (130).

[0241] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a procedure for a terminal device in a plug-in state (e.g., wireless earphone (120) of FIG. 1 or second electronic device (120) of FIG. 5) to establish wireless communication according to one embodiment.

[0242] Referring to FIG. 18, the first and second electronic devices (110, 120) can recognize that they are in a plug-in state (operations 1811, 1813). For example, the first and second electronic devices (110, 120) can recognize that they are in a plug-in state by performing a device detection operation.

[0243] The first and second electronic devices (110, 120) may perform a procedure to detect whether the battery of the first electronic device (110) is in a low voltage state periodically and / or non-periodically (operation 1815). As an example, the first electronic device (110) may detect a low voltage state by checking its remaining battery level. The first electronic device (110) may determine that the battery is in a low voltage state when the remaining battery level drops to a threshold level (e.g., 5%). As an example, the first electronic device (110) may detect the occurrence of a low voltage in the battery while the second electronic device (120) is charging in a plug-in state. As an example, the first electronic device (110) may detect the occurrence of a low voltage in the battery while the battery of the second electronic device (120) is in a standby state after being fully charged in a plug-in state.

[0244] When the first electronic device (110) detects a low voltage state of the battery, it can transmit information to the second electronic device (120) to notify that its battery has entered a low voltage state during an upcoming communication interval. The information for the first electronic device (110) to notify the low voltage state of the battery may be agreed upon in advance between the first electronic device (110) and the second electronic device (120).

[0245] When the second electronic device (120) receives from the first electronic device (110) that the battery has entered a low-voltage state, it can measure the potential at the connection pad (e.g., connection pad (593) of FIG. 5) periodically and / or non-periodically. For example, the second electronic device (120) can detect that the battery of the first electronic device (110) has switched from a plug-in state to a plug-out state if a relatively high level of potential difference (e.g., 1.8V) is measured, rather than a level of potential difference (e.g., 0.9V) that can be measured in a low-voltage state (operation 1817). In this case, the second electronic device (120) can predict that the first electronic device (110) has been disconnected from the first electronic device (110) in a low-voltage state. That is, the second electronic device (120) can identify that the battery has switched from a plug-in state to a plug-out state.

[0246] When the second electronic device (120) identifies a transition to a plug-out state, it may perform a connection procedure with the third electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (130)) (operation 1819). For example, the second electronic device (120) may recognize a transition to a plug-out state and establish a wireless communication connection with the third electronic device (130) based on a protocol provided for short-range wireless communication, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct. For example, the second electronic device (120) may transmit an ADV packet to the third electronic device (130) to establish a wireless connection.

[0247] When the second electronic device (120) is composed of two pieces (e.g., the first piece (121) and the second piece (123) of FIG. 1), the main piece (e.g., the first piece (121)) among the two pieces may establish a wireless channel with the slave piece (e.g., the second piece (123)) prior to wireless communication connection with the external electronic device (130). Since the coupling operation performed between the first and second pieces (121, 123) for this purpose is a technology already applied in wireless earphone technology, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0248] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a second electronic device (e.g., wireless earphone (120) of FIG. 1) mounted on a first electronic device (e.g., cradle (110) of FIG. 1) in a low-voltage state according to one embodiment detects a plug-out state.

[0249] Referring to FIG. 19, the second electronic device (120) can measure a potential difference (e.g., 0.9 V) that can be measured at measurement times t1 and t2 (1921, 1923). The second electronic device (120) can detect that the battery of the first electronic device (110) has switched from a plug-in state to a plug-out state if, at measurement time t3, a relatively high potential difference (e.g., 1.8 V) that is not a measurable level due to the low voltage state is measured (1925).

[0250] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a procedure for establishing wireless communication by transitioning a terminal device (e.g., the wireless earphone (120) of FIG. 1 or the second electronic device (120) of FIG. 5) according to one embodiment to a plug-out state.

[0251] Referring to FIG. 20, the second electronic device (120) can recognize a transition from a plug-in state, which is mounted on the first electronic device (e.g., the cradle (110) of FIG. 1 or the first electronic device (110) of FIG. 3), to a plug-out state, which is detached from the first electronic device (110) (operation 2011). For example, the second electronic device (120) can recognize that a transition from a plug-in state to a plug-out state occurs when an expiration time set by information regarding an expiration time received from the first electronic device (110) arrives.

[0252] The second electronic device (120) can perform a device detection operation periodically and / or non-periodically in a plug-out state (operation 2013). The second electronic device (120) can secondarily identify whether it is in a plug-out state based on the result of performing the device detection operation (operation 2015). As an example, the second electronic device (120) can measure an impedance value by applying a voltage having a predetermined potential difference (e.g., 1.8V) to a connection pad (e.g., connection pad (593) of FIG. 5) that can be electrically connected to the first electronic device (110), and determine whether it is in a plug-in state or a plug-out state based on the measured impedance value. For example, the second electronic device (120) can supply a voltage of a predetermined potential difference to the connection pad (593) through a resistor having a specific impedance value (e.g., 1 kohm), and after a certain period of time, the potential difference at the connection pad (593) can be measured. Based on the potential difference measured in this way, if the pull-down impedance value (e.g., 1 kohm) of the first electronic device (110) is visible, the second electronic device (120) can be determined to be in a plug-in state. However, if the pull-down impedance value (e.g., 1 kohm) of the first electronic device (110) is not visible based on the measured potential difference, the second electronic device (120) can be determined to be in a plug-out state. Determining that the second electronic device (120) is in a plug-out state may correspond to the case where the potential difference at the connection pad (593) is the potential difference of the voltage supplied through a resistor having a specific impedance value (e.g., 1 kohm). In this case, the device detection operation can be performed proactively by the second electronic device (120).

[0253] For example, the second electronic device (120) can detect that it is in a plug-in state based on a relative change in impedance or potential difference measured at different points in time. For example, the second electronic device (120) can determine that it is in a plug-in state when a first impedance value measured by a pull-up voltage having a specific potential difference (e.g., 0.9V) at a first point in time and a second impedance value measured by a pull-up voltage having a specific potential difference (e.g., 0.9V) at a second point in time or a change in potential difference (e.g., 0.9V -> 0.6V) is detected.

[0254] For example, the second electronic device (120) can detect that it is in a plug-in state based on a change in impedance or a change in potential difference over time caused by a capacitor circuit within a predetermined period. In this case, the second electronic device (120) can transition from a plug-out state to a plug-in state after a certain period of time.

[0255] As described above, the transition to the plug-out state is primarily recognized when the expiration time arrives, and then the device detection operation is performed to secondarily confirm the transition to the plug-out state, in order to respond to the transition to the plug-out state that occurs temporarily due to an abnormal situation such as shaking of the first electronic device (110).

[0256] When the second electronic device (120) identifies that it is in a plug-out state in the first and second stages, it may perform a connection procedure with the third electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (130)) (Operation 2017). For example, the second electronic device (120) may recognize the transition to a plug-out state and establish a wireless communication connection with the third electronic device (130) based on a protocol provided for short-range wireless communication, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct. For example, the second electronic device (120) may transmit an ADV packet to the third electronic device (130) to establish a wireless connection. If a wireless communication connection has already been established, the second electronic device (120) may not perform a procedure to establish a wireless connection with the third electronic device (130).

[0257] When the second electronic device (120) is composed of two pieces (e.g., the first piece (121) and the second piece (123) of FIG. 1), the main piece (e.g., the first piece (121)) among the two pieces may establish a wireless channel with the slave piece (e.g., the second piece (123)) prior to wireless communication connection with the third electronic device (130). Since the coupling operation performed between the first and second pieces (121, 123) for this purpose is a technology already applied in wireless earphone technology, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0258] FIG. 21 is a block diagram of an electronic device (2101) (e.g., external electronic device (130)) in a network environment (2100) according to various embodiments.

[0259] Referring to FIG. 21, in a network environment (2100), an electronic device (2101) may communicate with an electronic device (2102) through a first network (2198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network) or with at least one of an electronic device (2104) or a server (2108) through a second network (2199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (2101) may communicate with the electronic device (2104) through a server (2108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (2101) may include a processor (2120), memory (2130), input module (2150), sound output module (2155), display module (2160), audio module (2170), sensor module (2176), interface (2177), connection terminal (2178), haptic module (2179), camera module (2180), power management module (2188), battery (2189), communication module (2190), subscriber identification module (2196), or antenna module (2197). In some embodiments, at least one of these components (e.g., connection terminal (2178)) may be omitted from the electronic device (2101), or one or more other components may be added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., sensor module (2176), camera module (2180), or antenna module (2197)) may be integrated into a single component (e.g., display module (2160)).

[0260] The processor (2120) can, for example, execute software (e.g., program (2140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of the electronic device (2101) connected to the processor (2120) and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or operations, the processor (2120) can store commands or data received from other components (e.g., sensor module (2176) or communication module (2190)) in volatile memory (2132), process the commands or data stored in volatile memory (2132), and store the resulting data in non-volatile memory (2134). According to one embodiment, the processor (2120) may include a main processor (2121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (2123) that can operate independently or together with it (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor). For example, if the electronic device (2101) includes a main processor (2121) and an auxiliary processor (2123), the auxiliary processor (2123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (2121) or to be specialized for a specified function. The auxiliary processor (2123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (2121) or as part thereof.

[0261] The auxiliary processor (2123) may control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device (2101) (e.g., display module (2160), sensor module (2176), or communication module (2190)) on behalf of the main processor (2121) while the main processor (2121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (2121) while the main processor (2121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (2123) (e.g., image signal processor or communication processor) may be implemented as part of another functionally related component (e.g., camera module (2180) or communication module (2190)). According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (2123) (e.g., neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing an artificial intelligence model. The artificial intelligence model may be generated through machine learning. Such learning may be performed, for example, on the electronic device (2101) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or through a separate server (e.g., server (2108)). The learning algorithm may include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers.An artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to the hardware structure, the artificial intelligence model may include a software structure, either additionally or substantially.

[0262] The memory (2130) can store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device (2101) (e.g., processor (2120) or sensor module (2176)). The data may include, for example, software (e.g., program (2140)) and input or output data for related commands. The memory (2130) may include volatile memory (2132) or non-volatile memory (2134).

[0263] The program (2140) may be stored as software in memory (2130) and may include, for example, an operating system (2142), middleware (2144), or an application (2146).

[0264] The input module (2150) can receive commands or data to be used for a component of the electronic device (2101) (e.g., processor (2120)) from outside the electronic device (2101) (e.g., user). The input module (2150) may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0265] The sound output module (2155) can output a sound signal to the outside of the electronic device (2101). The sound output module (2155) may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver may be used to receive incoming calls. According to one embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from the speaker or as part thereof.

[0266] The display module (2160) can visually provide information to an external (e.g., user) of the electronic device (2101). The display module (2160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling said device. According to one embodiment, the display module (2160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of the force generated by said touch.

[0267] The audio module (2170) can convert sound into an electrical signal or, conversely, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (2170) can acquire sound through the input module (2150) or output sound through the sound output module (2155) or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (2102)) (e.g., speaker or headphones) connected directly or wirelessly to the electronic device (2101).

[0268] The sensor module (2176) can detect the operating state of the electronic device (2101) (e.g., power or temperature) or the external environmental state (e.g., user state) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (2176) may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an accelerometer sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0269] The interface (2177) may support one or more specified protocols that can be used for the electronic device (2101) to be connected directly or wirelessly to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (2102)). According to one embodiment, the interface (2177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0270] The connection terminal (2178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (2101) can be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (2102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (2178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0271] The haptic module (2179) can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus that the user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic senses. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (2179) may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulation device.

[0272] The camera module (2180) can capture still images and video. According to one embodiment, the camera module (2180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0273] The power management module (2188) can manage the power supplied to the electronic device (2101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (2188) can be implemented, for example, as at least part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0274] The battery (2189) can supply power to at least one component of the electronic device (2101). According to one embodiment, the battery (2189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0275] The communication module (2190) can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between an electronic device (2101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (2102), electronic device (2104), or server (2108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (2190) may include one or more communication processors that operate independently of the processor (2120) (e.g., application processor) and support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (2190) may include a wireless communication module (2192) (e.g., cellular communication module, short-range wireless communication module, or GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (2194) (e.g., LAN (local area network) communication module, or power line communication module). The corresponding communication module among these communication modules can communicate with an external electronic device (2104) via a first network (2198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (2199) (e.g., a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (2192) can identify or authenticate the electronic device (2101) within a communication network such as the first network (2198) or the second network (2199) using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (2196).

[0276] The wireless communication module (2192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following 4G networks, for example, new radio access technology. NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (massive machine type communications (mMTC)), or high reliability and low latency (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC)). The wireless communication module (2192) can support a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate, for example. The wireless communication module (2192) can support various technologies for securing performance in the high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output), full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large-scale antenna. The wireless communication module (2192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (2101), external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (2104)), or network system (e.g., second network (2199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (2192) can support a Peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or U-plane latency (e.g., downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) each 0.5 ms or less, or round trip 1 ms or less) for URLLC realization.

[0277] An antenna module (2197) can transmit a signal or power to or from an external source (e.g., an external electronic device). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (2197) may include an antenna comprising a radiator made of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (2197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as a first network (2198) or a second network (2199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by a communication module (2190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (2190) and an external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. According to some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, other components (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module (2197).

[0278] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (2197) may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent to a first surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a specified high frequency band (e.g., mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on or adjacent to a second surface (e.g., top surface or side surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving a signal of the specified high frequency band.

[0279] At least some of the above components can be connected to each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)) and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other.

[0280] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (2101) and an external electronic device (2104) through a server (2108) connected to a second network (2199). Each of the external electronic devices (2102, or 2104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (2101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations performed on the electronic device (2101) may be performed on one or more of the external electronic devices (2102, 2104, or 2108). For example, if the electronic device (2101) needs to perform a function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (2101) may request one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or service instead of performing the function or service itself or additionally. One or more external electronic devices that receive the above request may execute at least part of the requested function or service, or additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (2101). The electronic device (2101) may provide the result as is or additionally processed as at least part of the response to the request. For this purpose, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used. The electronic device (2101) may provide ultra-low latency services using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (2104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (2108) may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or neural networks.According to one embodiment, an external electronic device (2104) or server (2108) may be included within the second network (2199). The electronic device (2101) may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0281] For example, the electronic device (120) may include a battery (540). The electronic device (120) may include a power receiving circuit (550). The electronic device (120) may include a wireless communication circuit (580). The electronic device (120) may include a connection pad (593) for communication or power transmission. The electronic device (120) may include a memory (520) comprising one or more storage media for storing instructions. The electronic device (120) may include at least one processor (510) comprising a processing circuit. When the instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (510), the electronic device (120) may be caused to perform at least one operation. The at least one operation may include the operation of the power receiving circuit (550) charging the battery (540) using power received from the cradle device (110) through the connection pad (593). The at least one operation may include the operation of communicating with the cradle device (110) through the connection pad (593). The at least one operation may include the operation of performing a connection procedure with an external electronic device (130) using the wireless communication circuit (580) based on designated information received from the cradle device (110).

[0282] For example, when the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (510), the electronic device (120) may be caused to perform the operation of receiving the designated information, namely cover opening / closing information, from the cradle device (110).

[0283] For example, when the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (510), the electronic device (120) may be caused to perform an operation to identify that the cover of the cradle device (110) is open based on the received cover opening / closing information.

[0284] For example, when the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (510), the electronic device (120) may be caused to perform an operation to perform a connection procedure with the external electronic device (130) using the wireless communication circuit (580) in response to identifying that the cover is open.

[0285] For example, when the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (510), the electronic device (120) may be caused to perform an operation of measuring the voltage at the connection pad (593).

[0286] For example, when the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (510), the electronic device (120) may be caused to perform an operation of comparing the measured voltage with a threshold value.

[0287] For example, when the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (510), the electronic device (120) may be caused to perform an operation to perform a connection procedure with the external electronic device (130) using the wireless communication circuit (580) in response to the measured voltage being below the threshold value.

[0288] For example, when the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (510), the electronic device (120) may be caused to perform the operation of receiving the low voltage state guidance information of the cradle device (110), which is the designated information, from the cradle device (110).

[0289] For example, when the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (510), the electronic device (120) may be caused to perform an operation to identify a plug-out state based on the potential difference at the connection pad (593) after a predetermined time has elapsed, by applying a specific voltage to the connection pad (593) in response to the reception of the low voltage state guidance information.

[0290] For example, when the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (510), the electronic device (120) may be caused to perform an operation of transmitting information regarding the full charge state of the battery (540) to the cradle device (110) through the connection pad (593).

[0291] For example, when the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (510), the electronic device (120) may be caused to perform an operation of receiving information regarding the expiration time from the cradle device (110) through the connection pad (593) in response to information regarding the buffer state.

[0292] For example, when the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (510), the electronic device (120) may be caused to perform an operation to determine a timer expiration time to determine plug-out based on information regarding the expiration time.

[0293] For example, the cradle device (110) may include a battery (340). The cradle device (110) may include a power transmission circuit (350). The cradle device (110) may include a connection pin (390) for communication or power transmission. The cradle device (110) may include a memory (320) comprising one or more storage media for storing instructions. The cradle device (110) may include at least one processor (310) comprising a processing circuit. When the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (310), the cradle device (110) may be caused to perform at least one operation. The at least one operation may include the power transmission circuit (350) supplying power for charging to an electronic device (120) through the connection pin (390). The above at least one operation may include an operation of communicating with the electronic device (120) through the connection pin (390). The above at least one operation may include an operation of transmitting specified information to the electronic device (120) through the connection pin (390) regarding whether the electronic device (120) will perform a connection procedure with an external electronic device (130).

[0294] For example, when the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (310), the electronic device (110) may be caused to perform an operation to identify whether the cover is open or closed.

[0295] For example, when the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (310), the electronic device (110) may be caused to perform an operation of transmitting the designated information, which is cover opening / closing information, to the electronic device (120) based on the identified result.

[0296] For example, when the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (310), the electronic device (110) may be caused to perform an operation of measuring the voltage at the connection pad (593).

[0297] For example, when the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (310), the electronic device (110) may be caused to perform an operation of comparing the measured voltage with a threshold value.

[0298] For example, when the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (310), the electronic device (110) may be caused to perform an operation to perform a connection procedure with the external electronic device (130) using the wireless communication circuit (580) in response to the measured voltage being below the threshold value.

[0299] For example, when the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (310), the electronic device (110) may be caused to perform an operation to identify the buffer state of the electronic device (120).

[0300] For example, when the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (310), the electronic device (110) may be caused to perform an operation to control the power transmission circuit (350) to stop supplying charging power through the connection pin (390) in response to identifying the buffer state.

[0301] For example, when the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (310), the electronic device (110) may be caused to perform an operation of transmitting information regarding the expiration time to the electronic device (120) through the connection pin (390).

[0302] For example, the information regarding the expiration time may include a maximum detection interval time for setting a timer expiration time for the wireless earphone (120) to determine plug-out.

[0303] For example, when the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (310), the electronic device (110) may be caused to perform an operation to identify the buffer state of the electronic device (120) by receiving a buffer message from the electronic device (120) through the connection pin (390).

[0304] For example, when the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (310), the electronic device (110) may be caused to perform an operation to identify the buffered state of the electronic device (120) based on the charging current level or charging voltage level provided from the electronic device (120) through the connection pin (390).

[0305] For example, the cradle device (110) may include a battery (340). The cradle device (110) may include a power transmission circuit (350). The cradle device (110) may include a connection pin (390) for communication or power transmission. The cradle device (110) may include a memory (320) comprising one or more storage media for storing instructions. The cradle device (110) may include at least one processor (310) comprising a processing circuit. When the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (310), the cradle device (110) may be caused to perform at least one operation. The at least one operation may include an operation to identify the full charge state of the wireless earphone (120). The at least one operation may include controlling the power transmission circuit (350) to stop supplying charging power through the connection pin (390) in response to identifying the buffer state. The at least one operation may include transmitting information regarding the expiration time to the wireless earphone (120) through the connection pin (390). Here, the information regarding the expiration time may include a maximum detection interval time for setting a timer expiration time for the wireless earphone (120) to determine plug-out.

[0306] For example, when the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (310), the cradle device (110) may be caused to perform an operation to identify the buffered state of the wireless earphone (120) by receiving a buffer message from the wireless earphone (120) through the connection pin (390).

[0307] For example, when the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (310), the cradle device (110) may be caused to perform an operation to identify the full charge state of the wireless earphone (120) based on the charging current level or charging voltage level provided from the wireless earphone (120) through the connection pin (390).

[0308] For example, when the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (310), the cradle device (110) may be caused to perform the operation of identifying the cover state and the operation of transmitting information regarding the identified cover state to the wireless earphone (120) through the connection pin (390) during the communication interval. The information regarding the identified cover state may include one of cover open identification information or cover closed identification information.

[0309] For example, when the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (310), the cradle device (110) may be caused to perform the operation of identifying a low voltage state of the battery (340) during a charging period in which charging power is supplied to the wireless earphone (120) through the connection pin (390), and the operation of transmitting guidance information indicating that the battery (340) is in a low voltage state to the wireless earphone (120) through the connection pin (390).

[0310] For example, the wireless earphone (120) may include a battery (540). The wireless earphone (120) may include a power receiving circuit (550). The wireless earphone (120) may include a connection pad (593) for communication or power transmission. The wireless earphone (120) may include a memory (520) including one or more storage media for storing instructions. The wireless earphone (120) may include at least one processor (510) including a processing circuit. When the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (510), the wireless earphone (120) may be caused to perform at least one operation. The at least one operation may include transmitting information regarding the full charge state of the battery (540) to the cradle device (110) via the connection pad (593). The at least one operation may include receiving information regarding the expiration time from the cradle device (110) via the connection pad (593) in response to information regarding the buffer state. The at least one operation may include determining a timer expiration time to determine plug-out based on the information regarding the expiration time.

[0311] For example, the information regarding the full charge state may include information regarding at least one of an identifier indicating the full charge state of the battery (540), a charging current level of the battery (540), or a charging voltage level of the battery (540).

[0312] For example, when the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (510), the wireless earphone (120) may be caused to perform the operation of receiving information regarding the cover status from the cradle (110) through the connection pad (593) during the communication interval.

[0313] For example, when the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (510), the wireless earphone (120) may be caused to: perform an operation to establish wireless communication with an external electronic device (130) when information regarding the cover state indicates that the cover is open.

[0314] For example, when the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (510), the wireless earphone (120) may be caused to: if the requirement for a wireless communication connection with the external electronic device (130) is set to a state transition, information regarding the cover state may indicate the open state of the cover and, as it transitions from a plug-in state to a plug-out state, perform an operation to establish a wireless communication connection with the external electronic device (130).

[0315] For example, when the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (510), the wireless earphone (120) may be caused to: perform an action of disconnecting the wireless communication connection with an external electronic device (130) when the information regarding the cover state indicates that the cover is closed.

[0316] For example, when the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (510), the wireless earphone (120) may be caused to perform: an operation of identifying that it is in a plug-out state based on a potential difference at the connection pad (593) which may change according to the voltage supplied by the cradle device (110); an operation of checking the connection state for wireless communication with an external electronic device (130) in the plug-out state; and, if wireless communication with the external electronic device (130) is not connected, an operation of connecting wireless communication with the external electronic device (130).

[0317] For example, when the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (510), the wireless earphone (120) may be caused to perform: an operation of identifying that it is in a plug-in state based on a potential difference at the connection pad (593) which may change according to the voltage supplied by the cradle device (110); an operation of checking the connection state for wireless communication with an external electronic device (130) in the plug-in state; and an operation of disconnecting the wireless communication connection with the external electronic device (130) if wireless communication with the external electronic device (130) is established.

[0318] For example, when the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (510), the wireless earphone (120) may be caused to perform an operation of receiving guidance information indicating a low voltage state from the cradle device (110) through the connection pad (593), and when the guidance information indicates the low voltage state, to apply a specific voltage to the connection pad (593) and, after a predetermined time has elapsed, to perform an operation of identifying a plug-out state based on the potential difference at the connection pad (593).

[0319] For example, the wireless earphone (120) may include at least one sensor.

[0320] For example, when the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (510), the wireless earphone (120) may be caused to perform the following operations: identifying that it is not worn by a user based on the sensing information of the at least one sensor; identifying that it is in a plug-out state based on the potential difference at the connection pad (593) in response to identifying that it is not worn by a user; and determining that the cradle device (110) is in a low voltage state when it is identified as being in a plug-out state.

[0321] For example, when the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (510), the wireless earphone (120) may be caused to perform an operation to determine whether to resolve the low voltage state of the cradle device (110) based on the potential difference at the connection pad (593) periodically and / or non-periodically when it recognizes that the cradle device (110) is in a low voltage state while plugged in.

[0322] For example, when the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (510), the wireless earphone (120) may be caused to perform an operation of identifying a transition from a plug-in state to a plug-out state as the timer expiration time elapses, and an operation of determining that the transition from the plug-in state to the plug-in state has occurred based on a potential difference at the connection pad (593) that may change according to the voltage supplied by the cradle device (110).

[0323] For example, the operation method of the cradle device (110) may include an operation of identifying the fully charged state of the wireless earphone (120). The operation method may include an operation of stopping the supply of charging power to the wireless earphone (120) during a charging period in response to identifying the fully charged state. The operation method may include an operation of transmitting information regarding the expiration time to the wireless earphone (120) during a communication period. Here, the information regarding the expiration time may include a maximum detection interval time for setting a timer expiration time for the wireless earphone (120) to determine plug-out.

[0324] For example, the operation method of the wireless earphone (120) may include an operation of transmitting information regarding the full charge state of the battery (540) to the cradle device (110) in a transmission section included in the communication time section. The operation method may include an operation of receiving information regarding the expiration time from the cradle device (110) in a reception section included in the communication time section in response to the information regarding the full charge state. The operation method may include an operation of determining a timer expiration time to determine plug-out based on the information regarding the expiration time.

[0325] For example, computer-readable instructions stored in a storage medium may cause the cradle device (110) to perform at least one operation when executed by at least part of at least one processor (310) of the cradle device (110). The at least one operation may include an operation to identify the full charge state of the wireless earphone (120). The at least one operation may include an operation to stop supplying charging power to the wireless earphone (120) during a charging time interval in response to identifying the full charge state. The at least one operation may include an operation to transmit information regarding an expiration time to the wireless earphone (120) during a communication time interval. Here, the information regarding the expiration time may include a maximum detection interval time for setting a timer expiration time for the wireless earphone (120) to determine plug-out.

[0326] For example, computer-readable instructions stored in a storage medium may cause the wireless earphone (120) to perform at least one operation when executed by at least part of at least one processor (510) of the wireless earphone (120). The at least one operation may include an operation of transmitting information regarding the full charge state of the battery (540) to the cradle device (110) during a transmission section included in a communication time section. The at least one operation may include an operation of receiving information regarding the expiration time from the cradle device (110) during a reception section included in the communication time section in response to the information regarding the full charge state. The at least one operation may include an operation of determining a timer expiration time to determine plug-out based on the information regarding the expiration time.

[0327] The embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, phrases such as "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B or C," "at least one of A, B and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C" may each include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish said components from other said components and do not limit said components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order). Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as “coupled” or “connected” to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicationly,” it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0328] As used in one embodiment of this document, the term “module” may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit, for example. A module may be a component formed integrally, or a minimum unit of said component or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0329] One embodiment of the present document may be implemented as software comprising one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., memory (320 or 520)) readable by a machine (e.g., first electronic device (110) or second electronic device (120)). For example, a processor (e.g., processor (310 or 510)) of the machine (e.g., first electronic device (110) or second electronic device (120)) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the machine may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-temporary' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily.

[0330] According to one embodiment, the method according to one embodiment disclosed herein may be provided by being included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or distributed online (e.g., download or upload) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0331] According to one embodiment, each component (e.g., module or program) of the components described above may include a singular or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to one embodiment, one or more of the components or operations among the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Generally or additionally, multiple components (e.g., module or program) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as those performed by the corresponding component among the multiple components prior to integration. According to one embodiment, operations performed by the module, program, or other components may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. In an electronic device (120), Battery (540); Power receiving circuit (550); Wireless communication circuit (580); Connection pad (593) for communication or power transmission; Memory (520) comprising one or more storage media for storing instructions; and It includes at least one processor (510) including a processing circuit, and When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (510), the electronic device (120) is caused to perform at least one operation, and The above at least one operation is, The operation of the power receiving circuit (550) charging the battery (540) using power received from the cradle device (110) through the connection pad (593); The operation of communicating with the cradle device (110) through the connection pad (593); and Operation of performing a connection procedure with an external electronic device (130) using the wireless communication circuit (580) based on designated information received from the cradle device (110). An electronic device (120) including 2. In Paragraph 1, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (510), the electronic device (120) is made to: The operation of receiving cover opening / closing information, which is the designated information mentioned above, from the cradle device (110); An operation to identify that the cover of the cradle device (110) is open based on the received cover opening / closing information; and Operation of performing a connection procedure with the external electronic device (130) using the wireless communication circuit (580) in response to identifying that the above cover is open. An electronic device (120) that causes to perform.

3. In Paragraph 1 or 2, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (510), the electronic device (120) is made to: The operation of measuring the voltage at the above connection pad (593); The operation of comparing the above-mentioned measured voltage with a threshold value; and Operation of performing a connection procedure with the external electronic device (130) using the wireless communication circuit (580) in response to the above measured voltage being below the threshold value. An electronic device (120) that causes to perform.

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 3, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (510), the electronic device (120) is made to: The operation of transmitting information regarding the fully charged state of the battery (540) to the cradle device (110) through the connection pad (593); The operation of receiving information regarding the expiration time from the cradle device (110) through the connection pad (593) in response to information regarding the buffer state above; and Operation to determine the timer expiration time for determining plug-out based on the information regarding the above expiration time An electronic device (120) that causes to perform.

5. In Paragraph 4, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (510), the electronic device (120) is made to: The operation of receiving information regarding the cover status from the cradle device (110) through the connection pad (593) during the communication interval; When information regarding the above cover state indicates the open state of the cover, an operation to establish wireless communication with the external electronic device (130); If the requirement for wireless communication connection with the external electronic device (130) is set to a state transition, information regarding the cover state indicates the open state of the cover, and as the plug-in state is switched to the plug-out state, an operation to establish wireless communication with the external electronic device (130); and If the information regarding the above cover state indicates that the cover is in a closed state, the operation of disconnecting the wireless communication connection with the external electronic device (130) Causing to perform, The electronic device (120) includes information regarding at least one of an identifier indicating the full charge state of the battery (540), a charging current level of the battery (540), or a charging voltage level of the battery (540).

6. In Paragraph 4 or 5, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (510), the electronic device (120) is made to: An operation to identify a plug-out state based on the potential difference at the connection pad (593), which can change according to the voltage supplied by the cradle device (110); An operation to check the connection status for wireless communication with an external electronic device (130) in the above plug-out state; If wireless communication with the external electronic device (130) is not connected, the operation of connecting wireless communication with the external electronic device (130); An operation to identify a plug-in state based on the potential difference at the connection pad (593), which can change according to the voltage supplied by the cradle device (110); An operation to check the connection status for wireless communication with an external electronic device (130) in the above plug-in state; and If wireless communication with the external electronic device (130) is connected, the operation of disconnecting the wireless communication connection with the external electronic device (130). An electronic device (120) that causes to perform.

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 6, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (510), the electronic device (120) is made to: The operation of receiving low voltage state guidance information of the cradle device (110), which is the designated information, through the connection pad (593); and An operation to identify a plug-out state based on the potential difference at the connection pad (593) after a predetermined time has elapsed, by applying a specific voltage to the connection pad (593) in response to the reception of the low voltage state guidance information. An electronic device (120) that causes to perform.

8. In any one of paragraphs 4 through 7, Includes at least one sensor, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (510), the electronic device (120) is made to: An operation to identify that it is not in a state of being worn by a user based on the sensing information of at least one sensor; An operation to identify whether it is in a plug-out state based on the potential difference at the connection pad (593) in response to identifying that it is not worn by the user of the hymn; An operation to determine that the cradle device (110) is in a low voltage state when identified as being in the plug-out state; and When the cradle device (110) is detected to be in a low voltage state while plugged in, the operation of determining whether to resolve the low voltage state of the cradle device (110) based on the potential difference at the connection pad (593) periodically and / or non-periodically. An electronic device (120) that causes to perform.

9. In Paragraph 4, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (510), the wireless earphone (120) is made to: An operation to identify a transition from a plug-in state to a plug-out state as the timer expiration time elapses; and An operation to determine that the plug-in state has transitioned to the plug-in state based on the potential difference at the connection pad (593) which can change according to the voltage supplied by the cradle device (110). An electronic device (120) that causes to perform.

10. In the cradle device (110), Battery (340); Power transmission circuit (350); Connection pin (390) for communication or power transmission; Memory (320) comprising one or more storage media for storing instructions; and It includes at least one processor (310) including a processing circuit, and When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (310), the cradle device (110) is caused to perform at least one operation, and The above at least one operation is, The operation of the power transmission circuit (350) supplying power for charging to the electronic device (120) through the connection pin (390); The operation of communicating with the electronic device (120) through the above connection pin (390); and Operation of transmitting designated information to the electronic device (120) through the connection pin (390) regarding determining whether the electronic device (120) will perform a connection procedure with an external electronic device (130). A cradle device (110) including 11. In Paragraph 10, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (310), the cradle device (110) is made to: An operation to identify whether the cover is open or closed; and The operation of transmitting the cover opening / closing information, which is the designated information, to the electronic device (120) based on the above identified result. A cradle device (110) that causes to perform.

12. In Paragraph 10 or 11, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (310), the cradle device (110) is made to: The operation of measuring the voltage at the above connection pad (593); The operation of comparing the above-mentioned measured voltage with a threshold value; and Operation of performing a connection procedure with the external electronic device (130) using the wireless communication circuit (580) in response to the above measured voltage being below the threshold value. A cradle device (110) that causes to perform.

13. In any one of paragraphs 10 through 12, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (310), the cradle device (110) is made to: An operation to identify the buffering state of the above electronic device (120); An operation to control the power transmission circuit (350) to stop supplying charging power through the connection pin (390) in response to identifying the above buffer state; and Operation of transmitting information regarding the expiration time to the electronic device (120) through the above connection pin (390). Causing to perform, Here, the information regarding the expiration time includes a maximum detection interval time for setting a timer expiration time for the wireless earphone (120) to determine plug-out, in a cradle device (110).

14. In Paragraph 13, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (310), the cradle device (110) is made to: An operation to identify the buffering state of the electronic device (120) by receiving a buffering message from the electronic device (120) through the connection pin (390); An operation to identify the buffered state of the electronic device (120) based on the charging current level or charging voltage level provided from the electronic device (120) through the connection pin (390); An operation to identify a low voltage state of the battery (340) during a charging time interval in which charging power is supplied to the electronic device (120) through the connection pin (390); and Operation of transmitting guidance information indicating that the battery (340) is in a low voltage state to the electronic device (120) through the connection pin (390). A cradle device (110) that causes to perform.

15. In Paragraph 13 or 14, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (310), the cradle device (110) is made to: Action for identifying cover status; and The operation of transmitting information regarding the identified cover state to the electronic device (120) through the connection pin (390) during the communication interval. Causing to perform, A cradle device (100) having information regarding the state of the identified cover, comprising either cover open identification information or cover closed identification information.